Darkness again.
But now he sensed it differently — not absence, but structure in concealment. Threads of energy drifted like unseen rivers, whispering ancient secrets.
He sat cross-legged — not out of habit, but instinct. As if meditation was etched into his soul.
The first pulse struck.
A silent surge rippled across the void like a tidal wave of stars trying to be born.
His senses sharpened.
Astral Veil — Initial Contact
His breath slowed. He felt it — not qi, not mana, but primordial cosmic force. Raw existence waiting to be shaped.
It pressed on him gently at first, then violently — trying to drown him in overwhelming creation.
His body — or whatever he currently was — threatened to dissolve.
Pain whispered across his being. The void wanted to erase him.
He didn't panic.
Pain meant he existed.
He anchored himself with a single thought:
This universe is empty. I will fill it.
The energy calmed, as if recognizing resolve.
A vision flickered — stars forming, collapsing, repeating endlessly.
His perception widened.
Veil Perception awakened.
He sensed a radius — ten kilometers of silent nothingness, yet brimming with potential energy waiting for a creator.
He exhaled peacefully.
And silently whispered into the void:
"I am not born of heaven or earth.
I owe nothing — so I will create everything."
But beneath the calm tone, something colder echoed:
"And if something dares to take what I build… I will erase it."
A distant hum stirred — not hostile yet, but curious. As if something far beyond had noticed him.
He closed his eyes again.
Creation would not rush.
Power built quietly first.