Chapter 1: The Creation of Flux
In a realm where stars swirled like cosmic dust motes, suspended in an endless sea of twilight, a lone figure sat in deep meditation. His silhouette, faintly illuminated by the glow of drifting constellations, radiated an ancient stillness. Yet beneath the tranquil exterior, a potent energy thrummed like the tension of a drawn bowstring waiting to be released.
After a timeless silence, his eyes slowly opened twin pools of deep, mesmerizing blue that seemed to contain galaxies within. He exhaled softly, a sound that echoed like wind whispering through the boughs of forgotten trees.
"I've been thinking about experiencing the mortal world for a while now," he murmured, his voice carrying the weight of ageless contemplation.
He leaned back slightly, folding his arms behind his head. "Hmm… Should I reincarnate into a mortal world?"
Another pause. Then a sly smile tugged at the corners of his lips.
"Or… how about I create a clone and send it to one of the mortal worlds instead?"
The idea took root as he spoke it aloud, his mind already weaving the details. "I'll have it inherit my memories nothing too detailed but let it start from the beginning. No cultivation, no advantage... Let it grow naturally, observe, and experience everything firsthand."
He raised a hand. Light gathered in his palm, bright as a newborn star, and from it emerged a small creature its fur as white as snow, its form elegant and sleek. A fox, lithe and poised, glowing with faint celestial energy.
"This looks good," he said, tilting his head as he observed the creature. "I think I'll name you... Flux. It has a nice ring to it."
He stood, his long robes flowing like mist, and cast his gaze across the mortal realms below each one a distinct tapestry of life, magic, and chaos. His eyes narrowed as he paused on one world in particular.
"Oh? This one looks interesting. Not the most refined... but full of potential. I think it's good enough."
With a wave of his hand, a spiral of energy enveloped the fox. In a flash, Flux was sent hurtling through the fabric of space, descending toward the chosen world.
The creator watched silently, then smiled to himself. "I hope you experience an interesting life, my little clone."
---
Far below, in a dense and ancient forest, a gentle beam of light pierced the canopy, descending like a divine thread. It shimmered for a heartbeat before condensing into the form of the white fox—Flux.
He opened his eyes slowly, his gaze adjusting to the contrast between celestial brilliance and the forest's dim, dappled light. The scent of damp earth, moss, and decaying leaves filled his nostrils, grounding him in this strange, vibrant world.
Looking down at his small paws, then around at the towering trees, he let out a groan.
"Damn, the creator really gave me nothing… not even a single item," he muttered, giving himself a quick once-over.
With a flicker of light, his form began to shift. Bones elongated, fur receded, and moments later he stood as a young man his white hair falling in tousled waves to his shoulders, eyes as blue and deep as the heavens themselves. He flexed his fingers experimentally.
"At least I have this," he said with a shrug. "The ability to take on a humanoid form... That usually only happens at the Foundation Establishment realm."
He sighed and glanced up at the sky. "Other than this transformation and some vague 'high potential' stuff… really stingy, creator. Couldn't even toss in a beginner's pack?"
As if the universe were answering his complaint, a low rumble vibrated through the forest floor. A moment later, a deafening roar shattered the stillness. Trees quaked as a massive explosion erupted nearby, the force of it sending birds screeching into the sky.
Flux turned, eyes wide as he spotted two enormous figures locked in a ferocious battle. One was a monstrous eagle with wings like thunderclouds, each flap generating gusts of razor wind. The other was a serpentine behemoth, scales glinting black like obsidian knives, coiled and lunging with lethal grace.
Their every movement sent shockwaves through the terrain. The air crackled with spiritual pressure they were both clearly in the Core Formation realm.
Flux paled. "AHHH! Creator! I know you can be forgetful, but this? You can't just drop a clone into a danger zone like this with no warning!"
---
Back in the celestial realm, the original being scratched the back of his head awkwardly as he watched through a ripple in space.
"Oops... I might have forgotten to give him a life-saving treasure."
He shrugged. "Ah well, I'll just intervene if his life is in real danger."
Just then, another figure appeared beside him an attendant in elaborate robes, face weary but respectful.
"My lord, you've been gone for hundreds of thousands of years. You promised to return thirty thousand years ago. Please… the Sacred Realm still needs your guidance."
"Oh, right. Sorry about that," he replied with an apologetic grin. "I'll be back in a while, I promise."
"But you said that last time, my lord. And the time before that…"
"This is the last last time. Promise."
"You said that last last time too, my lord," the attendant said, exasperated but still trying to maintain composure.
"Look, I just created the Sacred Realm casually, it's not that big a deal…"
"My lord, you created an entire world and then left it half-finished. Only you can complete it."
He raised his hands in surrender. "Alright, alright. I'll come back soon."
The attendant bowed in relief.
The figure gave one last glance at the image of his clone. "Well, Flux doesn't seem to be dying—yet. I think he'll be fine on his own for now."
With that, he turned and vanished, leaving only stardust behind.