It did not arrive as a letter.
Nor as a portal.
It arrived as a voice—one that echoed across layers of existence.
Alexander Ashborn Odinson.
True Dark Phoenix Sovereign.
Bearer of a bloodline that does not belong to one realm alone.
Come.
Alexander felt it while standing on a balcony in Asgard.
Ciel appeared beside him instantly.
"Multiple cosmic entities," she reported calmly. "Celestials. Primordials. Conceptual beings."
Alexander sighed.
"…Figures."
He glanced once toward the palace.
Then stepped forward—
And vanished.
Beyond Space
The meeting place was not a location.
It was a concept.
A vast, colorless expanse where distance, direction, and time held no meaning.
Alexander appeared calmly at its center.
And before him stood the watchers of existence.
Celestials—towering and silent.
Galactus, arms crossed, presence vast and restrained.
Then—
They manifested.
Eternity, stretching endlessly in every direction.
Infinity, radiant and boundless.
Death, cloaked and serene.
Oblivion, deep and hollow.
Above them all—
The Living Tribunal, three faces gazing down in judgment.
Alexander did not bow.
He did not kneel.
He simply stood.
"Alexander Ashborn Odinson," he said clearly.
"True Dark Phoenix Sovereign."
The cosmic beings observed him.
Eternity's voice echoed, layered and infinite.
What is your purpose?
What is your goal?
Alexander blinked.
"…Huh."
He scratched the back of his head.
"I want to live a good life," he said honestly.
"With my loved ones."
A pause.
"And preferably," he added, "be lazy."
Silence.
Absolute silence.
Even Galactus seemed… confused.
Infinity spoke first.
You possess strength capable of conquering universes.
Death tilted her head.
You could rule existence.
The Living Tribunal's voices overlapped.
Why refuse dominion?
Alexander shrugged.
"You ever tried running everything?"
They waited.
"Conquer a universe," he continued. "Then what?"
He gestured vaguely.
"Endless management. Laws. Balance. Crisis handling. Paperwork."
Galactus stiffened slightly.
Alexander looked at them.
"Between power, fame, and sitting in a room buried under documents for eternity…"
He smiled.
"I'll pass."
Then he raised a brow.
"Quick question."
The cosmic beings paused.
"How many of you," Alexander asked, "actually like paperwork and constant responsibility?"
…
Eternity froze.
The Living Tribunal's faces blinked.
Infinity stared.
Death was silent.
Then—
Eternity laughed.
A sound that rippled across existence.
Hahaha—!
You are… remarkable.
The Living Tribunal let out a rare, approving hum.
Infinity smiled softly.
Death's presence warmed.
Galactus let out a low, thoughtful grunt.
Infinity spoke.
You are one of a kind.
Death added quietly.
I like him.
Alexander relaxed.
"Thanks. That means a lot."
Eternity's voice softened.
Come and meet us from time to time, Alexander Ashborn Odinson.
The Living Tribunal nodded.
Your presence does not threaten balance.
Infinity and Death both agreed.
Alexander smiled.
"Sure. As long as it doesn't come with meetings every week."
Death's cloak fluttered.
No promises.
Alexander laughed.
Then stepped back—
And vanished.
After the Phoenix Leaves
The cosmic space remained.
Eternity spoke, voice solemn now.
The individual known as Alexander Ashborn Odinson… is a friend.
He will not break the balance.
The Living Tribunal agreed.
Judgment: Accepted.
Infinity nodded.
He chooses life over dominion.
Death lingered.
And that makes him precious.
But—
In the farthest shadow—
Oblivion watched.
Silent.
Thinking.
And somewhere within the darkness—
Plans began to form.