Defiance of the Fall Chapter 1437: Second Singularity

The sound of metal clashing against tiles vanished the moment it was made, creating a fleeting echo as Zac traversed the magnificent hallway. Zac was in no state to contemplate this peculiar phenomenon. The pervasive Spatial Energies that absorbed all noise were far from his primary concern.

Zac could only glance back and forth between the intricate engravings adorning the walls. He felt as if he were confronting the grand tapestries of the Spark of Creation and Heart of Oblivion once more, except this time, it was based entirely on the Peak of Continuum. The profound truths emanating from the runes were as compelling as the groundbreaking grandeur of the Buddhist Sangha.

More concerning was the fact that these runes were not intended to impart the Dao of Space. In fact, it was the opposite. The hallway was saturated with seals designed to capture the essence of the treasure hidden deeper within. The transcendent concepts assaulting Zac’s mind were merely unavoidable leaks.

It wasn't solely an issue of supreme truths attempting to destabilize his Dao Heart. The remaining Spatial Energies were so concentrated that the hallway felt like a world in itself. Despite moving at a speed that would render him invisible to an E-grade cultivator, he seemed utterly stationary.

Zac pondered this, yet his advance toward the colossal, inlaid gate at the corridor's end never faltered.

Eventually, his robust Dao Heart proved insufficient to resist the burgeoning might of space. Then, his Void State wavered when the gate was still a hundred meters distant. Only by activating [Warbringer Dharma] did Zac manage to reach the corridor's end after seventeen arduous hours of struggle.

Zac was exhausted, but he had to concede that the experience served as a valuable tempering for his Dao Heart. It was uncommon to encounter supreme truths without facing imminent death. In Zac’s estimation, the hallway alone was worth several hundred Imperial Merit.

“Two Warbringer Idols? Not too shabby.”

The voice seemed to travel from an immense distance, resonating through time and space. Zac turned towards its origin, discovering an old man seated on a mat to the left of the gate. Zac had not detected even a shadow of him during the hours he battled the hallway's oppressive power, yet he wasn't surprised to find him there.

For one, how could the treasury of [Second Singularity] be left unguarded, both in obscurity and in plain sight? Secondly, he had already witnessed this in Idiche’s vision. The old man’s greeting was identical, triggering a profound sense of déjà vu in Zac. However, the guard’s subsequent words came as an unexpected turn.

“Forging new idols will become simpler with time, but depending solely on quantity will only yield modest success with the [Warbringer Dharma]. A single idol imbued with a lifetime of significance will manifest greater efficacy than ten idols formed from hollow conviction,” the guardian elaborated.

“I shall heed Senior’s counsel,” Zac replied after a brief hesitation.

This part was new. In the vision, the old man had simply permitted them to pass after his initial remark. Was this additional guidance a consequence of his enhanced cultivation? After all, he had arrived here with Late D-grade cultivation and a D-grade Bloodline in Idiche’s vision. Sensing Zac’s current potential, perhaps the elder decided to generate some good karma on a whim.

Or was this altered treatment linked to Emir’s statement? With the Fifth Pillar being reintegrated into the Left Imperial Expanse, the rigid boundaries of noninterference would inevitably soften. Zac had attempted to confirm this assertion through Ogras, but the demon had perceived no significant alterations. Upon his master's return, they simply resumed their grim task of digging graves and interring criminals as if nothing had changed.

Regardless of the reason, the elder’s advice was welcome intelligence for Zac, who had been somewhat perplexed about how to proceed in this matter. His second Warbringer Idol already incorporated both his Daos of Life and Death, signifying that his trinity path was effectively addressed. He could potentially create idols based on his Void Vajra Constitution and Eoz bloodline, but it seemed rather redundant.

The sole other promising candidate was an idol representing the Void. Whether such a feat was even possible remained uncertain. This wasn't precisely the sort of topic one would find in the foundational chapters of the Heart Nurturing Manual housed within Rava’s library. Evolving the existing idols rather than creating new ones presented an alternative solution that Zac was unaware was even feasible.

His specific interpretation of the [Warbringer Dharma] only detailed the method of their formation and their application in nurturing his Dao Heart. It did not seem to be an innate process, either. The simple woodsman’s hatchet he fashioned upon reuniting with Joanna appeared identical despite all he had endured. Unfortunately, the elder shifted the topic before Zac could solicit further clarification.

