In the tumult of the destabilizing Void, Hegemon stood amidst the chaos, his mind a tempest of conflicting memories and emotions. As the buildings shook and the broken code swirled around him, it was as if the very fabric of reality itself was twisting, pulling him deeper into the vortex of his own past.
The loss of his brother, the pain of witnessing Loading's transformation into a vessel of destruction—it all converged in this moment, threatening to consume him whole. With a primal roar of frustration and despair, Hegemon's fist collided with the unforgiving ground, sending shockwaves reverberating through the void.
Amidst the cacophony, a familiar voice pierced through the chaos like a beacon of clarity. The old man emerged from the swirling maelstrom, his presence a mixture of comfort and unease. "Been quite a while, hasn't it," he remarked, his tone laced with a hint of amusement. "I didn't expect you to be causing quite the commotion."
Hegemon's gaze lifted, meeting the old man's with a mixture of weariness and curiosity. Despite his apprehension, he reached out, his hand trembling slightly as it met the offered gesture of assistance.
The old man's chuckle echoed through the void, a sound both comforting and enigmatic. "I have some advice for you this time as well," he continued, his voice carrying the weight of countless experiences. "That Conduit there is one of the top ten strongest conduits I've ever encountered."
A pregnant pause followed, the significance of the old man's words hanging heavy in the air. With a sense of foreboding, Hegemon braced himself for what was to come, knowing that the path ahead would be fraught with challenges and uncertainty.
The old man's words carried a weight of profound insight, his knowledge of the Conduit of Code hinting at depths of understanding that Hegemon could scarcely comprehend. As Hegemon sought clarification, his question hung in the air, a testament to his curiosity and growing unease.
The old man's smile was enigmatic, a knowing expression that seemed to transcend the boundaries of time and space. "In due time, all will be revealed," he remarked cryptically, deflecting Hegemon's inquiry with a gentle wave of his hand. "But for now, your focus must be on reclaiming what is rightfully yours—your brother."
Hegemon's brow furrowed in frustration, the enormity of the task ahead weighing heavily upon him. "You witnessed the power they possess," he exclaimed, his voice tinged with desperation. "How am I supposed to not only locate them but also restore my brother to his former self?"
The old man's response was measured, his gaze unwavering as he met Hegemon's eyes. "If I were to simply provide you with all the answers, how would you ever learn and grow?" he countered, his tone gentle yet firm.
A sigh escaped the old man's lips, a brief moment of weariness betraying the weight of his own burdens.
The old man's revelation sent a shiver down Hegemon's spine, his mind reeling at the implications of Loading's unfathomable power. The realization that defeating Loading was the key to restoring his brother to normalcy filled him with a sense of urgency and determination, tempered by the daunting challenge that lay ahead.
"How do you know all of this?" Hegemon's question hung in the air, a testament to his growing unease and the gnawing curiosity that consumed him.
The old man's response was cryptic yet decisive, his tone carrying a sense of urgency that brooked no further inquiry. "There's no time for explanations now," he replied firmly, his gaze piercing through the darkness of the void. "Every moment we spend here only brings Loading closer to your brother."
Hegemon's mind raced with questions, each one vying for attention amidst the chaos of his thoughts. "So, Loading didn't take him?" he ventured, his voice tinged with a flicker of hope amidst the despair.
The old man's reaction was palpable, a weary sigh escaping his lips as he pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration.
The old man's words echoed through the void, each syllable carrying the weight of revelation and consequence. Hegemon's mind whirled with the implications of what he was hearing, his sockets glowing white with a mixture of disbelief and determination.
"King Chaos," Hegemon murmured, the name resonating with a sense of both awe and trepidation. The realization that Chaos possessed a power beyond even Loading's control sent a chill down his spine, a stark reminder of the magnitude of the challenges they faced.
The old man's explanation shed light on the intricate web of power and manipulation that had ensnared Chaos, revealing the true extent of his struggles and the lengths to which he had gone to maintain control. "So, Fallacy was a suppressant," Hegemon mused, his thoughts racing to piece together the puzzle before him.
