From the blinding light of the portal, a figure emerged—a being unlike anything Juan or Frankfield had ever seen. It was as dark as the void itself, its form shifting like living shadow, its fingers unnaturally long and razor-sharp. Though humanoid in structure, it towered over them, an eerie presence that sent a shiver through the very fabric of reality.

  The creature's voice resonated, deep and layered, as if multiple voices spoke at once. "Rejoice, child... for you stand at the threshold of destiny, where roots bind worlds and branches cradle the sky. The chasm of the World Tree awaits... or so I believed. No... this is not the sacred path. Tell me... where have I strayed?"

  Juan instinctively took a step back, his instincts screaming that this being was something beyond mortal comprehension. Before he could respond, a wicked scythe materialized in the creature's hand, its blade blacker than night, curving like the crescent moon.

  The dark metal of the weapon reflecting eerie flashes of light. Its voice grew even more menacing as it continued, "I see you have tried to enter the Hyperpolytopos by force," the being continued, tilting its head slightly. "Unfortunately, I cannot allow you passage unless you prove yourselves. The beings within that realm will not only crush your soul but enslave your body for eons. Are you prepared for such a fate?"

  Frankfield narrowed his eyes. "We have no choice. If you stand in our way, then we will fight."

  Juan exhaled sharply, gripping the hilt of his conjured shield-blade. After two years of rigorous training under Frankfield's guidance, he had mastered the ten fundamental spells of magic, making him more agile and adaptable than ever before. He met the creature's gaze, his heart pounding. "If it means finding the truth, then we will not back down."

  Without hesitation, Juan and Frankfield launched their assault. Frankfield struck first, a barrage of concentrated light beams cascading toward the entity with blinding intensity. Juan followed up, weaving between attacks, launching razor-thin shield needles designed to pierce even the toughest defenses.

  Yet, the being did not flinch.

  Frankfield nodded to juan signalling something, his voice calm and authoritative. "We have no other choice, Juan. Our only way forward is to defeat this being. Stand your ground and trust in your magic."

  7 light yellow sigils surrounded the being. Frankfield nodded to Juan, and Juan launched Frankfield into the air. Juan followed, launching himself. Countless barrier attacks were thrown, but nothing worked until Frankfield whispered, "Sol Triumph."

  The sun itself seemed to shrink as Frankfield borrowed energy from the heavenly body. His magic burned far too brightly, scorching everything in sight.

  "First Light, active," Frankfield declared. A strange solar flare, like a pillar of light, erupted downwards, smiting the creature. As this happened, Juan was busy rescuing citizens and charging up his mana to seal the being with his magic.

  "Third Light, active." A pulsing pole of pure energy appeared, piercing the creature's body in mere seconds, almost erasing it, only for it to regenerate almost instantly.

  "Sixth Light, active." Frankfield's purifying magic radiated outward, but to no avail. The being remained untouched.

  "Second Light, active." Frankfield conjured a glowing sphere resembling a dodecahedron. Within it, a ball of searing light hotter than the sun bounced off the walls, repeatedly striking the being.

  "Fourth Light, active." Frankfield summoned a crystalline structure of pure light. As it shattered, rainbow-colored shards exploded outward, each fragment seeking out targets like homing projectiles.

  "Why won't you just die?!" Frankfield roared. "Fifth Light, active!" He summoned a spear of condensed starlight, which phased through the being's physical body to strike at its very core. The creature staggered but endured.

  "Fine... Seventh Light." Frankfield clenched his fists. "After all, I am the Light of Gluxn." A beam from the heavens rained down upon the being, finally wounding it.

  At that moment, Juan finished charging his mana. With no one else remaining in the area, he screamed with all his might, "LOCK!"

  The magic surged forth, trapping the being inside, but then, to their horror, the creature phased through the binding.

  "Enough, You truly bested me," it mused, the faintest trace of amusement in its otherwise emotionless voice. "But are you determined enough? Now, tell me... where is it that you seek to go in this vast worlds?"

  Juan hesitated for a heartbeat before replying, "My world, take me back." His words were laced with a desperate hope, a yearning for home that he could barely contain.

  The creature was silent for a long time before responding. "Your world... it does not exist. Yet I sense that you believe otherwise. How peculiar."

  Juan felt his breath catch in his throat. "Bullshit! i came from there, I remember it!"

  The creature tilted its head, almost curiously. "Perhaps. But belief is not truth. If you wish to seek answers, then you must venture further, i believe you will find your answer in the Center Of All."

  Frankfield exchanged a glance with Juan, his brow furrowed in uncertainty. "Juan, are you sure about this? This is beyond anything we've faced before."

  Juan clenched his fists. "If my world is truly gone, then I need to know why. I can't live with unanswered questions."

  Frankfield sighed, nodding reluctantly. "Very well my friend."

  A tense silence fell for a moment. The being seemed to contemplate, its dark eyes flickering with an inscrutable light. "Very well," it said at last, "I see that you yearn for truth as much as for power. I will send you to a place where all universes converge, where beings that are as old as time itself dwell. There, you will find the answers you seek, and you will confront the beings who rule over realms beyond your comprehension."

