Ryan stands in the endless expanse of the nexus, the infinite branches of universes stretching before him like a cosmic tree. His newfound ability to traverse the multiverse still feels unreal, but the exertion has left him unexpectedly drained. For the first time since arriving here, he feels the pangs of hunger and thirst gnawing at him.

His thoughts race. Time doesn’t exist here in the same way it does in the universes he’s observed. How, then, could hunger or fatigue manifest? He considers the energy required to cross between universes. Each leap must demand an immense toll on his body, even if time itself seems irrelevant in the nexus.

Realizing he needs sustenance, Ryan makes a quick decision. His suit, which had been a lifeline, might still serve him well in this moment. He recalls the Monarch on the moon, where he first left his home. It’s the safest and most familiar location he can think of to blend in without raising suspicion.

Ryan narrows his focus, visualizing the moon from his memories. His home universe, the blue planet, and nearby alley of the station on the moon where he once worked as a technician all come to mind. With a deep breath, he concentrates on the pull of the chaos within him. The sensation is faint at first, but it grows stronger as he hones his focus. A sudden suction grips him, and the infinite expanse of the nexus collapses into a blur of light.

When he opens his eyes, Ryan finds himself in a shadowy alley on the moon’s surface colony. The artificial atmosphere hums faintly around him, a subtle reminder of the Monarch’s technological prowess. He takes a moment to steady himself, feeling the solid ground beneath his feet and the artificial gravity holding him in place.

Ryan pulled out his spacesuit helmet. As he donned it, a wave of familiarity washed over him, mingled with a sense of nostalgia. He removed the rest of the spacesuit, revealing that he was wearing regular human clothes underneath.

With the suit’s removed, Ryan exits the alley and navigates the moon’s bustling streets. Though much of the human population has migrated to moons and orbital colonies, the sight of people going about their lives brings a strange comfort. He keeps his head low, careful not to draw attention to himself.

Reaching his old quarters, Ryan hesitates for a moment, then moves to the security panel. His years of experience as a technician pay off as he bypasses the outdated system with ease, slipping inside undetected. The room is pristine, maintained by automated cleaning systems. It feels untouched, as though he had never left.

Stolen story; please report.

Ryan searched the room methodically, finding hidden credits stashed away, just as he always did. With enough money to cover his basic needs, he changed into civilian clothes from the wardrobe and left the quarters, heading toward a nearby restaurant.

The dining area is sparsely populated, a reminder that the moon’s population density pales in comparison to Earth’s. Ryan orders a modest meal, savoring the first real food he’s had in what feels like an eternity. The taste, though ordinary, is a profound reminder of the life he left behind. As he eats, he listens to snippets of conversation around him, piecing together the state of his universe.

It becomes clear that Earth has become increasingly desolate, with most of humanity now living on the moons and other colonies. The chaos storms have driven people away, their fear of destruction leaving Earth a near-empty wasteland.

After finishing his meal, Ryan purchases large number of additional supplies—non-perishable food, water, and some basic tools—and returns to his quarters. The rest of the day passes in quiet reflection. Ryan knows he needs to conserve his energy and plan his next steps carefully.

The following morning, he begins preparing for the next phase of his journey. He needs to return to Earth, to find one of the chaos storms and use it to access the nexus once more. Renting a small ship seems like the most practical option.

Securing a ship proves easier than expected. The low demand for Earth-bound transport means rental prices are affordable, and Ryan’s credits cover the cost with room to spare. As he finalizes the rental, he considers the risks ahead. Each time he uses the chaos to travel, he risks not only his life but also exposing himself to forces he doesn’t fully understand.

Yet, Ryan knows he has no other choice. His ability to traverse the multiverse may be the only hope of finding answers—and perhaps even saving what remains of humanity. As he boards the small ship, he takes one last look at the moon’s bustling colony.

“This is just the beginning,” he mutters, his resolve hardening.

The journey back to Earth is uneventful, the ship’s autopilot guiding him through the void of space. When he finally approaches the planet, the sight is both familiar and haunting. The once-thriving blue orb is now shrouded in chaos, its surface scarred and desolate. Ryan pilots the ship carefully, aiming for a relatively stable region near one of the chaos storms.

Landing safely, he steps out onto the barren ground. The air is thick with tension, the chaos storm in the distance a looming reminder of the planet’s transformation.

He approached the storm cautiously, just as he had last time, its turbulent energy crackling in the air around him. Taking a deep breath, he moved closer until the storm’s energy engulfed him, lifting him off the ground and into its chaotic embrace. The familiar sensation of suction gripped him once more, and the world dissolved into light as he channeled the energy within him.

When he opens his eyes, he is back in the nexus. The infinite branches stretch before him, each one a potential destination, a new universe to explore.

Ryan exhales, a mix of relief and determination washing over him. He now knows the process works, and though it is fraught with challenges, he has the means to navigate the multiverse.