“You wish to observe [Second Singularity] without practicing the Dao of Space?” the guard inquired, steering the conversation back to its expected course.

Zac inwardly sighed, deciding against pressing the matter further. He would simply have to locate a more comprehensive version of [Warbringer Dharma] at a later time. Discovering it shouldn't pose too great a challenge, as the technique, at least in its simplified form, was widely implemented within the Imperial Army and across the various factions of the empire.

“It is primarily for my companion,” Zac clarified. “I accompanied them merely to broaden my horizons.”

“You have already incurred the costs to reach this point; how you utilize your visit is entirely your prerogative. You are cognizant of the established rules?”

“I am,” Zac affirmed, his expression turning grave.

The regulations were straightforward, having been explained upon his purchase of the compass. The duration of the visit was capped at a fortnight. Lingering beyond this period would result in forcible extraction and the imposition of a penalty. Furthermore, engaging with a formidable treasure such as [Second Singularity], even in its largely sealed state, carried inherent risks. The Mercurial Court explicitly disclaimed any liability for cultivation-related mishaps.

The clerk had further stipulated that in the event of a catastrophic failure, the court would issue compensation, though it would be remitted to the family. After all, for a Hegemon, surviving an anomaly from an A-grade treasure was virtually impossible unless an Elder could intervene swiftly. This particular stipulation was the sole aspect relevant to their current situation, and it was the reason Zac's nerves were stretched to their absolute limit.

“Proceed then,” the guard instructed, closing his eyes.

Zac steeled himself as the colossal gates commenced their opening. An overwhelming surge of Spatial Energy billowed from the widening gap, distorting their immediate surroundings. The memory domain disintegrated instantly, obliterating the concealed Elder and the grand palace from existence. From this juncture onward, Zac retained only fragmented recollections gleaned from Sevona’s foresight. They would need to depend entirely on their own capabilities.

A nullification domain manifested around Zac, serving to mitigate the initial torrent of untamed space, rendering it somewhat more bearable. Despite its brief deployment of mere seconds, Zac’s use of [Void Zone] consumed a discernible portion of his Void Energy. A significant burden was lifted knowing his other half was positioned within the Turbid Realm. The boundless and readily accessible Void Energy from that location might prove as invaluable as the evolution of his bloodline for the subsequent phase.

Resisting through sheer force was not a viable long-term strategy, even with all of Zac’s inherent advantages. It was precisely for this reason that Esmeralda had been patiently awaiting her opportunity within the [Shrine of Kanba]. The moment Zac deactivated his domain, Esmeralda emerged and assumed control. A profoundly refined bloodline aura emanated from her being as she unleashed her power to its fullest extent. With their objective so palpably close, there was no longer any reason to withhold their actions for fear of disturbing the [Timescape Loop].

A slender stream of starlight emanated from beneath Esmeralda’s feet, mirroring the astonishing bloodline talent she had previously employed to ensnare the Qriz’Ul who had impersonated her. Abruptly, Zac felt himself propelled forward, accelerating at a dizzying velocity until they transformed into a blazing streak of light. This streak merged with the celestial river, at which point Zac could no longer maintain pace with their trajectory.

Esmeralda had never exhibited such phenomenal speed before. It effortlessly surpassed anything Zac had witnessed within the Hegemony realm, and even the near-instantaneous movements of [Earthly Dome] were no exception. Frankly, Zac doubted that even Middle Monarchs could match Esmeralda’s breakneck dash.

Within the extreme of their velocity, time seemed to lose all relevance. Zac could not ascertain whether a mere moment or an entire hour had elapsed by the time Esmeralda decelerated. They materialized amidst a shimmering, multicolored mist suffused with extraordinarily potent energy. It evoked the sensation of having arrived in the vast emptiness of outer space. There were no discernible traces of the Mercurial Court, nor even the Left Imperial Expanse.

Zac's initial thoughts turned to the Grand Unity Essence as he surveyed the mist, but he quickly dismissed the notion. What they were encountering was pure Spatial Energy imbued with extraordinary significance. A more fitting comparison would be to equate it to the very concepts of Death and Life that he had directly assimilated from Chaos. The vibrant feeling, reminiscent of Creation Energy, was an manifestation of Spatial Dao that remained foreign to Zac.

Then again, [Second Singularity] represented a treasure that approached the absolute confines of the Grand Dao. As Zac had observed from Kālasūtra’s Realmlord, a Dao, at such an advanced stage, could indeed encompass all forms of meaning.

