“Could this be an Eighth Path?” Vex’har asked. “One that any species could attempt? A shortcut to transcension?”
“The first viable ascension path that might lead to transcension,” High Curator mused, particles brightening. “Achievable through individual effort rather than galactic genocide.”
The unspoken hung heavy: this was why they’d feared superheroes, seeing echoes of the Askalarians. But also why they were now interested. A faster path to transcension that anyone could walk.
The certainty was building. Humanity hadn’t broken the rules. They’d discovered something entirely new.
“The broadcast showed multiple powered pathways,” Vex’har said. “Not just your superheroes. Wizards and cultivators. Beings of faith-based power.”
High Curator turned toward Thorne. “Can your serum create these alternatives?”
Thorne hesitated, weighing how much to reveal. The council waited.
“We... believe so. Yes.”
Every being leaned forward.
“Our research indicates perception shapes what powers manifest,” Thorne continued. “The First created what humanity expected. Superheroes were so dominant in our culture, even as fiction.”
“The outcome was predetermined by expectation,” High Curator said.
“There have been outliers. Powers beyond the superhero paradigm.”
“And now with this broadcast showing alternatives?” Vex’har pressed.
“Our analysts believe people will awaken different Dreams. As more paradigms become reality, the lines will blur.”
“Any concept of power could manifest?” Krax’tel’s alarm was obvious.
“Theoretically.” Thorne let that sink in before continuing. “But there are limitations. Speed of causality. Conservation of energy, though that can be bent.”
“Yet some create matter?” High Curator asked.
“Yes, but it drains the wielder. All powers do. They tire, require rest, some even require massive caloric intake.”
“Then conservation still applies.”
“That’s where it gets strange.” Thorne accessed his System functions, projecting equations into the chamber. “The energy drain doesn’t match the mathematics.”
“Explain,” Vex’har demanded.
“Creating a kilogram of matter might require energy equivalent to a nuclear detonation. But wielders pay far less than physics demands.”
“Where does the additional energy come from?” Krax’tel asked.
“We don’t know. The wielder pays a price, but something else pays the rest.”
Zephyr-Nine stirred from stillness again. “Consider that it may be a temporal fourth-dimensional entity.”
Vex’har’s four arms gestured confusion. “Temporal fourth-dimensional?”
“An entity proving the success of the human ascension path reaching transcension.”
The Luminous Depths pulsed with understanding. “You suggest someone will transcend following this path, and having transcended beyond linear time, reaches back to ensure the path is walked.”
“A causal loop,” High Curator said, particles brightening with excitement. “The transcension creates the conditions for its own existence.”
“You’re saying this System is from the future?” Krax’tel’s voice pitched higher.
“It referenced multiple realities,” High Curator added. “Nine thousand participants across reality indices.”
“Impossible,” Vex’har stated flatly. “There is only one reality.”
“That we can perceive,” Zephyr-Nine corrected gently. “It supports the temporal theory. Fourth-dimensional entities could theoretically create universes or realities of their own.”
“But none who transcended have ever communicated back,” High Curator pointed out.
“This is true. Many promised to send messages of success. None ever have. We assumed interference with one’s third-dimensional origin reality was impossible after transcension.”
Zephyr-Nine paused, considering. “This System entity challenges that assumption.”
“The Dream path breaks even the rules of transcension?” Krax’tel sounded caught between fear and awe.
“The energy discrepancy Ambassador Thorne mentioned…” Zephyr-Nine continued.
“Yes?” Thorne responded.
“Perhaps power draws from the fourth dimension. Energy flowing from where they could be to where they are.”
“The future funding the present,” the Luminous Depths pulsed.
“That would make every use of power a step toward transcension,” High Curator said.
Thorne’s mind reeled. “Our scientists haven’t considered that possibility.”
“They wouldn’t,” Zephyr-Nine said simply. “They think in three dimensions.”
Drex’mar’s tail twitched. “Why did your people transcend, leaving so few behind?”
“The Fourth Path called to them. Individual consciousness expansion beyond dimensional constraints.” Zephyr-Nine’s voice carried no emotion. “I remained as a guide. As did a few others.”
The unspoken weight settled over the chamber. If Zephyr-Nine counseled patience, who were they to argue?
“The combat demonstrations were impressive,” Vex’har said quietly.
The Luminous Depths pulsed agreement. “They grow stronger through conflict, yet it is not the wholesale slaughter that the Askalarians did.”
“Violence as catalyst rather than consumption as fuel,” High Curator observed.