Chapter 40 – Near-Death Ascension
The multiverse trembled. The Primordial Nullity, a force older than time, manifested fully. Its form warped reality itself space bent, stars shattered, and laws of physics unraveled. Hayden's Shadow Legion surged, but even his infinite soldiers struggled against the raw, incomprehensible power.
Selene gripped his arm. "Hayden… this is unlike anything we've faced. If we fall…"
Hayden's gaze was calm, yet his body trembled under the pressure. Shadows lashed outward, holding back the Nullity, but every strike it unleashed shredded galaxies. His aura flickered, his energy near collapse.
> System Alert: Life Signs Critical | Shadow Monarch Integrity: 3% | Survival Uncertain
The Brink of Death
The Nullity struck, tearing through Hayden's defenses. Shadows fragmented, legion units dissipated, and for a moment, the Supreme Shadow Monarch fell to his knees. Time itself seemed to slow; the multiverse held its breath.
Selene's magic flared, shielding him with her entire being. "Don't give up! You can"
Hayden gritted his teeth, his shadows flickering. Then, deep within, the System spoke—not as a guide, but as a divine, commanding consciousness:
> "Supreme Shadow Monarch… you have surpassed all known parameters. Initiating Near-Death Ascension Protocol."
Instantly, Hayden felt power surge from the brink of oblivion. Shadows coalesced, fusing with the essence of every enemy, every absorbed force, every god and titan he had defeated. His body glowed with black and golden light the ultimate synthesis of shadow and divine energy.
Abilities Upgraded Beyond Comprehension
Shadow Omnipotent Merge Lv3 → Lv4 Merge with all shadow and cosmic energies across multiverses simultaneously
Shadow Infinity Strike Lv3 → Lv4 Now capable of tearing apart primordial forces and rewriting existence with a single blow
Shadow Assimilation Lv3 → Lv4 Absorb infinite enemies and integrate their power instantly
Primordial Shadow Dominance Lv2 → Lv3 Absolute control over even incomprehensible forces
Shadow Creation Matrix Lv1 → Lv2 Create multiversal civilizations, life, and laws at a divine scale
Near-Death Shadow Transcendence Lv1 Unlock unparalleled reflexes, strategy, and combat efficiency under critical conditions
Hayden's body rose, shadows coiling like serpents of living darkness, Legion units reforming instantly around him. Selene's light fused with him fully, amplifying the new power beyond imagination.
The Turning Point
The Primordial Nullity roared, striking with the force of collapsing realities. Hayden stepped forward, shadows forming a living throne of darkness beneath him. Each strike from his Shadow Legion now carried the full weight of his upgraded abilities.
> Shadow Infinity Strike Lv4 + Primordial Shadow Dominance Lv3
Reality itself fractured where his attacks landed. The Nullity screamed, its form destabilizing under the combined might of Hayden and Selene.
> "You… cannot… withstand…"
Hayden's voice echoed like thunder across dimensions. "I already have. And now… you serve me."
The Shadow Legion surged, absorbing the remnants of the Nullity into Hayden's being. Every fragment of its primordial essence became part of his infinite power.
Aftermath The Supreme Shadow Monarch Ascendant
The multiverse stabilized, infused with Hayden's overwhelming presence. The Near-Death Ascension had not just saved him it had propelled him beyond all comprehension, solidifying his dominance.
> System Notification:
Rank: Supreme Tier Ω++ | Shadow Legion Infinite | Primordial Forces Integrated
Status: Creator-Class Entity | Companion Linked: Selene, Eternal Light Confirmed
Next Task: Reshape Reality Beyond the Known Limits | Prepare for Unknown Cosmic Forces
Hayden looked to Selene, his aura pulsing with infinite shadows. "We've survived… stronger than anything in existence."
Selene smiled, intertwining her fingers with his. "Then let's finish what we started… and create a multiverse worthy of gods, shadows, and everything in between."
The Supreme Shadow Monarch, fully upgraded, near-death ascended, and eternal, stood ready the ultimate architect of all realities, untouchable, unstoppable, and infinite.