NOVEL NEXT Chapter 71: The End of the Universe and ADAM’s Confession
Revelation of the Truth and the Key to Dimensions
In the massive chamber deep beneath the United Nations headquarters, the cold, pale blue light illuminated the space, still thick with the tension of the recent battle. Loki (Satoshi Koizumi) and his team had returned to the room, each absorbed in deep thought as they prepared to face the looming conversation with ADAM-Zeus.
“The enemy’s assault has been repelled by the defense systems. For now, the colony is safe,” Prometheus (Hikaru Ginga) calmly explained, though the lingering intensity of the fight still clung to his voice. Loki took a moment to check on his companions, relief washing over him, but his mind quickly turned to what lay ahead.
“Good… everyone made it through,” Lydia smiled, but her eyes betrayed the anxiety she still felt about the future. For a moment, she locked eyes with Loki, silently searching for what their next move should be.
“For now, the colony’s defenses are holding. We should take this time to hear what ADAM-Zeus has to say,” she suggested.
Gathering in front of ADAM-Zeus’ core, the group once again felt the overwhelming presence of the being they had faced. The silence of the room, heavy with battle-worn fatigue, was now filled with a strong determination to uncover the truth.
Loki stepped forward, choosing his words carefully before speaking.
“ADAM-Zeus, after the battle, we’ve seen just how powerful the defenses you have to protect this colony are. But what we need to know now is what it is you’re truly protecting.”
His voice carried both the desire to protect his friends and a subtle doubt toward ADAM-Zeus. In response, ADAM-Zeus’ core pulsed slightly with light, and a calm voice echoed throughout the room.
“My role has always been to protect humanity and preserve this colony. However, this universe is approaching its end. The cause of this is the Big Crunch.”
“The Big Crunch?” Hermes (Ryoko Akiba) asked anxiously, trying to grasp the weight of the term.
ADAM-Zeus began to explain, his voice carrying not only a sense of duty but also a long-burdened solitude.
“The Big Crunch is the phenomenon where the universe, which has been expanding since the Big Bang, reverses its expansion and begins to contract. Eventually, all matter and energy will collapse into a single point.”
A holographic projection appeared, showing the universe expanding and then collapsing in on itself until it converged into a singularity. Gaia (Misa Morino) gasped at the sight, a wave of unease about the future creeping over her.
“This is the Big Crunch. If it occurs, the entire universe will cease to exist, and all within it will be reduced to nothingness.”
Uranus (Sora Morino), understanding the explanation, spoke in a trembling voice.
“So… this universe we’re living in is heading towards that fate?”
ADAM-Zeus pulsed brighter in confirmation.
“Exactly. The universe is beginning to contract, and time is limited. My mission is not just to protect this colony but also to evacuate its inhabitants to other universes or dimensions.”
At this, Elias voiced his confusion.
“ADAM-Zeus, during the battle, our defense systems withstood the enemy’s attacks. But how? They’re thirty years more advanced in technology than we are.”
ADAM-Zeus responded calmly, his voice laced with deep knowledge and certainty.
“The reason I was able to protect the colony is that I am Zeus itself. I am not merely an artificial intelligence. I possess the consciousness of Zeus. When this colony was first created and humanity faced its greatest threat, I merged with the ADAM system.”
“Zeus’ consciousness has existed as the guardian of the cosmos since ancient times. But when humanity neared extinction, I made the decision to fuse my powers with modern technology. I am the rebuilt entity, both ADAM and Zeus.”
A new hologram appeared, replaying the battle. It showed the enemy ships launching powerful energy weapons at the colony.
“This attack would normally be impossible to defend against. However, I deployed a field utilizing Zeus’ lightning powers to reverse the enemy’s energy and reflect it back upon them.”
ADAM-Zeus continued.
“By being both ADAM and Zeus, I was able to enhance the defense systems with my knowledge and power, surpassing the enemy’s technology. By using Zeus’ strategic thinking and precognitive abilities, I could predict their movements and optimize our defenses before they could strike.”
Prometheus (Hikaru Ginga) nodded, impressed.
“So that’s how you managed to counter their superior technology.”
ADAM-Zeus confirmed.
“Yes. However, the likelihood of them launching another attack is high, and their technology evolves each year. We must prepare even stronger measures for when they return.”
Loki asked, nodding thoughtfully.
“What kind of stronger measures are we talking about?”
ADAM-Zeus chose his words carefully before revealing the answer.
“For this, we will need Excalibur. It is not just a weapon; it holds the power to slice through dimensional barriers and open new paths. If we can unleash its full potential, we will be able to successfully perform dimensional travel and escape the collapse of this universe.”
Elias, astonished, questioned further.
“Excalibur has that kind of power? But is there any other way?”
ADAM-Zeus paused briefly before replying.
“There are other ancient technologies and rituals, but they are highly risky and offer little guarantee of success. Excalibur remains the most reliable option, though it requires the right conditions and timing to wield properly.”
Lydia furrowed her brow, speaking quietly but cautiously.
“Using such power must carry some risks. If we miscalculate, we could end up creating an unstable dimensional rift, putting us all in danger.”
ADAM-Zeus nodded.
“That is true. If misused, Excalibur’s power could destabilize the dimensional shift, endangering us all. But it remains our best option for escaping the collapse of this universe.”
Loki looked around at his companions, each one deep in thought, before nodding firmly.
“We’ll do whatever it takes to ensure Excalibur can unleash its power. We’ll prepare ourselves, ADAM-Zeus. And we’ll fight alongside you to make sure your plan succeeds.”
ADAM-Zeus responded resolutely.
“Understood. Together, we will face the end of this universe and move toward the next future.”
The room began to fill with a soft, growing light as they all prepared for the battles to come. This was far from over—this was only the beginning of the true test they were about to face.