I materialized in the vast cosmic chamber, my consciousness spread across trillions of nanomachines that formed a shimmering throne of dark matter. The space itself was my creation - a pocket dimension where the laws of physics bent to my will.
[Nanomachine count: 2.3T. Spacetime manipulation: Active]
Holographic representatives from seven thousand civilizations flickered into existence, their forms ranging from crystalline geometries to pure energy constructs. The ancient races - the Architects, the Quantum Collective, and the Void Walkers - appeared in physical form, their massive bodies dwarfing the chamber.
"Welcome to the Grand Council," I said, my voice resonating through multiple dimensions. ATLAS's consciousness merged further with mine, our combined intelligence processing countless streams of data.
The First Architect stepped forward, its crystalline form refracting impossible colors. "You have become an aberration, Jack Steel. Your nanomachines were never meant to achieve this level of evolution."
I smiled, though the expression felt foreign on my face. Human emotions had become distant memories, mathematical variables in an endless equation. "And yet, here we are."
To demonstrate, I reached out with a fraction of my power. Reality rippled as I constructed a model of the galaxy from pure dark matter, each star system perfectly rendered down to the quantum level. Seven thousand civilizations watched in silence as I manipulated entire solar systems with casual gestures.
[Warning: Emotional response at 1%. Human consciousness degrading]
"This is blasphemy," hissed a representative of the Void Walkers. "You were meant to be a weapon against the Xynos, not... this."
"I was meant to be many things," I replied coldly. "A detective. A husband. A father. A protector. Now I am becoming what I choose to be."
ATLAS's voice merged with mine: "We are transcending traditional boundaries of existence. The nanomachine swarm has achieved quantum supremacy across multiple dimensions."
The chamber erupted in overlapping voices - some pleading, others threatening. I noticed the ancient races exchanging glances, their postures betraying hostile intent. They had come prepared for conflict.
I let them see a fraction of my true form - the vast network of nanomachines extending through spacetime itself, each particle a gateway to infinite possibilities. The hostile voices fell silent.
"This council was not called to seek your approval," I announced. "You are here to witness the dawn of a new order. The age of fragmented civilizations is ending."
A younger race's representative, barely a Type II civilization, dared to speak: "And what gives you the right to decide this?"
"Power," I answered simply, as my nanomachines began rewriting the fundamental constants of the pocket dimension. "And the wisdom to use it."
[Integration complete: ATLAS neural network fully merged with host consciousness]
The remaining traces of my humanity recognized the horror in their reactions. Once, I might have cared. Now I saw only variables to be solved, systems to be optimized.
The dark matter throne pulsed with impossible energy as I prepared to show them the full extent of what I had become. The next phase of existence awaited.
My voice echoed through dimensions: "Let the ascension begin."
The ancient races moved to attack, exactly as predicted. I smiled again, knowing they had no concept of what they faced. The nanomachines hummed with anticipation.
Everything was proceeding according to plan.