"..."
For a moment there, Alex was confused. "What I learnt from fusing with the universe's core?"
"Yes." The Supreme One nodded.
"Isn't that the case for all veilwalkers…?" Alex tilted his head, not quite sure why the topic was brought up.
"No, Alexander," The Supreme One shook his head. "While it is true that we veilwalkers learn the remaining truths of our universes after fusing with its core, there is something else I discovered was missing in the others… The drive to fuse with other universe cores."
"!"
Alexander's eyes widened briefly in shock, his mind going back to what he felt soon after digesting the influx of knowledge he received from the core.
'I see…' His brows furrowed a moment later, staring at the Supreme One as his mind made the connection. 'So it's not the same for everyone. He was a god before becoming a veilwalker, and I ascended to godhood before fusing with the universe core…'
It was very obvious to see. But this raised another set of questions; questions he hoped to get answers to.
"Why…?" Alex couldn't help himself, muttering the first of his questions. "Was the prerequisite to be a god first, or is there something I'm missing? Also, why?"
The obvious answer was growing stronger, far stronger than anyone else with every core fused with. This included the missing pieces of the puzzle that led to the ultimate knowledge Alex had no clue about.
From all indications of his ascension, Alex knew he was complete — at least, in the bounds of his universe. While not perfect, as there was more room for growth, he doubted it had to be through fusing with more cores.
It felt more like he was being directed towards a certain path not of his choosing. It was why he undid his fusion, and he was glad he did.
"For the longest time, I thought I was the only one… Until you ascended on your own." The Supreme One grabbed his cup for another sip. "I wasn't entirely sure you were the same… However, you were even better. For whatever reason, you're different from me. This was what drew my attention to you.
"Perhaps the drive you felt granted you something different to look forward to; a path that is not the same but could be similar…."
Alex remained silent, his mind racing rapidly as he reconsidered a lot of his thoughts on the issue. Noticing the light of contemplation in Alex's eyes, the Supreme One didn't continue, waiting for Alex to bring everything together.
"I-I don't understand…" Alex said as he raised his head. "If none of the others were guided on this path, doesn't that mean they were at their final forms?"
It was a valid question. However, it was also very easy for a veilwalker to wonder what happens when they fused with another universe core, even with that drive missing.
Honestly, he was confused. Alex was more interested in why this was the case, instead of what made him different. After all, he already knew the answer to that.
"I understand your concerns, Alexander…" The Supreme One replied calmly. "Why am I the only one to feel this? Does this mean our god-level strength is not enough to face that void monster? If so, then why? Did the multiverse create all of us just to get one that could feel that drive?
"And if that is the case, was I not enough?" The Supreme One sighed softly. "These are some of the many questions I ask myself, Alexander. There's a lot I still don't know, even after fusing with so many universe cores."
"So you're doing this for the answers to those questions?" Alex asked. "I doubt you failed to consider this being some sort of plan by the multiverse."
"Oh, trust me, I have considered that." The Supreme One chuckled. "But the questions aren't the only reason I am doing this. With every core I fuse with, I can feel myself getting closer to something.
"To feel it so close yet so far away at the same time." The Supreme One's expression remained calm, but Alex heard the reminiscence in his tone. Focusing his gaze on Alex, he continued. "Regardless of what this might lead to, I have to see it to the very end."
"Is that why you wanted to meet me? To see if my path is as different as you imagined?" Alex asked, staring directly into the eyes of the Supreme One.
"Yes, Alexander… I have been keeping an eye on you, and that little display of yours with the gods proved my point."
"What about the Young Master?" Alex asked with a raised brow and a slight smirk.
"Haha, so you knew."
"How could I not?" Alex shrugged. "A normal person defeating the clone of a fully realised veilwalker? That's the funniest joke you'll ever hear. No matter how talented a person is, beating a veilwalker at our level is impossible." Unless, of course, they met a god from Universe Prime.
Alex was still not sure how he couldn't see through the Young Master's records, but that was the reason he knew this was the Supreme One's doing. 'There's still a lot I don't know about… Most likely the knowledge I am missing.'
"If I may… What are the other reasons for fusing with universe cores?" He already had a guess, but he wanted to hear it from the Supreme One directly.
"I could tell you… But you have to do the same." He said, grabbing the teapot for a refill. "Why are you different? Why can't I interact with your energy despite sitting right in front of you? Is the core of your universe different from the others?"
"!"
Alex gulped at hearing those questions. It was good to know the Supreme One couldn't interact with his Nexis Radient. But that was useless if he could be drained and rendered useless.
'But is telling him going to make a difference?' The answer he arrived at was no. The Supreme One knowing the effects of his ascension won't change the facts.
A soft sigh escaped Alex's lips as he prepared to tell the Supreme One his truth. Lifting his head to look into the Supreme One's eyes, Alex shared his truth.