Infinite Mana In The Apocalypse

Chapter 4462: Civilization Specialization V

His earnest words caused the distant being holding the opposite end of this heavy wall to smile with genuine warmth as he nodded.

”Well... what specifically do you want to know?”

Anaximander, now thoroughly engrossed with the mysteriously heavy wall he was supporting, replied with immediate focus.

”At this precise moment, I am intensely interested in what exactly you are accomplishing here. What is this wall fundamentally? And why does it possess such extraordinary existential weight that I can barely maintain my position?”

At such direct inquiry, the entity on the opposite end released an audible sigh as his response emerged with melancholy and determination.

”I also have a... friend. We can call her that, though our relationship is complex. She was unfairly collapsed some time ago through circumstances beyond her control, and I’ve been systematically attempting to help her and others like her who faced similar collapse.”

His expression grew distant.

”Their fundamental nature and specialization is inherently dead...bearing authority over cessation and endings rather than beginnings and growth. There exist substantial complications when their collapsed weavings interact with the weavings of the living.”

He gestured toward the wall they were collectively supporting.

”I am attempting to erect a wall, a Veil, around their domains to provide protection and separation. A Veil that would also act as protection because some rather unpleasant things seem to be in play. So I thought of a Veil.”

”A veil so they can maintain semblance of peace and stability after everything that has occurred to them. I have accomplished everything within my capability thus far, but this final section seems extraordinarily heavy. Unless I am actively supporting it, this wall continues tilting dangerously.”

His tone carried self-awareness.

”Perhaps it is because I am executing too many simultaneous projects at this moment. Perhaps I need to attempt this construction during period when I can dedicate complete focus rather than divided attention across countless responsibilities.”

...!

Anaximander’s eyes illuminated with intellectual excitement at such explanation.

He looked at this tilted wall with renewed understanding and spoke.

”Can I attempt to help? My Way may be of use.”

...!

The entity regarded him calmly for extended moment. Finally he nodded.

”You can attempt this, but exercise extreme care. The weight of this wall is not merely physical. You will be supporting the boundary between life and death, between continuation and cessation, between what is and what was.”

At such solemn warning, the glorious scene that unfolded in the next moment would have profound implications.

Anaximander breathed out slowly...centering himself, focusing his cultivated Way entirely upon this singular task.

He began applying systematic pressure on the tilted wall while simultaneously instructing his existence with logical precision.

This is just a wall. A boundary requiring proper positioning. With both of us applying coordinated force, it simply needs to cease being tilted and stand vertically as intended. Simple physics combined with existential authority. Calculate optimal force vectors. Apply pressure systematically. Achieve result.

...!

His existence buzzed with intensity as it received these guidelines and directives...his Way manifesting tangibly as he applied the conviction that this wall should stand straight.

And shockingly, the heavy tilted wall actually began to shift!

HUUM!

When the humanoid entity on the opposite side observed this unexpected movement, his expression transformed to genuine surprise and wonder.

He immediately applied his own substantial power to the wall as they pushed together with synchronized effort...

HUUUM!

An immense eruption of concentrated complexity exploded outward at that moment as the entire expanse of the vast and intricate shore trembled beneath the weight of what they were accomplishing!

The body of the entity on the opposite end pulsed with seas of endless Primordial Civilizational Authority as torrents of concentrated power flowed into the wall’s structure.

Meanwhile Anaximander felt like he was executing task that entirely contradicted his fundamental nature, pushing against a really heavy wall when he was never the athletic or strong type.

And yet he continued exerting maximum effort to straighten this simple wall.

And shockingly, after duration that felt simultaneously instantaneous and eons...

BOOM!

The tilted wall was no longer tilted. It stood straight and strong and permanent, properly positioned as intended!

The moment it achieved perfect vertical alignment, brilliant incandescent light erupted from the top of this wall and stretched upward endlessly...piercing through dimensional boundaries, extending across territorial divisions, creating visible demarcation that would persist across eons.

Anaximander observed such marvelous phenomenon as he stumbled backward with exhaustion that exceeded anything he had experienced before.

He felt profound sense of weakness pervading his entire existence, but the accomplishment of straightening that significant wall made him smile and laugh with genuine satisfaction despite his depleted state.

While expressing such triumph, his body began swaying dangerously as if about to collapse entirely.

The entity who had been working on the opposite end of the wall appeared beside him instantaneously to provide stabilizing support, preventing his fall with gentle but firm assistance.

Anaximander breathed heavily as he steadied himself with visible effort.

”I never anticipated manual labor would cause such profound exertion. I haven’t experienced genuine fatigue like this since I first embarked upon my Way. But ah, no matter, totally worth the experience.”

...!

He straightened with effort and extended a conceptual hand.

”I am Anaximander. A Fold Dweller by current classification, a scientist by training and disposition, and a dreamer who wishes to learn everything existence can teach. Who are you, exactly?”

Anaximander articulated such direct question as the being who was helping him maintain stability shook his head with warm smile.

”I am THE Creature.”

...!

Anaximander blinked repeatedly at such casual revelation as his processing caught up with implication.

”THE? All capital letters? So I successfully located the precise entity I sought to understand? You don’t trigger any alarm bells in my mind though...”

He contemplated Osmont’s stern warnings to exercise caution against THE beings.

This particular one seemed remarkably approachable, and when THE Creature had helped stabilize him, Anaximander had felt immense infusion of surrounding existence’s concentrated life-force flowing into his depleted framework to accelerate recovery.

As if THE Creature could perceive the questioning evaluation occurring behind Anaximander’s expression, he nodded while providing clarification.

”THE- all capital, exactly as you understood. And your friend demonstrated wisdom advising caution regarding THE entities. Some of us can be... profoundly selfish, manipulative even, pursuing agendas that disregard consequences for other beings.”

His expression brightened with genuine curiosity.

”Who is this friend of yours who provided such counsel? Are they as remarkable as you are? I would appreciate opportunity to meet them as well, it’s rare to encounter beings and anomalies like you.”

At such inquiry, Anaximander shook his head with an apologetic expression.

”I made an explicit promise not to reveal their identity. They expressed substantial discomfort regarding THE entities and requested anonymity. I respect that boundary despite my natural inclination toward sharing information freely.”

THE Creature nodded with understanding.

”What a shame. Anyone you would designate as friend would undoubtedly prove exceptional to meet directly. But no matter, come.”

He gestured expansively toward the vast shore.

”Since I have unexpected guest, and you even provided crucial assistance establishing The Veil properly, let me treat you with appropriate hospitality. You expressed desire to understand Existence more completely? I may possess capability to provide...some answers.”

THE Creature helped Anaximander steady himself completely before leading this extraordinary being deeper into the vast and seemingly endless shore.

It was a meeting that none across observable history knew occurred.

A meeting that none would believe possible even if informed directly.

But existence was grand beyond comprehension.

And the possibilities were genuinely endless!

---

Meanwhile, in the present...

On a nearly collapsed Desiccated Sleeping Shore...

Noah stood processing the implications of what ”Civilization Specialization” might represent for his framework as a moment later...prompts began to descend!