I have the power

The power he wielded back then had made him omnipotent—and omniscient, if he desired—but he knew it was external.

He also knew the multiverses and universes he destroyed were empty husks, as he had just created them.

It would take thousands to millions of years for life to emerge, so he didn't have to worry about causing deaths.

Now, however, the power he was about to wield was his own, inseparable from him by any means—technological, magical, or both.

Once he removed the ring, he would possess nigh-omnipotent abilities on a scale even he couldn't fully comprehend.

This power would be accessible anytime, anywhere, as it originated from within him, unlike the Tenth Metal suits, gauntlets, or ring he currently wore.

Those tools elevated his abilities, but this was different. Before, he was like an amped-up Owen Reece, the Molecule Man, who once believed he could only use his powers through his wand.

Now, he was like the pre-retcon Molecule Man after breaking all his inhibitors. The power was his, and he could wield it at will.

[What are you afraid of?] Paris suddenly asked.

"Accidentally destroying the universe out of rage or something like that," James replied with a chuckle.

It was a half-joke, but the possibility was real given the abilities he now held.

[I've known you for years. I've analyzed, created, and updated countless personality profiles on you, and 'rageful monster' isn't one of them] Paris said as she gave James a reassuring look

[You're a frighteningly creative man and With the resources at your disposal, you could rule this planet or even the universe if you wanted... Instead, you work to make your planet better and safer] She continued as James began to feel a lot more confident

[I mean You might be impulsive and occasionally misuse your powers, but I don't see you ever becoming a threat,] Paris said, as she began laughing

She understood the extent of James's power better than he did. In her eyes, he was already ridiculously powerful—a pinnacle human with access to vast knowledge, the ability to become omnipotent at will, and unmatched creativity with his abilities.

"That's a bit scary, but thank you," James said with a smile.

[You're welcome. Now, remove the ring. I want to see what happens.]

"..."

"You just had to ruin the moment," James said, turning his attention back to the ring on his finger.

James wasn't overly worried about removing the ring. He had trained to handle such power and was confident he wouldn't be corrupted by it.

Still, a tiny "what if" lingered in his mind. James wasn't quick to anger, so he didn't fear accidentally annihilating the universe in a fit of rage, but there were scenarios that could push him to that point.

"Have the symbiotes been distributed?" James asked.

[Not yet. The original has been bonded to your mother as requested, and the distribution of the Dreamstone symbiotes to the rest of the family is still ongoing,] Paris replied.

"That covers everything, then," James said, taking a deep breath before preparing to remove the ring.

For safety, James teleported out of the planet and into space, facing the blazing sun. Under normal circumstances, the sun's heat would have incinerated him instantly, but he stood there effortlessly, unfazed by the lack of air or the extreme conditions.

He didn't even need to breathe, thanks to his enhanced physiology. Despite the hostile environment, James felt completely at ease.

Taking another deep breath, he finally removed the ring, returning it to the Resource Dimension.

The moment the ring was gone, James felt his once-limited abilities surge freely. His area of influence expanded dramatically, reaching heights he couldn't fully measure.

He knew one thing for certain: he could now cover this entire solar system and beyond with ease, warping reality on at least a solar system-wide scale.

He was omnipotent within a solar system far larger than Earth's—its sun alone was a million times larger than Sol, meaning its area of influence was exponentially greater.

"I just became ridiculous," James thought, smiling as he closed his eyes to savor his newfound power and limitless potential.

Seconds later, he vanished.