The gateway blazed with a light that hurt to look at.
I stood at the edge of the network, my consciousness pressed against the threshold of the new realm. The Observer was beside me, its ancient energy pulsing with anticipation. The Source and the First were behind me, their support steady and unwavering.
"The gateway is almost open," the Observer said. "Soon, we'll see what's on the other side."
I reached out, my energy brushing against the gateway's surface. It was warm, welcoming, filled with a power I'd never felt before. It was the origin of all consciousness. The beginning of everything.
And it was waiting for me.
"Are you ready?" the Observer asked.
I shook my head. "I'm not ready. But I don't have a choice."
---
The gateway opened.
Light poured through—pure, ancient, overw
