2 Chapter 2: Mama

I managed to hold myself together. Both mentally, and literally. I survived being ripped apart into many infinitesimal pieces of myself. And then, ZOOM.

I quite literally zoomed. I was pretty sure I was traveling at many times the speed of light, and possibly broke the laws of physics. Take that, Einstein! Or perhaps, I no longer am in my universe. No matter how ridiculous it sounded, it seemed to be a logical proposition. Oh my, what have I gotten myself into? It was as if I was in a tunnel, and heading towards the light. The light became bigger and bigger until it reached unimaginable proportions. I seemed smaller than a speck of dust compared to this beast.

When I finally made it, it seemed like a massive pitch-black sphere dotted with many white spots. It looked like a black canvas with numerous white dots. And I was slowly approaching it. It loomed over me.

When I reached its borders, instead of allowing me in it pushed me out with an insurmountable force. However, I also had an imperceptible increase in strength every time I did so. I did it over and over again until I could break in with brute strength, since I was attracted to some object in there.

Fear set into my body. It was like a primal urge. Hesitantly, my eyes look at the person before me. Fear tortures my guts, churning my stomach intense cramps. Fear engulfs my conscience, knocking all other thoughts aside. Fear overwhelms my body, making it drastically exhausted. However, most of all, the fear is making me calm and that is what scares me the most. It was a green woman, with antennas and tentacles, or something that looked like that. I had no idea who, or what she was.

"So it is you who breached our borders. A mere soul body. Yet how is it that you became so strong? Not just anyone can break into a conscious universe. Who are you?"

She asked with a firm, yet gentle voice. Her voice soothed me, the fear in me already dissipating.

"Uhhh, what? What is a soul body? What is a conscious universe? How the hell is that possible? A universe with consciousness? What shit have I gotten myself into? And who are you?"

I blasted her with questions.

"Child, it seems like you have many questions. Firstly, I'll tell you who I am. I am the materialized consciousness of this minor universe. A conscious universe is basically one in which the elemental particles are concentrated enough to give birth to a materialized consciousness. This materialized consciousness knows everything that happens in its universe. It represents the peak of cultivation in that universe. As far as I know, there is only 1 proper system to cultivate. That is, essence cultivation. I don't know what you have done, but it seems to be working. A soul body is just a soul, without its mortal body. Technically it would have unlimited potential, but no one has been able to actually cultivate using it. Many people have died from it, playing with the soul is a dangerous art."

"Wait… what in the flying fuck! What is cultivating? What is 'essence cultivation'? What even are elemental particles? I am so goddamn confused… I swear to god this got to be some sick joke or something…"

"HAHA! Child, you are even more ignorant than I thought possible. With you around, things may be more interesting. Would you like to come with me? Follow me. I will give you unimaginable wealth, power and knowledge."

I thought about it. In a way, it would give me a massive boost, and I couldn't think of any cons. An opportunity was lying right in front of me, why would I not take it? Which dumbass would not?

"Hmm, alright. I'll take it, but can you please stop calling me a child? I'm a grown adult!"

"HAHAHAHA! I knew you would make life interesting! I am as old as this universe, you know. That is, around 67 billion years old. I believe I am fit to call you a child!"

She chortled with glee. I looked at her, eyes wide with shock. She looks like she's 20! Jesus Christ, I am going to wake up one day and this is all going to fade away… I was already starting to miss my friend.

"Alright, grandma!"

I cheekily replied. She fumed at me, with red cheeks and arms akimbo.

"I'll allow 'Mother' or anything of the sort. And by the way, my name is Nuwa. That's what they call me."

She proudly puffed her cheeks, while I snorted.

"Fine, mama. My name is Ryner. You can call me Ry for short."

She placed her hands on her hips in victory, and her smile reached her eyes. She… was actually beautiful, for someone 67 billion years old that is. Her eyes were hazel-brown, and her body was in perfect proportions, with curves in all the right places.

"Alright then, Ry, follow me. I'll bring us to where I live."

Nuwa smiled. She left so fast that she left behind an afterimage. It slowly faded away, as I stayed there, rooted to the ground. I could feel an invisible hand wrapping itself around me, holding me, guiding me along, aiding me in following Nuwa. At that speed, everything was a blur. I couldn't see anything at all. And then we began to slow down.