  The entity lifted its scythe, drawing an arc in the air. A rift tore open, swirling with incomprehensible colors, a gateway that pulsed with the energy of countless realms converging at a single point.

  Frankfield hesitated, glancing at Juan. "The center of all universes, huh?, i bet it is a perilous realm, one where even the strongest of mages may be overwhelmed by the ancient powers at play. Are you certain this is what you desire?" he asked softly.

  Juan, still catching his breath from the earlier exchange, grinned despite the gravity of the situation. "I ain't afraid, Franky. Besides I've fought dragons, I've fought wars with my magic. I've learned to fight like a champion. If this center of all thingy holds the truth about my world, then by all means, let it come! I want to know what really lies beyond these battles."

  The being nodded slowly. "Prepare yourselves. The journey to the center of all is not a simple matter of travel. It is a trial of spirit and strength, of will and wisdom. You must prove that you are not merely brutes, but seekers of knowledge and destiny."

  Without another word, the creature extended its hand. A swirling vortex of darkness and light began to form before them, its edges indistinct, as if reality itself was being unstitched. The portal to the center of all universes had opened, a gateway that pulsed with raw, chaotic energy.

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  Frankfield looked at Juan, his eyes filled with both caution and excitement. "This is you—no our chance, Juan."

  Juan took a deep breath, his heart hammering with anticipation and fear. "Then let's go hermano." he said, his voice steady and resolute.

  Hand in hand, the two mages stepped into the vortex. The swirling portal enveloped them in a rush of sound and color. For a moment, the boundaries of time and space blurred. Images flashed before their eyes, cosmic landscapes, ancient beings, stars being born and dying in a single breath. It was as if the very fabric of existence was laid bare.

  As the vortex slowed its dance, they found themselves in a realm unlike any they had ever imagined. This was the center of all universes, a place where worlds converged and diverged, where the very essence of reality pulsed like a living heartbeat. Towering structures made of iridescent crystal and swirling energy filled the horizon. Strange, ethereal beings moved gracefully among these monoliths, creatures that defied description, some bearing the features of gods, others like nothing Juan had ever seen.

  The air was thick with power, and every step seemed to echo with the wisdom of ages. Frankfield and Juan exchanged awestruck glances. Here, at the very core of all things, the secrets of the cosmos lay hidden.

  Juan and Frankfield found themselves wandering through the labyrinthine alleys of the Center of All, The streets were narrow and winding, flanked by buildings that shimmered with an ethereal glow, their architecture unlike anything they had seen before. Here, the very air hummed with the power of countless worlds merging into one.

  "Look at this place, Frankfield," Juan said with a mixture of awe and humor, his accent thick. "It's like we're in a giant cosmic flea market, and I ain't even got no change."

  Frankfield merely nodded

  As they moved deeper into the maze-like district, the air grew warmer and the murmur of voices became louder. They soon came upon a rather inconspicuous building with a worn sign that read "The Outcast's Haven." Despite its humble appearance, the bar was a beacon of life amid the surreal environment. The neon sign flickered in erratic bursts, illuminating the faces of a diverse crowd congregated at the entrance.

  Inside, the bar buzzed with activity. Creatures of all shapes and sizes filled the room. Some were humanoid, others bore little resemblance to any species Juan had ever known. Many of them acted as though they were ordinary humans, laughing boisterously, exchanging jokes, and chattering in a language that sounded melodic yet completely unfamiliar. The room was alive with raucous laughter and clinking glasses. Amid the crowd, the ambient music, an odd mix of chants and futuristic beats set an otherworldly rhythm.

  Frankfield and Juan hesitated at the entrance, uncertain of how to proceed. They didn't speak the language of these patrons, nor did the locals seem particularly interested in conversing with strangers from another realm.

  Juan leaned over to Frankfield and whispered, "Franky, I ain't never seen a place like this. All these creatures laughin' and drinkin' like it's just another Tuesday. What do you think they're talkin' about?"

  Frankfield shook his head slightly. "I doubt they care about our small talk. Pretty sure this is a haven for those who don't fit into the neat order of their own worlds. We're outsiders here, and that might actually work to our advantage."

  Just as they were about to settle into a quiet corner, a figure approached them. It was a creature with an appearance that immediately set it apart from the rest. She was slender and graceful, with skin that shimmered like polished obsidian and eyes that sparkled with mischief and wisdom. Her hair flowed in platinum waves, and her attire was a blend of modern and archaic fashion, hinting at a heritage lost in time.

  She stopped before them, arms crossed, and gave a slight, knowing smile. "Woah, sapiens haven't seen your kind in a long time. Y'all seem strong. Wanna work for the Nexus of the Outcasts guild?"

  Juan blinked in surprise. "Work for what guild?, Wait you speaking our language?? I mean, what kind of job are we talkin' about here?" He attempted a casual tone, his Spanish accent coloring his words as he tried to hide his curiosity and apprehension.

