Welcome to Evolto City

"Beautiful, isn't it?" Zalthorion said, his gaze sweeping over the cityscape beyond the glass. "Now, let's get introductions underway." He turned to face me, his presence both commanding and oddly familiar.

"My name is Zalthorion Veilstryx, but you can call me Zal." His voice carried an ease that contrasted with the sheer weight of his reputation. "And your name is?"

I opened my mouth. "My name is Y—"

Before I could finish, he raised a hand, cutting me off with a knowing smile. "Ah, ah, ah. That name is just a placeholder, not your true name." His eyes seemed to pierce through me, seeing beyond flesh, beyond form. "I know of your past. How your name is nothing more than two letters. How your appearance is an amalgamation of different people—shifting, uncertain. To beings like me, that illusion is clear as day. But to others, to those who cannot see past the tricks of the universe, you appear as something fixed, familiar."

I hesitated. "But... I don't have any other name."

Zalthorion simply chuckled. "Then let's take a walk. Maybe along the way, you'll find one."

As we stepped out of the towering structure, the city unfolded before me a breathtaking, chaotic harmony of life and technology. The streets were unlike anything I had ever seen. Not just humans, but a staggering variety of beings moved through them.

Towering, tree-like creatures strode gracefully, their bark-covered forms swaying slightly with every step. Enormous humanoids, easily twice the size of an average man, navigated the crowds with surprising ease. Shapeshifters of unknown origin constantly shifted their forms, flickering between different appearances as if they existed in multiple realities at once.

Then there were the metal giants towering, rust-colored constructs with glowing blue hands, their frames etched with the marks of time and labor. Some beings defied description entirely, flickering at the edge of my perception, their existence never fully settling into something tangible.

Zalthorion walked beside me, his hands casually tucked behind his back. "Strange, isn't it?" he mused, his tone light but carrying a weight of history. "Evolto City was built close to the center of the multiverse for a reason. It serves as a sanctuary a place for outcasts, refugees, and those seeking a better life. Some were forced from their home universes, while others came willingly, drawn by the promise of something greater."

He gestured toward the tree-like beings, their wooden bodies moving with an almost serene elegance. "Those are the Dendrites the first residents of Evolto City. When this place was nothing more than an idea, they helped build it. Now, their descendants live here, tending to the very roots they planted long ago."

My eyes drifted to a group of luminous, wisp-like entities hovering above the crowd, their forms constantly shifting between states of being.

"Those are the Cilians," Zalthorion continued. "Fourth-dimensional beings. Once, they were hunted by others of their kind—barbarians who weren't after their flesh or power, but something far worse. You see, when Cilians experience fear, they release a pheromone that acts as an aphrodisiac to their hunters. It made them valuable prey in the worst way imaginable. Here, though, they've found peace."

I shuddered at the thought and turned my gaze toward the massive humanoids moving through the streets with deliberate steps. Their sheer size was imposing, but there was a quiet gentleness in the way they moved.

"They're called Ogryns," Zalthorion said. "We picked them up during our travels. Their origins are a bit... hazy. Once warriors, they were conditioned for endless battle, used as disposable soldiers in conflicts they barely understood. When they came here, we gave them a choice continue fighting or find another path. Most of them took to farming. You'll find them on the outer edges of the city, working the land. Turns out, they had a talent for nurturing life rather than taking it."

Lastly, my gaze settled on the massive metal beings, their copper-like frames glinting under the artificial sun. Their hands, stained blue, pulsed faintly as they moved.

"Metallurges," Zalthorion said with a smirk. "Originally built for mining. We created them to extract resources from deep within the earth, and for a time, they did just that until they developed sentience. When that happened, we didn't shackle them. We gave them the choice to leave, to find their own way." He chuckled. "But most of them chose to stay. They enjoy the work. Of course, me and the council ensured they were treated like living beings. We pay them fairly, give them rights. That blue tint on their hands? That's from mining Copprum, a rare and highly conductive metal found in the lower depths."

As I listened, the weight of this city its history, its purpose began to settle in my mind. This wasn't just a place; it was a monument to the forgotten, the lost, the unwanted. And somehow, in the midst of all of it, I felt the stirrings of something I couldn't quite name.

Zalthorion turned to me, his expression unreadable. "Evolto City is many things," he said. "But above all, it's a chance. A chance to start over, to find purpose. Maybe even a name."

