Ryan drifts in the endless expanse of the multiversal chaos, his thoughts spiraling as he tries to make sense of his predicament. Questions flood his mind, each one piling on top of the other, forming a mental storm he struggles to navigate. How does he access a universe? How does one even enter such a vast and incomprehensible construct? What rules govern this place, and how does time flow here compared to the universes he’s familiar with? The weight of uncertainty presses down on him, but he pushes it aside. For now, he needs to focus.
He’s painfully aware that time, as he knows it, might not exist here. How much time has passed since he disappeared from the Type 4 civilization's universe? Are the Monarchs back in his home universe still fighting for survival? If he manages to enter a universe again, will it be the same era he left, or will he find himself in a completely different timeline, one where everything he knows has changed? The thought sends a shiver down his spine. Despite the surreal nature of his surroundings, he’s still tethered to his humanity, his concern for those he left behind.
Ryan decides to shift his focus. If he’s going to make progress, he needs to understand the universes he’s observing. With a deep breath, he concentrates on the Type 4 civilization’s universe. His newfound ability to interact with the multiverse feels intuitive now. He moves his hand over the swirling, glowing sphere representing the Type 4 universe, and the image expands before him like a holographic map. It’s vast, far larger than he imagined. Entire galaxies stretch out, interconnected by shimmering pathways—evidence of the Type 4 civilization’s expansive reach.
As he scans the universe, an idea strikes him. If he can observe this universe freely, perhaps he can locate its center of power—the seat of authority for the Type 4 civilization. He closes his eyes, focusing his thoughts. The image shifts, zooming past stars and planets, bypassing colossal stations and bustling alien cities. Finally, it stops at a massive, hidden structure, veiled in what looks like a dense energy field. Ryan marvels at the sight. The structure is a dome, enormous in scale, floating in an uncharted region of space. Its surface pulses with light, and countless alien species move within and around it, their activities almost hypnotic in their precision and intensity.
His gaze is drawn to a central chamber within the dome. There, seated on a throne-like platform, is a figure that radiates authority. Ryan’s breath catches. The being before him is unlike anything he’s ever seen. Its features are humanoid, but not entirely—its skin shimmers with an iridescent glow, and its eyes burn with an intensity that makes him feel exposed, even from this distance. This must be the queen of the Type 4 civilization, the one orchestrating their conquests and experiments.
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As Ryan watches, the queen’s eyes snap open, locking directly onto him. A cold wave of dread washes over him. Can she see him? That shouldn’t be possible, should it? He’s merely observing, not interacting. But the queen’s gaze seems to pierce through the multiversal chaos, focusing on him with unnerving clarity. She stands, her movements graceful yet commanding, and the air around her vibrates. Ryan feels the tremor even from where he is, a testament to her power.
She speaks, her voice reverberating through the space around her. The words are unintelligible, but their tone is sharp, almost accusatory. She gestures to a nearby attendant, a smaller alien figure that scurries to comply with her commands. Then, in a sudden, fluid motion, she retreats into a shell-like structure that emerges from her own body. The shell seals shut, its surface hardening into an impenetrable barrier. The queen is gone from sight, hidden from Ryan’s view.
Ryan’s mind races. What just happened? How did she know he was watching? Was it a defense mechanism, or something more deliberate? He’s shaken, his earlier confidence replaced by a gnawing sense of vulnerability. If the queen could detect his presence, even fleetingly, what does that mean for his safety?
He takes a step back—metaphorically, as there’s no ground beneath him—and tries to calm his thoughts. Panic won’t help him now. He needs to think this through. The Type 4 civilization is far more advanced than he initially realized. Their ability to annex and control vast regions of space, their relentless experiments with the Infinitum chaos, and now this—a queen who can sense his presence across the multiversal divide. It’s overwhelming, but it’s also a stark reminder of the stakes.
Ryan draws a deep breath, steadying himself. One thing is clear: entering the Type 4 civilization’s universe right now would be a mistake. If the queen or her forces were to capture him, he’d be at their mercy, subjected to who knows what kind of experiments or interrogation. The Type 4 civilization’s ambition to control the multiverse is evident, and Ryan doubts they’d hesitate to exploit his newfound abilities to further their goals. He can’t let that happen.
For now, he decides to focus on understanding his situation. How does this place work? How can he access a universe, and what rules govern such transitions? More importantly, can he return to his original universe without any risk? The questions are endless, but they’re the key to his survival and his ability to help the people he cares about.
Ryan’s gaze shifts back to the multiverse branches stretching before him. Each one represents a universe, a unique reality teeming with life and possibilities. He observes them closely, noting their subtle differences. Some branches glow brighter than others, pulsating with energy. Others are dim, almost lifeless. He wonders what determines their state. Is it thework of infinitum chaos within them, or something else entirely? Even if he looked into them, he might not find the answer now.
For now, he decides to bide his time. The answers he seeks won’t come easily, but he’s willing to be patient. As he drifts through the multiversal chaos, he resolves to find a way to control his abilities, navigate this strange new realm, and ultimately return to the people he’s left behind.