Despite the daunting odds, the old man's words offered a glimmer of hope, a lifeline amidst the darkness. "Your Code Manipulator," he continued, his tone tinged with a note of reassurance, "will be your saving grace. But you must hone your skills with it if you are to stand a chance against the forces arrayed against you."
Hegemon's gaze bore into the old man's, a silent plea for guidance and clarity amidst the chaos. "You know where he is, don't you?" he pressed, his voice a whisper of desperation and resolve.
The old man's response was measured, his gaze steady as he met Hegemon's questioning stare. "He hides in the Abyss," he revealed, his words carrying a weight of solemnity. "But to reach him, you must first traverse the Sphere of Creation."
Hegemon's head tilted inquisitively, his mind racing with the possibilities and perils that lay ahead.
The old man's words lingered in the air, their weight pressing down on Hegemon like a heavy cloak of responsibility. The prospect of venturing into the Abyss, a realm where the very fabric of existence was shaped and molded, filled him with a mixture of trepidation and determination. He made a mental note to approach the creator of the Multiverse with the utmost respect, mindful of the delicate balance that held their reality together.
Before Hegemon could voice his thoughts, a sudden flash of light illuminated the void, heralding the arrival of The Administrator. The abrupt disappearance of the old man left Hegemon reeling, his mind grappling with the abrupt transition.
The Administrator's presence brought a sense of urgency to the situation, his concern palpable as he scanned Hegemon for signs of injury. "I arrived as swiftly as I could," he explained, his tone tinged with frustration. "But it seems that Loading's interference prevented me from hacking my way into this place. Tell me, what transpired here?"
Hegemon took a moment to collect his thoughts, his gaze steady as he recounted the events that had unfolded in the void. "I'll live," he assured The Administrator, though the gravity of their situation weighed heavily upon him. "But we need to make our way to the Sphere of Creation as soon as possible."
The urgency in Hegemon's voice underscored the importance of their mission, the fate of his brother and the stability of the Multiverse hanging in the balance. With each passing moment, the shadows of uncertainty grew darker, driving them onward into the unknown.
The Administrator's nod signaled her understanding as she summoned a series of panels before her, her fingers dancing across the holographic interface with practiced ease. But before she could delve into her digital manipulations, their surroundings were engulfed in a swirling maelstrom of red and blue pixels, a dizzying sensation of dislocation washing over them.
In an instant, they found themselves transported to a place bathed in a warm, golden glow, stretching endlessly in every direction. Sheets of paper danced through the air, their surfaces alive with vibrant colors, casting an ethereal aura over the scene. At the center of it all lay a magnificent sight—a glowing rainbow skeleton, reclined in mid-air as if in peaceful slumber.
As Hegemon and The Administrator floated in awe, the skeleton stirred, its luminous gaze fixing upon them with a mix of curiosity and bemusement. "Welcome to my humble abode, I suppose," it greeted them, its voice echoing softly through the expanse. "What brings you to my domain?"
Hegemon wasted no time in stating their purpose. "We need to reach the Abyss," he declared, his tone firm with determination.
The skeleton, known as Sol, regarded them with a mixture of sympathy and resignation. "Unfortunately, that's not within my power," it explained regretfully. "No one is permitted to enter the Abyss without my oversight, and I'm afraid your request is beyond my purview."
A glowing piece of paper, marred by a jagged crack, floated into Sol's hand, its corrupted form a testament to the challenges they faced. With a resigned sigh, Sol waved the paper before their eyes, the crack serving as a stark reminder of the obstacles that stood in their way.
Sol's revelation sent a ripple of unease through the gathered trio, Hegemon's expression hardening as he absorbed the implications of their situation. The Administrator, ever the pragmatist, struggled to conceal her uncertainty as she sought to justify their presence in the Sphere of Creation.
"We need access to the Abyss," she interjected, her voice tinged with urgency, though a hint of doubt lingered beneath her words.
Hegemon's gaze remained fixed on Sol, his resolve unwavering as he reiterated their purpose. "My brother is in the Abyss," he stated bluntly, his tone brooking no argument.
