a cursed place

Rythmeus: Oh, and ere we transcend these purportedly boundless strata of the realms of tumult... permit me to exhibit unto thee, Brock.

Me: Truly? Pray, what might it be?

Having thus queried, Rythmeus swiftly flicked "his" digits, whenceforth... an entire metropolis materialized ex nihilo...

Me: By what means-!

The city beheld a resplendent spectacle, resplendent abodes... colossal edifices stretching unto eternity... and lo, I espied prodigious celestial orbs, appearing increasingly arduous to attain.

Me: Verily... what might these celestial entities signify?

Rythmeus: As thou dost perceive... I hath fashioned a city that materializeth ex nihilo... and behold, the celestial orbs yonder art intricate and "infinitely" more remote than the erstwhile.

Me: "Infinite"? Doth the notion of "infinite" even bear significance at this juncture? We hath verily shattered the precepts of physics and other tenets mere by ascending hither... might these be vaster and loftier assemblages of "infinities" yet unexplored?

Rythmeus: Well... thou perceiveth, what thou dost witness presently is but a glimpse of the confines of a solitary stratum within the "lands of chaos." Each stratum transgresseth its precursor by such prodigious measure that the prior stratum becometh naught but a reverie that the beings of greater essence can manipulate and govern.

Furthermore, thou must comprehend that thy conception of "higher infinities" becometh utterly irrelevant and even more intricate whilst traversing this hierarchy.

But lo, all of this grandeur pales in comparison to the vastness that lies beyond.

Me: Pray tell, what dost thou mean?

Rythmeus then regarded me with a grave countenance.

Rythmeus: There exists a realm, the mention of which should be eschewed, for it doth transcend even the lands of chaos.

Me: What manner of realm is this?

Rythmeus: Let us desist from further discourse and strive to attain that realm.

With a mere snap of "his" fingers, Rythmeus initiated our ethereal ascent.

As we ascended, ever higher, we beheld an increasing multitude of these intricate stars, scattered in unfathomable distances from one another... Each star grew more intricate and unfathomable, while time lost its meaning and space dissolved, propelling us through ever loftier arrays of infinities.

Upon reaching the second stratum of the lands of chaos, I beheld the former stratum with a newfound perspective—it appeared akin to a mere diversion, malleable and subject to my whims.

In that moment, the immense power and magnitude of these deities became starkly apparent. They possessed the capability to obliterate our very existence effortlessly. I comprehended our insignificance and feebleness in the face of such forces, yet such realizations held little consequence at that juncture.

Continuing our ascension, we traversed the third stratum, and then the fourth. With each ascent, the nature of this realm defied comprehension entirely. Every facet of this place surpassed the boundaries of understanding.

Rythmeus: Verily, thou dost perceive the "lands of chaos" as an exceedingly resplendent realm, a realm that surpasseth mortal comprehension and rendereth all former explorations meaningless.

And so it came to pass, we transcended the bounds of the lands of chaos...

Now, we find ourselves in a realm that transcendeth even these realms of "nightmares" and "dreams." We reached a place that is completely beyond and above the lands of chaos... We art in a place known as "nowhere," yet even that designation lacketh existence, for it retaineth a semblance of being, albeit nebulous and indeterminate.

I beheld naught but an absence of all.

Me: Rythmeus?... Where art thou? What manner of place is this?

As I cast mine gaze about, I espied an immense castle, its scale transcending all notions of measurement. And then, I heard the voice of Rythmeus.

Rythmeus: Brock! Avert thine eyes!

In that moment, I endeavored to turn mine gaze away from the palace, yet it persisted, an indelible image etched upon mine sight. And there, I beheld ethereal entities devoid of color, existing alongside the enigmatic realm that Rythmeus and I now found ourselves in.

Rythmeus: We hast arrived, this is...

"The Palace of the Black King."

Upon hearing Rythmeus's revelation, a profound shock coursed through the very core of my being. The sheer mention of the name of this place possessed the ability to dismantle and annihilate concepts, surpassing any prior comprehension.

Rythmeus: I exert every ounce of my power to preserve our sanity and shield us from utter annihilation within this realm.

Our presence here is fleeting, for the very fabric of our existence is on the verge of collapsing!

Me: Even a being as formidable as yourself cannot fathom the depths of this place?

Rythmeus: Indeed, thou speaketh true. No denizen of the lands of chaos hath successfully traversed to this realm and remained indefinitely, escaping the clutches of absolute obliteration, both from existence and non-existence!

The supreme entity who fashioned this realm, transcending notions of "good" and "evil," is known as the Black King. This omnipotent being holds absolute dominion over this domain and possessed foreknowledge of our arrival.

Me: Where doth the Black King reside?

Rythmeus: He existeth in every corner of this realm, and these other entities thou dost behold are his devoted servants, who exist solely to carry out his commands and offer him worship.

Me: I comprehend... Let us hastily depart from this place ere we meet our demise here.

Rythmeus: As thou dost wish.

With a snap of "his" fingers, Rythmeus initiated our descent.

And thus, we descended from that perilous realm.

The descent back to the physical world and Rythmeus's castle was not an instantaneous occurrence but a gradual transition. Once we had returned, Rythmeus relinquished his influence over my perception, allowing "my concept" to be reintegrated with my physical and human form.

As I awoke, my eyes widened with astonishment.

Me: !!!

Rythmeus stood before me, wearing a smile upon "his" countenance.

Rythmeus: So, how didst thou find the experience?

Me: It was truly one of the most extraordinary encounters I have ever had. I gleaned an abundance of knowledge in a fleeting span of time. I am immensely grateful for this remarkable journey. Thank you wholeheartedly!

Rythmeus: Thou art most welcome. Now, allow me to satiate thy hunger.

With a subtle snap of "his" fingers, we were instantaneously transported to a splendid dining room. I found myself seated comfortably at a chair, my gaze fixed upon the delectable spread displayed before me.

The table was adorned with plates of mouthwatering dishes, emanating tantalizing aromas. The assortment included succulent meats, delectable hamburgers, and an array of other enticing delicacies.

I cast a glance around and beheld Rythmeus, positioned near the table.

Rythmeus: Enjoy thy meal.

As the moments passed, Rythmeus vanished from sight.

Tens of minutes elapsed, during which I relished the flavors and indulged in the delectable feast. Eventually, my appetite was sated, and I felt content.

My mind filled with gratitude as I contemplated the profound experience bestowed upon me by Rythmeus. Not only did "he" guide me to a realm beyond my comprehension, but "he" also provided nourishment to ensure I did not go hungry. My appreciation for Rythmeus deepened even further.

With a sense of fulfillment, I rose from the table and made my way toward the exit. Exiting the palace, I embarked upon my journey back to my humble abode. Thoughts of the extraordinary events that transpired filled my mind, and a smile graced my face. I returned home happier and more enlightened than ever before.

Rythmeus is truly a captivating and enigmatic being, and I am grateful for the remarkable encounter we shared.

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