Joseph and his team arrived on Planet Sendai through a shimmering portal that closed behind them as they roared forward on their vehicles. The scene before them was chaotic—monsters ravaged the city while warriors fought valiantly to prevent the destruction from reaching the heart of the metropolis.

  Adding to the chaos, a demon had seized control of the planet's advanced technology, turning war machines, robots, and androids against their creators. The battle was a desperate struggle as warriors fought not only monsters but their own weaponized advancements.

  Leading the charge was Tsuyoshi Yasu, a seasoned warrior who visibly relaxed when Joseph and his team appeared in the heat of battle.

  “Took you long enough!” Tsuyoshi shouted over the noise of battle, his tone both exasperated and friendly as Joseph and his team leapt into action.

  Joseph nodded. “We’re here now. Let’s handle this.”

  Tsuyoshi gestured toward the chaos. “We need to find the demon controlling the tech and close those portals!”

  “Got it!” Joseph replied. He activated his armored suit, its sleek metallic sheen reflecting the fiery skies. With a burst of energy, he took to the air, scanning the battlefield for the demon responsible.

  His visor’s HUD lit up as he finally spotted the target. The demon was heavily guarded by monsters and corrupted war machines.

  “I’ve got eyes on the demon. I’m going in!” Joseph relayed to his team and Tsuyoshi.

  “Alright, go for it!” Tsuyoshi called back, rallying his warriors to cover Joseph’s approach.

  Joseph soared through the sky, cutting a blazing path through the ranks of monsters and automated enemies. The demon, noticing Joseph’s approach, barked orders to his minions. They rushed to intercept, but their efforts were in vain—Joseph dispatched them with ease, his armored form tearing through their defenses like a knife through paper.

  Landing before the demon, Joseph’s tech scanned it, his HUD providing details. To his surprise, the analysis revealed the demon was merely a lower-ranking entity.

  “For such a low-ranking demon,” Joseph began, tilting his head, “you’ve caused quite a mess. But it’s clear you’re not the mastermind here. Perhaps killing you will draw out your boss.”

  The demon chuckled, its voice a guttural rasp. “You’re right, mortal. But killing me will be your grave mistake—it will evoke the wrath of my master... and my brother.”

  Joseph smirked beneath his helmet. “I’ll take my chances.”

  With that, his armored hand transformed into a glowing cannon. Without hesitation, he fired, blasting the demon into smithereens.

  The demon’s death had an immediate effect—the once-chaotic robots, androids, and war machines shut down before rebooting into their original programming. The remaining monsters, sensing their disadvantage, retreated into the collapsing portals. Those unable to escape met swift ends at the hands of the warriors.

  As the battlefield grew quiet, Tsuyoshi approached Joseph, nodding in gratitude. “You saved us, Joseph. But something tells me this isn’t the end.”

  Joseph sighed, scanning the remnants of the battlefield. “It’s far from over. That demon wasn’t lying about a master—and if we’re dealing with higher-ranking entities, things are about to get a lot worse.”

  Unbeknownst to the warriors, one of the fallen monsters was feigning death, its eyes faintly glowing with malice. It bided its time, lying still as plans of vengeance formed in its mind.

  The battle was over, but the war was only just beginning.

  ***

  As the team gathered in the aftermath of the battle, Tsuyoshi began laying out the situation. His tone was serious, his words laced with a mixture of frustration and urgency.

  “The attacks, while unprecedented, could happen again at any time. And it’s not just the destruction—one of our most advanced tech cores was stolen during the chaos. The monsters are planning something big, I’m sure of it,” Tsuyoshi explained, his brow furrowed.

  “We tried tracking down the stolen core, but all efforts have been meaningless. This isn’t an isolated incident either. Similar random attacks have been reported across the regional planets, and no one seems to know the cause.”

  Joseph, leaning casually against a wall, gave a confident smile. “No problem. That’s why we’re here—to help put an end to this threat.”

  Tsuyoshi nodded, his expression still grim. “Good. Because these sudden attacks, along with the random appearance of portals, seem to suggest that someone—or something—has been tampering with time. It’s as if monsters and beings from different dimensions are being unleashed into our world.”

  Joseph scratched the back of his head sheepishly, his grin turning nervous. Tsuyoshi’s words felt pointed, almost accusatory, though the warrior didn’t seem to notice.

  “Yeah… something like that,” Joseph replied, his voice trailing off awkwardly.

  Unfazed, Tsuyoshi continued. “Now that you and your team are here, we can focus on ending this threat once and for all. After that, I assume you’ll be heading to the next regional planet?”

  “Sounds like a plan,” Joseph said.

  “But first,” Tsuyoshi added with a grin, “we celebrate. It’s a tradition here, and you’re no exception.”

  “Fair enough!” Joseph agreed, and with that, they followed Tsuyoshi to meet the city manager and inform her of their arrival. As they spoke, a cleanup crew rolled in with their vehicles, efficiently clearing the battlefield and disposing of the lifeless monster corpses.