Sol's expression soured at the mention of Hegemon's brother, his frustration evident as he cast the corrupted paper aside with a dismissive gesture. "That doesn't make sense," he muttered, his voice tinged with disbelief. "He should be on Earth right now."
Hegemon's patience wore thin as he clarified the situation, his voice laced with frustration. "The King," he emphasized, his words heavy with significance.
Sol's agitation was palpable as he circled in the air, his movements reflecting the turmoil within him. "And he should be in the Void," he exclaimed, his frustration boiling over.
Sol's movements became erratic as he circled around the trio, his frustration boiling over as he grappled with the implications of the King's meddling.
"Ever since he came in here and tampered with your story, things have been thrown off," Sol exclaimed, his voice laced with indignation. "You should have been reunited with your brother by now. But noooo, he decides to alter your story because he needs you for some inscrutable purpose."
Sol's decision to grant them access to the Abyss came as a surprise, his weary resignation evident as he settled back onto his back. The weight of his words hung heavy in the air, a silent reminder of the gravity of their situation.
Hegemon watched as Sol snapped his fingers, the familiar sensation of teleportation washing over him as he found himself immersed in a pitch-black void. Glowing orbs dotted the darkness, casting eerie shadows as they pulsed with an otherworldly energy.
Curiosity guiding his steps, Hegemon approached one of the orbs, his gaze drawn to the swirling depths within. Within its depths, he beheld a scene of stark contrast—a skeleton cloaked in darkness engaged in conversation with another bathed in radiant golden light.
"Interesting," Hegemon murmured to himself, his mind racing with possibilities.
As he turned to investigate another orb, a flash of light heralded its appearance, a jagged crack running through its surface like a fault line. Peering into its depths, Hegemon was confronted with a vision of two divergent realities—a vibrant city teeming with life juxtaposed against a desolate wasteland, both presided over by the same enigmatic skeleton.
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Before he could fully process the sight before him, Hegemon heard a voice from behind, causing him to whirl around in surprise.
The voice that echoed through the darkness carried an air of authority, tinged with an unmistakable edge of displeasure. Hegemon turned to face the source of the voice, his eyes adjusting to the dimly lit surroundings. There, amidst the shadows, stood Abyss—a figure cloaked in a blue hooded jacket and black pants, his teal shoes standing out like beacons in the darkness.
Abyss's gaze bore into Hegemon with an intensity that sent a shiver down his spine. "What brings you to the Abyss?" he demanded, his tone betraying his irritation.
Hegemon met Abyss's stare with a steely resolve, his own eyes glowing white with determination. "I am his brother," he asserted, his voice firm with conviction. "I wouldn't do this to him."
But Abyss's skepticism remained unyielding, his teal eyes flashing with a mixture of suspicion and disdain. "We are all technically his brother," he countered, his words cutting through the silence like a knife. "And he is Vörher. I am not going to ask you twice. Leave."
The tension between them crackled in the air, the weight of their respective roles in the unfolding drama hanging heavy upon them. As their eyes locked in a silent standoff, the air around them seemed to thrum with an electric energy, each moment fraught with the potential for confrontation.
Hegemon's frustration simmered beneath the surface as he grappled with Abyss's stubborn refusal to see reason. "You truly don't understand, do you?" he countered, his voice tinged with exasperation.
Abyss's gaze remained unyielding, his conviction unwavering despite Hegemon's protestations. "There is nothing to understand," he insisted, his tone resolute. "I have never seen him in this state, even if he is despised by all who know of the multiverse. I could never imagine him falling so low, so utterly terrified. Only someone more powerful than him could have wrought this."
Hegemon's patience wore thin at Abyss's insistence, his frustration boiling over as he sought to make him see reason. "And if you oversee the multiverse, you should know who did this," he pressed, his voice edged with urgency. "Considering I created him."
Abyss's retort struck a nerve, his words cutting through Hegemon's resolve like a knife. "Wouldn't that make you a father, not a brother?" he challenged, his tone laced with skepticism.
Hegemon's expression hardened, a flicker of anger flashing in his eyes as he met Abyss's gaze. Without a word, the world around them began to shift and warp, gravity flipping upside down as the very ground beneath their feet morphed and twisted.
