Ch 2 - Exploring Home

After a while, Nexus gathered information about his current 'Home' from Lumos. He learned there were five vast floating continents, differing in size, hovering high above the water body of his realm. One was centrally positioned, right beneath the island he currently resided on, while the other four were in each cardinal direction. If these continents were placed on the water, they'd cover roughly 65% - 70% of his realm.

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Before taking any further actions, Nexus decided to establish cardinal points within his realm. Although there might already be established cardinal points, he chose to create new ones, inspired by the breathtaking panorama he had witnessed upon waking up. It was the first beautiful scene he had encountered in his brand-new life, and he wanted to designate it as North to serve as a reminder of that special moment. With these determinations, Nexus systematically set the foundational directions for his realm. After completing this task, Nexus took a moment to gaze into the northern scenery once again, truly captivated by the sight before him.

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While immersing himself in the sight, Nexus suddenly remembers something about these vast floating landmasses. They were unique in that each contained a single terrain style, more akin to regions than traditional continents, yet their sheer size made them far larger than typical islands. Puzzled about what to call them, he simply decided to refer to them as 'Regions designated by their cardinal directions, like the 'Northern Region' or 'Central Region', finding a compromise that suited their nature.

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As Nexus continued to ponder the vastness of his new realm and its designated regions, a pang of nostalgia struck him. He could hardly believe that he had been granted a second chance at life, let alone in such a magnificent place that he could now call home. Memories flooded back: being an orphan, perpetually alone. His exceptional intellect, while a blessing, had been a double-edged sword, making many seek his favor, yet genuine companionship eluded him. He had never known the warmth of true family or friends in his past life.

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However, with this fresh beginning spread out before him, Nexus felt a surge of determination. He resolved to savor every moment of this new life, living it to the fullest and refusing to be weighed down by the judgments or opinions of others.

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Suddenly, Nexus recalls something important and asks Lumos, "Oh! I forgot to inquire about something. Lumos, tell me my stats."

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Lumos respectfully responds, "Yes, my dearest master."

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Nexus interjects, "Just 'master' is sufficient."

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Lumos acquiesces, "Yes, master."

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Lumos then displays Nexus's stats on the transparent screen above him.

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[Name - Elyxian Nexus]

[Height - 6'2]

[Current Age - 0]

[Previous Age - 1657]

[Lifespan - Null]

(You possess no lifespan. Imagine a bucket filled with water but with a small hole at the bottom. The water will gradually drain out due to this hole. This water symbolizes life. What would happen if there were no holes? It would always remain full. And that's the case for you!)

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[Health Index: 29.6]

(For reference: 1 represents the health of an average human.)

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[Strength Index: 8.2]

(For reference: 1 represents the ability to lift 5 tons.)

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[Agility Index: 4.7]

(For reference: 1 represents a speed of 40m/s.)

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[Dexterity Index: 22.8]

(For reference: 1 represents the dexterity of two average humans.)

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[Defense Index: 15]

(For reference: 1 represents the defense capability of an average human.)

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[Stamina Index: 30]

(For reference: 1 represents the stamina of an average human.)

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[Luck - Null]

(You possess no luck. While the fortunes of other beings may influence their lives, your life is shaped solely by your decisions.)

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Upon seeing his stats, Nexus's eyes widen, especially at his age and lifespan. "1657 years... and an infinite lifespan? How is this possible?" he muttered to himself.

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"Nexus took a few moments, rubbing his temples to calm himself and process the staggering information. "The 'event' I mentioned before... could it be related? With such a lifespan, the world is full of endless opportunities. And perhaps, in time, I'll uncover the reason behind it."

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He straightened a determined glint in his eyes. "But for now, let's explore every corner of my new 'Home.'"

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Standing at the edge of the floating island, Nexus raises an important question, "Lumos, you mentioned that I am the master of this realm. That means I should have the ability to shape it according to my will, correct? Or is it you who holds the sole authority to make such changes? And can I also perform feats that defy the logic of my previous world, like flying or balancing a mountain on my fingertip?"

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Lumos responds promptly, "Yes, master. While I do possess the authority, I cannot exercise it without your permission. Besides, you too can reshape this realm as you see fit without needing my intervention at all. As for your other question, indeed, in this realm, you can achieve anything, regardless of its alignment with the logic you once knew."

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Absorbing this information, Nexus nods thoughtfully, "I see..." Then, with determination shining in his eyes, he takes a bold leap from the floating island, murmuring, "Well then..."

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The distance Nexus is plummeting from is almost unfathomable. Still, even as he falls, his expression remains serene, devoid of fear. After all, he had made such leaps back on Planet Earth, his old world, albeit with the assistance of a parachute. 

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The wind roars past him, but Nexus feels oddly at peace as if this moment of freefall offers a kind of clarity. Embracing this feeling, he shuts his eyes, savoring the sensation, and wills himself to float in the sky. When he opens them again, he finds himself not plummeting but floating gracefully, defying the very pull of gravity.

