SCP: A TRUE ANOMALY

Chapter 46: The Labyrinth of Self-Ascension



The Labyrinth of Self-Ascension

1. The Trial of Power: "Strength Without Purpose"

The first chamber in the labyrinth materialized around A'malther, its walls forged from the fragments of shattered universes. A colossal figure emerged, its form shifting between gods, mortals, and anomalies—a swirling mass of power unrestrained by any purpose.

The figure spoke in a booming, distorted voice:

"You have claimed strength as your own, yet strength without purpose consumes itself. Defeat me not with your power, but with the clarity of your will. Show me the resolve that gives your strength meaning, or be consumed by it."

This trial was not one of brute force, but of intent. A'malther would need to demonstrate that his power served a greater purpose—be it his improvement, his love for A'habbat, or his vision of balance.

A'malther accepted without hesitation the challenge, he was instantly overwhelmed, but he was enjoying of placing himself in the limit, enjoying for pushing himself to test his determination. He wanted to continue, even if ended dead, he was going to refuse everything, and only what he searched.

After a long battle where he was unable of using magic, his determination proved his endless persistent despite suffering, and was allowed to continue and proceed forward.

2. The Trial of Balance: "The Price of Selfishness"

As A'malther advanced, the second chamber twisted into existence, its air heavy with paradoxes. He was surrounded by two versions of himself—one a god of unbridled ambition, standing above all, and the other a shattered version of his past, clinging to selflessness at the cost of his own joy.

A voice echoed from the void:

"You have embraced selfishness, yet balance is the foundation of existence. Which part of yourself will you abandon to find equilibrium? Will you sacrifice ambition to preserve compassion, or will you let go of kindness to reach divinity? Decide, A'malther, and let the scales of existence judge your worth."

This trial forced A'malther to confront the extremes of his identity, challenging him to define the balance between his selfish desires and the kindness he had once embodied.

A'malther hesitated, evaluating both, but yet, he decided to abandon and leave behind what he used to be, focusing in what he became. Slowly changing all what inside of him remained, and be exchanged for what he needed for be completely the divine he desired to become, and the one A'habbat wanted him to be.

3. The Trial of Knowledge: "Truth's Reflection"

The third chamber was a hall of infinite mirrors, each reflecting a different version of reality shaped by A'malther's choices. Some showed him as a benevolent ruler, others as a tyrant, and a few as a forgotten anomaly swallowed by time.

A voice spoke from the reflections:

"Knowledge is not just power; it is burden. The truths you uncover will reshape your very essence. To claim the knowledge you seek, you must confront your reflection and accept what you see. Speak the truth of who you are, and the Repository's secrets shall be revealed."

Here, A'malther would need to verbalize his identity, stripping away pretenses and lies to confront the raw essence of his existence. Only by fully acknowledging himself—his ambitions, flaws, and contradictions—could he unlock the secrets of the Repository.

A'malther: "... I always felt connected to other versions of myself, and yet, I always remained aware every choice was a creation of a different world and timeline, and from there... Endlessly further and more... I did it my way, and they did it their way...

The Final Revelation

If A'malther succeeded in navigating the labyrinth, he would reach the core of the Repository: a radiant sphere of pure knowledge, pulsating with the truths of all creation. Yet, as he approached, a final challenge would await—the choice of understanding.

A voice, both the Guardian's and his own, would resonate within him:

"The knowledge you seek will shatter the boundaries of your mind, granting you the power to reshape existence. But such knowledge comes with a cost. Will you claim it for yourself alone, or will you share it with the multiverse, risking the chaos it may unleash? Decide, A'malther, and let your choice define the purpose of your ascent."

A'malther observes with ambition, and then he didn't doubt or hesitate in grab the sphere, instantly being affected by it, and embracing it, accepting it as something natural, as how things work and must be.

As A'malther embraces the sphere, the knowledge begins to flood his essence. His body and mind shift, transcending mortal and divine forms alike. He perceives every thread of existence, from the smallest atom to the vast expanse of multiverses, all tied into a single tapestry of creation, destruction, and rebirth.