I didn't respond right away. Instead, I let my gaze drift over the countless beings around me, each one with a story, each one searching for something.

Maybe, just maybe, I'd find mine here too

As we continued walking through the vibrant streets of Evolto City, the air buzzed with life. Laughter echoed from the alleys, the scent of exotic foods drifted through the breeze, and merchants called out their wares in a dozen different languages. The market district was alive with celebration, people gathered in clusters, singing, dancing, and reveling in the moment.

I couldn't help but take it all in the sheer energy of the place was overwhelming. Unlike the cold, structured cities I had seen before, this one felt alive. Every street was bursting with color, every corner hiding something new.

Zalthorion led me toward a restaurant nestled between two towering structures. Its architecture blended nature and technology seamlessly wooden vines coiled around metal beams, and faintly glowing runes pulsed along the walls. As we stepped inside, the warm scent of spices and freshly cooked meals enveloped me.

The moment we entered, the staff reacted immediately. The waiter practically bowed at Zalthorion's presence, his voice filled with deep respect. "Lord Veilstryx, an honor, as always."

Zalthorion gave a casual nod before leading me to a table near the window. As I scanned the menu, my eyes landed on an item that stood out among the rest: The Seeding Ceremony Special.

Curious, I looked up. "What's the Seeding Ceremony?"

Zalthorion leaned back slightly, a small smile playing on his lips. "Ah, the Seeding Ceremony… It's one of the most sacred traditions of the Dendrites. Held twice a year, it's a time when Dendrite couples journey to the Grove to bond and bring new life into the world."

I raised an eyebrow. "The Grove?"

"It's a place deep within the city," he explained. "A sanctuary of ancient trees, older than even the foundations of Evolto itself. During the ceremony, the Dendrites connect with the land, intertwining their roots to create new saplings children, in their own way. It's not just about reproduction, though. It's a renewal of their bond, their commitment to each other and to the city they call home."

I glanced back down at the menu, the words taking on a new meaning. "So… this special dish is inspired by that?"

Zalthorion chuckled. "Exactly. A meal designed to honor the ceremony a blend of rich, earthy flavors and rare ingredients found only in the Grove. It's said to symbolize growth, unity, and new beginnings."

"Well, I guess I'll try the special then. It sounds delicious," I said, setting the menu down.

Zalthorion nodded approvingly. "Yes, it does. I'll have the same."

With our orders placed, we settled into casual conversation. As I glanced around the restaurant and out at the city beyond, something had been nagging at me since we first started walking through Evolto City the architecture. The buildings weren't just sleek metal and glass like I expected from a place this advanced. There was wood integrated into the structures, seamlessly blended with metal in a way I had never seen before. It didn't look decorative; it was functional.

I turned to Zalthorion. "I've been meaning to ask what's the deal with the buildings? The way wood and metal are fused together… it's not just for aesthetics, is it?"

He smirked, pleased by the question. "Good eye. No, it's not just for looks. Evolto City was built with the help of the Dendrites, the first inhabitants here. Their biology allows them to integrate with the environment in a way no other species can. The wood you see isn't just wood it's living, constantly regenerating and strengthening itself. The Dendrites weave their own essence into the structures, making them self-repairing, resistant to decay, and able to adapt to changes in the environment."

I raised an eyebrow. "Self-repairing? So if a building gets damaged, it just heals?"

Zalthorion nodded. "Exactly. The metal framework provides stability, but the organic material ensures longevity. If a wall cracks, the wood closes the gap. If a support beam weakens, it reinforces itself. Even the power systems work in tandem the trees act as natural energy conduits, storing and distributing energy throughout the city. It's why you won't find many exposed power lines here."

I leaned back, taking that in. "That's… genius. But what about fires? Wouldn't all that wood make the city vulnerable?"

He chuckled. "Ordinary wood, yes. But Dendrite-grown structures are different. Their cellular structure is laced with fire-resistant compounds, and if exposed to extreme heat, they release moisture to counteract the flames. You'd have to work really hard to burn down a building here."

I shook my head in amazement. "So this whole city is basically alive?"

"In a way, yes." Zalthorion leaned back as our food arrived, the aroma filling the space between us. "Evolto City isn't just a place. It's a collaboration between technology and nature, between species who would never have met otherwise."

