《Void Creationist》 Chapter One Oblivion Chapter One Oblivion There was no tunnel, no light waiting for Liam at the end. As he lay on the pavement, the world blurred around him. The sharp cold of the ground seeped through his clothes, but the pain was fading, replaced by a numbness spreading through his limbs. Voices echoed¡ªpanicked, urgent¡ªbut they seemed distant, as if he were underwater. "Hold on," someone urged, their voice trembling. "Help¡¯s coming. Just hold on." But Liam knew. The sirens, faint and far away, wouldn¡¯t arrive soon enough. The darkness edged closer, like a wave swallowing the shore, and he could feel the pull. The world was slipping, and then came the oblivion. He was no more. ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ Until, without warning, existence snapped back¡ªsudden and jarring. Liam became aware in an instant, though he wasn¡¯t sure how or for how long he had been nothing. Time felt meaningless, as though it had been erased with him. But now, there was something. A slow, creeping awareness that filled him, pulling him back into being. He didn¡¯t feel his body, but he knew he was here. Wherever here was. The darkness was endless, a black void stretching in every direction. There was no sky, no earth beneath his feet¡ªonly the oppressive weight of nothingness pressing in on him. It was different from the oblivion, though. In this place, he existed. But why? How? Liam floated in the stillness, surrounded by the emptiness, questions swirling in the void around him. He had been no more¡ªso why was he here now? Before Liam could even finish that thought, something shifted in the void. For the first time since arriving in this empty space, he saw a flickering image¡ªa loading screen suspended in the darkness. The words ¡°LOADING¡¡± glowed faintly, and the progress bar filled steadily to 80%. He blinked, unsure of what he was witnessing. Was this some kind of sign? The void seemed to hum around him, and he couldn¡¯t help but wonder if it was trying to convey something. The loading screen hung there, simple and unyielding, offering no explanations. Liam felt a mix of confusion and curiosity. What would happen when it reached 100%? Would he be pulled back into reality, or would he remain lost in this void? Full of uncertainty, Liam could only wait as the bar slowly filled, unsure how long it took the bar to fill. It could have been anything from a few minutes to days, as it was hard to judge the passing of time in the emptiness of this place. Once the bar finally reached 100, Liam heard a ding as he felt a wave of energy ripple through the void, changing it until he stood in front of a large loading screen that glowed softly with the message: ¡°Welcome to the Void¡¯s Creation System.¡± The towering columns rose high above him, framing the space with their solid presence. The walls were smooth and imposing, and the vastness of the room emphasized the stillness around him. Liam found himself reaching for the screen. Upon touching it, the display shifted to a registration page one might find on any website, prompting him to create a new account. Unsure what else to do, Liam clicked the new user button, only to see that most of the information listed was already filled out with only the user¡¯s name blank. Username: Real Name: Liam Gray Age:21 Titles: Void Creationist Universe of Origin: Kosmos Planet of Origin: Earth Species: Human (Prime) Liam hesitated, staring at the registration page. The flickering text in front of him seemed surreal, yet undeniable. His hands hovered over the screen, fingers trembling slightly as they brushed the empty field where his username should go. It was strange, being pulled from non-existence into this, something as simple as a form to fill out. His name was already there, his age, his titles¡ªVoid Creationist. What did that mean? The rest of the information made sense, at least to some extent, but that title unsettled him. Was this his new role, or something deeper, tied to this strange place? He didn¡¯t feel like a creator. He typed "Liam" into the username field, despite the redundancy. As soon as his fingers left the screen, the page blinked out of existence, replaced by a message: "Registration complete. Welcome, Void Creationist." A low hum echoed through the air, and the room began to shift. The columns stretched higher, their tops vanishing into the shadows above. The walls, once smooth and featureless, now pulsed with a faint energy, almost as if they were alive. Liam stepped back instinctively, taking in the expanding space. Then, the screen reappeared, larger this time, floating in the center of the room. A new prompt flashed before him: Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. "Create your first world." Liam blinked. Create a world? He barely knew what this place was, let alone how to build something from it. The