Oracle appeared to me in a dream.
Not a normal dream—the kind that happens outside reality, where time has no meaning and the rules of physics are suggestions.
"You're almost ready," she said.
"For what?"
"For the final choice. Stage 5. Becoming what you were." She gestured, and I saw visions—fragments of futures, possibilities branching in every direction.
In one, I fully awakened, becoming a dimensional being of immense power. I protected this reality from all threats, but I could no longer touch it—could no longer hold Hope's hand, share coffee with Davina, argue with Klaus. I existed outside, watching, unable to participate.
In another, I refused evolution. Remained as I was, powerful but limited. The threats grew, multiplied, eventually overwhelmed everything I'd built. Everyone I loved died, and I survived, alone, carrying their memories for eternity.
In a third, I found balance. A way to exist between forms, to hold power without losing connection. It was possible—barely—but required sacrifices I didn't know how to make.
"Which path do you choose?" Oracle asked.
"I choose the one where they survive."
"That's not an answer."
"It's the only one I have."
Oracle smiled. "Then maybe you're ready after all."
She vanished, and I woke with the crystal shard warm in my hand.
[Stage 5: READY]
[Final evolution available]
[Do you wish to proceed?]
I looked at the shard. At the life I'd built. At the people sleeping in the safehouse, unaware that I was making a choice that would define all our futures.
Not yet. But soon.
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