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Chapter 9 - ARC 0 = Cycle of Suffering / End

(Void Prison)

Omega stood before the Soul, his crimson eyes glowing with a dangerous light that sent a chilling shiver through the soul. The presence he exuded was suffocating.

Within the Soul's mind, the voice of the Noble Memory echoed.

"This Omega... he's completely lost his mind. I suppose the search for truth can drive even the strongest to madness."

The Soul remained composed, his face unreadable.

"So, what's your plan?"

Omega turned and began walking toward the Crown.

"I don't have one. Apparently, my role in the Entity's grand design ends the moment I hand you this Crown."

The Soul asked

"And you're just going to accept that?"

Omega let out a low chuckle.

"Of course not."

He turned, pride gleaming in his eyes.

"I am Omega, Monarch of the End. One of the strongest beings to ever exist."

The Knight Memory said

"Pride—one of the deadliest sins. And he carries it in abundance."

The Assassin Memory added

"Still... I admire his resolve. He's a shell of what he once was, but he still speaks his name with pride."

Omega reached out to the Crown.

"And I will not let my end be dictated by anyone. I am the one who decides the end of others."

The moment his fingers touched the Crown, golden lightning exploded from it, cracking through the void like divine wrath.

A protection mechanism—violent and absolute.

The lightning ripped through Omega's already shattered body. Yet, he smiled, his eyes locked on the reshaping Crown now encased in dark crimson energy.

"Not even Axel's most prized creation will stop me."

The golden lightning turned crimson red.

"Because i am the one who will-------------"

Then silence.

The energy vanished, and the Void grew still once more.

The Soul, barely able to stand, gazed at Omega.

Omega, breathing heavily, extended a hand toward the now-transformed Crown.

"Now, cursed Soul... come and claim your Crown."

The Crown looked darker now, regal in its new form, bathed in an ethereal crimson glow.

The Soul asked

"This Crown... it's what made O a Sovereign, isn't it?"

Omega nodded.

"Yes. Accepting it will grant you power beyond any natural limit. That's what being a Sovereign means."

The Soul closed his eyes.

(Memories Domain)

"What do you think?" he asked.

The Noble Memory replied

"He can't be trusted. That much is clear."

The Beggar said

"But do we really have any other choice?"

The Assassin spoke.

"Taking the Crown means we step fully into the Entity's plan."

The Mage added.

" That Entity made sure there are no other options."

The Slave said gently.

"We're being forced to choose what he wants."

Then the Knight stepped forward.

"It doesn't matter. We'll use any means necessary to become stronger. With strength, we can carve out paths the Entity never predicted."

The others nodded.

The Soul closed his eyes returning.

"Then it's decided."

(Void Prison)

He stepped toward the Crown, stopping just before it.

"Now what?"

Omega grinned.

"Just take it. Think of it as a gift from O."

The Soul took a deep breath and grasped the Crown.

A surge of overwhelming energy tore through him. He screamed as the power threatened to obliterate his very existence.

Let go... I need to let go...

But his grip only tightened.

No. I won't let go. This is my only hope.

The pain intensified. A blinding flash filled the void.

When the light faded, the Crown had vanished. In its place stood a young man, no longer a mere soul.

He appeared 18. Dark hair like the Void, and eyes the color of red crimson blood. His body was powerful—muscular yet agile.

He looked at himself.

"Incredible... this body feels like it's bursting with power."

Turning to Omega, he asked.

"Where's the Crown?"

Omega pointed at him.

"It's merged with your soul. You are one now."

A floating panel materialized in front of him, white with gold engravings.

Words appeared:

/ Welcome, Amadeus /

Then:

/ You were chosen by Axel to become /

/ A SOVEREIGN /

The panel changed again:

/ Family name not found. Please state it. /

The Soul muttered.

"Amadeus... it chose that name. My most recent one. What should my family name be...?"

Omega stepped forward.

"I have a suggestion. Use Endbringer."

the soul confused asked.

"Endbringer? Why?"

Omega responded.

"You'll understand eventually. Humor me. It won't affect you... anyway."

Amadeus eyed him warily, then looked at the panel.

"My full name is Amadeus Endbringer."

/ Name saved /

/ Amadeus Endbringer /

/ Beginning transport to Trial World /

/ 1 minute until transport /

Amadeus frowned.

"Trial? You didn't mention any trial."

Omega smirked.

"Everyone must prove they're worthy of what they've been given."

the soul now named Amadeus said.

"What's the trial about?"

Omega shrugged, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.

"I don't know. It's different for everyone. But you'll be sent to a world where you must complete a specific task."

Amadeus sighed.

"Well, i didn't think this would be easy. Got any advice?"

Omega's voice was serious.

"Read the panel carefully. Every word holds weight. But beware—what it shows isn't always absolute."

Amadeus said.

"Are you saying it can lie?"

Omega responded.

"Not exactly. Just... some things can change. They aren't always fixed."

Amadeus confused answered.

"I don't understand."

Omega said.

"You will. In time. And don't worry... you're not as alone as you think."

Amadeus's eyes widened.

Does he know...? No... it's not possible.

Golden light began to disintegrate his body.

/ Beginning transport to Trial World /

Omega raised a hand in farewell.

" I'll see you once the trial is complete."

And with that, Amadeus vanished from the Void.

Omega nearly fell to his knees but managed to catch himself just in time.

"It seems I've used up quite a bit of power,".

With a wave of his hand, a throne made from dark crimson energy materialized behind him.

He collapsed onto it, breathless, exhaustion weighing down his body.

"In such a short time... I burned through the power I've been storing for centuries."

He looked up, eyes sharp and defiant.

"So this is your plan? Drain me of my power and leave me to rot in this endless void?"

A burst of laughter erupted from his lips—loud, wild, and full of life. His eyes, far from those of a dying man, gleamed with fire and fury.

"Let's see who's going to see the end of the other, you so-called all-powerful entity."

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