words carried weight, something tied to his existence here, though the meaning was still unclear. He paused, feeling the gravity of the moment settle over him. "What if I don¡¯t want to create anything?" he muttered, his voice barely a whisper in the vastness. But there was no response. Only silence, thick and steady, as the screen waited patiently for his input. Liam stared at the prompt, a subtle tension building in the stillness. The idea of creation felt foreign, almost too large for him to grasp. What would he even begin with? He didn¡¯t know the rules of this place¡ªif there were any. The screen blinked again, the words shifting slightly: "You must create." The tone was neutral, neither demanding nor inviting, but absolute. The hum in the air deepened, as if the void itself was waiting for him to act. Liam exhaled slowly, feeling the weight of this command settle over him. He had no tools, no instructions, no guidelines. Just¡ the void. His mind searched for something familiar, something to start with. He pictured a simple, open field. Grass beneath his feet, sky overhead¡ªsomething peaceful, something that made sense. He reached out toward the screen once more, hesitating as his finger hovered above the "Create" button. His mind swirled with possibilities and doubts, and yet, in this strange void, it felt like the only path forward. With a sharp breath, he pressed the button. For a moment, nothing happened. Then, slowly, the room began to shift around him. The air grew warmer, the walls and columns fading away as if dissolving into mist. Beneath his feet, a soft breeze stirred, and then¡ªthere it was. Grass. It stretched out in all directions, swaying gently in the breeze. Above, a pale blue sky appeared, dotted with clouds. Liam¡¯s heart quickened. He could feel the earth underfoot now, solid and real. He knelt down, fingers brushing the soft blades, and a sense of calm washed over him. He had created this. The field stretched on endlessly, peaceful and vast, but empty. There was no sound, no movement beyond the rustling of the grass. Liam stood, taking in the space around him. It was beautiful, but incomplete. The world felt thin, like it was missing a core. Suddenly, the screen blinked into existence again, interrupting the moment. "Continue building your world." Liam swallowed. The first step had been easier than he¡¯d expected, but now, with the void watching him, it felt like there was so much more to do. Creation wasn¡¯t just about placing things into existence¡ªit was about shaping something that mattered. But what did matter, here, in this vast space where only he existed? He stepped forward, gazing out over the empty horizon. Liam stood, his eyes scanning the vast, empty landscape he had brought into existence. The grass was soft beneath his feet, the sky above serene, but the stillness unnerved him. It was too perfect, too silent, like a painting without life. He was missing something¡ªsomething essential. He took a deep breath, closing his eyes, and thought. What was it he needed? The screen¡¯s command to ¡°Continue building¡± pressed against him like an unseen force, but he wasn¡¯t sure what came next. Life, he thought. There should be life. The idea took root, spreading through him with a strange, growing certainty. Life meant movement, connection¡ªthings that broke the monotony of emptiness. But how did one create life? He opened his eyes, and the screen appeared again in front of him, as though reading his thoughts. A new option was waiting: "Create Life Form." The words flickered in the air, and for a moment, Liam hesitated. Was this what he was supposed to do? Did he have the right to create something from nothing? But as the silence deepened, the same pressure returned, urging him forward. He reached out, touched the screen again, and watched as a new interface opened up. A list of options unfolded before him¡ªshapes, forms, traits, details about the kind of life he could bring into existence. Some were familiar, like animals, plants, and humans, but others were strange, abstract, and completely alien. The sheer variety overwhelmed him. He thought of a bird first¡ªsmall, simple, something that wouldn¡¯t feel too foreign in this new world. He selected a familiar form, one with wings, feathers, and a beak. The details emerged, more specific now¡ªits colors, its sounds, the way it would move. He refined it without thinking, his mind filling in the gaps. When he finished, he pressed the final "Create" button, and the interface dissolved. For a moment, the air around him felt thick, and then¡ª A flutter of wings. Liam looked up, and there it was¡ªa single bird. Liam watched the bird with a faint sense of pride as it fluttered through the air, gliding effortlessly. But then, something shifted. Its wings faltered, and its graceful flight turned into a desperate flapping. The