Chapter 9

Chapter 9: The Infinite Journey

Future Elias had been consumed by fury and despair. But in the stillness of the void, the storm of emotions gradually ebbed, leaving behind a moment of uncomfortable calm. His rigid posture softened, and his usual cold, distant demeanor slipped. A faint chuckle escaped his lips, followed by a deep sigh.

"You know," he began casually, leaning back as if the weight of millennia hadn't just crushed his very being, "this place is strange. Time works differently here. I had... some time to think." He looked at Elias with an almost knowing smile. "I destroyed a world before they even had a chance to play their VR games. But... here's the thing." His eyes darkened. "I was born from that world. I was its last breath, its failure. And when I lost my qualifications, I realized it wasn't just my fault... It was my wife's purpose all along. They didn't stop me, they let me go on like that. It was too late for me, but for you..."

Future Elias's voice trailed off, as though the weight of his words lingered.

"This time, it won't happen. You're going to be different," he said, his tone now almost playful, as if to lighten the atmosphere. "When you leave here, you're going to experience the VR Game. It'll be your next challenge. But first, you need to get inside and receive the Title of Infinite." He grinned slightly. "And Elias... don't destroy the planet this time, alright? It crippled me back then. Trust me, destroying worlds isn't as glamorous as it sounds."

Elias's mind was racing. So many questions flooded his mind, but one broke through the noise. "Why are you doing this?" Elias asked, his voice strained. "Why don't you just take over my body? Why not rise to the top yourself? You've been through it all, you have the power, the knowledge, everything."

Future Elias's expression softened, his melancholic gaze locking onto Elias's. He took a long breath before responding, the sadness in his eyes deepening.

"Listen, bro... in the entire world, across timelines, you're the only one I can trust. You're the only one left who can be called family," Future Elias said, his voice thick with emotion. "I don't want you to go through what I did. I've already been broken. I've taken my revenge, and I don't need more power. I don't want to rise to the top, not anymore." His face hardened, but his voice was barely above a whisper. "My sole aim... is for you not to follow in my footsteps."

A flicker of tension crossed Future Elias's face, and he sighed heavily. "But I do have a request," he began, his voice growing more serious. "My wives... those bitches who disdained me? They're going to come and join you soon, But of course, from your timeline, not the ones I've dealt with." His eyes darkened, the bitterness in his voice palpable. "And I found out during a session... those high-and-mighty women? They're masochistic and yet they act with Disdain for Me."

Elias's brow furrowed in confusion, unsure how to respond to such an unexpected request.

"On my behalf, just make sure to put them in their place. Teach them some manners. Make them obedient," Future Elias continued, his tone bitter and spiteful. "They need to know their place. And while you might think it's cruel of me to ask that, believe me, it's a small price. Don't kill them, though—don't disrespect the Entity that gave them to us. Just stay strong, Elias. Strive to the top. Now that I'm here, I'll fully unlock the System for you."

Future Elias's expression shifted, his voice becoming more urgent as he pressed on. "Remember, the Missions are important. Never disregard them. They contain my years of memories, my experiences, and the powers I've collected over time. They've helped me. They'll help you too." He paused, his eyes narrowing. "And before you ask, no—I didn't have a system like this. I created it just for you. It's your link to meet me, and a way to transfer my power to you. But most importantly, protect yourself from the Council. That won't take long. But don't forget, Elias... always keep your guard up."

Suddenly, a violent force interrupted Future Elias speech. The calm, dark space around them seemed to shudder, and before Elias could react, Future Elias was violently hurled across the void like a ragdoll. He flew through the air, helpless and weak, colliding with the surrounding nothingness, the force leaving him gasping.

In the distance, three figures materialized—towering, ethereal, and intimidating. They stood in a perfect line, each exuding a powerful presence that sent chills down Elias's spine.

The first one had long, flowing white hair that shimmered like frost under a cold moonlight. Her eyes were pale and indifferent, and her attire was a regal, white gown adorned with silver filigree—an image of purity and ice.

The second had fiery red hair, cascading in waves around her sharp features. Her eyes blazed with intensity, like a wildfire in the night. Her outfit was made of dark leather, adorned with intricate flame patterns that seemed to dance on their own. Her stance was one of arrogance and fire.

The third woman was the most striking—her hair was a cascade of rainbow colors, each strand shifting and shimmering with every movement. Her eyes were sharp and cold, their color ever-changing like a storm on the horizon. She wore a dark, form-fitting outfit, the edges glowing with mystical energy. She exuded an aura of disdain and superiority.

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As Future Elias crashed into the ground, groaning in pain, Elias took a step back. He could feel the tension rising in the air as the three women approached. They were not human—there was an unnatural power radiating from them, something beyond mortal comprehension.

The white-haired woman gave him a serene smile, but there was no warmth in it. "So, this is him, the one who will succeed our dear husband?" she asked, her voice gentle but hollow.

The red-haired woman's lips curled into a mocking smile. "Pathetic. Just like him. You have his eyes, but I don't see much else to admire." She sneered at Elias, her eyes burning with contempt.

The rainbow-haired woman stood apart from the others, her gaze locked onto Elias. Her eyes were filled with cold, disdainful judgment. "He's nothing but a tool," she said in a voice that carried the weight of authority, her words sharp as a dagger.

Elias remained silent, his gaze unflinching as he stared back at them. He felt the weight of their disdain, but he didn't respond. He would not give them the satisfaction. His voice was calm but firm as he finally spoke, addressing Future Elias who was still on the ground, struggling to rise.

"You can rest assured," Elias said, his tone serious, "I will fulfill your wishes. I will make sure your legacy isn't in vain. You don't need to worry anymore."

Future Elias breathed a sigh of relief, a rare flicker of peace in his eyes as he passed out, his body limp and unresponsive. But as he lay there, something extraordinary began to happen.

Chains of various elements materialized around him, each one glowing with ancient, powerful sigils. They wrapped around him like a cage—glowing silver chains, crackling with lightning; molten chains, as hot as the sun; chains made of ice, cold and unyielding. The sigils on the chains flickered and shimmered, radiating a mystic energy that suppressed Future Elias's movements.

The sigils etched into the chains pulsed with arcane power, each one intricately designed to hold him in place, to bind him to this realm. The chains seemed alive, shifting with the ebb and flow of energy, impossible to break.

As the chains secured him, the three women shared a brief glance. Then, in a single coordinated motion, they threw Elias aside. His body crashed into the void, tumbling through the endless expanse.

The women began to leave, their forms fading into the darkness as they carried FE away. Elias, still reeling from the shock, stood alone, his eyes cold with determination. The chains that had held FE were now gone, leaving only a lingering, oppressive silence in their wake.

Elias took a deep breath, his eyes narrowing with cold resolve. He would fulfill his destiny. And he would never allow anyone, to stop him.