Point of View: Genesis
Everything was progressing exactly as I had planned.
My abominations had exceeded my expectations, and the dungeons had proven to be an exceptionally useful tool. The pressure they generated and the resources they produced were shaping the development of the continents in an efficient manner.
"You seem pleased, host," Elena commented.
"I am," I replied. "The inhabitants of the continents are evolving as I expected. The only species that failed to show remarkable talent were plant-based life forms. Very few of them manage to ascend."
"That is only natural," Elena said. "To ascend, one must possess affinity with Origin Energy. Most plants merely absorb it passively or use it to produce fruit. They do not cultivate it."
That was true.
And, moreover, it was convenient. If all plant life on the planet were to gain consciousness, the balance would be disrupted. It would not be beneficial to overall development.
"How long do you estimate before the first level-two ascended appears?" I asked.
"At this pace… two to three years."
That was not long.
A normal planet would require at least a century to achieve something similar. This was, without a doubt, extreme optimization.
The abominations applied constant pressure.The dungeons offered rewards and growth.
A beneficial cycle.
"Good," I said. "We will continue with the plan. In one year, grade-one dungeons will begin to appear."
"And the issue of insufficient energy?" Elena asked. "Do you have a solution prepared?"
That was the only matter that kept me in a state of constant calculation.
As a planet, I did not need to sleep, eat, or rest. Even working continuously, twenty-four hours a day, I had been unable to solve that fundamental problem.
The universe seemed determined to deny me a simple solution.
"No," I finally replied. "I do not have one yet. But if, upon ascending, I gain greater freedom to modify the laws… perhaps I can find a new way to obtain energy. That is the only possibility I can foresee."
Either way, I first needed to strengthen my inhabitants.
Plans and structures were meaningless if they remained weak. Without proper pressure, without real danger, there would be no progress.
Two or three years…
I hoped the next ascension would grant me the opportunity I needed. Because, for now, my options were limited.
The universe truly knew how to place obstacles in my path.