Location: Creator City, Andromeda Galaxy
Time: 00:00 Galactic Standard Time
Golden lights and silver walls reflected on Henri's gauntlet as he stepped forward. Kalyx, the First Observer, gestured calmly toward the central platform where three concentric rings floated, each etched with unknown symbols.
"This is the Legacy Trial," Kalyx said, voice smooth as polished metal. "It is not merely a battle. It is a test of understanding, control, and balance. To inherit the Creator's legacy, you must complete it."
Eyla glanced at Henri. "You sure you're ready for this?"
Henri answered without hesitation. "I came all this way. I'm not turning back now."
Phase One: Combat Trial
The platform beneath Henri shifted. Suddenly, he stood alone in a circular arena. Walls of light rose up around him, sealing him off from the others.
System Notice:
Trial Phase One: Combat Efficiency
Opponents: Synthetic Echo-Class Entities
From the other side of the arena, silver and black figures formed—humanoid, but faceless, moving with chilling synchronization.
Henri activated Genesis Overdrive II. His gauntlet pulsed gold, and he charged.
The battle stretched on for almost twenty minutes, each opponent more difficult than the last. Henri kept his movements precise, using not only strength but tactical upgrades: adaptive shielding, rapid re-sync, precision strike modules.
When the final opponent shattered in a burst of silver code, Henri fell to one knee, breathing hard.
Phase One Complete. Proceed to Phase Two.
Phase Two: System Control Trial
Henri found himself floating in a field of stars, a translucent interface in front of him. Three massive data streams flowed past, each representing a core function:
Power
Stability
Evolution
"Balance them," Kalyx's voice echoed from nowhere. "Without destroying yourself or the system."
Henri realized it wasn't about fighting now. It was about restraint.
He began moving data nodes, balancing the streams. Too much Power and the System glitched. Too much Stability and Evolution halted. It was like tuning a living machine.
For nearly an hour, he worked—sweat forming on his brow even in zero gravity.
Finally, the streams aligned.
Phase Two Complete. Proceed to Final Phase.
Phase Three: Legacy Integration
A new figure appeared before Henri—a projection of the System Creator Echo.
"You have proven control, strength, and wisdom," the Echo said. "Now, we must integrate your consciousness with the Core. This is irreversible. Do you accept?"
Henri didn't hesitate. "Yes."
Light exploded around him. His gauntlet disintegrated into raw golden energy, fusing with his skin. Circuit patterns extended from his hands to his entire body, embedding deep within his nerves.
System Notice:
Creator Legacy Integration: 100%.
New System Level: Origin Tier.
When the light faded, Henri opened his eyes to see Eyla, Sorin, Peter, and Kalyx waiting.
Eyla gave him a rare smile. "You made it."
Henri felt... different. Stronger. Quieter inside. But whole.
Kalyx bowed slightly. "From this moment on, you are no longer merely a System User. You are a System Origin."
Closing Scene: Departure from Creator City
Aboard Skywatch Phoenix, now upgraded with Andromeda tech, Henri stood at the helm.
Peter looked around, impressed. "So... now what?"
Henri glanced toward Earth's distant star. "We go home. But we don't stop. There's more out there. Other systems. Other Creators."
Sorin smirked. "Figures."
Eyla said softly, "Let's bring balance to all of them."
As Skywatch Phoenix activated its multi-galactic drive, streaks of golden and silver light surrounded the ship.
Henri watched it all unfold and smiled to himself.
System Notice:
Legacy Continuum Initiated. End of Current Arc.
End of Chapter 21.