As the orbs plummeted towards the now inverted Abyss, Hegemon and Abyss found themselves standing upside down, their connection to the ground the only thing preventing them from falling into the abyss below.
Abyss's resolve remained unyielding, his skeletal form radiating an aura of determination as he confronted Hegemon once more. "Since you clearly can't take a hint, I won't stand by and let the universes be destroyed," he declared, his voice echoing through the shifting void.
Hegemon's jaw clenched in frustration, his patience wearing thin as he faced Abyss's unwavering opposition. "Since you won't listen to reason," he retorted, his tone laced with resolve, "I am going to have to do what I came here to do originally. Let me into my universe."
With a swift motion, Abyss raised his hand, summoning glowing spikes that sprouted from the ground like icy tendrils, each one pulsating with the same ominous energy that filled Abyss's sockets. The air around them crackled with tension as the Abyssal realm quaked and trembled, the very fabric of reality threatening to unravel.
As one of the spikes grazed Hegemon, its paralyzing effects coursing through his body, he gritted his teeth against the pain, his determination unbroken. With a snap of Abyss's fingers, more spikes surged forth from every direction, converging upon Hegemon with deadly precision.
Reacting with lightning-fast reflexes, Hegemon teleported in front of Abyss, their fists colliding in a flurry of blows. With a powerful punch, Hegemon sent Abyss hurtling through the air, the sound of his descent fading into the abyss below.
Turning his attention to the dark figure lying on the ground, Hegemon's relief was short-lived as he beheld the decaying being before him. The shattered crown and tattered robes spoke volumes, confirming Hegemon's worst fears.
As the figure crawled towards him, its presence exuding an aura of menace, Hegemon's instincts screamed danger. Though relieved to have found the King, he sensed that something was amiss. The King's words, barely coherent, hinted at a sinister purpose, his intentions shrouded in darkness. With a sense of foreboding, Hegemon braced himself for the confrontation that lay ahead.
Hegemon's plea fell on deaf ears as the King rose to his feet, his decaying form contorted into a twisted semblance of malevolence. The sinister smile etched upon his skeletal visage sent a chill down Hegemon's spine, a foreboding sense of dread settling over him like a shroud.
With a malevolent flourish, the King summoned portals behind him, their eerie glow illuminating the entirety of the Abyss. From within these portals emerged a multitude of chains, their massive forms hurtling towards Hegemon with deadly intent. The ground trembled as they slammed into the earth with thunderous force, their purple glow sapping Hegemon's magic as he stood upon them.
Summoning every ounce of his resolve, Hegemon leaped into action, his movements fueled by a desperate determination to end the confrontation peacefully. "I don't want to hurt you," he pleaded, his voice tinged with genuine concern.
But his words fell upon deaf ears as the King retaliated with swift and merciless force. A glowing yellow chain shot forth from a nearby portal, striking Hegemon with blinding speed and sending him hurtling through the air. Before he could recover, a dark blue chain descended from above, its impact weakening his defenses and leaving him vulnerable.
As Hegemon struggled to rise, another chain ensnared him, its light blue glow pulling him inexorably towards the King. With a cruel grip, the King seized Hegemon by the spine, holding him aloft with a cruel display of power.
"Fight. Win," the King commanded, his words dripping with malice as he hurled Hegemon away with brutal force.
As Hegemon tumbled through the air, a green chain materialized beside him, its healing energy washing over him with a shock of surprise. With wide eyes, Hegemon realized that amidst the chaos and conflict, there was still a glimmer of hope for redemption and salvation.
Hegemon's heart sank as he realized the depth of the King's manipulation, the weight of his words bearing down upon him like a crushing weight. With a heavy sigh, he faced the looming threat before him, his resolve tempered by the knowledge that he was not alone in this struggle.
But before he could react, the King issued a chilling command, and two familiar skulls materialized before them, their hollow eyes fixating upon Hegemon with an unnerving intensity. Dread coiled within him as he braced himself for the impending onslaught.
