Chapter 197: The Void of Origin
Sung Jin-Woo stood in the vast hall of the Umbra Citadel, gazing at the multiverse's intricate tapestry. Among its countless threads was one that led to a mysterious destination—The Void of Origin. This enigmatic realm, shrouded in myth, was believed to be the birthplace of the former Absolute Being and the cradle of all creation.
With his full might concentrated on maintaining the multiverse's balance, Sung Jin-Woo dispatched his first clone, now fully ascended, to uncover the secrets hidden within the Void of Origin.
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The Journey to the Void
The first clone, a fragment of Sung Jin-Woo's power equipped with three hearts and twelve hidden wings, tore through space-time with ease. Passing through layers of reality and dimensions, it reached the edge of existence where the Void of Origin lay.
The journey was not without resistance. The closer the clone came to the Void, the more chaotic the environment became. Strange forces, unlike anything encountered before, tried to repel him. The Void seemed alive, its energy pulsating like a heartbeat, as if protecting its secrets.
The Shifting Labyrinth: A swirling maze of collapsing stars and twisting voids. The clone navigated this treacherous path using Chrono-Shade, freezing time to bypass collapsing sections.
The Abyssal Guardians: Titanic entities of pure chaos, remnants of a forgotten era, attempted to halt his progress. Each was vanquished by Eclipse Strike, their forms disintegrating into shadow.
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Entering the Void of Origin
Upon reaching the Void, the clone was met with an overwhelming emptiness—a realm devoid of light, matter, or time. It was a place where existence itself seemed to unravel, leaving behind only the raw essence of creation.
In the center of the Void floated an immense crystalline sphere, pulsating with ancient energy. This was the Core of Origin, a relic thought to predate even the former Absolute Being. The sphere radiated an aura of unimaginable power, its surface covered in inscriptions that seemed to shift and change with every moment.
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The Core of Origin
Approaching the Core, the clone activated his All-Seeing Eyes, allowing him to decipher the shifting inscriptions. These markings told a story:
1. The Birth of the Absolute Being: The Core of Origin was the seed from which the former Absolute Being was born. It was a self-sustaining entity that gave rise to all existence, its essence splitting into light, shadow, and chaos.
2. The Creation of the Multiverse: Using the Core's power, the Absolute Being wove the multiverse, shaping realms and filling them with life.
3. The Fall of the Absolute Being: As the multiverse grew, the Absolute Being's essence weakened, leading to its eventual demise and the scattering of its fragments.
The inscriptions also hinted at a hidden power within the Core—one that could reshape existence itself. However, it came with a warning:
> "Only those who bear the mark of true divinity may unlock the Core's secrets. To misuse its power is to invite annihilation."
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The Clone's Revelation
The clone, a reflection of Sung Jin-Woo's divine nature, attempted to interact with the Core. As it extended its shadowed hand, the Core responded, projecting visions into the clone's mind.
In these visions, the clone saw the true origin of the multiverse, the rise and fall of countless civilizations, and glimpses of what lay beyond existence. It also saw the former Absolute Being, not as a tyrant, but as a creator who sacrificed itself to sustain its creation.
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The Shadow Sovereign's Next Move
The clone relayed its findings to Sung Jin-Woo, who sat upon his throne in the Umbra Citadel. The revelations from the Void of Origin stirred a mix of curiosity and caution within him.
The Core's Power: Sung Jin-Woo understood that the Core of Origin held the potential to elevate him further, but it also posed a significant risk. To wield such power irresponsibly could unravel the very fabric of the multiverse.
The Former Absolute Being: The visions of the former Absolute Being's sacrifice filled him with a newfound respect for his predecessor. It was a reminder of the responsibility that came with absolute power.
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A New Purpose
With the knowledge of the Void of Origin, Sung Jin-Woo began to formulate a plan:
1. Preservation of the Core: Rather than claiming its power, he decided to protect the Core of Origin, ensuring it remained hidden from those who would misuse it.
2. Harnessing the Void: The Void itself, with its chaotic energies, could be transformed into a sanctuary for future creations—a realm where new possibilities could be explored.
3. Unveiling the Truth: Sung Jin-Woo vowed to delve deeper into the mysteries of the Absolute Being's legacy, uncovering the truths that could guide him in his eternal mission.
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A New Era Begins
As the first clone departed the Void, leaving the Core untouched, Sung Jin-Woo reflected on the path ahead. The Void of Origin had provided answers, but it also raised new questions about the nature of existence and the role of the Divine Triad.
The multiverse, vast and ever-expanding, was still filled with mysteries. But one thing was certain: with Sung Jin-Woo at its helm, its future was secure.
For the Shadow Sovereign, this was not the end—it was merely the beginning of a new chapter in his eternal journey.