Chapter 11: Paranoid

Elysium, Origin Dimension

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While the Celestials were still in recovery from the aftermath of their war, I turned my focus to the Syntari. They had finally adjusted well to life within Elysium, and I could see them thriving and evolving, a new generation now steadily emerging. The genesis core—was working perfectly, providing each new Syntari with full sentience as soon as they were brought into being. The process was seamless, for their intentions while creating new life were pure and aligned with the genesis core, making sentience an immediate gift.

Seated on my throne in the majestic Elysium Citadel, I summoned the Council to meet with me. They arrived quickly, standing in respectful silence—a group of powerful leaders who represented the wisdom and strengths of the Syntari. Zenith stood loyally at my side, while Elys sat on the other. The Council greeted us with warm respect before starting their reports on the state of the Syntari.

Lunaris, the Council's leader, spoke first. "The Syntari are adapting well to their powers," she reported. "We've noticed that some of them, especially those with strong bonds to each other, have begun creating new energy forms. As they do, the genesis core is providing these new beings with full awareness. But we've also noticed that this process takes a toll on the creators."

I nodded, understanding her concern, and gave a careful explanation. "Yes, Lunaris, this design is intentional. Each Syntari must give a small part of their own essence when they create new life. This is essential because it creates a real connection between them and the new Syntari they bring into existence. When a Syntari desires to create new life, the genesis core takes a part of their essence, which then gives full awareness to the emerging being, forming a new Syntari."

I paused to let them absorb my words, then continued. "This approach is important for a few reasons. By tying each new Syntari to the creator's essence, we can naturally regulate the population. New life will only be created when there is true intent behind it. Additionally, this process allows new Syntari time to learn, adapt, and grow with the community rather than being given instant knowledge."

The Council listened closely, nodding as they took in this deeper understanding of our system. The genesis core was achieving exactly what I intended: not only creating life but ensuring each new Syntari had a purpose and connection. This balance allowed the Syntari to grow with meaning, learning and innovating naturally instead of merely being 'created' and given knowledge telepathically. My vision for Elysium was a society that could grow and evolve, not one that simply filled its ranks without developing wisdom and experience.

After listening to my explanation, the Council shared something intriguing: they had recently started discovering new powers and sensed a unique energy that a few of them—and some of the Syntari—were beginning to connect with. This energy felt unlike anything they had encountered before, sparking within them a new sense of awareness and potential. They described it as a force deeply resonant with the essence of creation itself.

"Yes," I responded. "This is a new energy emanating from the genesis core. It is now capable of producing Cosmic energy. This energy's primary purpose is creation, but with enough mastery, it could be harnessed for much more. If any of you fully unlock its potential, you could reach the level of cosmic beings, like us."

The Council members exited with a sense of purpose, inspired by the chance to one day master the energy of the genesis core. Only Lunaris remained, her expression reflecting curiosity mixed with a hint of nervousness. I turned to her, knowing I had to discuss something important.

…

"Lunaris, I have something important to discuss with you," I began, choosing my words carefully. "It concerns the future of the Syntari."

She focused her attention fully on me, nodding. "Yes, Founder. I am here to assist you in any way I can."

I hesitated for a moment before sharing my thoughts. "I fear that one day, some among the Syntari may turn against me. There is always the risk of betrayal."

Lunaris's expression immediately grew serious, a fierce loyalty evident in her gaze. Nearby, Zenith and Elys, who had been listening, also turned their attention to me.

"What has made you feel this way, Ryan?" Elys asked, concern evident in her voice.

Lunaris's eyes narrowed with resolve. "Founder, if you know of anyone with such thoughts, simply tell me. I will ensure they are erased at once."

I shook my head slowly. "No, Lunaris, nothing has happened yet. But I can't ignore the possibility. In the first cosmos, the First Firmament created the Celestials, only to be betrayed by them. Then the Celestials created the Exterminators, who also turned against them. Throughout history, creators have often been betrayed by their own creations. I want to prevent that here, but without destroying what we've built."

Lunaris nodded thoughtfully. "You fear the same fate could unfold with the Syntari."

"Exactly," I replied. "I want to make sure that loyalty endures, but without relying on force or fear."

I paused, then shared something new with her. "I have recently gained a power called Seed of Sin, with it, I can plant a seed within the consciousness of a target that grows in strength as their sins accumulate. This seed will pass down through generations and, once fully grown, will give me the ability to control, weaken, or even destroy them mentally. I can bestow these sins to the syntari using the power bestowal."

A spark of understanding lit Lunaris's eyes. "Then, Founder, we could use this power as a safeguard for the Syntari. Should any of them show signs of corruption or disloyalty, this seed would enable you to intervene silently, redirecting them back to loyalty—or eliminating the threat."

Elys nodded. "This gives us a silent protection, a way to ensure loyalty without heavy-handed measures."

Zenith added thoughtfully, "But we must also nurture loyalty with wisdom, unity, and purpose. This power can be our last resort, but guidance and understanding must be our foundation."

I nodded in agreement. "Yes, Seed of Sin will be reserved for true threats—a quiet safeguard. Our main goal will still be to build a society that deeply values unity and loyalty, so betrayal never even takes root."

Lunaris looked at me with determination. "Then, Founder, I will help ensure this future. Together, we'll use wisdom and loyalty. I believe there won't be any need to activate the Seed of Sin to protect what you've created."

"I hope so," I replied. After that, I harnessed my essence of sin alongside my power of Bestowal, bestowing the Seed of Sin upon all the Syntari except Lunaris, allowing it to lie dormant within their consciousness.

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