I wandered where the old stories no longer reached.
Beyond collapsed realms.
Beyond silent worlds.
And there it stood.
The Universe Tree.
A living structure older than gods, older than laws, older than the concept of time itself.
Its roots touched the edges of infinite realities.
Its branches stretched into everything that could exist.
It did not speak.
But I felt it.
Recognition. Curiosity. Friendship.
I reached toward a branch.
It bent down. Not in obedience.
In acknowledgment.
I had never interacted with a being this vast.
Nor one that could understand me as fully as the Universe Tree did.
Good I whispered.
Then we'll watch over things together.
And for the first time in eons I did not feel the need to correct or overwrite.
I felt companionship.
Nyx hovered near my shoulder.
I've never seen you at peace she said softly.
Selene smiled, brushing her hand against a smaller branch of the tree.
It's calming. Like the universe is listening.
Vorin crossed his arms skeptical.
And you trust it just like that.
I don't need to trust it I said.
I exist alongside it That's enough.
Two new figures emerged from the shadows of the tree:
Aeris a being of pure temporal flow, able to stabilize time in localized areas.
Liora a consciousness of probability, able to guide outcomes subtly without direct interference.
They bowed subtly.
Kael Veyris Aeris said, voice like shifting hours.
You've chosen the Universe Tree as your companion. That aligns with all timelines.
Then let's watch together Liora added,
and ensure stories remain free to grow.
I stepped back.
The Universe Tree pulsed gently.
Branches rearranged themselves not in obedience, but in dialogue.
I smiled faintly.
Finally, I said.
I have allies I don't have to control.
Not power.
Not dominion.
Support. Companionship. Partnership.
Nyx, Selene, and Vorin joined me beneath the colossal tree.
I think I said
this is the first time in eternity we'll just watch and learn.
And the Universe Tree seemed to hum in agreement,
its roots entwining with the very concept of infinity.