Liam stood in the silent field, staring down at the small grave he’d made for the bird. The grass, pale and lifeless, didn’t sway as he expected. Wind, he thought. This world needed wind, rain—movement. It needed breath. His mind was already whirring with ideas, a blueprint taking shape in his thoughts, when—
Ding! A hollow chime echoed through the stillness. The screen reappeared, floating before him, but this time, a new message flashed across it in bold, cold letters:
Achievement Unlocked: "First Offering to the Void"
Description: The first death of created life has fed the Void, marking the beginning of its nourishment.
Liam’s breath caught. Fed the Void? The words unsettled him, echoing in his mind. His fingers twitched, the weight of the message pressing down on him like an unseen force. The screen held no further explanations, no deeper insights—only the achievement, lingering like a mark he couldn’t erase. Then, the message faded, replaced by a single prompt:
“Continue building.”
Liam’s gaze dropped back to the grave, the unsettling notion lingering. Each life, each death, it seemed, was not without consequence here. With a shiver, he turned back to the screen, his resolve tempered by a new awareness that he wasn’t just building in this void; he was feeding it.
Liam's gaze lingered on the small grave, the soil freshly turned, still and silent. The absence of wind, of movement, seemed to close in around him, thickening the air. His mind filled with questions, but the stark reminder of the bird’s death held him still. Feeding the Void. What did that mean? Each act of creation, each life and each death, held consequences here. He took a slow breath, steadying himself. If he was to create more, it would need to be complete—not a half-breathing world with fading life. The blueprint in his mind began forming anew, tracing a framework of elements this place needed to sustain itself. He turned back to the screen, fingers hovering over the prompt: “Continue building.” The screen pulsed faintly in response, as if alive to his thoughts, and a new menu of options unfolded. “Basic Elements,” it read, followed by several choices: Atmosphere, and Light Source. Both seemed obvious to Liam.
Liam took a steadying breath, fingers brushing the screen as he examined the options. Light Source. He knew instinctively that light would be the foundation for everything else. Life needed warmth, day and night, the rhythms that allowed growth and rest. Although he seemed to have no problem without it, his world would be just a cold, dark shell without it.
Liam turned back to the screen, his heart racing as he examined the options for a light source. The menu unfolded before him, revealing a list that mixed the familiar with the fantastical:
1. Sun: A radiant sphere providing warmth and daylight, mimicking a traditional solar system.
2. Ethereal Star Crystals: Floating, translucent crystals shimmering with an inner light, casting colorful reflections across the landscape.
3. Celestial Orbs: Spherical, glowing entities that hover and change colors, illuminating the world with a gentle, magical light.
4. Fey Lanterns: Enchanted lanterns filled with captured starlight that flicker and dance like fireflies, creating a whimsical ambiance.
5. Luminous Flora: Resilient plants that glow in vibrant hues, capable of thriving in any environment. From the darkest corners of the void to the brightest fields, they adapt and flourish, providing a steady light that nourishes the surrounding area.
6. Aura Wisps: Tiny, glowing spirits that flit around, illuminating their surroundings and leaving trails of light that enhance the ethereal quality of the world.
7. Living Flame: A magical fire source that hovers in the air, providing warmth and light without consuming anything, its colors shifting with the environment.
8. Dreamlight: A soft, pulsating glow that emanates from the ground or sky, changing in response to the emotions around it.
9. Moonstone Beacons: Large, glowing stones that pulse with calming light, serving as guides in the landscape.
10. Frostfire: A cool, blue flame that casts an icy glow without heat, creating an otherworldly atmosphere.
Liam paused, weighing his options. Each choice held potential, a promise of life and warmth in his newly created world. He pictured how the ethereal star crystals might dance in the breeze, but then his gaze settled on the Luminous Flora.
Imagining the moonflowers radiating soft silver light at night and sun blossoms emitting golden light during the day, Liam felt a sense of certainty wash over him. These plants would not only illuminate the field but also bring a sense of life and permanence, able to survive and thrive regardless of the conditions around them.
He selected the Luminous Flora, anticipation thrumming in his chest as he prepared to introduce these magical plants into his world.
After making his selection he watched as massive vines shot up from the ground, thick and winding, reaching all the way into the sky. They stretched out, crisscrossing over everything like a network of highways. On the massive vines, clusters of flowers began to bloom, each set taking its turn with the rhythm of day and night. The day-blooming flowers opened first, filling the sky with a warm, steady light, casting a golden glow over everything below. Then, as evening approached, those flowers faded, and a second set of blooms took over—soft, silver-white petals unfurling in the dimming light, bringing a gentler, more peaceful glow that spread across the night.
Liam took a step back, watching the world around him shift in color and light with each cycle.
Liam looked up, taking it all in. It was simple but massive—a sky filled with light that didn’t need a sun or stars, just these huge, glowing vines that seemed to be breathing life into his world.