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As he soars higher, gaining a vantage point, the world below him unfolds in a spectacular panorama: vast terrains, shimmering waters, and the majestic silhouettes of the floating landmasses in the distance. Each breath brings a sense of profound freedom, and Nexus takes a moment to truly appreciate the beauty and potential of his realm.

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A serene smile graces Nexus's face, savoring the exhilaration of flying freely for an extended period. After relishing this newfound freedom and with curiosity burning in his eyes, Nexus prepares himself to delve deeper into the mysteries of each unique region within his vast realm. However, he decided to commence his exploration with the Central Region first. With that decision made, he gracefully touches down at the center of the Central Region below.

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In the heart of this expansive floating island, spanning a staggering 95 million square kilometers, lies a verdant forest filled with trees of various sizes and shapes. At the forest's center, an oddly-shaped mountain rises, equivalent in height to a 100-story building and covering an area of about 5,000 square kilometers. Uniquely, the mountain's upper section boasts a wider girth than its base. Its sides are decorated with moss, grass, and patches of trees, culminating in a flat summit that stretches over approximately 10,000 square kilometers and is blanketed with lush green grass. Standing tall and proud at the very center of this peak is a solitary tree, remarkable in its majesty.

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{Pic - The Central Region}

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Having safely landed on this vast summit, Nexus finds himself drawn to the colossal tree at its heart. Although it doesn't match the grandeur of the tree on the floating island above, its sheer size makes it clearly visible even from a distance, and it radiates a captivating allure all its own.

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Upon beholding the sight, an idea forms in Nexus's mind. Turning to Lumos, he inquires, "From what you've shared, there isn't any dedicated garden or farming area in this realm, is there?"

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Lumos confirms, "That's correct, master."

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With a resolute nod, Nexus outlines his vision to Lumos, who assures him, "Your will shall be executed, master."

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Nexus shifts his focus beyond the colossal tree, and with a mere thought, finds himself transported to the summit's northern edge. Intent on glimpsing the Northern Region, he wills a clearer view into existence. Overwhelmed by the breathtaking panorama of the Northern Region that sprawls before him, he can't help but exclaim in wonder.

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In the distance, Nexus's gaze fixates upon a magnificent sight—an immense waterfall cascading from the loftiest peak, cradled by a cluster of smaller mountains that only serve to enhance its splendor.

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Before one can reach this majestic mountain and its accompanying waterfall, some small floating islands remain suspended amidst the boundless sky. These islands stand as silent sentinels, flanking the awe-inspiring cascade, their presence adding an enchanting allure to the scene. As for the waterfall itself, its waters rush downward, disappearing into the vast expanse of water below.

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{Pic - The Northern Region}

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After immersing himself in the mesmerizing view for a while, Nexus resolves to address an issue he had observed before fully exploring his newfound home.

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According to Lumos, there is currently no time zone in his realm. While it would be easy to implement the same time zone as his previous world, Nexus desires a unique time zone for his realm, distinct from that of Planet Earth. After considerable contemplation, he finally found a suitable solution and decided to maintain it as it was.

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[Nexus' Realm Time Units]

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1. Tack:

The basic unit of time.

Equivalent to our 1 second.

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2. Tic: 

100 Tacks = 1 Tic. 

Equivalent to our 1 minute.

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3. Phase:

100 Tics = 1 Phase.

10,000 tacks = 1 Phase.

Equivalent to our 1 hour.

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4. Dawn:

100 Phases = 1 Dawn.

1,000,000 Tacks = 1 Dawn.

Equivalent to our 1 day.

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5. Epoh:

20 Dawns = 1 Epoh.

20,000,000 Tacks = 1 Epoh.

Equivalent to our 1 week. (Note: Our weeks are 7 days.)

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6. Erik:

5 Epohs = 1 Erik.

100,000,000 Tacks = 1 Erik.

This represents a month in Nexus's world. However, unlike our variable-length months (28-31 days), Erik is a consistent 100 days (about 3 and a half months).

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7. Enon:

25 Eriks = 1 Enon.

2,500,000,000 Tacks = 1 Enon.

This represents a year in Nexus's world. An Enon consists of 2,500 days (about 7 years), making it significantly longer than our standard year of 365 or 366 days (about 1 year).

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Comparative Duration:

1 Earth year is approximately 31,536,000 seconds (about 12 months).

1 Enon in Nexus's world equates to a substantial 79.24 years on Earth.]

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Satisfied with the outcome, Nexus instructs Lumos to implement these changes, appreciating the convenience of having a capable assistant.

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Nexus then recalls another important detail he nearly forgot—the display of his current age. As he examines himself in front of a mirror, he is surprised to see a youthful appearance that appears to be around 20 or 22 years old. Lumos reminds him that he was given a second chance in life with his previous body, albeit with some enhancements. After careful consideration, Nexus decides to set his age at 20, aligning it with Earth's time and his newly created time zone. Knowing it'll take some time for him to adjust to the new time zone, he chooses to display both age representations side by side on the panel while also intending to hide his previous life's age.

