To most forms of life, the universe was an incomparably vast and mysterious existence. It was emptier than most people imagined; the countless celestial bodies that seemed so numerous did not meet so easily. Even members of a stable, mature star system were always separated by immense distances, unable to see one another across the void.
No one could claim to know every star in this universe. Not even the Sorcerer Supreme, not even Magneto. Even with such immense power, their understanding of the universe remained limited. No one within it could glimpse its full picture. Even Eternity was merely a part of the universe, never its master.
Yet transforming the cosmic environment to better suit one's survival and development was the ultimate goal of every Intelligent Life. If they could not transform something as vast as the universe, they would transform their own planets. The more capable could transform galaxies, even exerting some influence over interstellar society throughout the universe. This was almost everything Intelligent Life could achieve.
Those among them who performed exceptionally well were full of vitality and ambition. They not only transformed the cosmic environment on a broad scale, but also stood at the forefront of competition between civilizations, nearly reaching the pinnacle of Intelligent Life. Naturally, they would seek beyond themselves.
What lay outside the universe? For a very long time, there had been no answer. The thirst for knowledge of intelligent beings drove them to keep researching. Yet most could not break through the universe's barrier and would never know what lay beyond it. This left them frustrated and vexed, unable to find a goal to move toward.
What they did not know was that this was the universe's final mercy. What lay outside the universe? Not a warm, friendly new land waiting to