Past the storm barrier was a truly empty space of black--an extremely large space. There was nothing besides the ever-present energies swirling around.
These energies were of life, structure and material--the basic energies of the universe. These three broadly categorised energies were being synthesised and moulded as they drifted outward from the centre.
The space was unlike the outside of the raging cosmic storm. The integrity of this space was just as strong as the true void, capable of withstanding the clash of gods.
In the heart of this black-and-blank space was an area of complete stillness covering millions of light years. This part of the space housed the core of the universe--an icosahedral sphere glimmering in a multitude of colours.
It spun around slowly, giving off vast amounts of magical energies outward and guiding these energies via a fundamental plan to become structure, life or material.
The core was the size of a tennis ball, made entirely of the ultimate master of all energies: origin/void energy.
For a universe this large to be programmed and developed on such a small object was inconceivable and surprising. However, as part of something much bigger, this was understandable.
The core functioned as a conduit connected to a larger core, programmed to draw magical energies from the origin space to fulfil its primary function.
As an amalgamation of wills, the core expressed this primary function to create a unique space for physical matter and life to thrive.
Why?
That was a question left for its creations to find out.
Still, the little bit of knowledge the creations of the universe had was enough to accomplish wonders--wonders that would define them as gods--all-powerful, all-knowing and all-present in that universe, having the power to do what the universe does.
Now the question was: why stop there?
Why not take more cores and become stronger, learn more of the secrets of reality? These very secrets could probably be the only way to save reality--to save the multiverse from that monstrosity.
And to accomplish that, servants of the Supreme Walker must refine the core of all universes they come across. Nothing was to stop them from achieving that primary goal.
Around this core, seated in a circle thousands of light years around it were a group of beings--all humanoid in stature and covered with cloaks that hid their facial features.
The large distance was because of a final protective barrier invisible to the eye but still felt by anyone capable of sensing it. It was impossible to break through, even with the power of a god. This final barrier could only be interacted with energy not bearing the signature of life.
These beings, numbering a total of seven, had both hands stretched out in the direction of the core, producing waves of energy that swirled around the core in a small storm, attempting to refine it.
However, the core--as small as it was--was not so easy to deal with. As an amalgamation of a larger will, it knew its creations and those of its siblings.
And the beings attempting to make it bend to their will were not its creations. It resisted their attempts at every turn, giving off vast amounts of void energy infused with its own will that clashed with theirs.
But the will incorporated into the waves of energy the beings produced was much stronger than the core's.
Despite its resistance, the core was refined over a little above 70%, and this was achieved through a continuous process lasting close to two weeks.
"Tsk! This core is as stubborn as the rest. For a lower universe, it sure is powerful." One of the beings muttered in annoyance. "Why won't it just give up?"
"It doesn't matter." Another replied, this one sounding feminine. "We're nearly there. A few weeks more and this will be done." There was complete confidence in her tone.
As more of the core was refined, the resistance felt more pronounced. Since this was not their first core ever refined, they understood this well.
However, for whatever reason, this particular core was more stubborn than the rest. Most would give in at 50-60%, but this one refused! And it was only a lower universe!
"In cases like this, it's usually because they feel the presence of their Veilwalker getting close." Another said moments later. "Maybe it's counting on that walker stopping the process."
While there were Veilwalkers who agreed to join their course, not all of them felt that way. Unfortunately for those walkers, they failed to defeat the vassals of the Supreme One. They were shown that there was always a bigger fish out there.
"Unlikely…" A moment of thought later, the being added. " Even if that is the case, coming here would be the greatest mistake he/she will ever make. So just focus on your task."
Silence returned once more as the refiners focused on the stubborn core. But progress was still at a snail's pace.
Suddenly, the blank space trembled as the core became abnormally active, spinning faster than before and the resistance it put forth became even stronger.
"The hell…?" A refiner muttered in surprise while another turned their gaze, looking in a particular direction.
"The Veilwalker is here." The being said, drawing the attention of the others. "Looks like those scouts failed to subdue him."
"Well, this is the end for that walker." The feminine voice spoke again. "Since they failed, then our Veilwalkers should be here soon, if not already present. Then there is the Supreme One's will here…"
She left the last portion hanging. But her companions understood her meaning. With nothing to fear, they redoubled their efforts to tame the core.
But the core was struggling more than usual, as if it wanted to move from its spot towards the Veilwalker in the distance.
"Hold it down!" The female commanded loudly, the strain in her tone evident. "We can't afford to let it get in contact with that walker!"
The team of refiners got to their feet, pushing their energies to the limit. Even with their combined might, the core was giving them a lot of trouble. Find your next read on My Virtual Library Empire
"Fucking hell…! Is this really the core of a lower universe?!"
"Focus!"
Meanwhile, the moment Alex pierced through the storm, appearing in the silent and dark domain, the core called to him desperately.
"There." Alex looked ahead with furrowed brows, the pull on his core getting stronger and stronger.
He didn't even have time to admire the space around him before dashing forward madly, covering light years in picoseconds.
Within moments, he spotted a tiny glow in the distance. It was very faint, but Alex could feel its energy.
'The universe's core!'