Chapter 21: Echoes of the Future

A Peep Beyond

Derek appeared to be surrounded by an endless cosmic emptiness, yet in the middle of it all stood the more composed Derek. It was an amazing and horrifying sight. Derek was having trouble understanding what was going on, therefore his heart was racing. How could he be looking at an older, more experienced version of himself, standing as if he knew every secret in the universe?

"What the heck is this?" Feeling the weight of the universe bearing down on him, Derek stumbled.

Derek, the elder, grinned subtly. This is the point of convergence for space and time. Every option is available to you here, and the road you may choose is in front of you. I am only one iteration of you, someone who has taken a certain route and made a particular decision. However, you are not confined to go in my direction.

Derek scowled, becoming more perplexed. Why then do you show me this? Why lead the way for me?

"Because you are going to have to make a decision that will affect not only your own destiny but also the destiny of your entire world," the older Derek answered. The black tide and the prophesy are linked to you, your allies, and the power you have been given. However, you may not be aware of everything that is at risk.

Derek's surroundings altered as the nothingness around them transformed. He was on a battlefield that spanned kilometers in all directions instead of the cosmic void where he had been standing before. The earth was engulfed in flames, as colossal creatures of the night engaged in combat with forces of light. Derek, or more accurately, another, stood in the middle of the mayhem an older, more battle-worn, scarred version of him, brandishing a sword that emanated strength.

Standing next to him, the elder Derek remarked, "This is one possible future." "A day when you rise to greatness as a warrior, but at enormous personal sacrifice. You are consumed by the battle with the black tide, and even if you win, the people closest to you will be lost.

Derek's heart constricted. "Nah... That is not going to happen.

Once more, the image changed to a serene environment. Perched atop a hill, Derek gazed at a serene valley below. He was older, but not by much in the fight. Along with several he didn't recognize, he had his buddies Emma, Lila, and Kai standing next to him. There were indications of tranquility, not of conflict or devastation.

"And this," the more senior Derek went on, "is an alternative route. One in which you attain equilibrium, make prudent decisions, and safeguard the people you love. Here, however, the price is different. There will be times when you lose conflicts, but you will never be able to wield as much power as you might in combat.

Derek balled his hands up. "How am I meant to make a decision? How can I determine which way is correct?

Derek, who was older, put his hand on his shoulder and looked serious. "The future is not predetermined. You'll be given options, and it's those options that will determine your fate. My purpose is only to present you with the options.

The Comeback

Derek's vision became blurry again, and all of a sudden he was back in the temple, facing the bright sphere. His pals gathered around him, worried looks on their faces. Though it seemed like an eternity in the cosmic nothingness, he recognized that only minutes had passed in the real world.

"Derek, how are you doing?" Emma moved forward to inquire.

Derek reluctantly nodded, his head still spinning from what he'd witnessed. "I'm... I'm alright. I believe I just saw something, though. a futuristic vision. Or perhaps a lot of futures.

Kai's eyebrow went up. Numerous futures? That does not seem consoling.

"It wasn't," Derek acknowledged. It wasn't hopeless, though. Kai, we have options. Every single one of us. And how this narrative concludes will depend on their decisions.

Lila folded her arms and cast a contemplative glance. "You must have seen what's at risk from the sanctuary. However, if the future is full with opportunities, then we still have the power to make a difference.

Emma touched Derek's arm with her hand. "We'll confront whatever it is that you witnessed together. We will continue as we have thus far.

Derek smiled slightly at her comments, feeling reassured. Indeed. collectively.

Rumblings from the Prophecy

Derek felt the full weight of what he had witnessed rest hard on his shoulders as they exited the temple. Neither the calm vision of the tranquil future nor the pictures of the battlefield left him. Though seemingly unattainable, both routes appeared to be far away.

They gathered around a shining crystal that showed a map of the realms they had not yet explored back in the sanctuary. The heavenly spirit within the humming air revealed fresh information to them.

"There's more," Emma said as she scanned the old writing that surfaced all over the map. A decisive conflict between the forces of light and darkness is mentioned in the prophesy. But it makes no mention of the winner. All it says is that one of the selected will take a stand that shifts the odds.

Kai sneered. "So, ultimately, it's a decision? Seems like a lot of responsibility for just one person.

Derek experienced the words from the earlier version pressing down on him. Kai, it's not just one individual. We're all involved. Every decision we make counts.

Lila cast a serious glance between them. Then, we must get ready. We cannot do what the prophesy says give everything a chance. Should a dark tide be approaching, we must be prepared to combat it.

Kai grinned, his normal arrogance coming back. That makes more sense now. We need to put in some significant training.

The Path Ahead

Derek couldn't help but think that his trip was only getting started as they emerged from the sanctuary and entered the real world. He got a peek of what was to come from the future visions, but they had also made him feel uneasy. He had been granted authority, and he didn't want to give it up or lose his friends.

However, one thing was for sure: they would need to be stronger than before to withstand the impending black tide.

Collectively, With a heavy heart from knowing what was ahead, but with unwavering resolution, they embarked on their journey into the next realm.

Note from the Author:

"Universal Ascension: The Path of the Outlier" goes into further detail in Chapter 21 on Derek's relationship with the future and the difficulties he and his allies must overcome. Friendships and the value of togetherness are highlighted as Derek struggles with the weight of prophesy and decision. As the crew gets ready for the impending black tide and the challenges that lay ahead, the anxiety only grows. Await the release of the next episode!