Minutes stretched into quarter-hour. Adhivar's examination intensified further as Genesis Codex's emerald-gold light pulsed rhythmically while Worldroot Dragon delved beyond physical corruption into essence itself.
Then something shifted.
Adhivar's presence flared suddenly as cosmic awareness focused sharply on specific pattern within fragments. Genesis Codex's light brightened dramatically while green-gold radiance flooded chamber with intensity that made Overlords shield eyes instinctively.
"This should be impossible," Adhivar's voice resonated through space as cosmic power vibrated air itself. "Yet here it is, preserved against all probability."
Draven stepped forward immediately. "What did you find?"
"A soul signature, fragmented but intact. The crystal dragon didn't just scatter its body across forty-seven zones—it distributed its consciousness as well. Each fragment contains a piece of living awareness, deliberately preserved within the crystal matrix."
Silence gripped chamber. Even Naelvorn's playful energy stilled completely.
Malvorn rumbled lowly. "The dragon's soul survived its own body's destruction? That was intentional?"
"Completely intentional. This was merger-era desperation at its finest—sacrifice the physical form to create guardian golems, but preserve the consciousness as a fail-safe. A message vessel waiting to be discovered and reassembled."
Frostina's composed voice broke the silence. "A soul fragmented across forty-seven zones... is coherent consciousness even possible after such extreme scattering?"
"Barely possible," Adhivar confirmed as examination continued. "Each individual fragment contains only a minuscule fraction of the whole—far too small to sustain awareness on its own. But if we could properly reconstitute all the pieces together, consciousness restoration becomes theoretically achievable."
Raziel's rumbling baritone added, "You said theoretically. How difficult are we talking?"
"Immensely difficult. Soul reconstruction requires cosmic-level power and precision far beyond what mortals or even Overlords could manage. Every fragment must align with perfect synchronization—a single error means permanent consciousness dissolution."
Genesis Codex pulsed thoughtfully beside fragments as green-gold light examined soul-traces methodically.
"However," Adhivar continued as cosmic confidence showed, "I am a Worldroot Dragon, and Genesis Codex embodies the Original Universe's fundamental laws. Our combined power is more than sufficient for this task. The crystal dragon's soul—Epic-tier at its peak—operates far beneath our cosmic capabilities. Resurrection is possible. Difficult, yes, but definitely not impossible."
Naelvorn whistled lowly. "Cosmic beings about to flex on us mere Overlords. I love it."
Draven met Adhivar's cosmic presence directly. "If you attempt this resurrection, what's the actual risk involved?"
"The risk to Genesis Codex and myself is minimal. The crystal dragon's soul is fragile—reconstruction could fail and the consciousness might dissolve permanently. But we face no personal danger. The power differential is absolute. Attempting this resurrection costs us nothing except time and energy, both of which are renewable resources for cosmic beings."
"Then why do it?" Malvorn asked through their bond. "What's the purpose of bringing this dragon back?"
"Information," Adhivar stated simply. "This crystal dragon directly witnessed merger-era events. It participated personally in the protective measures we're now investigating. It deliberately sacrificed its body to create the guardian golems we've been fighting. That means it knows why this was necessary, how it was accomplished, and what the merger architects truly intended. If we restore its consciousness, all that knowledge becomes accessible to us."
Draven nodded decisively. "Then attempt the resurrection. Our alliance desperately needs this information. The crystal dragon may hold answers about the Pillars, the merger itself, and why the corruption is spreading."
"Agreed," Frostina confirmed. Other Overlords voiced immediate assent.
Adhivar's presence intensified. "Then I'm beginning the reconstruction now."
***
Genesis Codex's light exploded outward—emerald-gold radiance transforming into blinding cascade of cosmic energy flooding entire chamber. Walls glowed. Floor vibrated. Air itself hummed with power density Overlords had never witnessed before despite centuries existence.
Adhivar's presence manifested physically—Worldroot Dragon's form materializing partially through Genesis Codex as translucent emerald body stretched across chamber impossibly, cosmic dragon easily fifty stories tall even compressed into confined space. Ancient. Vast. Overwhelming.
"Witness what cosmic-tier power truly means," Adhivar's voice thundered. "Soul reconstruction is commencing."
Ethereal tendrils extended from both Adhivar and Genesis Codex simultaneously—hundreds of translucent green-gold threads reaching toward crystal fragments with surgical precision. Each tendril connected to individual shard while extracting microscopic soul-fraction contained within.
The fragments screamed—high-pitched resonance filling chamber as soul-pieces separated from crystalline prison. Forty-seven zones worth of consciousness fragments pulled free simultaneously, hovering in mid-air suspended by cosmic power while glowing faintly with residual life-essence.
Draven watched breathless. This power... unimaginable. Adhivar and Genesis Codex operating on scale beyond comprehension. Crystal dragon—Epic-tier at peak—seemed insignificant by comparison.
Malvorn's bond conveyed pure awe. *So this is what cosmic beings are truly capable of.*
Adhivar worked with meticulous precision impossible for lesser beings. Each soul-fragment positioned exactly—spatial arrangement forming three-dimensional mandala floating mid-chamber as pattern reflected original consciousness structure before shattering.
Genesis Codex provided framework—cosmic laws governing soul integrity, consciousness coherence, life-essence stability woven into reconstruction foundation. Original Universe's fundamental principles applied directly as reality itself bent to facilitate resurrection.
