Ch - 27 "Threads of Destiny: A New Beginning"

Before the Omni energy exploded, something protected Swayam's 'Self.' The Omni energy blast, which marked the inception of a new 'Cosmic Cycle,' isn't our primary focus; it's Swayam that captivates our tale.

Amidst the chaos of creation, Swayam's existence held secrets that the Omniverse itself yearned to unravel.

***

Environment and Circumstances have a significant role in shaping one's sense of self. The memories acquired throughout our lifetime, however, play an equally crucial part in molding and distinguishing us from the rest.

Each person possesses the capacity to comprehend any existence, yet no matter what we attempt, we can never replicate the same individual by having them relive their life once more.

In essence, if we were to substitute our 'Environment,' 'Circumstances,' and 'Associates' with different ones, we would not be who we are today.

***

[Beep! Due to the unknown energy overcharging the Host's cells, the Host's 'Self' is on the brink of eradication! Recommending immediate preventive measures!]

In his panic, Swayam, now fused with Yun Che, realized that he had to discharge the Omni energy within his 'Self,' but this action would significantly impact the 'Story.'

Despite the consequences, as he merged with Yun Che, Swayam witnessed Yun Che's entire life flash before his eyes, each moment getting stored in the A.I. Chip.

While the A.I. Chip meticulously organized Yun Che's life experiences, Swayam suddenly recalled the existence of the 'Mirror of Samsara,' a concept he had previously encountered in the 'Against The Gods' story.

***

After Swayam meticulously organized all of Yun Che's memories, he urgently assumed control over Yun Che's body. With a deep breath, he released his grasp on the Omni energy, unleashing its destructive force that wiped out everything, including the vessel he had temporarily inhabited. Yet, this wasn't the true conclusion of his tale.

***

[Beep! Host is unable to protect his 'Self.' Searching for alternatives to protect the Host!]

As the A.I. Chip prepared to explore alternative protection measures for its Host, Swayam quickly commanded the A.I. Chip to hold off.

"A.I. Chip, discard all 'Host Conservation Protocols' and await further instructions."

[Beep! Disabling 'HCP' and entering Stand-by mode.]

Amidst these unfolding events, Swayam couldn't help but observe that Yun Che's tenacious 'Self' had not entirely faded away. He was teetering on the precipice of eradication, primarily because the Omni energy had refused to acknowledge Yun Che's ability to contain it within his 'Self.'

"Who are you? And how dare you take possession of my body?" Yun Che's voice trembled with anger as he posed these questions. He observed the intruder, Swayam, releasing a pristine yet tumultuous energy through his form. Strangely, this energy was purifying Yun Che's 'Self' while erasing his existence in the process.

Once the Omni energy had thoroughly cleansed Yun Che's 'Self,' all that remained of him was a reel of his life experiences, devoid of the 'Self' that had once been intertwined with them.

While the Omni energy threatened to obliterate Yun Che's vessel, Swayam, who had taken control, clutched the silver pendant dangling from Yun Che's neck. With eyes tightly shut, he concentrated intensely, determined not to let the Omni energy snuff out Swayam's last glimmer of hope.

***

[Beep! Distortion in Space-Time Continuum detected!]

[Beep! Owing to the interaction of the unknown energy and the Host's 'Self' with the fundamental laws of 'Space and Time,' the Host has acquired a rudimentary comprehension of them.]

[Beep! Thanks to an external intervention from an enigmatic element of the 'Space-Time Continuum,' the Host's 'Self' has been safeguarded.]

***

Swayam's consciousness slowly stirred.

"It appears my speculation was on the mark once more," he mused. The surplus Omni energy, which his 'Self' couldn't absorb, had dissipated, erasing the previous 'Timeline' entirely.

Contemplating this, Swayam eventually opened his eyes and sat upright. He discovered himself in a luxuriously soft bed, beneath a vibrant red banner that imbued the surroundings with a festive ambiance.

"Ah! Xiao Che! You... You woke up!"

A girl's astonished exclamation reached his ears, and moments later, the same girl materialized in his line of vision.

At first glance, the girl, dressed in green, appeared to be around 15 or 16 years old. Her skin was as fair as freshly fallen snow, and her lips carried a delicate rosy hue, accompanied by a finely sculpted nose.

Her clear and limpid eyes sparkled with a profound sense of surprise, resembling a pool of translucent spring water. Her countenance radiated a dazzling gentleness and softness. At such a tender age, she already exuded such allure; one could only imagine the beauty she would blossom into in the years to come.

Swayam found himself utterly entranced by the beauty of her eyes, unable to tear his gaze away from their mesmerizing depths.

As he continued to stare at this young beauty, Swayam, with the assistance of the A.I., gradually pieced together the identity of the person standing before him. Finally, he uttered the name he deemed fitting, "Little xi?"

Upon hearing the nickname 'Little xi,' the young beauty sensed an unusual aura about Yun Che, something distinct from his usual self. However, she refrained from mentioning it, attributing it to the slight fever he had experienced recently or the anticipation of his upcoming wedding ceremony.

Despite these thoughts, the young beauty gently placed her jade-like hand on Yun Che's forehead, her concern gradually easing as she did so.

With a joyful expression gracing her features, she exclaimed, "This is wonderful; your temperature is almost back to normal. You nearly frightened me half to death, Xiao Che. Are you feeling alright? Please inform me if anything feels amiss."

As he observed the young beauty's caring gaze fixed upon him, Swayam couldn't help but experience a pang of guilt. He realized that the original Yun Che, or Xiao Che as she knew him, no longer existed. The person standing before her was merely an extraterrestrial entity inhabiting Yun Che/Xiao Che's body.

As Swayam contemplated these thoughts, the mechanical voice of his dependable A.I. Chip resounded within his mind.

[Beep! The unnamed race integrated with the Host's 'Self' is merging with the new vessel!]

[Beep! Severe injuries detected within Host's body; the Healing Factor of the unnamed race is actively mending the injured areas.]

[Beep! Host's physical prowess has seen a substantial boost.]

[Beep! A novel energy signature detected within Host's body.]

[Beep! The new energy and the unknown energy are coexisting harmoniously within the Host.]

***

Upon hearing these consecutive prompts, Swayam began to consider a change to the A.I. Chip's naming system.

"A.I. Chip, archive all my memories to date and refresh your database," he swiftly contemplated, thanks to his enhanced cognitive abilities.

[Beep! Task initiated! Updating Database with Host's Memories.]

[Task in progress: 1%, ..., 49%, ..., 100%]

[Beep! Database successfully updated! Correcting previous information.]

...

While the A.I. Chip underwent its update, Swayam shifted his focus to Xiao Lingxi. He noticed that she still carried some concerns about his well-being, even if they weren't explicitly directed at him. Unable to resist, he gently placed his hand on Lingxi's endearing head, running his fingers through her beautiful face and silky hair.

The moment his hand touched Xiao Lingxi's head, an electric sensation coursed through both their hearts, revealing the profound importance of each other's existence.

In that instant, when Swayam instinctively touched Lingxi's adorable head, the person who occupied his thoughts was Reena. It was a gesture he associated with her, a symbol of the deep affection they shared, a love they yearned to express when they were together.

***