  The remaining warriors stood vigilant, keeping watch over the city as Tsuyoshi led Joseph and his team to the best places Sendai had to offer. After introductions and some sightseeing, the group ended their evening at one of Tsuyoshi’s favorite hangouts—a luxurious hotel with a lively atmosphere.

  Upon entering, they were greeted by pounding music, the unmistakable beat of 7kingZ's “Bout to Get Real” filling the air. The ground floor was packed with people dancing, some lost in romantic embraces, others indulging in drugs, and a few even engaging in public acts of intimacy. The vibrant chaos painted a picture of a society that sought to live fully, even amidst danger.

  Joseph couldn’t help but smile. The music was familiar, a remnant from his own reality. As they climbed the stairs to their VIP lounge, the noise of the crowd began to fade, replaced by a quieter, more intimate atmosphere.

  The group settled into plush seats, the city’s lights twinkling through the panoramic windows. Drinks were poured, and the conversation flowed freely. They laughed, shared stories, and got to know one another better.

  Finally, the question turned to Joseph.

  “So, what’s your story, Joseph?” Tsuyoshi asked, taking a swig of his beer.

  “Yeah, spill it,” Yuki added, his curiosity piqued. “What’s so special about you?”

  All eyes were on Joseph now. He raised his hands in mock surrender, a playful smirk on his face.

  Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

  “Alright, alright,” he said, leaning forward. Their gazes never left him, anticipation thick in the air. “Guess it’s my turn to share.”

  And so, Joseph began to recount his past, weaving the tale of his journey and the stories of his variants across the multiverse.

  ***

  To uncover the full story Joseph told, continue reading the next installment below, presented in both first-person and third-person perspectives, offering a deeper dive into the narrative from two distinct angles.

  ***

  "In the vast expanse of creation, stretching across the multiverse, every tale and fate interweaves within the grand cosmic web of life. This intricate chain of phenomena binds us all, compelling us to seek an escape from the endless cycle of existence, rebirth, and reincarnation. We yearn for something beyond life itself—to attain true immortality, to transcend death and the cycles of reincarnation," Dr. Joseph Benjamin Carmen proclaimed to an audience of professors, doctors, and students in the auditorium. His voice resonated with conviction, presenting the seemingly impossible as a tangible goal. The room fell into awe-struck silence, whispers rippling through the congregation.

  A projector displayed visuals on the board, illustrating genetic manipulation and the potential for human immortality. It showcased how combining and editing genes from various animals with remarkable healing or regenerative abilities could elevate human biology to unprecedented levels. Dr. Carmen, often referred to as JBC, argued that achieving immortality through science is feasible by integrating the human genome—especially the white blood cells—with the genetic material of the most potent healing creatures.

  However, to unlock this breakthrough, one must first grasp the different types of immortality and the pathways to achieving them. Despite his scientific approach, Dr. Carmen harmonizes his research with his religious beliefs. His study bridges these realms, offering a comprehensive understanding of how immortality could be realized through both scientific and spiritual lenses.

  "To me, immortality represents the ability to exist indefinitely without succumbing to the natural processes of aging or death. It implies a state of eternal existence, free from the constraints of time and mortality. Immortality can take various forms—physical, spiritual, or conceptual—each providing a distinct perspective on eternal life," Dr. Joseph Benjamin Carmen continued.

  During the lecture, an attendee raised a question about the nature of true immortality. "Dr. Joseph, could you clarify if 'true immortality' surpasses all other forms of immortality and what it entails?"

  Dr. Carmen responded, "Indeed, true immortality transcends all other forms. It signifies a state where one never experiences death and remains impervious to all harm or damage. Unlike other forms of immortality, which might involve extended lifespans or resistance to aging, true immortality is absolute. In this concept, beings cannot be killed by any means. They are entirely indestructible and invulnerable to harm, existing beyond the mortal cycle of life and death."

  Dr. Joseph Benjamin Carmen elaborated on the various conceptualizations of immortality:

  1. **Biological Immortality:** This involves an organism not experiencing aging and thus not dying from age-related causes.

  2. **Digital Immortality:** Preserving one’s consciousness or essence through digital means, such as uploading one’s mind into a computer.

  3. **Cultural Immortality:** Achieving immortality through the lasting impact of one’s actions, ideas, or creations on society and culture.

  4. **Spiritual Immortality:** Belief in an afterlife or transcending physical existence through spiritual practices or enlightenment.

  5. **Quantum Immortality:** A speculative concept suggesting that consciousness may persist in parallel universes where one continues to survive despite mortal dangers in their own universe.

  "Each type of immortality offers a unique perspective on the idea of living indefinitely," Dr. Carmen noted.

  A student then asked, "Are invincibility and immortality the same thing? And does regeneration fit into these forms of immortality?"

  Dr. Carmen responded, "I categorize them as follows:

  - **Ageless (False Immortality):** The difference between you and an average mortal is simply lifespan; you do not age.

  - **Invincibility:** You cannot be killed by physical means, but you still age normally.

  - **Pseudo-Immortality:** You possess regenerative abilities so powerful that you can regenerate from a single cell. Although you do not visibly age and very few things can kill you, you are at risk if completely destroyed without a single cell remaining. Regeneration has limits and can lead to genetic instabilities or mutations, potentially causing conditions like cancer.