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[Name - Elyxian Nexus]

[Current Age - 20 years (Earth time) / 0.25235 Enon (Home Time)]

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Now having addressed all the immediate concerns, Nexus felt an urge to experience the majestic beauty of the waterfall up close.

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Upon approaching, he descended gracefully, landing beside the expansive lake at the waterfall's base, its depth surprisingly shallow. Standing before this spectacle, he reveled in the cooling mist that kissed his face. A verdant forest surrounded him, its quiet splendor hidden from afar.

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{Pic - The Waterfall}

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Considering the lake's potential, Nexus envisioned a deeper body of water, more fitting for an outdoor bath. With mere intention, the lake deepened to his liking. With that sorted, he levitated, savoring the joy of unhindered flight.

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Surveying his realm, Nexus set his sights on the other 2 cardinal regions, eager to discover their secrets.

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The Western Region: Journeying westward, Nexus beholds a grand waterfall cascading into an enigmatic valley, surrounded by towering mountains and ancient sentinels. The muted shades of grey and black imbue a tranquil contemplation, preserving the pure elegance and wonder of nature.

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{Pic – The Western Region}

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The Eastern Region: To the east, Nexus encounters a stunning display of mountainous splendor. Mighty rock formations rise, echoing the passage of ages with their earthy hues. This landscape is a masterpiece of nature, where each detail speaks of deliberate artistry—a harmonious blend of land and horizon, capturing nature's primal magnificence.

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{Pic – The Eastern Region}

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After traversing each cardinal region of his realm, Nexus finds himself back at the floating island of his awakening. Drawn to the tree, he selects a cozy spot beneath its shade to rest. After a reflective pause, he addresses Lumos, inquiring, "Lumos, what deeds did I perform in my past life to be bestowed with such remarkable gifts?"

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Lumos responds with respect, "I apologize, master. I have no knowledge of your previous life."

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Nexus waves off the matter, saying, "Oh... that's alright. I shouldn't be caught up in the past when the future holds infinite possibilities. I won't let something so trivial stand in the way of what's ahead."

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Getting on his feet, Nexus proclaims, "With everything in order, it's time I head to my dwelling, though sleeping under this vast expanse would be a charm given the spectacular surroundings. But first I want to address the concept of day and night in my realm."

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After a moment's reflection, he decides, "No, I won't adhere to a traditional day-night cycle. Instead, I'd prefer the skies to display a unique visage each day, changing at random."

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At his command, Lumos displays numerous panels, each adorned with captivating images of the sky.

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From the array presented, Nexus meticulously examines the various celestial depictions. After deliberate thought, he picks out four distinct images to symbolize the sky of his realm.

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The 1st Picture showcases a mesmerizing expanse of the universe, painted in vivid hues of blue and pink. This vibrant palette suggests a sky transitioning between day and night. Clusters of clouds grace this canvas with assured presence, their forms juxtaposed against a backdrop sprinkled with twinkling stars. The composition's portrait orientation further accentuates the sky's vastness, culminating in a portrayal of nature's celestial dance at possibly sunset.

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{Pic - Sky 1}

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The 2nd Picture showcases a brilliant deep blue sky adorned with clouds and punctuated by scattered stars. This deep azure backdrop, contrasting with the blue-gray clouds, creates a serene atmosphere. This effortlessly marries terrestrial beauty with celestial wonder, evoking a tranquil sense of admiration.

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{Pic - Sky 2}

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The 3rd Picture showcases the vast expanse of a deep blue sky, where fluffy white clouds meander amongst glittering stars. This celestial tableau exudes a sense of depth and infinity, connecting the viewer to the vastness of the universe. While the stars hint at the mysteries of the cosmos, the clouds ground the scene in earthly beauty, creating a harmonious blend of the terrestrial and the astral. The image emanates a peaceful ambiance, encapsulating nature's grandeur and the boundless universe beyond.

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{Pic - Sky 3}

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The 4th Picture showcases a serene expanse of sky bathed in varying hues of blue. Soft, billowing clouds drift lazily, creating a dreamy tapestry overhead. Among these clouds, distant stars shimmer, suggesting the gentle encroachment of twilight. This visual ode seamlessly marries the earthly with the cosmic, presenting a tranquil slice of the great outdoors.

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{Pic - Sky 4}

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After selecting the style, Nexus then gives his command to Lumos, "Lumos, integrate these changes into my realm. Ensure that at each dawn, starting from tomorrow, the sky reflects one of these four images seamlessly."

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Lumos nods in acknowledgment, "As you wish, master."

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Stretching and yawning, Nexus says, "I don't know. For some reason, I am feeling quite tired today. I think I should get some rest for now. Lumos, lead me to my dwelling."

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Lumos promptly replies, "Right away, master."