Just as Zalthorion had described, the dish before me was a masterpiece. The aroma alone was rich and earthy, with hints of spices I couldn't quite identify. Each bite was an explosion of flavor, a balance between warmth and freshness, as if the meal itself embodied the renewal of the Seeding Ceremony.

After finishing, we rose to leave, but not before Zalthorion casually paid for the meal with a flick of his wrist, transferring credits with a mere thought.

As we stepped back onto the bustling streets, the energy of the city wrapped around us once more. I noticed a group of teenagers on the rooftops, their laughter echoing as they leaped from building to building with astonishing agility. Some of them weren't just jumping they were swinging through the air, blue energy cables shooting from wrist-mounted devices, latching onto structures and propelling them forward.

"Woohoo!" one of them shouted as they soared between two skyscrapers, landing smoothly before vaulting off again.

I stared, unable to hide my amazement. "What is that?"

Zalthorion followed my gaze, a small smile forming. "Ah, the youth of Evolto City. What you're seeing are Skyline Wires a mobility system designed for urban traversal. Originally made for emergency responders and city enforcers, but " he gestured toward the teenagers mid-flip " as you can see, the younger generation found a... different use for them."

I watched as another teen executed a perfect spin mid-air before swinging onto a rooftop ledge. "Looks dangerous."

Zalthorion chuckled. "Perhaps. But here, we don't stifle innovation. We guide it. If they want to test their limits, who are we to stop them?"

I kept watching as the teens flipped and soared across the skyline, a part of me wondering what it would be like to move so freely through the city.

As we walked, we soon reached a towering building shorter than the one we had left but still impressive in its own right. The entrance buzzed with activity, but the moment we stepped inside, a noticeable shift occurred. People turned, their conversations briefly halting as they greeted Zalthorion with deep respect. Some bowed slightly, others simply nodded, acknowledging his presence before returning to their tasks.

I glanced around, taking in the sleek interior and the strange devices lining the walls. "Why are we here?" I asked, curiosity creeping into my voice.

Zalthorion gave me a small, knowing smile. "This is for your DRS."

I frowned. "DR... what now?"

"Data Resonance Stats," he explained. "It's a system that analyzes and records key details about you your stats, former titles, abilities, and much more."

Before I could process that fully, a clerk at the front desk took one look at Zalthorion and immediately sprang into action, ushering us toward a private room without a word. The room was filled with unfamiliar machinery, glowing panels lining the walls, and a central scanning pod that pulsed faintly with energy.

"Step into the machine," Zalthorion instructed.

I hesitated for a moment, but then did as he asked, stepping inside the sleek, metallic chamber. The moment I was in place, the machine hummed to life. A soft glow surrounded me, and thin beams of light began sweeping across my body, scanning me from head to toe. The sensation wasn't unpleasant just strange, like being wrapped in static electricity.

Then, without warning, a sharp prick in my arm.

I flinched. "Did it just take my blood?"

Zalthorion nodded from outside the chamber, watching the readings. "Yes. Standard procedure. It's analyzing your essence."

Before I could respond, another sensation followed something being injected back into me. It wasn't painful, but I could feel a faint warmth spreading through my veins, like liquid light coursing through my body.

"Okay, what was that?" I asked warily.

"A marker," Zalthorion said calmly. "It ensures your stats are accurately recorded and allows for real-time updates."

I exhaled, shaking my head. "You could've warned me."

Zalthorion smirked. "Where's the fun in that?"

Soon after, the door opened, and a figure stepped in, carrying a sleek tablet in their hands. They walked over to me and handed it without a word. I looked down at the screen, and my eyes widened as I saw my stats listed in stark detail. But it wasn't just that I also noticed something unexpected.

My titles: Lord of Shadows, Beasts of Darkness, The Guardian of Teyvat, and a few others I recognized. But then, there was a title that caught my attention and left me completely baffled: Singularity.

I blinked, my confusion growing. Singularity? I had no idea what that meant or how I could've earned that title. My mind raced, but I decided not to dwell on it just yet. I scrolled down to my abilities.

Weapon Summon... Shadow Monarch... Elemental Manipulation... Soul Burn... Umbrakinesis...

The list went on, each power more impressive than the last, though I couldn't help but wonder how much of this was truly mine? And what did that singularity title mean?

I glanced up at Zalthorion, who had been silently watching me. "Singularity... What does that mean?"

