As Wayne's eyes fluttered open, he found himself floating in an endless expanse of darkness. The void was absolute, with no discernible stars or planets in sight. A faint hum resonated through his body, like the gentle buzzing of a harp string. The sound seemed to emanate from within him, yet it felt external, as if the universe itself was vibrating in harmony with his being.
Suddenly, a warm, golden light coalesced before him. The orb, which had saved his life, hovered in the void, radiating an otherworldly energy. Wayne felt an inexplicable connection to the orb, as if their essences were intertwined.
"Why... why did you choose me?" Wayne's voice was barely audible, but the orb responded as if it had heard his thoughts.
"You, Wayne, possess a spark within you," the orb explained, its voice like a gentle breeze in the void. "A spark of determination, of fury, and of unyielding spirit. Your will to survive, to overcome, and to rise above your circumstances resonated deeply with me. I saw potential in you, a potential that transcended the boundaries of your world."
Wayne's mind reeled as he processed the orb's words. He had always been weak, a laughingstock among his peers. Yet, the orb saw something in him that he hadn't recognized himself.
"What abilities do I possess?" Wayne asked, curiosity getting the better of him.
"The energy I imbued within you is known as the Echo of Eternity," the orb replied. "It allows you to tap into the fundamental forces of the universe, bending time and space to your will. You can manipulate energy, accelerate your movements, and even perceive the world in ways beyond mortal comprehension."
As the orb spoke, Wayne began to feel the strange energy coursing through his veins. He raised his hand, and to his amazement, a tiny burst of energy erupted from his palm, illuminating the surrounding void.
"How do I control this power?" Wayne asked, both thrilled and terrified by the prospect of wielding such abilities.
"Control comes with training and discipline," the orb replied. "I will guide you, but you must learn to harness your power. Begin by focusing on your breath, your movements, and your thoughts. Meditate, train, and push yourself to the limits of your endurance."
With the orb's guidance, Wayne embarked on a rigorous training regimen. He practiced manipulating energy blasts, accelerating his movements, and perceiving the world around him in new and astonishing ways. The void became his training ground, and the orb his mentor.
As the days passed – or what felt like days in the timeless void – Wayne grew stronger, his connection to the Echo of Eternity deepening. He began to understand the intricacies of his powers, learning to wield them with precision and control.
The orb observed Wayne's progress, offering cryptic advice and encouragement. "Your potential is vast, Wayne, but it is not without risk. The Echo of Eternity comes at a cost, draining your life force with each use. You must learn to balance your power with restraint, lest you burn out and succumb to the very energy that makes you strong."
Wayne heeded the orb's warning, tempering his ambition with caution. He continued to train, honing his skills and exploring the limits of his abilities. With each passing moment, he felt himself becoming more formidable, more confident, and more determined to exact revenge upon those who had wronged him.
The void around him began to take on a new form, as if the very fabric of reality was bending to accommodate his growth. Stars and planets coalesced in the distance, and Wayne sensed the presence of other beings, some friendly, others hostile.
The orb's voice echoed in his mind, "The time has come, Wayne. Your journey begins. The world awaits, and with it, the chance to forge a new destiny. Are you prepared to rise as a warrior, to claim your place among the stars, and to shape the course of history?"
With a fierce determination burning within him, Wayne replied, "I am ready. Let the universe tremble before me."!