As OVERSAVE manifested before him, Hegemon's instincts screamed at him to fight, to defend himself against the looming threat. But a sense of déjà vu washed over him, a nagging feeling that resisting the King's influence would be futile. Despite the overwhelming compulsion to obey, a stubborn defiance simmered within him, a refusal to succumb to the King's will.
With a swift motion, the King pointed towards Hegemon, signaling Horror to strike. Panic seized Killer as he watched Horror's axe descend towards Hegemon, his mind torn between the overpowering command to fight and an inexplicable sense of dread that whispered against it.
The King's gaze shifted towards Killer, his eyes boring into him with an intensity that sent shivers down his spine. "What is stopping you?" the King questioned, his voice laced with a dangerous undercurrent.
Killer's voice trembled with fear as he struggled to find his words. "D-do you even know what he has done?" he stammered, his eyes wide with trepidation.
A cold smile twisted the King's lips as he regarded Killer with a knowing gaze. "I do," he admitted, his tone dripping with malice. "Because I was the one that orchestrated it all. And if you don't kill him now, there won't be a next time."
As the chaos unfolded around him, Hegemon's senses sharpened with a razor's edge, his every movement calculated with precision as he faced off against his adversaries. With Killer's fiery symbol blazing before him, Hegemon braced himself for the onslaught, his determination unwavering despite the odds stacked against him.
In a blur of motion, Killer materialized before Hegemon, his blade flashing in the dim light of the Abyss as he launched himself forward with deadly intent. Behind them, King Chaos's hands moved with a sinister grace, orchestrating the battle like a puppeteer pulling the strings.
Simultaneously, Horror and Killer converged upon Hegemon, their attacks synchronized in a deadly dance of violence. Horror's axe gleamed crimson as it hurtled towards Hegemon, while Killer lunged with his knife, his eyes alight with a fervent zeal to fulfill the King's command.
Hegemon's reflexes kicked into overdrive as he evaded Horror's axe, the force of the impact cracking his bones as he deflected the blow with a swift counterattack. With a deft maneuver, he seized Killer's spine, immobilizing him in midair with a vice-like grip.
But the battle was far from over as Horror unleashed a devastating aerial assault, sharp objects raining down upon Hegemon with lethal precision. In a desperate gambit, Hegemon used Killer's body as a shield, redirecting the incoming projectile towards his assailant.
As Killer seized the object midair and turned it against him, Hegemon found himself locked in a deadly struggle, his every movement countered by his relentless adversary. With Horror's sharp objects piercing his bony leg, Hegemon gritted his teeth against the searing pain, his resolve unbroken despite the odds stacked against him.
"What makes you think you can beat me again after last time?" Hegemon challenged, his voice laced with defiance.
But Killer's response was chilling in its certainty, his words dripping with a conviction that sent a shiver down Hegemon's spine. "We aren't the same versions you fought in the past," Killer declared, his gaze unwavering. "We completed our stories this time, and this is where yours ends."
Killer’s hand begins to glow an ominous red, energy pulsing from his palm. With a swift motion, he unleashes a beam of crimson light directly at Hegemon. At the last possible second, Hegemon teleports away, narrowly escaping the deadly blast.
Before Hegemon can regain his bearings, Horror crashes down from above, slamming Hegemon to the ground with brutal force. Sharp objects materialize around Horror's grasp, piercing Hegemon and pinning him down. Horror follows with a devastating swing of his axe, cleaving into Hegemon's chest and shattering ribs with a sickening crunch.
Meanwhile, Killer's sanity slips further away. His maniacal laughter fills the Abyss, echoing through the dark expanse. The sound grows louder as Killer teleports, moving faster than Hegemon can react. In an instant, Killer appears before Hegemon and slams his fist into the ground, triggering an explosion that sends Hegemon hurtling through the air.
Killer doesn’t relent. He teleports again, this time meeting Hegemon mid-air, and slams his blade into Hegemon, driving him back to the ground with bone-crushing force. The world seems to right itself as gravity normalizes, but the battle rages on without pause.
