Defiance of the Fall

Chapter 759: When Fates Align

Another ripple was released by the shard, and Zac felt like a universe was growing within his body as a storm of Creation spread out from head to toe. His body was rapidly transforming from the wild impulses it emitted, and he knew that anyone watching him right now would be beyond horrified by what they saw.He desperately hold on to his image of reality to make sure the changes didn't spiral out of control, but reality suddenly felt malleable, open to reinterpretation. Alluring whispers beckoned for him to take the chance, to transcend from his lowly form, and he felt an echo of agreement from within the cage. Wasn’t he disappointed that his human form was so inferior to his Draugr side, be it in energy circulation to storage capabilities?

Why not change it? It only required a single thought.

It was a trap. Zac could feel it even in his mudded state. The remnants only dealt in backhanded gifts, and until it had been locked down and firmly controlled, he had to be careful with his desires. But that was easier said than done. The rampaging remnants scurried back and forth with blinding speed, leaving a trail of destructive creation in its wake.

Try as he might, it seemed almost impossible to curtail its rampage. Why was it so different from the last time? Was it because the shard in the volcano had enjoyed almost unlimited access to vast quantities of energy? Back in the Technocrat vessel, he hadn’t turned into a rapidly transforming monstrosity the moment he took on the shard.

Or had he?

Back then, he had been instantly knocked unconscious before getting whisked away by a vision, and who knew how long he had stayed unconscious. This time he had managed to stay awake, for better or worse. Part of him wanted to embrace that sweet darkness to avoid the horrifying agony of having your body reformed into one wretched state after another, but he didn’t dare to give in.

There was a good chance this was something new. It didn't seem like the shard’s actions were just its natural state of creative exuberance. Rather, it felt like the shard had already sensed its sibling, and it was shooting back and forth in an attempt to locate it. Zac couldn't let the thing continue unchecked, but he didn't even have a chance to figure something out before he felt reality slow down to a crawl.

The seed was suddenly locked in place just below Zac’s neck, and his limbs were no longer undergoing wild transformations between a series of ghoulish creations. Even the enormous whirlpool of magma around him had ground to a standstill, and it seemed to Zac that the only thing that moved were his thoughts.

Unfortunately, even they were starting to become hazy as his vision closed in on him. He felt his mind being dragged far away, and he desperately tried to tether at least a remnant piece of consciousness to his body before it all went dark.

A crackling sound full of ebullience echoed out into the void, each snap exuding the primordial Dao. For untold ages the [Spark of Creation] left its mark on the universe, its conceptions inching ever closer to that impossible threshold.

Worlds were born with a single breath, marvels beyond compare conjured with a thought. Its desire was the Heavens and its will the Earth. But as the spark grew more powerful, so did its hunger. Not even Creation could overcome the ancient Law of Balance, and every spark of inspiration had its price.

Worlds were born with a single breath, and stars dimmed to never shine again. The spark didn't mind. After all, change was a form of Creation as well, and it moved through the cosmos in

"Go now, child," Alvod muttered with a distorted voice as the pathway shrunk. "Hurry."

Alvod's pained grimace turned into a smile when he sensed his command being heeded. He sunk back toward his prayer mats as his singed hand gradually was healed by a couple of nurturing streams.

"And thus our fates align," Alvod grinned as his gaze turned back to the original spot. "There is no escaping what's to come. Let's see how you enjoy riding this tiger."