The team stood before a towering spire—one made not of stone or metal, but of shifting data, ancient glyphs, and glowing fractals.
"The Origin Spire," whispered Thalor's voice through a hologram projection. "This is where all versions begin. And where they can end."
The Cradle of Code lay within: a sentient core that could rewrite reality—if they could reach it. But its defenses were built to test the soul.
Each of them would have to face a trial based on their deepest insecurity.
Jake was the first to enter. Inside, he found a world where his powers caused the destruction of Earth—where his family looked at him with fear.
"Am I a hero… or a weapon?" he whispered.
Reggie's trial brought him face to face with a version of himself who never became a genius—just a forgotten child who was always second-best to Jake.
Isabella was forced to relive the moment she first developed her power—watching her overload and injure her childhood friend in a science fair accident.
Vanessa saw a future where she lost control of Marionette Mind and became nothing but a vessel of manipulation.
Remy walked through a world where his confidence meant nothing, where every magical solution he created backfired and hurt the people he loved.
Candace saw herself fade out of reality entirely—always on the fringe, never truly belonging, watching her brothers evolve beyond her reach.
And Linda? She faced a mirror… that didn't reflect her at all. Her trial was about identity—about being seen as a clone of her sister, never truly her own person.
But they all overcame their trials.
At the heart of the Cradle, they stood together, metagenes glowing in harmony.
The Cradle spoke in a voice that echoed across realities:
> "You are not versions. You are origins. Rewrite the world… or save it."
A portal opened.
Reverance had found them.
But this time—they were ready.
---
🔚 To Be Continued…