[Planet Orynx — Universe of Arkalyth]
[20 Million Years Before the Earth Invasion]
In the silent, shimmering cradle of the Arkalyth universe, the planet Orynx drifted in absolute isolation. It was a world of primordial power, a lone jewel in a vast, empty void. While Arkalyth was a separate and distinct reality, it existed in a delicate proximity to another universe—a parallel dimension that would one day be home to the planet Earth. At this time, however, there were no other worlds in Arkalyth; there was only the radiant, terrifying beauty of Orynx.
Life on Orynx was divided into four distinct species, each a pillar of the planet's ecosystem: the Beasts, the Angels, the Demons, and the Spiritual Beings.
The Beasts were the embodiment of raw, crushing strength. The Angels were silent sentinels, known for their unnerving calmness and the ability to execute precise kills with beams of pure, searing energy. Then there were the Demons —creatures of dual nature, wielding both Red and Dark energy. Among them, only the legendary Cursed Lord could master both the void of the Dark and the fire of the Red; the rest were bound to the crimson flames of Red energy alone.
And finally... there were the SpiritualBeings.
"The Spiritual Beings are the architects of the soul," Xyloria spoke, her voice like a soft chime echoing through the grand hall. She was an Origin, one of the most powerful entities on the planet, her form shimmering with a translucent, ethereal light that seemed to pulse with the heartbeat of the world.
"I bet we're the strongest of them all!" a young voice interrupted.
It was Elarion, a spiritual youth with a restless spark in his eyes. He stood up, puffing out his chest with the arrogance only the young could afford, his translucent form vibrating with excitement. Xyloria, who had been lecturing a small group of children, offered a calm, patient smile.
"That is true, Elarion," she said. "But even as the strongest, no Spiritual Being has ever truly mastered the full extent of their power."
Rhyzok, Elarion's friend, leaned forward with wide eyes. "Even you, Master Xyloria?"
"Yes, even me. Not even our greatest ancestors," she admitted. "We have the unique ability to condense our spiritual energy into physical matter, granting us strength that surpasses the Beasts and Demons combined. A single punch from a Spiritual Being in that state could shatter a planet. And it isn't just physical; our strikes bypass the flesh and tear directly at the target's soul. It is an absolute force."
"Wow," Elarion breathed, his arrogance replaced by a look of pure wonder. "I heard that physical attacks can't even touch us because we don't have souls to be anchored to a body."
"Exactly," Xyloria replied, her expression turning serious. "That is what makes us special. But there is a theory—an ancient one—that says only a Spiritual Being who manages to inhabit a true physical body can wield their power at the Absolute Stage without breaking down. But remember..." She stood up, her presence suddenly filling the room with an overwhelming pressure. "Not just *any* physical body will do."
The children sat in stunned silence, their minds racing with the possibilities of such power. "Thank you for this lesson, Master Xyloria!" they chimed in unison before scurrying off, leaving only Elarion and Rhyzok behind.
Xyloria looked at them. "Why haven't you two left with the others?"
Elarion stepped closer, his brow furrowed in thought. "I wanted to ask... if we can turn energy into matter, why don't we just use our own energy to create a permanent physical body for ourselves? We could be gods."
Rhyzok grabbed Elarion's arm, trying to pull him away. "Come on, Elarion, don't be disrespectful..."
Xyloria held up a hand. "Let him speak, Rhyzok. It is a fair question." She looked Elarion in the eye. "To create a body from your own energy is to consume your own life. Right now, Elarion, you cannot produce new spiritual energy because you have not yet matured. Only an Origin can generate energy; the rest of you must simply manage what you were born with. Your very form, your voice, even your memories—they are all maintained by the spiritual energy you possess. To use half of that to build a shell would leave you hollow. I would never recommend it."
Rhyzok looked at his friend, who seemed deflated. "But Elarion was created through you, through your energy! Why isn't he as powerful as an Origin already?"
Xyloria chuckled softly. "I became an Origin through centuries of discipline and training, not just because of the energy I was born with. Power is a muscle, Rhyzok. It must be flexed."
"Then he'll do it!" Rhyzok shouted, his loyalty shining through. "He'll become even stronger than you! He'll be the strongest in history!"
"I hope so," Xyloria said, a trace of sadness touching her smile. "Though I likely won't be alive to see it."
The boys froze. "What do you mean?" Elarion asked, his voice trembling.
"I am reaching my limit," Xyloria explained calmly. "My spiritual energy is becoming too much for this form to contain. It is building up, expanding... eventually, I will explode. That is why I stay in this room; I only emerge to provide the energy the other species need to survive. I am a dying star, boys."
"Does that mean..." Elarion swallowed hard. "Someone new might be created from your energy after you... after the explosion?"
"It is possible," Xyloria whispered. "The cycle of the Origins is a violent one. From death, new life is woven."
Rhyzok took Elarion's hand, his face pale. "Come on, let's go. We need to train. We need to be ready for when that time comes."
Xyloria watched them leave, her shimmering form flickering like a candle in the wind. As the door closed, a shadow moved in the corner of the room. A figure stepped forward, their voice cold and clinical.
"You have very little time left. Three days, at most."
Xyloria didn't turn around. She simply closed her eyes, feeling the mounting pressure within her soul. "Thank you for the warning," she said softly.
To be continued...