Killer attacks with a relentless flurry of slashes, his knife a blur. Hegemon struggles to deflect the onslaught, barely managing to fend off the lethal blows. Suddenly, Killer's knife begins to glow, and with three swift swings, he sends three small red projectiles flying toward Hegemon. The projectiles slice through Hegemon's clothing, narrowly missing his bones.
Horror finally catches up, swinging his axe from behind. Yet, Hegemon's clothes seem to possess an otherworldly strength, absorbing the impact as Hegemon stands resolute, tanking the blows. Killer teleports in front of Hegemon, and both him and Horror launch simultaneous attacks. When Killer's blade and Horror's axe clash against Hegemon, the force of the recoil sends all three combatants flying backward.
The battle continues, each moment more intense than the last, as Killer and Horror strive to overcome Hegemon’s formidable defenses.
Hegemon's gaze shifts to Horror, and a palpable sense of dread begins to overwhelm Horror. Deep inside, terror takes root, but under the relentless control of the King, Horror fights on, a puppet to his master's will.
As Hegemon's eyes lock onto Horror, he reaches out and grasps the air, then pulls his hand down with a forceful motion. Instantly, Horror’s body slams into the ground, the impact resonating through the Abyss. Seizing the opportunity, Killer teleports to Hegemon’s side, his knife glowing with a menacing red hue. He swings it at Hegemon, causing a violent explosion.
Unfazed, Hegemon grabs Killer by the head, his voice a commanding presence. "You will stop this senseless fight immediately," he intones. Hegemon attempts to dominate Killer's mind, using his powers as a conduit. For a brief moment, it seems like Killer might succumb, but the overwhelming control of King Chaos proves too strong. Killer jerks back, escaping Hegemon’s grasp, and starts swinging his glowing blade rapidly. A barrage of red projectiles fly from the blade, unrelenting in their assault.
Suddenly, wormholes materialize around Hegemon, their edges glowing with a sinister purple light, black chains snaking out from their depths. Hegemon swings his hand to the side, engulfing one of the chains in a beam of white light, obliterating it instantly.
In the midst of this chaos, Horror has already risen. With a fierce cry, he looms over Hegemon, his axe swinging down with deadly intent.
As Horror's axe swings down, he slams Hegemon into the ground with a thunderous impact. A purple chain, previously unnoticed, suddenly lashes out and strikes Horror, sending him flying. Gravity shifts once more, pulling Horror toward the endless abyss. Just as he is about to be lost forever, Horror is pulled into a wormhole and vanishes from sight.
Hegemon, still on the ground, looks up and notices an array of colored lights descending rapidly from above. Gravity normalizes again, and he realizes something—or someone—is plummeting towards him. Slowly, Hegemon rises, only to be struck by Abyss, who uses the momentum from his newly revealed DNA wings to crash into Hegemon with immense force.
Eight massive orbs materialize above Abyss, their presence ominous. With a swift motion, Abyss directs his hand toward Hegemon, and all eight beams fire simultaneously, converging on their target. Just as the beams are about to strike, an unknown red and blue projectile slices through the air, colliding with Abyss. The impact causes all eight beams to veer off course, narrowly missing Hegemon.
The battle intensifies as the mysterious projectile leaves a trail of confusion and destruction, its origin and purpose unclear. The tension in the Abyss thickens, with Hegemon now facing this new threat alongside Abyss's relentless assault.
The Administrator appears next to Hegemon, a black sword materializing in her hand, glowing both blue and red simultaneously. Her appearance has transformed: her once white dress and blue hair are replaced by a red and black dress and crimson hair.
“What are you doing here?” Hegemon asks, his voice tinged with both surprise and suspicion.
The Administrator, slightly annoyed but resolute, replies, “You can thank me later.” She helps Hegemon to his feet.
Before Hegemon can respond, Killer lunges at him, but a flashing [!] symbol appears above Killer's head, halting him momentarily. However, Killer's resolve remains unchanged, and he lunges again. In an instant, both The Administrator and Killer vanish, leaving Hegemon alone once more.
Determined, Hegemon knows he must fix what has happened to the King. He stands resolute, prepared to do whatever it takes.