F*ck

[System Notice]

The host now possesses all the mass and celestial energy required to create a solar system. Since this will be the host's first solar system, it's recommended that the host makes the entirety of the system their main body.

Carter studied the system prompt, feeling a spark of curiosity. Fuse with it? he thought. But how does that even work? A solar system is really just planets orbiting a sun, right? If I fuse with it, isn't that like having a bunch of main bodies? What's the difference between this and just using clones?

[System]

In a conventional sense, yes. However, fusing with the solar system means the host will become one with it in every sense. This is the host's third state of evolution. By becoming a solar system, the host gains not only complete control over each celestial body but also full command over the domain itself. This will unlock more system functions and grant new abilities.

Carter grinned. "Sounds promising. So, what are the steps?"

[System]

Creating a solar system without fusing with it would only cost what's required to establish life on its planets. But if the host chooses to make it their main body, or "domain," a fully developed sun is necessary. It's also suggested that the host absorb half the mass from the ten planetary clones, as sustaining planets of their current size would drain excess resources.

"Yeah, that was the plan. Keeping ten Jupiters around would be a bit excessive." Carter glanced back at his new sun, a proud look on his face. "This whole 'becoming a solar system' thing is actually intriguing. And now that my sun has returned…"

He shifted his consciousness over to the sun, and a new sensation washed over him. He still felt like himself, yet profoundly different, with an awareness of the intense energy rippling through him. It was exhilarating, knowing he could unleash solar flares or alter his temperature with a mere thought. "How did this thing stay hidden for so long?"

[System]

Plot.

"Right, of course." With a smirk, Carter launched himself off in his sun form, making sure to stay clear of his planetary clones as he journeyed back to the sun he left the gravitational lock on.

"That damn sun's been draining me dry ever since I got here," Carter muttered, a bit of irritation slipping through. "Absorbing it is going to be a huge relief, especially since I planned to use it to form a more powerful god state."

In his sun form, Carter shot forward, moving at incredible speeds—far beyond anything he could have achieved before with his abilities fitting his size. Within minutes, he reached the edges of the now gone X3X solar system that contained the massive sun. "There she is," he said, taking in the star from an entire solar system away, its gravitational pull already reaching him. "So… usual colliding tactic, System?"

[System]

That's unnecessary. The host only needs to stay near it and absorb until you're the size of a fully grown sun. After that, convert the excess into celestial energy. Otherwise, the additional mass could turn the host into a blue straggler—a massive, intensely hot blue star.

"Simple enough." Carter moved directly in front of the sun, its gravitational pull drawing him even closer. Disengaging the gravitational lock, he began to drain it. Streams of radiant energy poured into him, and he expanded rapidly. The sun in front of him dwindled in size, while his own form swelled to a mature solar mass. Switching tactics, Carter started channeling the rest of the incoming energy into celestial energy, gaining billions every few seconds.

Just as he was about to complete the process, his surroundings changed subtly. The universe was a vast, dark stretch, but Carter's zone vision, now enhanced to a span of ten solar systems, let him perceive great distances. And now, there was… nothing in front of him. It wasn't a void of empty space, but a vast wall of inky black.

[WARNING!!]

The host has encountered an Adult Cosmic Dwarf Worm. Engaging with this entity at the host's current level is not advised. Evacuate immediately.

The sight hit him like a shockwave. What he was seeing was only its mouth, yet it was so colossal it could easily engulf dozens of suns. Its massive, serpentine head had pierced through space itself, its fanged maw poised right in front of him.

"Fuck."