“It is brimming with… potential,” Zac murmured, his gaze sweeping across their surroundings.

Contrasting this mist with ordinary Spatial Energy was akin to comparing a barren, desolate wasteland with the fertile, cultivated soil of a spiritual field. Zac felt an innate sense that he could manipulate this power, shaping it into whatever form he desired. However, he refrained from doing so. This potent allure was intrinsically intertwined with the danger. Should Zac dare to tamper with this power, he himself would ultimately become the one to be harnessed.

Fortunately, that was the sole peril they encountered after navigating the initial obstacle. No wild bolts of potent energies required dodging, and the spiritual pressure emanating from revered Daos was far less oppressive than in the preceding corridor. Zac was content with merely maintaining his vigilance, a state of being that was, in itself, peculiar. He turned to his companion, who was visibly regaining her composure.

“It's here, it truly is here,” Esmeralda breathed, her voice roughened by eagerness.

“It's… rather subdued?” Zac remarked.

“That’s to be expected. The elders would typically keep such a treasure in a subdued state to facilitate its study. How else could they ensure an Autarch would guard its entrance?”

“Makes sense,” Zac conceded with a smile.

“When the catastrophe occurred, they sealed it completely to safeguard its essence. This energy is fresh, recently dispersed, indicating the item remains within. The presence of this corona is also a positive sign, suggesting a breach in the containment we can exploit,” the toad elaborated, her excitement escalating with each pronouncement.

“Maintain your composure. We met our demise the first time we attempted this. And we have no idea what other challenges await us beyond this initial hurdle,” Zac cautioned her.

“Of course, of course,” Esmeralda affirmed, her focus clearly divided. “This way!”

They propelled themselves through the haze for several minutes before Esmeralda halted abruptly. Zac cautiously surveyed their surroundings until he detected a subtle, pungent aura amidst the vibrant expanse of Space. It differed from perfumes, where a sharp undertone could enhance a delicate scent; this felt more akin to discovering an insect in one's meal.

“Is this the Dao of Space from the First Era?” Zac inquired.

“I knew it, warped spacetime,” Esmeralda spat, her tone laced with disdain. “Some of the corruption must have seeped into [Second Singularity]’s domain.”

“Well, that’s where I come in, isn't it?” Zac stated. “Although, I'm still uncertain how I'm supposed to purge the corruption of an A-grade treasure. I only recall siphoning something until my strength gave out.”

“Simple. We just need to enter it and treat it from within,” Esmeralda declared and resumed pulling Zac along.

“Huh?”

“Do you know why High-grade Space-attuned Natural Treasures are so scarce? I mean, space is omnipresent,” Esmeralda questioned.

“Perhaps because the general density of space is insufficient? As you mentioned, it permeates everything, thus diluting its concentration,” Zac theorized.

“Well, yes. That’s part of the reason,” Esmeralda nodded. “They are also incredibly cunning. At C-grade, they typically conceal themselves within spatial folds or pockets. At higher grades, they might masquerade as ordinary Mystic Realms, where the visible manifestation is merely the surface. Others anchor themselves to countless spatial coordinates, shifting positions whenever a threat approaches. The most elusive ones leave no trace whatsoever. You could pass by an A-grade Spatial Treasure without even realizing it.”

Zac recognized Esmeralda’s rambling as a self-soothing mechanism but failed to grasp her ultimate point. “How does that assist us? Won’t we be overwhelmed by its aura at full intensity if we infiltrate it?”

“No need for such concerns,” Esmeralda declared, thumping her chest. “My plan is foolproof. There's a specific reason I selected [Second Singularity] for this endeavor and why the Mercurial Court permitted its disciple to study it. A singularity represents boundless space compressed into a singular point. Its force is almost entirely directed inward, akin to an onion with infinite layers. It is safe for us lesser beings to approach.”

“If you say so,” Zac replied.

It took Esmeralda mere minutes to pinpoint the source of the leak and a few more to guide them through. However, the sight that greeted them on the other side was far from what either had envisioned.

“Those scoundrels! You’d better hope I don’t discover your graves in the future!” Esmeralda exclaimed, stomping her feet in sheer exasperation.

“What in the blazes is this?” Zac groaned, rubbing his eyes in an effort to dispel his disorientation.