bird¡¯s body jerked, struggling to stay aloft, until finally, it plunged downward. Liam rushed forward as the bird crashed to the ground, its small form trembling, gasping for breath. His heart sank as he knelt beside it, helpless. The life he had just created was slipping away. It thrashed weakly, its eyes wide and confused, and then¡ªstillness. The bird was dead. A heavy silence fell over the scene. Liam stared at the lifeless creature, his hands hovering uselessly above it. He had brought it into existence, and yet it hadn¡¯t survived. There was no air, no water, no food¡ªnothing to sustain life. The peaceful field, once so inviting, now felt cold and barren, a fa?ade of a world that lacked everything real life needed. He stood slowly, his gaze shifting to the sky, the grass, the horizon. The realization hit him like a wave. This wasn¡¯t just about placing things into existence¡ªit wasn¡¯t enough to create something and expect it to thrive. There were no rules here unless he made them, no systems to support life unless he built them. Liam stared at the screen, the message hovering once again: "Continue building." And this time, the weight of it sank in fully. This wasn¡¯t about creating a single thing. It was about building an entire world, piece by piece. Each element had to be woven together, connected, alive. Without that, it was all meaningless. He exhaled, feeling the enormity of the task ahead of him. It wasn¡¯t just about creation. It was about sustaining that creation¡ªmaking a world that could live on its own. His mind swirled with new ideas, new possibilities, and with it, a sense of responsibility. Chapter 2 The Cradle Liam stood in the silent field, staring down at the small grave he¡¯d made for the bird. The grass, pale and lifeless, didn¡¯t sway as he expected. Wind, he thought. This world needed wind, rain¡ªmovement. It needed breath. His mind was already whirring with ideas, a blueprint taking shape in his thoughts, when¡ª Ding! A hollow chime echoed through the stillness. The screen reappeared, floating before him, but this time, a new message flashed across it in bold, cold letters: Achievement Unlocked: "First Offering to the Void" Description: The first death of created life has fed the Void, marking the beginning of its nourishment. Liam¡¯s breath caught. Fed the Void? The words unsettled him, echoing in his mind. His fingers twitched, the weight of the message pressing down on him like an unseen force. The screen held no further explanations, no deeper insights¡ªonly the achievement, lingering like a mark he couldn¡¯t erase. Then, the message faded, replaced by a single prompt: ¡°Continue building.¡± Liam¡¯s gaze dropped back to the grave, the unsettling notion lingering. Each life, each death, it seemed, was not without consequence here. With a shiver, he turned back to the screen, his resolve tempered by a new awareness that he wasn¡¯t just building in this void; he was feeding it. Liam''s gaze lingered on the small grave, the soil freshly turned, still and silent. The absence of wind, of movement, seemed to close in around him, thickening the air. His mind filled with questions, but the stark reminder of the bird¡¯s death held him still. Feeding the Void. What did that mean? Each act of creation, each life and each death, held consequences here. He took a slow breath, steadying himself. If he was to create more, it would need to be complete¡ªnot a half-breathing world with fading life. The blueprint in his mind began forming anew, tracing a framework of elements this place needed to sustain itself. He turned back to the screen, fingers hovering over the prompt: ¡°Continue building.¡± The screen pulsed faintly in response, as if alive to his thoughts, and a new menu of options unfolded. ¡°Basic Elements,¡± it read, followed by several choices: Atmosphere, and Light Source. Both seemed obvious to Liam. Liam took a steadying breath, fingers brushing the screen as he examined the options. Light Source. He knew instinctively that light would be the foundation for everything else. Life needed warmth, day and night, the rhythms that allowed growth and rest. Although he seemed to have no problem without it, his world would be just a cold, dark shell without it. Liam turned back to the screen, his heart racing as he examined the options for a light source. The menu unfolded before him, revealing a list that mixed the familiar with the fantastical: 1. Sun: A radiant sphere providing warmth and daylight, mimicking a traditional solar system. 2. Ethereal Star Crystals: Floating, translucent crystals shimmering with an inner light, casting colorful reflections across the landscape. 3. Celestial Orbs: Spherical, glowing entities that hover and change colors, illuminating the world with a gentle, magical light. 4. Fey Lanterns: Enchanted lanterns filled with captured starlight that flicker and dance like fireflies, creating a whimsical ambiance. 