1 Prologue

Once upon a time, whispers echoed through the vast expanse of the cosmos, weaving a legend about the eyes of the universe. Amidst the boundless reaches of space, existential questions stirred within the hearts of many. They pondered the origins of their existence, a journey fraught with both awe and trepidation. Space, an unfathomable abyss, seemed too daunting for mortal beings to traverse.

Yet, in the quiet recesses of their minds, humans dared to dream. They envisioned embarking on a celestial odyssey, venturing to worlds yet unseen, eager to uncover the secrets they held. Was there life awaiting their discovery, yearning for the touch of another sentient being? They harbored a fervent hope that their voices might resonate across the cosmic void, reaching ears attuned to the symphony of the stars.

But beneath the veneer of curiosity lay a profound existential unease. Why did they exist in a universe seemingly devoid of purpose? The notion of their own existence felt incongruous, almost heretical. Was there a guiding force, some sort of deity shaping their destinies? What other mysteries does the universe hold for them? Will they live long enough to uncover even a fragment of that enigma?

"…"

Throughout the annals of time and space, there existed a singular entity, a fragment of this cosmic enigma, silently observing the curious inhabitants known as humans. Devoid of will or intention, it merely bore witness to the unfolding drama across the expanse of infinity.

Known as the eyes of the universe in legend, this enigmatic presence neither proffered answers nor spoke words of wisdom. It simply watched, an impartial observer of the endless expanse.

In truth, this mysterious entity emerged from the primordial chaos, born of the cataclysmic collision of energies at the dawn of the multiverse. Its inception predated the very concept of time itself. Like a specter in the void, it cast its gaze upon all worlds and narratives, drawn to the myriad tales that unfolded across reality.

Silently and impassively, it remained a perpetual spectator, its metaphorical gaze fixated upon the myriad spectacles that each reality had to offer.

Fascinated by the vastness of the cosmos, it harbored an insatiable curiosity, an unending thirst for knowledge in a multiverse destined for eventual decay. Amidst the ebb and flow of creation and destruction, it stood as the sole eternal entity, untouched by the passage of time.

As the eternal spectator of space and time, it beheld the birth and demise of entire planets, stars, and galaxies. It observed the intricate tapestry of life unfolding across countless worlds, witnessing the rise and fall of civilizations, the bonds of family, and the drama of existence itself.

Yet, despite its profound awareness, it remained aloof, distant from the creations it observed. It hovered on the outskirts of reality, a silent observer without agency, as if its consciousness lacked the capacity for interaction. It was as though, despite its omniscience, it was bound by some immutable law to remain a passive observer of the cosmic drama unfolding before it.

"... Hey, are you listening?"

A voice pierced the eternal silence, drawing the attention of the enigmatic entity. For the first time in eons, it felt a stirring within, a faint urge to acknowledge the speaker. Yet, try as it might, the entity found itself unable to focus its gaze, its omniscient vision clouded by an unyielding bright light as it attempted to discern the source of the voice.

"So, you do hear me when I speak! Wouldn't hurt to respond every once in a while, you know?"

Respond? The notion of communication was foreign to the entity, a concept reserved for mortal beings. It hesitated, uncertain of how to proceed.

"Heh, just messing with you."

Laughter filled the void, a melody that resonated with an unfamiliar emotion. Though unable to perceive the speaker, the entity sensed a presence—a warmth that defied its understanding. Despite the absence of form, the entity was captivated, inexplicably drawn to the essence of this enigmatic being, a beauty that transcended the confines of physicality.

"Hey. Haven't you ever wanted to do more than just observe? I mean, sure, the universe is vast and beautiful, but doesn't all this watching get a bit dull?"

The entity, the eyes of the universe, remained silent. Its purpose was singular—to bear witness to the unfolding cosmos. The notion of desire or ambition beyond observation seemed inconceivable, a deviation from its inherent nature.

"You're no fun at all."

The creature's disappointment hung heavy, a tangible weight in the void. Yet, despite the entity's stoicism, the creature persisted.

"Chosen child of the cosmos, this won't do. Life is fleeting, and this reality is a rare, precious gift. I want you to embrace it, to experience all that it has to offer."

The entity was perplexed. Why did this creature, so ephemeral and inconsequential, hold such sway over its thoughts? Trails of thoughts raced through the entity's mind as it pondered this enigma, but the answers remained elusive, hidden within the depths of its infinite consciousness.

"Tell you what, I'll whisk you away on a little adventure, for your own good, okay? And if you manage to blossom along the way, I'll pay you another visit. How's that for a deal?"

A sudden wave of dizziness swept over the entity, its awareness faltering. Despite the encroaching darkness, it strained to maintain focus, to perceive the formless figure before it.

"In the meantime, let's give you a name. A secret between us, a tether to ensure our paths cross again."

As the last vestiges of consciousness ebbed away, the entity heard the voice utter one final decree.

"Your name shall be…"

Then, all dissolved into darkness...

"...Ego."