Chương 147: Chapter 146 – How to Save the Multiverse (Results May Vary)

"What do you mean by altering future events?" Alex asked.

"I thought we were dealing with fixed moments in time here. How can there be a prophecy in relation to the events and it not be fixed?"

"An astute observation, Alex," Shirley replied.

"It does not work quite the way you think, though. Every choice made creates a new timeline. My creators have access to every potential timeline for every potential choice. The choices you make will determine which path is taken. Some paths are direct routes to the desired outcome, others may take longer to get to the destination but will result in the same outcome, while others can cause the timeline to branch out into a totally different direction with undesirable consequences or results," Shirley said.

"There really are no fixed points in any given timeline. Time is not linear, Alex; all potential outcomes exist simultaneously."

"That doesn't make any sense," Elena interjected, moving closer to one of the monitors.

"If there are no fixed points, then how can there be a prophecy outlining events that have not even happened yet? There have to be some points that happen regardless of the choices made. It's the basics of cause and effect."

"Not necessarily," Celestia spoke up, surprising herself.

"In my patrols, I've seen enough to know that the same destination can be reached through different paths. Sometimes literally," she added with a slight smile.

"While that is an accurate description, it is slightly more complex than that, Celestia. Elena is operating on the assumption that there is only one prophecy and only one prophesied outcome, when in fact there are endless prophecies and endless outcomes. In order to reach the desired outcome and to stay on the current timeline, the measures outlined in this specific prophecy ensure that the course is not deviated from…

well, at least not in such a manner that does not irreparably fracture the timeline's projected course," Shirley explained.

"The prophecy ensures certain events occur, but not necessarily how they occur. This is precisely why I cannot reveal future events. Having knowledge of a potential future event could cause individuals to try forcing specific paths, potentially creating paradoxes or unintended consequences." Alex ran his hands through his hair, frustration evident on his face.

"But you already know what happens in this timeline, don't you? Otherwise, how could you know what information might alter future events?"

"I think I see where the confusion lies. You are operating on the assumption that there is a right and wrong path. There is not. As events happen, my system checks against the database and looks for that specific event, then recalculates the trajectory based upon any given choice. The path flows naturally based upon the choices made. I can see the future based upon the choices already made, but any choice can alter the path and change the outcome," Shirley replied. Enjoying this book?

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"So, the goal is to hopefully make the choices that keep us on the current timeline, because that was the outcome your so‑called creators decided was best?" Jasper asked, cynicism in his tone.

"Best for who? Them?"

"Excellent question, Jasper," Shirley began.

"The goal is to stay on a timeline that is for the greater good, benefiting all realms and their inhabitants."

"Why now?" Jasper asked, still not convinced.

"You have had ample opportunity to come forward throughout our documented history, and you choose now to make your presence known. How do we know that what you're saying is not a clever ruse for your so‑called creators to just step in and take over?" He scoffed, folding his arms. The group turned and looked at him, intrigued by the implications of his question.

"Jasper, I understand your skepticism. My creators have maintained a hands‑off approach since their inception several hundred thousand years ago. If particular events had not happened, it is most likely they would have remained the unseen force they have been throughout your historical recollection," Shirley said solemnly.

"My creators had hoped that there would never come a day when they needed to reveal themselves, but the chain of events that has taken place in recent years dictated they act or face a potential multi‑realm extinction."

"Multi‑realm extinction?" Elena's voice was barely above a whisper.

"You're talking about the complete collapse of all realms, aren't you?"

"Not just a collapse of the realms, but a hostile takeover of sorts that then results in the mass extinction of the existing populations," Shirley clarified.

"Mass extinction events have happened in the past but have been confined to a particular realm or species. The current trajectory suggests that all viable timelines without intervention were leading to all the realms being on the brink of annihilation."

"You mean this has happened once before?" Celestia asked, the worry in her voice was unmistakable. Regina, Roxie, Illianna, and Mikale walked into the room.

"Well, here you all are. We were wondering where you had gotten off to," Regina said.

"Didn't get the memo that we were having a meeting of the minds," she snickered. Roxie scanned the faces, realizing they may be interrupting something rather serious.

"You guys all look like someone stole your puppy," she said, eyebrows cocked.

"What's going on?" she asked, looking first at Seraphina, then to Alex.

"It's not Thai, is it?" Illianna asked.

"Everyone take a breath," Elena said.

"Thai, to the best of my knowledge, is fine. She's resting in the other room, Rowan is with her. And as for your question, Roxie, it seems we have come into some newly acquired information that may be a game changer."