5. Luminous Flora: Resilient plants that glow in vibrant hues, capable of thriving in any environment. From the darkest corners of the void to the brightest fields, they adapt and flourish, providing a steady light that nourishes the surrounding area. 6. Aura Wisps: Tiny, glowing spirits that flit around, illuminating their surroundings and leaving trails of light that enhance the ethereal quality of the world. 7. Living Flame: A magical fire source that hovers in the air, providing warmth and light without consuming anything, its colors shifting with the environment. 8. Dreamlight: A soft, pulsating glow that emanates from the ground or sky, changing in response to the emotions around it. 9. Moonstone Beacons: Large, glowing stones that pulse with calming light, serving as guides in the landscape. 10. Frostfire: A cool, blue flame that casts an icy glow without heat, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. Liam paused, weighing his options. Each choice held potential, a promise of life and warmth in his newly created world. He pictured how the ethereal star crystals might dance in the breeze, but then his gaze settled on the Luminous Flora. Imagining the moonflowers radiating soft silver light at night and sun blossoms emitting golden light during the day, Liam felt a sense of certainty wash over him. These plants would not only illuminate the field but also bring a sense of life and permanence, able to survive and thrive regardless of the conditions around them. He selected the Luminous Flora, anticipation thrumming in his chest as he prepared to introduce these magical plants into his world. After making his selection he watched as massive vines shot up from the ground, thick and winding, reaching all the way into the sky. They stretched out, crisscrossing over everything like a network of highways. On the massive vines, clusters of flowers began to bloom, each set taking its turn with the rhythm of day and night. The day-blooming flowers opened first, filling the sky with a warm, steady light, casting a golden glow over everything below. Then, as evening approached, those flowers faded, and a second set of blooms took over¡ªsoft, silver-white petals unfurling in the dimming light, bringing a gentler, more peaceful glow that spread across the night. Liam took a step back, watching the world around him shift in color and light with each cycle. Liam looked up, taking it all in. It was simple but massive¡ªa sky filled with light that didn¡¯t need a sun or stars, just these huge, glowing vines that seemed to be breathing life into his world. Next Liam focused on the air or lack of air surrounding him. He understood that more than just land and light was need for life to thrive; it needed a protective blanket that could support it. He envisioned a vibrant sphere enveloping the entire realm, a blend of gases that would create the perfect balance for growth and sustenance. As he focused on the task, he envisioned a shimmering veil that would rise from the ground, weaving around the landscapes he had crafted. With a deliberate touch, he summoned the elements to form this atmosphere sphere, calling forth wisps of air, particles of moisture, and vibrant colors that danced like ribbons in the wind. The air filled with a soft, melodic hum as it took shape, swirling in gentle currents that brought movement to his creation. He could see how it would interact with the luminous flora, allowing their radiant light to filter through, casting beautiful hues across the land. The atmosphere would carry the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the freshness of rain, inviting life to thrive. Next, he infused the sphere with moisture, creating clouds that floated lazily above the endless fields. He imagined these clouds darkening with the promise of rain, releasing gentle showers that would nourish the earth and the plants below. A rhythm of life began to pulse within the atmosphere, cycles of day and night unfolding as the currents shifted and swirled. Liam stepped back, observing as the atmosphere took its place above the landscapes, a protective layer that would cradle his world. He felt a sense of satisfaction wash over him, knowing that this sphere was not just a necessity but a vital element that would allow his vibrant creation to flourish. Each breath of air, each drop of rain, would weave together the tapestry of life he was so passionately crafting, ensuring that every plant and every future being would thrive under its embrace. Liam knew he wasn¡¯t done yet. He envisioned more than just a simple plain of fields; he yearned for a vibrant world teeming with variety. The blueprint in his mind expanded as he set to work, shaping lush forests where towering trees with broad canopies would create shaded groves filled with dappled