Kael sat cross-legged in the echoing dome of the Library's observatory, still trying to believe that any of this was real. A map of the known universe spun above him, casting soft glows of blue, violet, and red across the marble floor. One of the Architects stood nearby, motionless, as if waiting for Kael to accept the shape of the world.
"Start from the beginning," Kael said finally. "No riddles. No mystic nonsense. Just tell me how this place works."
The Architect did not move at first. Then, slowly, he raised a hand, and the star map began to contract. Planet by planet, the infinite cosmos shrank into five distinct clusters.
"The system divides the known universe into five major domains," he said, his voice smooth but mechanical, like it had been filtered through a machine. "Each is governed by its own logic of achievement."
The first cluster glowed gold. A chain of high-tech planets shimmered with orbital rings and digital grids.
"The Sovereign Spires. Their people are inventors, builders, hackers of the physical and digital worlds. Invention is their currency. A child there once created a new energy algorithm at age seven. The next day, she could manipulate electrical fields with a thought."
The second cluster blazed crimson, with planets that looked scorched and jagged.
"The Wyrmreach. War-born and battle-forged. They worship strength and honor. Survive a blood duel? Gain power. Defend your tribe from an invading beast? Gain more. Every scar is a badge."
The third cluster was serene—blue, white, green. A world of harmony.
"Nova Sanctum. Devotion. Sacrifice. Service. The more you give, the more you are granted. Healing hands. Protective auras. They are few, but powerful."
Kael raised a brow. "Sounds like a nightmare."
The Architect ignored the comment. He pointed to the fourth cluster, which shimmered in rainbow hues. Sculpted landmasses floated freely above planet surfaces like fragments of dreams.
"The Kaleid Expanse. Artists, dreamers, visionaries. Creation is their form of power. Paint the most moving portrait? Sing a song that stirs a thousand souls? The system listens to beauty."
Kael watched the final cluster form in the center. It was muted gray, a pale blue planet hanging quietly among its orbiting moons.
"And that?"
"Solum. The world you will enter. An Earth-like planet. Balance of all others, yet governed by a singular truth: visibility."
"Visibility?"
"Achievement there is nothing unless it is seen, validated, remembered. Fame is worth more than truth."
Kael stood. "So let me get this straight. Everyone in this universe becomes powerful by doing something amazing. But what counts as amazing depends on where you live."
"Exactly."
"And the system gives out powers like prizes."
The Architect tilted his head. "The system watches. Records. Judges. And when it believes you have earned something, it gives."
Kael looked up at the map, lips pressed tight.
"What if you fake it?"
The star map flickered. The Architect said nothing.
"That's why I'm here, right?" Kael said. "Because you think I can pull off the greatest lie in the universe."
"Not lie," the Architect said. "Illusion. A truth the system cannot separate from reality."
Kael rubbed his face. "Still sounds like lying."
Another voice entered the chamber. Soft. Musical. Feminine.
"Then you'll have to become the best liar that ever lived."
Kael turned to see a girl about his age—sharp-eyed, silver-haired, dressed in asymmetrical robes stitched with dozens of symbols. She smiled like someone who knew every secret worth knowing.
"You must be Kael," she said, approaching. "I'm Lira. I'm going to teach you how to lie."
Kael blinked. "That's a weird way to introduce yourself."
"You'll get used to weird. Especially around here."
She circled him once, studying him like a sculptor might study stone.
"Thin. Tall. Not bad looking. Lots of doubt behind the eyes though. We'll fix that."
Kael frowned. "Fix what, exactly?"
"Your belief in yourself. You want to fool the system? You have to believe your own illusion first."
"And you're going to help me do that?"
Lira smiled wider. "Among other things."
One of the robed Architects stepped forward. "She is the best at what she does. Illusion runs in her bones."
Kael raised an eyebrow. "Is that your achievement?"
Lira's smile faltered for half a second. Then she turned away. "Something like that."
Kael stared after her. Something was off. But he didn't have the knowledge—or the power—to question it yet.
"Come on," Lira called over her shoulder. "Lesson one starts now. If you're going to convince the universe you're a legend… we have a lot of work to do."
As they walked out of the observatory, another projection unfolded before them. It depicted ten figures, each glowing with a different hue, each at a different stage of their evolution.
"What's this?" Kael asked.
"The path of power," Lira said. "Stages you ascend through as your achievement is recognized. Everyone starts as Chained."
"Chained?"
"Stage One. You're still bound to human limitations. You might have a power, but you're still stuck needing food, water, rest."
The figures shimmered.
"Stage Two: Unbound. The body begins shedding those needs. No hunger. No fatigue. You become a more efficient version of yourself."
"Stage Three: Liberated. Your mind awakens. No need for sleep. You can think faster, move quicker—your brain is no longer your cage."
"Stage Four: Unfettered. Your soul starts to grow. It evolves until it matches your physical form. Until you're whole."
Kael narrowed his eyes. "Sounds... intense."
Lira nodded. "It is. Stage Five is called Ego. Body, mind, and soul begin to fuse into a vessel strong enough to contain your full achievement."
Kael studied the next three glowing figures.
"Stage Six: Freedom. You've become a demigod. Immune to the void, capable of planetary destruction. The chain you started with disappears."
"Stage Seven: Tribulation. You ascend to godhood. The universe tests you. Many fail."
"Stage Eight: Cataclysm. Your power changes galaxies."
"Stage Nine: Concept. You become the embodiment of your ability. A universal truth."
"And Stage Ten… Eternal."
Kael whispered, "You become reality itself."
Lira turned to him. "No one's reached Ten in recorded history. Most never leave Chained."
Kael stared at the holograms. "Then I'll just have to be the first."
Lira smiled again, but this time it didn't quite reach her eyes.
And Kael, still nameless to the stars, followed her into the shadows of the Library of Silence.