Next Liam focused on the air or lack of air surrounding him. He understood that more than just land and light was need for life to thrive; it needed a protective blanket that could support it. He envisioned a vibrant sphere enveloping the entire realm, a blend of gases that would create the perfect balance for growth and sustenance.
As he focused on the task, he envisioned a shimmering veil that would rise from the ground, weaving around the landscapes he had crafted. With a deliberate touch, he summoned the elements to form this atmosphere sphere, calling forth wisps of air, particles of moisture, and vibrant colors that danced like ribbons in the wind.
The air filled with a soft, melodic hum as it took shape, swirling in gentle currents that brought movement to his creation. He could see how it would interact with the luminous flora, allowing their radiant light to filter through, casting beautiful hues across the land. The atmosphere would carry the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the freshness of rain, inviting life to thrive.
Next, he infused the sphere with moisture, creating clouds that floated lazily above the endless fields. He imagined these clouds darkening with the promise of rain, releasing gentle showers that would nourish the earth and the plants below. A rhythm of life began to pulse within the atmosphere, cycles of day and night unfolding as the currents shifted and swirled.
Liam stepped back, observing as the atmosphere took its place above the landscapes, a protective layer that would cradle his world. He felt a sense of satisfaction wash over him, knowing that this sphere was not just a necessity but a vital element that would allow his vibrant creation to flourish. Each breath of air, each drop of rain, would weave together the tapestry of life he was so passionately crafting, ensuring that every plant and every future being would thrive under its embrace.
Liam knew he wasn’t done yet. He envisioned more than just a simple plain of fields; he yearned for a vibrant world teeming with variety. The blueprint in his mind expanded as he set to work, shaping lush forests where towering trees with broad canopies would create shaded groves filled with dappled light. He pictured the rustle of leaves in a gentle breeze, the vibrant greens of life contrasting against the pale expanse he had first known.
Next, he imagined dry deserts, vast and arid, with rolling dunes that glinted like gold under the glow of his luminous flora. Each grain of sand would be a testament to resilience, the stark beauty of a harsh landscape showcasing nature's adaptability.
His thoughts then turned to frozen tundras, a landscape of white and blue where icy winds would sweep across endless stretches of snow. He envisioned hardy plants clinging to life amid the cold, their vibrant colors a striking contrast against the frozen backdrop, thriving against the odds.
Surrounding this diverse land, he crafted three oceans, their waters sparkling under the radiant glow of the luminous flora. The waves lapped gently at the shores, creating a rhythm of life that echoed throughout his creation. He imagined the oceans meeting the Void, a boundary that marked the edge of his world.
Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.
To contain all of this, he envisioned a giant wall rising from the depths of the ocean, encircling his creation like a protective barrier. The wall stood tall and imposing, its surface shimmering as if woven from the very light that illuminated his world. From this wall, the light vines cascaded down, hanging over the land like a protective canopy, nurturing the plants and ensuring that life could flourish in every corner of his new realm.
Liam stepped back, surveying the expanse of what he had created. Each element was interconnected, a tapestry of life that breathed with the promise of growth and resilience. He felt a sense of fulfillment, knowing that this world would not just exist; it would thrive, sustained by the vibrant energy of his luminous flora and the careful balance of its diverse landscapes.
As Liam gazed across the vibrant expanse of his creation, a realization settled deep within him: while his landscapes thrived with lush forests, dry deserts, and sparkling oceans, they were silent. The absence of life echoed in the stillness, a reminder that something essential was missing. He had built the foundations for existence, but now he needed to breathe life into it.
He turned his attention to the screen, his heart racing with the possibilities ahead. The vibrant hues of his luminous flora were captivating, yet they needed companionship. He envisioned creatures that would roam the forests, glide across the deserts, and swim in the oceans, filling the air with sounds and movements that would transform his world into a living tapestry.
The screen flickered to life, once again offering him options, just as it had when he created the bird. This time, however, he felt a profound sense of readiness. The world he had built was no longer a barren canvas; it was prepared to welcome life.
As he examined the list of potential creatures, a familiar longing stirred within him. He thought of the small bird he had created—the one whose death had reminded him of the fragility of life. It felt only right to give it a second chance.
His fingers hovering over the screen, and he saw it bring up a template of the bird he made before. The memory of that little creature, with its vibrant feathers and curious eyes, flashed through his mind. It had been a spark of joy in his otherwise quiet world, and now, with everything else in place, he was determined to restore it.
Liam focused on the options presented to him, selecting the characteristics he wished to enhance. He envisioned a bird that not only soared through the skies but thrived in this vibrant ecosystem.
He began with the colors, choosing a palette that reflected the luminous flora surrounding him. Shades of deep blue, bright yellow, and glimmering green would make it stand out against the lush backdrop. He carefully crafted its form—slender yet strong, with graceful wings designed for effortless flight.