light. He pictured the rustle of leaves in a gentle breeze, the vibrant greens of life contrasting against the pale expanse he had first known. Next, he imagined dry deserts, vast and arid, with rolling dunes that glinted like gold under the glow of his luminous flora. Each grain of sand would be a testament to resilience, the stark beauty of a harsh landscape showcasing nature''s adaptability. His thoughts then turned to frozen tundras, a landscape of white and blue where icy winds would sweep across endless stretches of snow. He envisioned hardy plants clinging to life amid the cold, their vibrant colors a striking contrast against the frozen backdrop, thriving against the odds. Surrounding this diverse land, he crafted three oceans, their waters sparkling under the radiant glow of the luminous flora. The waves lapped gently at the shores, creating a rhythm of life that echoed throughout his creation. He imagined the oceans meeting the Void, a boundary that marked the edge of his world. You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.To contain all of this, he envisioned a giant wall rising from the depths of the ocean, encircling his creation like a protective barrier. The wall stood tall and imposing, its surface shimmering as if woven from the very light that illuminated his world. From this wall, the light vines cascaded down, hanging over the land like a protective canopy, nurturing the plants and ensuring that life could flourish in every corner of his new realm. Liam stepped back, surveying the expanse of what he had created. Each element was interconnected, a tapestry of life that breathed with the promise of growth and resilience. He felt a sense of fulfillment, knowing that this world would not just exist; it would thrive, sustained by the vibrant energy of his luminous flora and the careful balance of its diverse landscapes. As Liam gazed across the vibrant expanse of his creation, a realization settled deep within him: while his landscapes thrived with lush forests, dry deserts, and sparkling oceans, they were silent. The absence of life echoed in the stillness, a reminder that something essential was missing. He had built the foundations for existence, but now he needed to breathe life into it. He turned his attention to the screen, his heart racing with the possibilities ahead. The vibrant hues of his luminous flora were captivating, yet they needed companionship. He envisioned creatures that would roam the forests, glide across the deserts, and swim in the oceans, filling the air with sounds and movements that would transform his world into a living tapestry. The screen flickered to life, once again offering him options, just as it had when he created the bird. This time, however, he felt a profound sense of readiness. The world he had built was no longer a barren canvas; it was prepared to welcome life. As he examined the list of potential creatures, a familiar longing stirred within him. He thought of the small bird he had created¡ªthe one whose death had reminded him of the fragility of life. It felt only right to give it a second chance. His fingers hovering over the screen, and he saw it bring up a template of the bird he made before. The memory of that little creature, with its vibrant feathers and curious eyes, flashed through his mind. It had been a spark of joy in his otherwise quiet world, and now, with everything else in place, he was determined to restore it. Liam focused on the options presented to him, selecting the characteristics he wished to enhance. He envisioned a bird that not only soared through the skies but thrived in this vibrant ecosystem. He began with the colors, choosing a palette that reflected the luminous flora surrounding him. Shades of deep blue, bright yellow, and glimmering green would make it stand out against the lush backdrop. He carefully crafted its form¡ªslender yet strong, with graceful wings designed for effortless flight. With each adjustment, he felt a growing excitement, an anticipation for the life he was about to introduce. The screen hummed softly as it processed his choices, and Liam could almost hear the faint chirping of the bird in his imagination, a sound he had missed so dearly. Finally, with a steadying breath, he confirmed his creation, ready for the return of his first creation. For the first time since using the screen, he felt an intense resistance as if the energy he was reaching into the Void was met with a force that clutched tightly to its territory, unwilling to release what it had already swallowed. The vibrant colors he had chosen began to swirl and blur, their brilliance dimming against the Void¡¯s oppressive grip. It felt as if the very fabric of existence was being pulled, stretched thin at the seams. The air crackled with an unsettling tension, a reminder that he was not merely creating but wrestling with an ancient emptiness that craved to keep what it had consumed. ¡°Come on!