Zalthorion's expression grew more serious, his usual calm demeanor shifting ever so slightly. He stepped forward, his gaze fixed on the screen. "It means... across the entire multiverse, only one of you exists. You are a singularity, a one-of-a-kind anomaly, born with a unique, immeasurable potential."

I felt a chill run down my spine, the weight of his words sinking in. "But... why do I have that title?"

Zalthorion's eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of something darker passing through them. "Because you're not just another being of power. You are the essence of a singularity a force unlike any other in existence. And there is someone else who seeks that title... someone who is after a singularity himself."

I took a step back, suddenly feeling much smaller than I had before. "Who?"

Zalthorion's voice was low and controlled, but there was a certain heaviness to it. "A being who craves the singularity, someone who will stop at nothing to claim its power for himself. But for now, you must focus on understanding your abilities... and what it truly means to be the Singularity."

As we walked through the bustling streets of Evolto City, I was still processing everything that had just happened the title, the machine, the unknown future ahead of me. A question lingered in my mind, something I hadn't thought of until now.

"Zalthorion," I began, my voice quieter than before. "I noticed... the title didn't show my name. Why is that?"

He glanced at me, a thoughtful look on his face. "It's because you don't have a name, not yet. You are... without one. But," he paused, giving me a small smile, "have you given it any thought? A name, I mean."

I shook my head, the thought of having a name seemed foreign to me. "No, not really."

Zalthorion's expression softened as he turned to me, the city's lights reflecting in his eyes. "Well, then. How about I give you one?"

I was silent for a moment, unsure of what to say. But there was something in the way he said it, something in his calm confidence that made me feel like I was about to receive something important.

"How about... Nyxian?" he suggested.

The name felt strange but fitting, like it belonged to me, as if it had always been there, waiting. "Nyxian…" I repeated the name to myself, rolling it over in my mind. It was perfect.

As soon as I accepted, the DRS system flashed, confirming the name Zalthorion had given me, adding it to the record.

We continued our walk, and eventually, we arrived at a tall building nothing as imposing as the tower we'd just left, but still impressive. We entered, and the atmosphere shifted once again. People greeted Zalthorion respectfully, acknowledging him with a mix of reverence and familiarity.

Soon, we reached a counter, and before Zalthorion could even say a word, a clerk appeared and gestured for us to follow. We were led into a quiet, private room filled with official-looking documents. Zalthorion handed me a stack of papers.

"Sign these," he said. "These are contracts. Every new member invited to Evolto City must sign them eventually. It's how you officially become a part of the city."

I took the stack, flipping through the pages quickly. It all seemed standard agreements, responsibilities, rights, and obligations. But Zalthorion's next words made me pause.

"Read them carefully, Nyxian," he continued. "There may be things you don't fully understand yet. The contracts ensure your place here, but they also bind you in ways you may not realize immediately. No confusion can happen once this is signed, so take your time."

I nodded, feeling the weight of his words. With a deep breath, I began to read, feeling a new sense of responsibility settle over me.

I read through each document carefully, the words blending together as I signed each page, my thoughts still drifting between the implications of what I had learned. When I finally reached the end, I couldn't help but feel a little uneasy. Something still wasn't sitting right, and there was one question that had been nagging at me since the beginning.

"Zalthorion," I asked, my voice hesitant, "what is the Codex of Evolto?"

He paused for a moment, his gaze shifting to me as if considering my question. Then, with a knowing smile, he answered, "Ah, the Codex. It's simply the laws of Evolto City, meant to avoid chaos and keep balance. It's not too complicated, but essential. In a city like this, where worlds collide and powerful beings from every corner of existence come together, order must be maintained. The Codex ensures that no one oversteps their bounds, that peace is kept, and that no one, not even the most powerful, is above the law."

I nodded slowly, processing his words. I had already felt the weight of the city's grandeur and complexity, but hearing Zalthorion's explanation made it clearer. Evolto City was more than just a place it was a living, breathing entity built on the delicate balance of its inhabitants and the laws that governed them.

"You will learn them over time," Zalthorion continued. "The Codex isn't something you need to memorize immediately, but as you grow in the city, it will become second nature. Just remember, it's about maintaining harmony."

I let his words settle in, the reality of this new life starting to take shape around me. With a final glance at the documents, I signed my name Nyxian at the bottom of the last page. The weight of the decision hit me then, and I knew that my journey had truly begun.