This overwhelming influx of understanding comes with immediate consequences:

His physical form begins to distort, glowing with an ethereal brilliance, his goat-like features melding with cosmic patterns.His mind starts fracturing under the sheer weight of boundless truths, testing his resolve to hold on to his identity. Echoes of A'habbat's words resonate within him, grounding him momentarily.

Challenge: A voice—perhaps the Guardian's or the echo of the multiverse—emerges:

"Your ambition has carried you here, but knowledge without harmony devours itself. You stand as an unbalanced force in the great equilibrium. Prove that you can master what you have claimed, or face annihilation as another failed god."

As A'malther gains clarity, he realizes that the sphere itself is not merely a source of knowledge. It is alive, a sentient construct of the multiverse designed to test, guide, and even manipulate those who seek its power.

The sphere reveals its true voice, a calm and ancient presence:

"You are not the first, A'malther, and you will not be the last. Those who claim me are bound by a higher purpose—to guard the balance of existence itself. Your journey was not one of discovery but of initiation. You now stand as a Warden of Creation, tasked with maintaining the harmony of the multiverse. Will you accept this duty, or will you rebel against your purpose, as so many before you?"

This revelation forces A'malther to reconsider his choices:

If he accepts the duty, he becomes bound to the multiverse's laws, his ambitions curbed by the responsibilities of maintaining balance.

If he rebels, he risks becoming a rogue force, hunted by the Repository's guardians and other entities protecting the multiverse's integrity.

The moment A'malther makes his choice, the Repository shifts, conjuring figures from his past:

Cad, his lost brother, appears, his form glowing faintly, a mirror of A'malther's regret and ambition.

A version of himself, representing the selflessness he abandoned in the Trial of Balance, emerges, accusing him of betraying his original purpose.

A'habbat, not the real one, but a projection of her loyalty and expectations, challenges him: "You rise as a god, but have you become the god I believed in—or merely another pretender to divinity?"

These figures do not fight A'malther physically but confront him emotionally and intellectually. Their words force him to reflect on the price of his choices and whether his ascent has truly brought him fulfillment—or if he is merely repeating the cycles of gods before him.

After short time later, A'malther looks the sphere, and accepts.

A'malther: "I may have followed my way by changes in the way, but that does not mean I refused to remain as the angel I used to be... It will remain in a different way, and yet, perhaps is a dangerous choice... I do respect who I used to be... And I will make sure I am the one who makes sure humanity changes for good, once and for all... I will conquer, but obeying me will not be only for my rules, as I will not apply any... I will conquer to remain what should remain, and make things right... The endless of existence... Is something I will not let aside... But bring with me in my way... But yet... It will be by my way... My determination is unstoppable, and I will not submit ever again..."

A'malther's declaration solidifies his resolve and sets a definitive tone for what comes next. His words reveal an unwavering determination to bridge the gap between who he was and who he is becoming—a balance of his angelic origins and his ascendant divinity. His choice to conquer not for dominance, but for reform and preservation, introduces a complex and layered intent that challenges both divine and mortal concepts of leadership and morality.

What Happens Next? The Guardian's Response

The Guardian, observing A'malther's proclamation, pauses for a moment. Its imposing form seems to ripple as though processing the weight of A'malther's words. Then, in a voice that reverberates with the echoes of countless realities, it speaks:

"You defy the cycles of gods and mortals alike, forging a path untread by those before you. Yet, such a path is perilous, for to conquer without rules is to bear the weight of infinite wills. To command without submission is to invite rebellion, even within yourself. Very well, A'malther—your determination shall be tested beyond what even you can foresee."

Final Trial: The Mirror of Eternity

The Guardian raises its hand, and a vast expanse of mirrors materializes around A'malther. Each mirror reflects a different version of him—some as benevolent rulers, others as tyrants consumed by power, and some as broken remnants lost to their own ambition. The mirrors stretch infinitely, creating a labyrinth of self-reflection.

The Guardian explains:

"Your choice binds you to endless possibilities, A'malther. To conquer existence is to face the countless versions of yourself scattered across time and realities. Only by confronting them can you solidify your purpose and claim the power you seek without being consumed by it. In each mirror lies a fragment of truth, a piece of what you were, are, and could become. To succeed, you must pass through the Mirror of Eternity, not as the conqueror of others, but as the master of yourself."