  - **True Immortality:** Nothing can kill you. You are both ageless and invincible, immune to all diseases, with an indestructible body and no weaknesses. Your existence is fixed and not subject to the laws of nature. Essentially, you would be a god—whether or not you possess additional powers."

  As he concluded his lecture, the audience was in awe of the newfound knowledge. Many congratulated him, engaged in discussions, or proposed potential collaborations. Unbeknownst to Dr. Carmen, the universe had something extraordinary in store for him, promising new revelations and challenges on the horizon.

  In the vast expanse of alternate realities, the fate of Dr. Joseph Benjamin Carmen diverged in significant ways. In one such reality, his understanding of immortality and the multiverse was about to undergo a profound transformation.

  After his impactful lecture, as Dr. Carmen made his way home, he stumbled upon a mysterious glowing orb. Intrigued, he reached out and touched it. The moment his skin made contact with the orb, its energy surged into him, instigating a dramatic alteration of his biology. Dr. Carmen was transformed into the true embodiment of immortality—his body became impervious to death, aging, and harm.

  However, this profound gift came with a profound cost. As a consequence of his new state, Dr. Carmen lost his capacity to experience pain, emotions, and empathy. His existence became one of eternal, emotionless endurance, a being of pure, unfeeling immortality. This transformation not only expanded his understanding of immortality but also introduced a new dimension to his existence, fundamentally altering his perspective on life and reality.

  Dr. Carmen's transformation granted him unparalleled immortality and invincibility but no additional abilities, making him virtually indestructible. Yet, this gift came with a terrible cost. He became the sole human to outlast the universe, witnessing the passage of time etch its mark on all living things. Generations of loved ones came and went, leaving him with an unquenchable sense of loneliness.

  As the ages passed, Dr. Carmen's intellect expanded exponentially, yet his existence became a never-ending cycle of boredom and desolation. He attempted to reverse his immortality, but every effort proved futile.

  Eventually, he found himself the last human on Earth, wandering aimlessly amidst the ruins of civilization. His invincibility made him immune to harm, but not to the crushing weight of his solitude. His only companions were creatures with remarkable longevity, but even they succumbed to the ravages of time, leaving him truly alone.

  Dr. Carmen outlived entire species, alien civilizations, and even deities, becoming the sole immortal being in existence. His existence was a testament to the cruel irony of his discovery – eternal life had become an eternal curse.

  In this desolate landscape, Dr. Carmen's intellect continued to grow, a constant reminder of his isolation. He was a being without peers, a relic of a bygone era, forever doomed to walk the empty expanse of time, unscathed but unfulfilled.

  A catastrophic breach in Dr. Carmen's universe marked a pivotal turning point in his existence. A being of unfathomable power emerged, seeking to recruit him for an unkillable war - a conflict that would pit him against his alternate selves across the vast expanse of the multiverse. These variants, encompassing a vast array of females, males, creatures, supernaturals, and otherworldly beings, possessed unparalleled resilience, rendering them virtually indestructible. They defied the most formidable deities, cosmic entities, and reality-bending forces, their existence a testament to their unyielding nature and capacity to withstand even the most cataclysmic events.

  Each variant boasted an extraordinary array of abilities, unparalleled in their scope and potency. Some could warp the fabric of time, traversing dimensions with ease, while others defied gravity, soaring through the skies or racing at velocities that shattered the boundaries of speed, including the infinite. Others wielded boundless strength, capable of reshaping realities and threatening the multiverse's very essence. A select few could transcend the fourth wall, manipulating narratives across universes and franchises, slaying the invincible, and traversing realms beyond the confines of fiction. They could harness celestial powers, command infinite magic, technology, or forge unbridled fusions of both, making them formidable entities in the vast expanse of existence.

  A select few were omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent, operating beyond the conventions of the universe, multiverse, hyperverse, megaverse, omniverse, metaverse, outerverse, tetraverse, nulliverse, maniverse, void, limbo, astral planes, chaos, anti-life, and even the entirety of creation.

  The cosmic being, who had united these variants from diverse dimensions and fictional universes, teleported Dr. Carmen away to join the war, a conflict that would span across various realities, including those from gaming franchises and narratives, some of which may remain unknown to their authors or readers.

  The variants resided in a realm surpassing all known fictional realms and exceeding the bounds of reality itself. This dimension was forged by the collective might of the omnipotent variants, transcending the conventions of every known and unknown realm. Weary of their unparalleled power and invincibility, the variants sought a challenge to test the concept of final death.

  Each possessed omnicide or true death capabilities, allowing them to kill the unkillable - except for Dr. Carmen. Some variants could reform from erasure, while others boasted perfect regenerative abilities, multiplying through death or from a single droplet of their blood. Some transcended death and reincarnation, possessing resilience, immunity to power duplication, mimicry, absorption, and manipulation. They were also immune to rendering their powers ineffective, inversion, subtle manipulation, time shenanigans, meta erasure, reality warping, and boasted perfect skill and experience in combat. With infinite knowledge and fighting experience, they were expert hand-to-hand combatants.