> "A single thought can birth a universe. A shared thought can rewrite its laws." — Architect's Lexicon, Entry 11
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[Location: Starforge Nexus – Converging Realities Hall]
The Starforge Nexus shimmered like a blade frozen mid-swing in time. Suspended above collapsing galaxies and ancient voids, it was the gathering place for the most powerful establishment-holders across dimensions.
Aric stepped through the central gate, his Reality Domain rippling around him. The Hollow Archive, now bound to his existence, hovered faintly behind his shoulder like a ghostly tome.
A low chime echoed.
> Starforge System Activation Complete Summoned: 10,108 High-Value Establishers across planetary shards Event Triggered: The First Meet – Declaration of Bound Authority
From across fragmented planes, they arrived:
Syl-Rana the Dream Matron, who ruled a city of illusions.
Korr-Van of the Spiked Flame, a warlord whose fortress straddled the veins of a volcanic planet.
Norael the Everjudge, whose inn had become a neutral tribunal across seven sectors.
"The Merchant," a faceless being with infinite inventory.
And many more.
Each carried with them not only the might of their domains, but the weight of ideology. Their establishments weren't just structures—they were philosophies.
> "We welcome the bearer of the Hollow Archive," Norael spoke. "Let his truths be weighed."
Aric nodded. "I offer alliance... not submission. I came to build—not to conquer."
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[Event: Founders' Declaration]
In the center of the Starforge floated the Codex Core Disk—a platform of negotiation that engraved oaths directly into the System.
One by one, rulers stepped onto the disk and declared their principles:
Syl-Rana: "To expand through inspiration, not force."
Korr-Van: "To rule by flame, cleanse weakness, and honor strength."
Norael: "Balance above all. No tyranny unchecked."
When Aric stepped forth, the disk glowed white-hot.
> System Warning: New Foundational Path Detected – 'Realmwrought Concord' Define Authority Framework.
"I declare a realm of adaptive harmony," Aric said. "A union of reality, memory, and potential. Every establishment—regardless of size—has purpose. Power must not silence progress."
> Declaration Accepted New Faction Created: Concord of Bound Realities Automatic Invitations Sent to Compatible Establishers (418 invited)
Cheers, murmurs, and contempt mixed. Korr-Van spat.
"Peace never builds empires."
Aric smirked. "But it preserves what empires burn."
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[Undercurrent: Conspirators in the Dark Bloom]
Unseen by many, three veiled figures watched the declaration.
Zyx of the Rift Seeds, a chaos cultivator who had rewritten her own soul.
Lord Entranox, a false god of shattered timelines.
Verid the Mocker, a disillusioned ex-librarian of the Hollow Archive.
"We can't let the Concord grow," Zyx hissed.
"They're stabilizing too fast," Entranox nodded. "Let's inject a divergence. Let them bleed balance."
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[New Event Unlocked: Starforge Trials – Contest of Establishment Rights]
> Tiered Trials Begin in 5 Days Winner earns Blueprint to World Engine: Forge-Level Establishment capable of birthing minor realities Trials include: Siege Defense, Ideological Debate, Summoner Duel, and Civil Order Simulation
Aric accepted the invite.
His Reality Domain pulsed.
"Time to show them what an adaptable architect really builds."
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[End of Chapter 22]