Shinra paused for a moment, contemplating the water that disappeared into the void like an unwanted thought.
What a strange labyrinth... He whispered as he looked around.
The place stretched on endlessly. A cracked sky with a mysterious dark blue color, and a transparent land as if it were layers of overlapping existence. Nothing here explained the laws known to humans.
He took a step forward. Each step felt like he was diving into invisible layers of existence itself.
"Elysia... Are you sure this is just the first floor? He said in a tone that combined humor and concern.
Elysia [Void Herscher]: Gentle Master, this is just the beginning of the beginning. What you see now is just a veneer of the real world you are headed for. The Celestial Labyrinth simulates the birth of the universe, but it is not the universe itself. The first floor here is higher than all ordinary physical worlds."
Shinra swallowed, though he wasn't sure if he had a body in the traditional sense, then said, Well... At least I have some powers now."
Suddenly, space shook.
Nihilistic winds rose around him, and a giant portal appeared in front of him, surrounded by ethereal chains with symbols glowing gold and blue.
Elysia spoke in a more formal tone:
Elysia [Void Herscher]: Congratulations, sir, you are now eligible to enter the First Astral Sphere.
Shinra raised an eyebrow: "Astral sphere? What about the first floor?
Elysia: Ah, simple understanding, Master. Each floor contains infinite sub-worlds. The higher you go, the closer you get to the essence of existence. The astral plane is the first true test of your ability to survive against the laws of existence itself.
Shinra stared at the portal, then smiled bitterly and said, "I guess it's not going to be easy, is it?
Elysia [smiling in her inner voice]: No, but I will be with you. Forever.
"Of course. He said as he placed his hand on the giant gate handle. The chains shook as if trying to stop him from crossing.
Then - as soon as he touched it - everything ignited.
**When he opened his eyes, he found himself suspended.
When he opened his eyes, he found himself suspended in a strange space: Stars without lights, disintegrating planets, and the wreckage of celestial bodies swimming in stillness.
He felt something watching him.
On the horizon... A featureless entity, a mass of pulsating nothingness, gradually taking shape into a hazy human form.
Elysia's voice in his head:
Elysia [Void Herscher]: Master, pay attention. This is your first real opponent:
The Remnant of the First Idea of Existence
It is the embodiment of the word first, no mind, no soul, just instinct: Survival. If you want to advance, you have to defeat it... Or die countless times until you learn how.
Shinra smiled bravely despite his fear:
First thought? Hmph... Well then... Let's make it interesting.
---
(continued...)