With each adjustment, he felt a growing excitement, an anticipation for the life he was about to introduce. The screen hummed softly as it processed his choices, and Liam could almost hear the faint chirping of the bird in his imagination, a sound he had missed so dearly.
Finally, with a steadying breath, he confirmed his creation, ready for the return of his first creation. For the first time since using the screen, he felt an intense resistance as if the energy he was reaching into the Void was met with a force that clutched tightly to its territory, unwilling to release what it had already swallowed.
The vibrant colors he had chosen began to swirl and blur, their brilliance dimming against the Void’s oppressive grip. It felt as if the very fabric of existence was being pulled, stretched thin at the seams. The air crackled with an unsettling tension, a reminder that he was not merely creating but wrestling with an ancient emptiness that craved to keep what it had consumed.
“Come on!” Liam urged, his frustration boiling over. He envisioned the bird—the spark of joy it had brought him in its brief existence. He could almost hear its vibrant song in his mind, feel the flutter of its wings against his skin. “You deserve this chance,” he whispered, willing the creation into being.
But the Void fought back, its resistance thickening like a wall around his thoughts. Liam sensed its hunger, an insatiable desire to cling to the life it had already claimed. With every ounce of his will, he pushed against that darkness, forcing his vision to crystallize.
He pictured the bird more vividly than ever, channeling his intent into every detail—the deep blues, the bright yellows, the graceful form of its wings. Each pulse of energy surged through him, pushing against the Void's grip as he fought for the life he was determined to restore.
Just as doubt threatened to creep in, the screen flared brightly, illuminating the darkness with the promise of life. Colors surged, and with a final, defiant push, he felt the resistance shatter like glass. A surge of energy enveloped him, lifting his spirit as the swirling colors coalesced into form—a flash of feathers, a glimmer of bright eyes, and then it was there, suspended in the air before him: the bird, reborn.
The creature stirred, blinking as if awakening from a long slumber. It stretched its wings, revealing a dazzling tapestry of colors that echoed the vibrance of the luminous flora surrounding it. With a triumphant chirp, it took flight, darting through the air in joyous loops, filling the silent realm with sound and movement once more.
Liam watched, breathless, as the bird soared higher, weaving through the cascading vines of light. A weight lifted from his heart; this was more than just a creation—it was a resurrection, a celebration of life that defied the Void’s grip.
Liam watched, breathless, as the bird soared higher, weaving through the cascading vines of light. A weight lifted from his heart; this was more than just a creation—it was a resurrection, a celebration of life that defied the Void’s grip.
As the bird darted through the air, a hollow ding! echoed in the stillness, and a new message appeared on the screen, glowing with a triumphant light:
Achievement Unlocked: "Rebirth in the Void
Description: The successful restoration of a lost creature has forged a bond between life and the Void. Future creations will possess greater resilience towards the void and may linger as spirits, but beware: the Void remains insatiable and will continue to seek to devour them.
Liam’s eyes widened at the message. He felt a surge of hope wash over him, tempered by the reminder of the Void’s relentless hunger. This wasn’t just a victory for him; it was a promise that the lives he would create in this world could endure against the encroaching darkness, even if that darkness would always loom, eager to reclaim what it had lost.
The bird, now a flurry of color and energy, landed gracefully on a branch of the nearest luminous vine, its head tilted curiously as it surveyed its surroundings. Liam smiled, a sense of warmth flooding his chest. He felt a connection to this creature, a bond that transcended its first brief life. It was more than just a bird; it was a symbol of hope and the beginning of something magnificent.
With a newfound determination, Liam turned back to the screen, eager to continue his work. He began to explore the options for creating more creatures, his imagination racing with ideas.
“Let’s see what else we can bring to life,” he murmured, the possibilities unfurling before him like petals in the sun. He pictured small mammals darting through the underbrush, graceful reptiles basking in the warmth of the luminous flora, and vibrant fish swimming in the sparkling oceans.
Each choice would contribute to the balance of his world, intertwining life in ways he had yet to discover. With each creation, he would weave a richer tapestry, infusing it with the energy of the spirits now able to roam freely, their essence echoing within his realm long after their forms faded.
As the screen pulsed with potential, Liam’s heart raced with excitement. The Void would no longer hold dominion over his creations; they would thrive, lingering like stars in the night, forever lighting the path of life in his extraordinary world, even as the insatiable darkness continued to watch, waiting for its next opportunity to strike.
As the screen pulsed with potential, Liam’s heart raced with excitement. The Void would no longer hold dominion over his creations; they would thrive, lingering like stars in the night, forever lighting the path of life in his extraordinary world, even as the insatiable darkness continued to watch, waiting for its next opportunity to strike.
Once Liam was done filling his world with all sorts of life, a new notification appeared:
Ding!
"Please name your world."
Looking at the walls that protected it from the Void, he decided to call it "The Cradle."