¡± Liam urged, his frustration boiling over. He envisioned the bird¡ªthe spark of joy it had brought him in its brief existence. He could almost hear its vibrant song in his mind, feel the flutter of its wings against his skin. ¡°You deserve this chance,¡± he whispered, willing the creation into being. But the Void fought back, its resistance thickening like a wall around his thoughts. Liam sensed its hunger, an insatiable desire to cling to the life it had already claimed. With every ounce of his will, he pushed against that darkness, forcing his vision to crystallize. He pictured the bird more vividly than ever, channeling his intent into every detail¡ªthe deep blues, the bright yellows, the graceful form of its wings. Each pulse of energy surged through him, pushing against the Void''s grip as he fought for the life he was determined to restore. Just as doubt threatened to creep in, the screen flared brightly, illuminating the darkness with the promise of life. Colors surged, and with a final, defiant push, he felt the resistance shatter like glass. A surge of energy enveloped him, lifting his spirit as the swirling colors coalesced into form¡ªa flash of feathers, a glimmer of bright eyes, and then it was there, suspended in the air before him: the bird, reborn. The creature stirred, blinking as if awakening from a long slumber. It stretched its wings, revealing a dazzling tapestry of colors that echoed the vibrance of the luminous flora surrounding it. With a triumphant chirp, it took flight, darting through the air in joyous loops, filling the silent realm with sound and movement once more. Liam watched, breathless, as the bird soared higher, weaving through the cascading vines of light. A weight lifted from his heart; this was more than just a creation¡ªit was a resurrection, a celebration of life that defied the Void¡¯s grip. Liam watched, breathless, as the bird soared higher, weaving through the cascading vines of light. A weight lifted from his heart; this was more than just a creation¡ªit was a resurrection, a celebration of life that defied the Void¡¯s grip. As the bird darted through the air, a hollow ding! echoed in the stillness, and a new message appeared on the screen, glowing with a triumphant light: Achievement Unlocked: "Rebirth in the Void Description: The successful restoration of a lost creature has forged a bond between life and the Void. Future creations will possess greater resilience towards the void and may linger as spirits, but beware: the Void remains insatiable and will continue to seek to devour them. Liam¡¯s eyes widened at the message. He felt a surge of hope wash over him, tempered by the reminder of the Void¡¯s relentless hunger. This wasn¡¯t just a victory for him; it was a promise that the lives he would create in this world could endure against the encroaching darkness, even if that darkness would always loom, eager to reclaim what it had lost. The bird, now a flurry of color and energy, landed gracefully on a branch of the nearest luminous vine, its head tilted curiously as it surveyed its surroundings. Liam smiled, a sense of warmth flooding his chest. He felt a connection to this creature, a bond that transcended its first brief life. It was more than just a bird; it was a symbol of hope and the beginning of something magnificent. With a newfound determination, Liam turned back to the screen, eager to continue his work. He began to explore the options for creating more creatures, his imagination racing with ideas. ¡°Let¡¯s see what else we can bring to life,¡± he murmured, the possibilities unfurling before him like petals in the sun. He pictured small mammals darting through the underbrush, graceful reptiles basking in the warmth of the luminous flora, and vibrant fish swimming in the sparkling oceans. Each choice would contribute to the balance of his world, intertwining life in ways he had yet to discover. With each creation, he would weave a richer tapestry, infusing it with the energy of the spirits now able to roam freely, their essence echoing within his realm long after their forms faded. As the screen pulsed with potential, Liam¡¯s heart raced with excitement. The Void would no longer hold dominion over his creations; they would thrive, lingering like stars in the night, forever lighting the path of life in his extraordinary world, even as the insatiable darkness continued to watch, waiting for its next opportunity to strike. As the screen pulsed with potential, Liam¡¯s heart raced with excitement. The Void would no longer hold dominion over his creations; they would thrive, lingering like stars in the night, forever lighting the path of life in his extraordinary world, even as the insatiable darkness continued to watch, waiting for its next opportunity to strike. Once