Soul-fragments began rotating slowly, drawn toward each other through cosmic magnetism Adhivar controlled perfectly. Edges aligned. Connections formed. Microscopic threads of consciousness weaving together like spiritual tapestry reconstructed strand-by-strand.
The process demanded absolute focus. Single misalignment—permanent dissolution. Single connection failed—consciousness collapse irreversible.
But Adhivar never wavered. Worldroot Dragon's cosmic knowledge accumulated over eons guided every movement. Genesis Codex's computational perfection calculated alignment vectors constantly. Combined precision surgical beyond mortal comprehension.
Frostina watched fascinated despite composed demeanor. "I've only read about soul reconstruction in theoretical texts. Actually witnessing it happen..."
Naelvorn's voice stayed unusually quiet. "Now I understand why cosmic beings are called cosmic beings. The power gap between us is staggering."
Raziel rumbled agreement. "We are Overlords, powerful in our own right. But they exist on an entirely different plane."
Minutes became half-hour. Soul-fragments continued weaving together steadily as consciousness structure rebuilt systematically. What began as forty-seven scattered pieces gradually formed cohesive whole—awareness emerging slowly from fragmented oblivion.
Adhivar's power intensified further. Worldroot Dragon pouring cosmic energy directly into reconstruction while accelerating process and maintaining precision. Genesis Codex amplified output—green-gold radiance brightening until chamber seemed filled with liquid light.
The soul-fragments sang—no longer screaming separation but harmonizing reunion. Consciousness recognizing itself. Pieces finding wholeness after centuries fragmentation.
Draven felt tears forming unexpectedly. Watching life restored... watching consciousness reborn from scattered death... profound beyond words.
Even Overlords seemed moved. Naelvorn's usual grin softened. Frostina's ice-ring eyes reflected genuine wonder. Raziel's volcanic temperament cooled into respectful observation. Malvorn's bond radiated quiet reverence.
Alliance witnessing miracle. Cosmic beings performing impossible. Soul resurrection—reality.
Adhivar's voice resonated steadily. "The reconstruction is nearly complete. Consciousness is stabilizing. Prepare yourselves for the awakening."
***
The soul-fragments rushed together suddenly—final pieces snapping into place with audible crack of reality reasserting consciousness existence. Three-dimensional mandala collapsed inward as forty-seven fragments fused completely into single unified whole suspended mid-chamber.
Brilliance.
Pure soul-light erupted—not green-gold like Adhivar's cosmic power but crystalline-white radiance reflecting dragon's essential nature. Light pulsed rhythmically with heartbeat-like pattern establishing as consciousness stabilized fully.
Adhivar and Genesis Codex withdrew tendrils simultaneously as cosmic power receded like tide after storm. Chamber dimmed gradually while blinding radiance faded to manageable luminescence. Worldroot Dragon's physical manifestation dissolved back into ethereal presence, work completed.
"Resurrection successful," Adhivar announced as satisfaction showed. "Soul integrity is confirmed. Consciousness is coherent. The crystal dragon has been restored—full awareness should manifest momentarily."
The crystalline-white light pulsed stronger. Something stirred within radiance. Awareness focusing. Consciousness awakening after centuries oblivion.
Alliance held collective breath.
Draven stepped forward slowly as hand instinctively rested on Stormfang's hilt—not threatening, simply grounding himself.
It was waking.
The crystalline-white light pulsed violently—sudden spike of awareness flooding restored soul. Consciousness snapping into full alertness instantly, no gradual awakening, immediate comprehension.
A voice emerged from radiance—feminine, ancient, layered with echoes suggesting vast age and accumulated knowledge.
"I exist again? My soul is truly intact? How is this possible? Who could have..."
The light pulsed as awareness sharpened further, ancient knowledge surfacing rapidly.
"The Worldroot Dragon. Genesis Codex. You're both cosmic-tier entities operating far beyond my former capabilities. You actually reconstructed my soul from the fragments I scattered so deliberately across Theia?"
Adhivar's presence responded warmly. "Welcome back, crystal dragon. Your consciousness has been successfully restored and your soul integrity is fully maintained. You are whole once more."
Silence followed as resurrected soul processed existence, awareness stabilizing, memories surfacing gradually from centuries dissolution.
"The merger-era... my sacrifice... distributing my body to create guardians..." The voice trembled slightly. "I remember everything now. The desperation we felt. The impossible choice we made. The deliberate scattering of my essence."
The crystalline-white light intensified as full awareness returned completely.
"How much time has passed? How many centuries was I fragmented between the moment of sacrifice and this resurrection?"
"Many centuries have elapsed since the merger-era ended," Adhivar replied gently. "But the crisis you feared is returning. A dimensional breach threatens Theia once more, and your knowledge is desperately needed by those who would stand against it."
The light pulsed with understanding mixed with deep sorrow.
"Then we have less time than I hoped. There is much I must explain, much I must warn you about. Is there an alliance present to hear what I preserved through my sacrifice?"
Draven spoke clearly. "The alliance is fully gathered here. Four Overlords stand ready to listen. I am the Bearer of Genesis Codex. We are all waiting to learn what you can teach us."
The crystalline-white radiance pulsed with renewed determination.
"Then listen carefully to everything I tell you. What I sacrificed my body to preserve, what the merger architects feared above all else, what my guardians were created to protect—all of this must be understood clearly before the corruption spreads any further and before the dimensional breach reaches completion."
The resurrected soul steadied completely as ancient consciousness focused entirely on alliance.
"I will tell you my name, explain my purpose, and deliver the warning I've carried for centuries."
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