FVN Chapter 72 - 72: A New World and Another Encounter with the Old Man
Chapter 72 - 72: A New World and Another Encounter with the Old Man
In a distant, mysterious place, so remote that it could be called both the end and the beginning of all things. This place lies beyond reality, time, space, life, and death. Legends of some ancient worlds mentioned it, but even they couldn't capture its full enigma.
Here were born those who brought madness and chaos, and here was imprisoned the one who appeared alongside order. Some called this place the end of everything, others—the center of the universe. But no one truly knew what this place was or how to reach it.
Only a few lucky souls managed to peer beyond the veil of secrets to behold it, but perhaps they were unlucky souls who met their doom. Those who sought the truth and dared to look beyond the edge of everything found themselves here, facing disappointment and death, for this place tolerates no weakness. Only a few managed to return, retaining their sanity, but even they were on the brink of madness.
At the center of this strange world stood a black platform, supported by a creature resembling a tree. Perhaps it was a tree, somehow surviving here by feeding on the energy of the place's inhabitants. Now, it served as the foundation for a peculiar structure.
Around its roots danced horrific creatures, eyeless and voiceless, dark and mad, to the sinister beat of drums and the soft, monotonous sobs of cursed flutes. Above them, like a shadow, loomed a massive platform that seemed both near and unreachable at the same time.
On the platform stood dreadful, terrifying thrones, meant only for those as horrifying as the place itself. The thrones were arranged in a semicircle, allowing those seated on them to view whoever stood in the center. Among them, one throne stood out—a simple stone throne etched with strange inscriptions in forgotten languages. This throne seemed out of place here.
Beside it stood another throne, constantly shifting in form and texture. On it sat a girl, so beautiful that her beauty could drive entire worlds mad. Her long, form»fitting dress shimmered with colors from other worlds, invisible to the human eye.
The girl's pale skin contrasted sharply with the throne, and her black hair, like a waterfall, merged with it, sparkling like stars in the night. Her eyes glimmered with a rainbow light, constantly changing, but from one eye, a black, pitch»like tear flowed, leaving a trail on her cheek.
Slowly raising a slender hand that seemed almost boneless, the girl wiped away the blood flowing from her eye. She looked at her fingers, and a smile appeared on her face, a stark contrast to this place. Her laughter, like the chime of bells, echoed through the dark and terrifying world. Pausing, she continued to smile, gazing at the blood on her fingers.
" Ah, my darling, who would have thought you could wound me through my projection, " the girl said, touching her cheek as if it didn't matter.
She began to swing her legs, her mood turning playful, as if she had found something she had long been
This response caused another bout of laughter from the old man.
" Yes, you're right, he's on Earth now, trying to sort out his feelings for Detective Decker, " said the old man with a fatherly smile.
Alex and the old man fell silent, enjoying the tranquility of this place, which was serene and peaceful, like the most beautiful corner among many universes. However, Alex had one question brewing in his mind that wouldn't let him rest.
" Old man, " Alex said, drawing his companion's attention.
" What is it, son? " the old man replied, turning his head towards Alex.
" Why did Nyarlathotep say she would be waiting for me at Azathoth's throne? " Alex asked. The old man paused for a moment before answering.
" Sorry, son, but I can't answer that question right now, " the old man said in an apologetic tone.
" So you can't answer yet... " Alex murmured, stroking his chin and sinking into thought.
His thoughts revolved around why the old man couldn't provide an answer. Suddenly, an ancient legend popped into Alex's mind, which also contained a prophecy that led to many events.
" You can't tell me because, hearing it, I might try to avoid my fate, but subconsciously I would still move towards the event that would lead me there. Like with Odin, when he was foretold to be killed by Fenrir, " Alex speculated, finishing his thoughts.
" That's right, I'm sometimes amazed at how easily you deduce these things, " the old man said with a kind smile.
" It's just obvious conclusions in such situations, " Alex replied, also smiling.
" So why did you bring me here, old man? " Alex asked, looking at his companion, who was now clearly trying to find the right answer to this question.
Alex watched as the old man pondered, and at that moment he reached for his pocket again, realizing once more that his cigarettes weren't here. All he could do was resign himself and wait for the old man to provide an answer.
To be continued...