  The woman chuckled, her voice both melodic and commanding. "Yes i'am speaking your language silly, Jobs like these are not for the faint-hearted, friend. My boss runs an guild where alliances are formed, secrets are traded, and battles are planned. We call it the 'Nexus of the Outcasts.' It is not a typical mercenary contract. here, you can shape the very fabric of power if you have the skill."

  Frankfield's gaze sharpened. "It seems our presence here is no coincidence, Juan."

  The woman leaned in closer, her eyes gleaming. "I see potential in both of you. But I must ask, why are you wandering these alleys? What brings you to our realm?"

  Juan exchanged a quick glance with Frankfield, then replied, "We're searchin' for answers. My friend here is a master of light magic, and I... I've been trying to go back to my world, but this slender guy with black skin or scale i don't know about 3 meters tall—said it doesn't exist. We came through a portal from another world, lookin' for answers and knowledge, but things ain't as simple as we hoped."

  Her smile widened as she considered his words. "Returning home, eh? And Syth itself said that it doesn't exist? Impossible. Few tried... none have succeeded. But you... you seem determined. My boss always says determination is the first step toward greatness. Follow me."

  Without further ado, the woman beckoned them to follow her through a side door. They trailed her into a dimly lit corridor lined with tapestries depicting ancient battles, mythical creatures, and enigmatic symbols. The air was cooler here, the noise of the bar muffled to a low hum.

  At the end of the corridor, they entered a vast chamber filled with beings of all shapes, Wartrolls muttering incantations in hushed tones, Golem like creatures floating silently, and beings with scars that spoke of countless battles. At the center of the room, behind a massive crystalline desk, sat a figure whose presence commanded immediate respect.

  The woman stepped forward. "My boss is Lord Eiran Blackthorn, the mastermind behind the Nexus. He weaves alliances across realms and ensures that those with power are never left in the dark."

  Lord Blackthorn looked up from a scroll he was studying, his eyes a piercing grey that seemed to see right through Juan and Frankfield. "Welcome, travelers," he said in a calm, measured tone. "I have been expecting you. Your arrival is no accident, and I believe you both have much to offer in these troubled times."

  Frankfield inclined his head respectfully. "Lord Blackthorn, my friend here come seeking knowledge and aid. We are caught between worlds and conflicts, and our journey has led us here in hope of finding answers."

  Lord Blackthorn gestured for them to sit. "Tell me, what is it that you seek? And what are you prepared to offer in return?"

  Juan, never one to shy away from speaking his mind, grinned. "I wanna get back home, man. I got places to be, people to see. But along the way, I've learned a thing or two about magic. Sure, I'm not the strongest mage, but I can hold my own, especially with these shields." He patted his arm where his glowing shield remnants still pulsed faintly.

  Lord Blackthorn nodded thoughtfully. "Your skills are intriguing. In the Nexus, we value those who can harness the unexpected. Perhaps you can be of service in our ongoing projects."

  The conversation grew deeper as the group discussed their various experiences, their victories, and their failures. The necromancers whispered among themselves in their cryptic language, and the beings exchanged amused glances as they listened, With their rugged faces and hardened gazes, took a moment to observe the exchange, their expressions a mix of curiosity and caution.

  As the hours passed, Frankfield and Juan were introduced to the many possibilities that the Nexus offered. Lord Blackthorn explained how his organization worked, uniting warriors and mages from different realms to protect the balance of power in the multiverse. The Nexus acted as a safeguard against chaos, a meeting point for those who walked between worlds.

  "We face many threats," Lord Blackthorn continued, his voice resonating with authority. "There's this empire but i cant recall it name its like ???? ???┑?┑?, i cant remember the details of them, but they are one among many. The multiverse is filled with dark forces seeking to upset the balance. Here, you can learn, fight, and perhaps, one day, shape destiny."

  Frankfield exchanged a look with Juan. The weight of their journey had finally brought them to a crossroads of destiny. Here, in the heart of the Nexus, surrounded by beings of unimaginable power and diversity, they had a chance to reshape their futures.

  As the meeting wound down, the woman who had first approached them offered one final piece of advice. "Remember, sapiens like you is are a rare sight in these parts. Use your ingenuity, your strength, and above all, your will. For here, nothing is set in stone."

  Juan chuckled.

  The Nexus buzzed with activity as the times passed. Juan and Frankfield left the meeting with Lord Blackthorn, stepping back into the maze-like streets of the Center of All. They wandered through alleys where ancient secrets and modern ambitions mingled, every corner whispering promises of power and peril.

  Though the challenges ahead were daunting, both felt a spark of hope a belief that in this chaotic convergence of worlds, they might find the answers they sought. And as they continued their journey, the voices of the multiverse sang around them, a chorus of possibilities echoing in every step."

  Their first task was simple. Retrieve the Gilded Covenant. That alone would earn them a fair reward. But there was more. If they managed to slay the Covenant's Sentinel, the guild promised to pay even more a fortune.

  to be continued