The kaleidoscopic nebula had been supplanted by a domain predominantly bathed in the silver hue of the Peregrine Ocean. Within [Second Singularity] lay hundreds, perhaps thousands, of severed fragments of this ocean. Their distinct emanations of decay indicated their connection to disparate timelines.

Some fragments appeared as flat, mirror-like surfaces, seemingly projecting mere reflections of the original. Others were formless masses of silver water, releasing perilous droplets that vanished the instant they descended. Regardless of their form, they were encircled by swirling runes crafted from Imperial Faith, bearing a striking resemblance to the arcane circles observed on Sevona’s island.

These runes were instrumental in maintaining a semblance of connection between the oceanic fragments and a stark black dot situated at the realm’s core. This anomaly emitted no discernible aura, yet Zac could only steal glances at it, being unable to fix his gaze directly. It had to be the true essence of [Second Singularity], a spatial distortion transcending the nature of a mere black hole.

A strange contention seemed to grip the oceans, as if each body of water vied to claim the treasure exclusively. This covert conflict was the source of Zac’s profound disorientation. The surroundings had begun to warp and fray, resolving into a nexus that simultaneously represented all timelines and none. Such an unstable environment instinctively recoiled from everything within its confines, Zac and Esmeralda included. Faced with no other option, Zac reactivated [Void Zone], desperately attempting to halt the dizzying spin in his head.

“Do you have any idea what this is?” Zac inquired.

“Those ancient fools have linked the treasure to their… whatever-chamber through the Peregrine Ocean,” Esmeralda retorted, her words laced with annoyance.

“What?” Zac exclaimed, taken aback. “Can we even take it if that’s the situation?”

“You’re not developing second thoughts, are you? Keep in mind, we aren’t actually affiliated with the Limitless Empire,” Esmeralda shot back, her brow furrowed. “Those individuals are long gone, despite their efforts to make us believe otherwise.”

“It’s not about that,” Zac clarified. “I’m concerned about the repercussions of removing this item. Could it lead to the collapse of memory domains across the entire continent? A great many individuals, including another form of myself, reside within them.”

“Do you truly believe I engage in reckless destruction like you?” Esmeralda countered with evident exasperation. “In fact, it’s the reverse. The old scoundrels are essentially forcing us into unpaid labor. Their objective is to escape the dream, correct? The initial step requires shedding unnecessary burdens.”

“To discard unfavorable timelines and solidify the ones with potential?”

“Or at the very least, to loosen the connections between them,” Esmeralda stated with a shrug. “It’s difficult to ascertain the precise intention behind this arrangement.”

“Very well, that’s acceptable,” Zac murmured, his gaze sweeping over their surroundings as he contemplated. “Frankly, I’m uncertain how one is expected to detach these numerous connections. Severing a few would be manageable, but hundreds?”

“Begin with the timelines that lead to corrupted outcomes. Once all of those are severed, it should be safe for me to introduce the singularity into the Hunting Lodge. Its presence will aid in stabilizing the situation while you systematically address the remainder.”

“Understood,” Zac concurred, then paused with a furrowed brow. “Hold on, what will be the consequence of decoupling the treasure? Won’t it disrupt the Peregrine Ocean? We might trigger a colossal tsunami, engulfing the entire Mercurial Court, ourselves included.”

Esmeralda’s gaze remained fixed on the ceaseless flow of the river for an uncomfortably extended period. Eventually, she shook her head, revealing a disquieting absence of conviction. “No. It ought to be alright. The calm center of any storm is invariably the safest point. Besides, should circumstances spiral out of our control, I possess the ability to teleport us away.”

Zac let out a sigh of resignation. “Fine, let us commence the task.”

“Ah, just one more detail,” Esmeralda coughed, clearing her throat. “Matters might become somewhat… unpredictable once you begin removing the corrupted timelines. The treasure will likely start expelling fragments of the tainted space it has been forced to contain.”

“Excellent, is there anything else?” Zac inquired, his expression utterly deadpan.

“No,” Esmeralda replied, immediately retracting her statement. “Just a single point. It is absolutely imperative that you do not cease until every single corrupted gate has been secured.”

“And why is that?” Zac inquired deliberately.

“For starters, doing so might provoke a detrimental backdraft of corruption, thereby inundating this entire location. Furthermore, I doubt those corrupted entities will react favorably to their timelines being forcibly ejected from the Omnipresence Chamber. Therefore, it would be prudent to conclude this phase before anyone becomes aware of our clandestine activities.”

“Splendid.”