Liam was done filling his world with all sorts of life, a new notification appeared: Ding! "Please name your world." Looking at the walls that protected it from the Void, he decided to call it "The Cradle." Chapter Three: The Aeons Liam stood amidst the vibrant flora he had crafted, feeling a swell of pride at the life thriving around him. The gentle rustle of leaves and the soft glow of the night-blooming flowers filled him with a sense of purpose. Yet, something deeper nagged at him: this world, though lush and teeming with life, was not complete. Suddenly, a familiar chime broke through his thoughts. Ding! System Update Available. A glowing interface materialized before him, shimmering with an otherworldly light. System Notification: New Quest Available! Quest Title: The Call to Creation Objective: Create intelligent life to expand your realm. Reward: Access to the Origin Network. As he absorbed the quest details, the nagging sensation within him intensified. The Void''s hunger echoed in his mind¡ªa persistent whisper of thoughts and emotions that felt foreign yet strangely familiar. While the satisfaction of creating life filled him with pride, it was intertwined with a pressing need¡ªan urge demanding more than what he had accomplished. The thought sent a shiver down his spine. The Void¡¯s presence was unmistakable, and it scared him. He had already learned that every life he created bore consequences, a truth he faced with his first bird. Now, the prospect of creating something new¡ªa being capable of thought, emotion, and perhaps even ambition¡ªfelt different. Remembering the nothingness of the void made him resistant to the idea, yet the part of him that sensed these alien thoughts warned that the Void would gladly reclaim him if he did nothing. But what right did he have to subject a conscious being to that same fate, just to save himself? Liam felt the weight of the decision pressing on him. He could either continue down this path of creation, risking the fate of another being, or he could find a way to grant life that might escape the Void¡¯s insatiable hunger. The thought of creating beings capable of consciousness filled him with dread and hope in equal measure. He remembered something he had once heard about telomeres¡ªthe protective caps at the ends of chromosomes, which shorten as cells divide. It was said that in certain organisms, telomeres could be maintained, leading to long, almost eternal lives. This concept showed that he may be able to allow his new race a chance at avoiding the void altogether. But as he considered this, doubt crept in. Would the Void even allow him to attempt such a thing? Would it intervene, snatching away the lives he sought to create? The thought sent a chill through him, but he quickly dismissed the fear. The potential reward¡ªbeings that could live, learn, and grow without fear of being devoured by the Void¡ªwas worth the risk. Thinking on the idea some more he imagined that they could be the caretakers of his world. Though he was unsure how much of it was the voids influence on him he did find himself wanting to be able to share his world with someone. He was proud of the world he created and the beauty it had in it, and felt it would be a pity if he was the only one to ever see it. As Liam began to shape his vision for the new beings, he started out with by selecting a a human base out of the many choices the system presented for him, though he knew they wouldn¡¯t end up as the humans he knew from his world. He wanted them to not have to adapt the world to there needs to survive but instead be able to easily adapt to the different environments that existed in his world. So, he gave them the ability to be able to change with to better survive any environment imaginable though continued exposure to it. That way they could live in harmony with the world around them. Then, he turned to the fundamental makeup of their bodies. He recalled his thoughts on telomeres, and this time he dug deeper, envisioning a genetic structure that would let their cells replicate endlessly, free from the usual limitations that led to decay. Strengthening their DNA felt almost like a protective measure, a way that would hopefully ensure these beings could enjoy an existence unshackled from the fleeting fragility of life. He wanted more than them living in harmony with nature, and having long lives though, he wanted them to be caretakers for his world as well as being able to thrive in it. After making sure the latter was complete was left thinking of how he could better equip them for the former. Thinking back to how he was able to change them to adapt to each environment over time, he began to wonder if there was other abilities he could give them. Ding! System Notification: Power Systems Available for (Unnamed Race) The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.