to the lands of chaos

BROCK'S POV:

Several days had passed since my initial encounter with Rythmeus, yet I remained captivated by the notion that our comprehension of mathematics and physics might be mere illusions compared to the true nature of the universe. The shock of this revelation lingered within me.

I found myself in my house, lying on my bed, lost in deep contemplation of Rythmeus's words.

Me (in my mind): So, everything I have studied and believed in... could it all be false? I must meet Rythmeus again. I need to see 'him.'

With a resolute determination, I stood up, prepared myself, and ventured outside.

Me (in my mind): But is Rythmeus even present on this planet right now? I still remember the location of "his" palace... I could go there...

A couple of minutes passed as I walked away from the city, heading towards Rythmeus's palace. My desire for answers grew stronger with each step.

Finally, I arrived at the grand and majestic palace, just as I remembered it. The sight of it filled me with a mix of awe and anticipation.

Approaching the massive doors, I hesitantly knocked, hoping for a response from within.

Me: Hello? Is anyone there?

A brief moment of silence followed, and then, to my surprise, the doors swung open without anyone visibly opening them. I heard a voice resonating through the entrance.

???: Come inside... I have been expecting you.

Nervousness washed over me, but strangely, a sense of comfort accompanied it. I stepped forward, entering the palace. As I glanced behind me, the doors closed on their own.

Turning my attention to the surroundings, I took in the splendor of the palace, amazed by its grandeur and intricacy.

Me: Rythmeus?... Where are you?

Suddenly, Rythmeus materialized out of nowhere, standing right in front of me in his colossal form, just as Liran and I had seen him during our first encounter.

Rythmeus looked down at me, his voice resonating with power as he spoke.

Rythmeus: Hello, Brock. It has been a few days. Why have you come here alone?

Me: Hi... Yes, it has been some time. I came here alone because I need answers.

Rythmeus chuckled briefly before responding.

Rythmeus: Ah, it appears that my words left an impact on you, hm?

Me: You're absolutely right. I have a deep passion for mathematics and other complex subjects, and when you mentioned that all of it is nothing more than a tiny fragment of what truly exists, I was truly shocked. It made me question everything.

Do you understand the impact of your words on me?

Rythmeus: I understand. Everything you have known and learned is merely a tiny fragment of what lies beyond this universe...

Me: Yes, and that's precisely why I have come here. I want you to show me what truly exists. Can you take me to the lands of chaos?

Rythmeus stood there, his expression turning serious as he responded.

Rythmeus: Why would I allow you to see the lands of chaos? Concepts break down and lose all meaning in that realm... You would perish as soon as you set foot there.

Me: Listen... I'm just an ordinary human, okay? My lifespan is short compared to you gods. Why can't you show a single mortal like me one of the most incredible experiences out there?

What do you have to lose from it?

Rythmeus continued to stand there, his gaze fixed upon me, before a smile slowly formed on "his" face.

Rythmeus: That's a good counter-question. I was simply testing your determination. It seems that you are more driven to uncover the truths of the universe than your friend, Liran.

I can grant your request.

A smile spread across my face.

Me: Really? Thank you so much!

Rythmeus: You're welcome. Since you asked so nicely, I will show you the realities of this multiverse.

But before we begin, there are a few things you need to understand. Your physical body is incapable of comprehending the lands of chaos. Therefore, I need you to go to sleep, and once you are asleep, I will transport your consciousness there.

Me: So, I fall asleep and then what happens?

Rythmeus: I will extract your essence, your idea, from your physical form and enhance it so that you can begin to comprehend the incomprehensible.

I paused for a moment, taking in the weight of his words, before nodding in agreement.

I: Goodness gracious... that sounds rather alarming...

Rythmeus, in turn, chuckles briefly.

Rythmeus: Hehe... brace yourself until you arrive at that point.

Are you prepared?

I: Indeed, I am...

NO ONE'S POV:

Suddenly, Rythmeus snapped his fingers, inducing Brock to collapse onto the ground, succumbing to a deep slumber.

Raising his hand above Brock's motionless form, Rythmeus began to manipulate something, and lo and behold,

A radiant illumination emanated from within Brock's body.

Rythmeus: Behold, it is revealed...

With great care, Rythmeus extracted the luminosity from Brock's body, now suspended before him,

Rythmeus: Such a captivating essence...

Once more, Rythmeus snapped his fingers, prompting the light to metamorphose and assume the physical likeness of Brock's corporeal frame.

After a brief interlude, the light took shape, mirroring Brock's visage, and subsequently, Brock "awakened," opening his eyes.

BROCK'S POV:

Upon opening my eyes, I beheld Rythmeus gazing at me intently.

I: Whoa... what transpired?

Rythmeus: I induced slumber upon you, extracting the very essence of your being from its corporeal vessel and fashioning it to resemble your physical form.

How do you fare?

I glanced at myself, sensing a peculiar sensation of liberation.

I: I feel... peculiar... yet strangely unburdened, as if freedom has embraced me.

Rythmeus: Precisely so! You are unshackled from the confines of mortality, revealing the "authentic" version of yourself!

Rythmeus's proclamation left me astounded, yet simultaneously filled me with a sense of wonder.

I: Indeed... you speak the truth...

Rythmeus: And now... shall we commence our ascent?... I shall grant you an exquisite journey.

I: Yes... let us embark on this endeavor.

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