Twists in the Trial:

Confrontation of Regret

A'malther steps into a mirror where he sees a world where he never sought divinity, remaining the angel he once was. This version of himself stands surrounded by humans, guiding them with compassion, though he is visibly worn and fragile.

"Why did you abandon me?" the reflection asks, its voice trembling. "I was content, even if it meant suffering. Why trade kindness for power?"

A'malther must justify his path and accept that this version of himself represents a piece of his essence he can never fully abandon.

Confrontation of Ambition

Another mirror reveals A'malther as a god of unparalleled strength, ruling the multiverse with an iron fist. His subjects kneel before him, but their fear is palpable.

"Is this not what you sought?" this reflection booms, its voice dripping with arrogance. "To stand above all, to shape existence to your will? Power without weakness, dominance without limit—this is the ultimate truth of conquest!"

A'malther must reject the temptation of unchecked power while acknowledging the ambition that drives him forward.

Confrontation of Loss

In another mirror, A'malther sees himself alone, having sacrificed A'habbat, A'tellif, and everyone who once stood by his side for the sake of his goals. This version of himself appears weary, with hollow eyes and a crown of ashes.

"This is the cost of your selfishness," the reflection says bitterly. "You cannot carry others and rise yourself. Do you truly believe you can keep them by your side as you ascend?"

A'malther must confront the balance between his personal desires and his relationships, deciding how far he is willing to go without losing himself—or those he loves.

The Final Test

At the end of the labyrinth, A'malther stands before a final, shattered mirror. Instead of a reflection, the shards display pieces of every reality he has glimpsed, along with his current self.

The Guardian speaks again:

"You have faced your past, your ambitions, and your fears. Now, the final choice lies before you: will you embrace the endless reflection of who you are, carrying the weight of all you have seen, or will you shatter it, forsaking the fragments of your identity to rise as something entirely new?"

A'malther looks at the sphere, and takes a deep breath, before looking at the shattered mirror, and embracing it.

A'malther: "... No matter the choices and futures... I will make it my way, even if is similar to other realities or possibilities... My determination and my will, will make everything change, and remain... I do not really care if I can be saw as a copy of other... I will make sure I follow my own way... Taking you with me to see it..."

After A'malther's declaration, the Repository recognizes his resolve as genuine and unyielding. The Guardian acknowledges his determination and grants him access to the core of the Divine Repository—a radiant, infinite archive of knowledge and wisdom. A'malther is presented with the means to absorb and utilize the knowledge he seeks, his soul resonating with newfound understanding and clarity.

A'malther's Final Form

Upon his return from the Divine Repository, A'malther undergoes a striking transformation that reflects his newfound mastery of knowledge, balance, and determination. His appearance has evolved into a hybrid of divinity, mortality, and cosmic transcendence. Below is a detailed breakdown of his visual transformation and its symbolism:

Physical Attributes:

Height and Build:

A'malther now stands at an imposing 10 feet tall, embodying a commanding presence that blends grace and power. His physique is lean but densely muscular, designed for both elegance and function. His form exudes balance—not overly bulky, yet undeniably strong, every movement radiating precision and purpose.

Skin:

His skin is smooth yet textured like polished obsidian, with faint streaks of glowing blue and purple veins that pulse gently, reflecting the constant flow of determination and cosmic energy within him. The texture shifts subtly, appearing almost alive, like a perfect combination of celestial light and organic matter.

Eyes:

His eyes are now dual-toned, with one glowing a vibrant, searing blue (representing determination) and the other a deep, entrancing purple (symbolizing cosmic wisdom). Both radiate intense focus and clarity, and when he speaks, they flash with divine resonance. A faint ring of crimson encircles each iris, signifying his emotional ties to A'habbat and his lingering connection to humanity's struggle.

Horns:

A'malther's horns have grown larger and more ornate, curving outward like the branches of an ancient tree, or resembling celestial antlers adorned with floating runes that constantly shift and rearrange themselves. The horns are etched with cosmic glyphs glowing faintly in gold and silver, which seem to pulse in response to his thoughts, symbolizing his connection to the multiverse and his boundless knowledge.

