Death-like Slumber

Infinite Possibilities.

Vik's subconscious mind was overwhelmed by the endless possibilities that unfolded before him, filling his already clouded thoughts. He was afraid of the vastness that lay beyond, feeling unprepared to face the open doors of infinite choices.

His limited understanding kept him from descending into madness, and he pondered whether he could find contentment within his limitations. Maybe, with his limited resources, he could carve out a path that would bring him happiness.

Perhaps, in the realm of limited possibilities, lay a man's potential to maximize what he had.

"Seek, and ye shall find," the enigmatic thoughts resonated once more within Vik's consciousness.

The space around him seemed to tremble as the thought urged him to seek the answers within himself. So, instead of searching elsewhere, Vik turned inward, delving into the depths of his being to discover what he truly needed.

"What do I need?" he questioned, feeling the weight of his existence in the face of boundless possibilities. "If this is the realm of infinite choices, I seek an infinity that aligns with my existence and allows me to fully utilize my abilities."

"Seek, and ye shall find," the resounding thought echoed again as if a drop of ink had been released into a crystal-clear pool of water, leaving no trace.

Vik had grown accustomed to these interruptions, realizing that they were not meant to disrupt his thoughts but rather strengthen his resolve. He recited his newfound convictions to himself, embracing the resolutions that were forming within him.

"I now understand that my existence, once considered significant by me, pales in comparison to the vastness of the world around me. I refuse to limit myself based on my narrow perspective. I choose to be selfish, to protect what is mine at all costs. I yearn to be greedy, to live my life to the fullest and embrace all that it offers."

"Seek, and ye shall find," the resounding thought continued, pulsating with life.

"I seek power to rise above the limitations that have held me back. If my enemies are infinite, I demand infinite power to conquer them all. If fate blocks my path to destinations, I require endless ways to reach them. I crave the power to dream infinitely, to set boundless goals and explore infinite possibilities."

"Seek, and ye shall find," the thought reverberated once more, its presence akin to a living entity.

"If my own abilities are insufficient to fulfill my ambitions, I seek powers intertwined with the fabric of the universe itself, ready to heed my call."

Vik concluded his train of thought, fully aware that the one who posed the question was listening. In the next instant, he felt an indescribable sensation permeating his being as if his very existence was being inscribed with ancient runes.

Though he couldn't comprehend how he could feel something beyond his five senses, he knew that the runes etched upon his soul were becoming an integral part of his being.

Vik's conscious mind remained unaware of the events transpiring around him, unaware of the origin of the thoughts or the significance of the changes happening within him. But one thing was clear—he had made his desires known, and they were being answered.

For what purpose, he did not yet know. Unaware of the impact it would have on himself and the world he was about to enter.

The inscription of the runes upon his soul seemed to last for an eternity and a mere moment simultaneously. And then, as if being absorbed into his very essence, the runes dissolved, integrating themselves with his existence.

As Vik's subconsciousness grew hazy, the enigmatic thoughts whispered their final message.

"Seek, and ye shall find."

***

Elysian City-state of Phoenix, Arizona, USA, Earth.

Goldfield Ghost Town.

Once a tourist attraction in a bygone era, the town had transformed into a haven for the less fortunate inhabitants of the Elysian city-state. By Elysian standards, they were considered impoverished, yet the town maintained its eerie, ghostly ambiance. The passage of time had not erased the essence woven into its very fabric.

The Goldfield Ghost Town had expanded since its early days, now sprawling on the outskirts of Phoenix. The vintage homes retained their old-world charm while boasting modern amenities, as if the past and future had fused together in this space.

In a simple two-story suburban house located at the far corner of the town, away from the bustling activity, two individuals resided. One was still fast asleep, and the other, Reece Green, had developed a habit of playfully spying on her cohabitant.

Although Reece knew it was wrong, she couldn't resist the urge to sneak up on the person she harbored feelings for. Her heart raced each time, and the act had become her secret pastime.

"He's still not awake?" Reece questioned herself, peeking through the partially open door. This daily routine had become her way of checking on the person who shared her roof.

Convinced that he was harmless in his slumber, Reece pushed the door wider and observed the young man's peaceful rest. He lay motionless, resembling a figure in a deep slumber or even death itself.

It was a common sight. He always slept like a log, and Reece had taken to her routine out of both fondness and concern.

Reece approached the bed, her gaze fixed on the young man she cared for deeply. He was meant to be her mother's tenant, taken in at a young age when his own parents had disappeared. Reece's mother, being a friend of his parents, had extended her care to him.

Growing up together, Reece had developed a crush on this young man. His distinctive features included white hair and partially closed blue eyes, with blue highlights accentuating his hair. He possessed an otherworldly allure, standing on the cusp of metamorphosing into a true Metahuman.

"Sound asleep even when he's behind schedule," Reece mused silently, admiring his subtly attractive face. Though not particularly eye-catching by the city's standards, he held a unique charm in Reece's eyes.

"He needs to wake up, or we'll be late for work," Reece nodded to herself, contemplating a mischievous idea. A mischievous idea that quickly grew wilder.

"Heh, maybe a kiss will rouse him from his deep slumber, like in those fairy tales. I'll give it a try, purely for his own sake," Reece giggled, weaving a whimsical tale in her mind as she brought her lips closer to his.

Unbeknownst to her, the one she was about to kiss was no knight in shining armor.