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Chapter 21 - Chapter 21: Beyond the Infinite Gates

As MC stepped beyond the Third Gate, a new realm unfolded before them—one unlike anything they had seen before. It was not a single world, nor a void, but an endless expanse of shifting realities, each flickering in and out of existence.

Some realms were vibrant with life, glowing cities stretching across the heavens. Others were nothing but ruins, echoes of forgotten civilizations.

At the center of it all stood a colossal throne, carved from the very fabric of existence. And seated upon it was a figure—a being whose very presence distorted time and space.

The Eternal Sovereign.

---

The Sovereign's Warning

The figure slowly lifted their gaze, and when they spoke, their voice resonated across every reality at once.

"You have walked the path of the Infinite. You have shaped creation itself. But now, you stand before the final choice."

MC clenched their fists. They had endured the trials, they had grasped the power of creation—what more was left?

"You believe yourself ready, but power alone does not define a ruler of reality," the Sovereign continued. "You have seen the birth of worlds… now, will you face their end?"

With a wave of the Sovereign's hand, the realms around them began to collapse.

---

The Test of Endings

A planet shattered into dust. A galaxy imploded into a singularity. A civilization MC had glimpsed moments ago—billions of lives, their hopes and dreams—were now nothing more than whispers in the void.

MC's breath caught in their throat.

"Creation is only one half of infinity," the Sovereign said. "The other… is destruction."

The realization hit MC like a tidal wave. To wield true power, they must not only create but also understand when to let go.

The Sovereign extended a hand toward MC.

"Will you save what remains? Or will you accept that some things must fade?"

---

The Dilemma: To Preserve or to Let Go?

MC's mind raced. If they interfered, they could try to stop the collapse—to hold together reality itself. But doing so could spiral out of control, creating an endless cycle of struggle.

Yet if they accepted destruction, they would be forced to stand by and do nothing, allowing worlds to crumble.

Was there another way?

MC closed their eyes, reaching deep within their newfound understanding of creation. The answer wasn't about preventing endings or forcing existence to continue—it was about balance.

"Let endings be a path to new beginnings," MC whispered.

They raised their hands, channeling the power of the Infinite System—not to stop destruction, but to reshape it into something new.

A dying world transformed into a new star. A collapsing realm became the seed of a greater plane of existence. Instead of preventing endings, MC guided them into rebirth.

The Sovereign smiled.

"You have passed the Final Trial."

---

The Throne of Eternity

The collapsing realms stabilized, and the throne began to glow. The power of the Infinite surged, and MC felt reality bending around them.

The Sovereign stood from the throne, stepping forward.

"You have proven yourself beyond any before you. You understand creation, balance, and the weight of eternity. Now, take the final step."

The throne awaited.

Would MC claim it? Would they wield the Infinite System to reshape existence itself?

The choice was theirs.

---

The Weight of Eternity

MC stood before the Throne of Eternity, power surging through every fiber of their being. The Infinite System pulsed within them, resonating with the very fabric of reality. This was the moment everything had led to.

The Eternal Sovereign's voice was calm but firm.

"To claim the throne is to accept the burden of infinity. You will not rule a kingdom, nor a single world—but existence itself. Every choice you make will ripple across all that is, was, and ever will be."

MC hesitated. They had chased power, sought to transcend limits, but now they understood—this was not just about strength. It was about responsibility.

Would they embrace eternity, or would they walk away, leaving the multiverse to its own fate?

---

The Final Choice: To Rule or To Depart?

The throne glowed, the space around it shifting into countless possibilities. Each future branched out like an infinite web, showing what might come depending on MC's decision.

If they sat upon the throne… They would become the new Sovereign, reshaping the cosmos, enforcing balance, and ensuring the multiverse remained stable. But would they still be themselves? Would their humanity be lost in the vastness of eternity?

If they turned away… They would relinquish the power, but the Infinite System would still be a part of them. They could return to their world, or another, living with the knowledge of what they had seen and done. Yet, without a guiding force, the multiverse could descend into chaos.

The weight of the decision pressed down on MC. Power, or freedom? Destiny, or choice?

---

A New Challenger Appears

Before MC could decide, the space around them trembled.

A crack split the very fabric of reality, and from the void emerged a figure cloaked in pure darkness, their form shifting like a living shadow.

"You think this is over?" The voice was a whisper, yet it echoed across existence itself.

The Eternal Sovereign's expression darkened.

"The Paradox King… you should not be here."

MC's eyes narrowed. The Paradox King?

The figure laughed, the sound sending chills through the collapsing realms.

"Foolish Sovereign. You believed balance would last forever? No throne lasts eternally. Not even yours."

With a single motion, they shattered the throne into fragments of golden light.

---

The Fall of the Throne

A shockwave erupted, sending MC and the Sovereign flying backward. The fabric of reality began to unravel once more, but this time, it was not a test.

The Paradox King stepped forward, reaching toward the fragments of the throne as they floated in space.

"Creation is flawed," they said, their voice laced with ancient hatred. "A cycle doomed to repeat. So I will break it."

MC gritted their teeth. They had come too far for everything to fall apart now.

The Sovereign rose to their feet, eyes burning with divine fury.

"You will not succeed."

"Won't I?" The Paradox King smirked, then unleashed a force that sent shockwaves across the entire multiverse.

---

The Final Battle Begins

MC barely had time to react before they were pulled into the chaos. Worlds shattered, timelines collapsed, and the laws of reality began to spiral out of control.

The Infinite System flashed warnings.

[WARNING: Multiversal Collapse Detected]

[Critical Threat Level: OMEGA]

[Immediate Action Required]

MC clenched their fists.

This wasn't about ruling anymore. This was about survival.

The Final Battle for the Infinite had begun.

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