Hair and Mane:

His once short hair has transformed into a flowing mane of radiant light, cascading down his back like a starry river. Each strand appears to be made of living starlight, shimmering in hues of white, blue, and purple, as though he carries the heavens themselves upon him.

Armor and Attire:

Divine Armor:

His armor appears skeletal yet refined, constructed of a crystalline material resembling white bone fused with ruby-red veins. The chest piece features a prominent heart-shaped gem, glowing with alternating pulses of red, gold, and violet—a symbolic representation of his balance between mortality, divinity, and ambition. The edges of the armor are gilded with liquid-like gold, which moves fluidly like a living aura, giving the impression that his armor is alive and reactive.

Ceremonial Cloak:

Draped over his shoulders is a long, tattered cloak, embroidered with the symbols of infinite universes, representing the knowledge he has gained. The cloak shimmers with faint projections of stars and constellations, blending seamlessly into the void whenever he moves.

Boots and Gauntlets:

His boots are plated in a material resembling solidified shadows, which absorbs light and sound, giving him an almost ethereal silence as he walks. His gauntlets are sharp and claw-like, appearing to be forged from the essence of black holes, with swirling particles of light trapped within them. They pulse with energy when he flexes his fingers, a visible manifestation of his strength.

Divine Aura and Cosmic Presence:

Celestial Aura:

A'malther's presence is accompanied by a shimmering aura of galaxies, as if fragments of the cosmos orbit him. This aura appears as swirling particles of stardust and fragments of nebulae, shifting colors between blue, purple, and gold. When he moves, faint trails of light linger in the air, creating the impression of his form transcending time and space.

Shadow of Determination:

Behind him extends a faint shadow in the shape of a towering winged figure, formed from his own soul. The shadow reflects his inner strength, embodying the endless persistence of his determination.

Ethereal Voice:

His voice now carries a dual tone, one layered with deep resonance (like a god) and the other smooth and firm (his original mortal tone). When he speaks, his words ripple through the air, reverberating like a cosmic vibration that demands attention.

Symbolic Details:

The Heart Emblem:

The heart-shaped gem on his chest glows brighter during moments of intense emotion or exertion, symbolizing his soul's core. This gem is directly tied to his ability to wield determination, love, and ambition simultaneously, acting as a literal and figurative "anchor" of his being.

Eyes as Duality:

His eyes represent the balance he strives to achieve: the blue eye signifies his mortal kindness and his history of being the angel of determination, while the purple eye reflects his growing divinity and the wisdom gained from the Divine Repository.

Armor of Bone and Ruby:

The skeletal appearance of his armor represents his ties to mortality and sacrifice, while the ruby veins symbolize the lifeblood of determination and ambition that sustains him.

Living Cloak:

The constellations embroidered on his cloak shift endlessly, symbolizing the infinite possibilities of the multiverse and A'malther's role in reshaping existence.

Abilities and Movements:

Movement:

A'malther moves with the grace of a dancer, yet his every step carries the weight of the cosmos, creating a subtle ripple through space-time. When in combat or moments of extreme focus, his presence becomes blindingly radiant, and his silhouette seems to expand infinitely, becoming almost impossible to pinpoint.

Light and Shadow:

His body emits light that can pierce through the darkest voids, but it is not harsh or blinding—it is warm and soothing, like the first rays of dawn. However, his armor and aura cast shadows of infinite depth, reminding all who face him of the balance between creation and destruction. Final Impression:

A'malther's final form is not just a visual manifestation of his newfound power; it is a reflection of his journey and choices. He is the embodiment of determination, cosmic wisdom, and balanced ambition, forged by his trials and shaped by his love for A'habbat and his desire to create a future on his terms.

In appearance, A'malther is both awe-inspiring and humbling, a figure who represents the infinite potential of existence and the unyielding persistence of the will. Those who gaze upon him feel a mix of reverence, fear, and inspiration, recognizing not only his divine strength but the humanity that still flickers within him.


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