06* Fountain of Athena
[..Now entering: Nature's Plaza..]
Paradox stumbled to a stop, his mind reeling from the surprising news.
His gaze darted around the serene Nature's Plaza, searching for the source of the ethereal voice.
'What... just happened?' His mind, once a tranquil lake, was now a storm-tossed sea. A single thought, a mere ripple, sent shockwaves through his consciousness.
As he questioned the ethereal presence, a surge of cosmic energy pulsed through him.
His mind's eye, once a clear window to the world, was shedding its mortal shell.
Cracked and splintered, each fracture glowed with an otherworldly light.
A lush green seed, light and kind, took root in the fertile soil of his subconscious.
It sprouted, not with leaves or blossoms, but with tendrils of radiant light, each one a conduit to the unknown.
As the tendrils unfurled, a multitude of colors erupted, painting his inner world with a surreal beauty.
The colors pulsed, responding to his every thought, every fear, every desire.
His conciousness had broken it's ceiling.
[..You have been registered under the Order of Chronos..]
'Well that.. was unpleasant,' His mind, once clouded by the limitations of human thought, was now expanding, reaching beyond his gifted limitations.
He closed his eyes, a passive expression painting his face.
The world around him dulled to silence, replaced by an assortment of thoughts, each one brighter, sharper, more profound than the last.
His gaze, once merely observant, now held a divine clarity, a knowing that transcended the mundane.
With his eyes opened, they shifted to the fountain, where the once-vibrant pink symbols were now dimming, their glow slowly extinguished.
'Since when do fountains talk?'
[..Designated as the Fountain of Athena, the Oracle..]
He was unmistakably correct.
A spectral voice, soft as a summer breeze, emanated from the Fountain of Athena. Its words, though ancient, were clear and precise.
'How is that possible?' A flicker of doubt crossed his face.
He'd been burned by blind curiosity before, and he wasn't eager to repeat the mistake.
His face was a mask of indifference, his voice a cold, unwavering instrument, reflecting his newfound depth of perception.
[..Information currently restricted..]
The fountain's response was evasive, leaving Paradox more perplexed than ever.
He pondered his next move. A wealth of knowledge was within reach, but should he trust the source?
'What can I ask?' His reflection shimmered in the ethereal pool, its gentle murmur a soothing melody.
[..Accessible information corresponds to your Tier and Integration parameters..]
'What happened to me?' The encounter replayed in his mind, a cold, clinical review.
He's been careless.
The potential rewards, once a tantalizing mirage, now seemed inconsequential against the stark reality of potential risk.
A flicker of recognition ignited within him - a realization that such impulsive actions were a luxury he could no longer afford.
From that moment, a new approach would be adopted: calculated, deliberate, and utterly devoid of reckless abandon.
[..Upon integration, Soul 5 aka Paradox, has rightfully undergone reformation..]
A single eyebrow rose, a hint of confusion coloring his tone, 'Soul 5? Also reformation?'
[..Information currently restricted..]
He sighed audibly, panning over the luminescent blue sky.
'Where am I?'
[..Current location: Nature's Plaza, a leading Walker ground known for probability stabilization..]
Nature's Plaza, its name quite fitting, a plain where plant life reigned supreme.
Upon entry to these subliminal grounds, he was struck with a message that resonated with his very being.
'A Walker under the Order of Chronos.. I'm confused by both terms.'
[..Walkers are personifications of primal elements..]
'Could you elaborate?'
[..Each Walker possesses a percentage integration with a respective element, enabling them to transcend physical limitations..]
As Athena spoke, the sun blazed overhead, its golden rays dancing on the wind-kissed landscape.
A brilliance of birdsong filled the cloudless sky, painting a vibrant picture of freedom and vitality.
[..Nature's primal elements are not bound by linear time, and thus, neither are Walkers. Due to their paradoxical existence, each Walker emits a probability field, influencing the likelihood of events in a positive or negative manner..]
Beings of extraordinary power, mirroring the image of what mortals would defer to as God's. It was an image he'd never think to consider in his lifetime.
A subtle look of anticipation took root on his face,
[..For untold ages, conflict between positivity and negativity drew the timeline into Chaos, until a day where a group of Walkers joined as one, forming the now known Order of Chronos. The existence of this order tackles the existence of Rogue Walkers, their mere presence destabilizing Nature's neutral balance..]
This... was a lot. A myriad of questions swirled in his mind, but he couldn't afford to dwell on them for long.
An enigma cloaked in midnight blue, emerged from the shadows.
His dark hair, a raven's wing, framed a face etched with wisdom beyond his years.
Atop his head, a sleek, cerulean top hat, a symbol of refined taste, cast a subtle shadow over his piercing eyes.
In his hand, a polished cane, a testament to unbound elegance.
His tailored suit, a masterpiece of classic design, hugged his lean frame, exuding an air of quiet confidence.
He paused, a serene smile playing on his lips, as if privy to a secret known only to him.
His gaze, steady and unwavering, met Paradox's, promising a confrontation as captivating as a well-crafted play.
Leaning his head downwards from the glaring sky, they both made eye contact.
"Greetings, My name is Jack, Walker Jack."
He extended an arm, most likely anticipating a handshake.
The air crackled with uncertainty as Paradox and Jack locked eyes.
An otherworldly spark lingered in their gazes.
The world seemed to hold its breath, their surroundings fading into insignificance.
Their hands interlinked into a firm handshake.
"May I know how to address you?" Jack stood tall, his cain behind his back, a sense of elegance dominating his demeanor.
Paradox gazed at the man, unfazed by his manurisms, "Paradox."
"Fascinating name..Could-", cut off by a distinct red notification, both parties paused.
[..Attention all Walkers, imbalance protocol in effect, time remaining: 3 linear days..]
Jack raised a smile,
"Could we have a little chat? Walker Paradox."