
by NSudakov
Cycles of Balance [ A STORY OF THE PETALS OF TIMELESSNESS MULTIVERSE ] "Love is a virus. And I am the cure—or the victim." Order-Darkness is the Cosmic Architect of Balance. When the karmic mechanism known as "Echoes of the Past" begins to fracture, this Alpha-Soul is forced to incarnate into the mortal vessel of Arta Nox. Its mission is precise: infiltrate the Academy of Duality and shatter a cursed bond forged by the rival force, Chaotic-Light. The targets are identified: Reina, a delusional reincarnator who believes she is the "Isekai Heroine" destined for a happy ending, and Nova—the world's true original protagonist, now reduced to a captive love interest in Reina’s twisted script. To sever their bond, Arta calculates the most efficient path lies through her roommate, Catherine Holu. Though Catherine is a disabled student often overlooked by the Academy, the Architect detects a hidden potential within her structure. To Arta, she is a "Stable Variable" in a chaotic world—a precise instrument calculated to accelerate the mission and deconstruct the anomaly from within. But an Architect cannot walk among mortals without warping reality. Arta’s presence distorts the narrative. The events of the "novel" derail into chaos. Ancient cults rise from the shadows, forgotten gods awaken, and Arta finds herself navigating a deadly political game with a Princess holding a bloody leash around her neck. Cycles of Balance is a philosophical dark fantasy about the fragility of perfection and the price of human emotions. What to Expect: Anti-Isekai / Plot Breaker: The protagonist opposes a self-proclaimed "Heroine" (Reina) who treats the world like a dating sim. Arta is here to break the forced romance plot, not join it. Seinen Yuri (Slow Burn): A relationship defined by absolute devotion and existential necessity. Arta views Catherine as a tool, but the bond evolves into something that defies even cosmic calculations. Grimdark & Politics: This is not a fluffy academy story. Expect ancient cults, a manipulative Princess, and a protagonist who is held on a literal and metaphorical leash. The Architect’s Perspective: Narrated by an Alpha-Soul (OD). It values duty above freedom and logic above emotion. Deceptive Start: The story begins with Academy intrigue but spirals into Psychological & Philosophical Horror and Cosmic Tragedy. Structure-wise, the Academy Arc serves as an analogue to the Golden Age Arc in Berserk. Technical Details: Schedule: 2 chapters per week. Author’s Note: English is not my native language, but I work hard to deliver polished chapters. I use digital tools for phrasing and readability, but all creative decisions and worldbuilding remain my own. Feedback is always welcome! Status: vol. 1: Echoes of the Past - [Completed] vol. 2: Price of Equilibrium - [Completed] vol. 3: Compass of Remembrance [In progress] Cover art by Vorkiss
| # | Title | Words |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Prologue: A Crack in Eternity | 0 |
| 1 | Chapter 0: Incarnation Protocol | 0 |
| 2 | Chapter 1: First Days at the Academy of Duality | 0 |
| 3 | Chapter 2: Ten Days of Chaos | 0 |
| 4 | Chapter 3: Seeds of Order | 0 |
| 5 | Chapter 4, part 1: Observation and Training | 0 |
| 6 | Chapter 4, part 2: Blades and Shadows | 0 |
| 7 | Chapter 5, part 1: An Invitation from Power | 0 |
| 8 | Chapter 5, part 2: Conditions of Service | 0 |
| 9 | Chapter 5, part 3: Whispers in the Dark | 0 |
| 10 | Chapter 6, part 1: The Challenge | 0 |
| 11 | Chapter 6, part 2: The Arena | 0 |
| 12 | Chapter 6, part 3: The Visitor | 0 |
| 13 | Chapter 7, part 1: Consequences | 0 |
| 14 | Chapter 7, part 2: The Prince’s Terms | 0 |
| 15 | Chapter 8, part 1: The Blood Pact | 0 |
| 16 | Chapter 8, part 2: The Price of Loyalty | 0 |
| 17 | Chapter 9, part 1: Eldenbridge | 0 |
| 18 | Chapter 9, part 2: Concessions to a Friend | 0 |
| 19 | Chapter 10, part 1: Shadows of Sumerenn | 0 |
| 20 | Chapter 10, part 2: Sumerenn Dreams | 0 |
| 21 | Chapter 11, part 1: Cracks on Black Glass | 0 |
| 22 | Chapter 11, part 2: The Sleeping Eye | 0 |
| 23 | Chapter 12: The Heroine Who Saved the Kingdom | 0 |
| 24 | Chapter 13: The Letter | 0 |
| 25 | Chapter 14: Mirror of Chaos | 0 |
| 26 | Chapter 15: Threads of Fate | 0 |
| 27 | Chapter 16, part 1: The Last Duality Ball | 0 |
| 28 | Chapter 16, part 2: A Dance of Shadows | 0 |
| 29 | Chapter 17, Epilogue vol. 1: Shards in the Mirror | 0 |
| 30 | Author’s Note: After Vol.1 | 0 |
| 31 | Chapter 18, Prologue vol. 2: Solitary Crow | 0 |
| 32 | Chapter 19: Quiet Preparations | 0 |
| 33 | Chapter 20, part 1: Return to Ice | 0 |
| 34 | Chapter 20, part 2: Under Scrutiny | 0 |
| 35 | Chapter 20, part 3: A Blade's Trust | 0 |
| 36 | Chapter 21: Brother and Sister | 0 |
| 37 | Chapter 22: Rhythm and Resonance | 0 |
| 38 | Chapter 23: Morning Air | 0 |
| 39 | Chapter 24: The Invited Guest | 0 |
| 40 | Chapter 25: Farewell, Liranis | 0 |
| 41 | Author’s Note: Arc Progress Update | 0 |
| 42 | Chapter 26, part 1: Form and Participation | 0 |
| 43 | Chapter 26, part 2: After the Holidays | 0 |
| 44 | Chapter 27, part 1: A New Arrangement | 0 |
| 45 | Chapter 27, part 2: A Game of Proxies | 0 |
| 46 | Chapter 28, part 1: Stratification | 0 |
| 47 | Chapter 28, part 2: A Matter of Respect | 0 |
| 48 | Chapter 29, part 1: Points of Displacement | 0 |
| 49 | Chapter 29, part 2: A Matter of Trust | 0 |
| 50 | Chapter 30, part 1: A Mistake in Magic | 0 |
| 51 | Chapter 30, part 2: The Price of Intervention | 0 |
| 52 | Chapter 31, part 1: The Role of the observer | 0 |
| 53 | Chapter 31, part 2: The Alliance | 0 |
| 54 | Chapter 32: Silent Night | 0 |
| 55 | Chapter 33, part 1: The News | 0 |
| 56 | Chapter 33, part 2: The Royal Mission | 0 |
| 57 | Chapter 33, part 3: The Rector's Ploy | 0 |
| 58 | Chapter 34, part 1: Return to the Capital | 0 |
| 59 | Chapter 34, part 2: The Mark of Chaos | 0 |
| 60 | Chapter 35, part 1: The End of a Former Life | 0 |
| 61 | Chapter 35, part 2: The Noice of Silence | 0 |
| 62 | Chapter 36: The Duchess Amarets | 0 |
| 63 | Chapter 37: Setting the Trap | 0 |
| 64 | Chapter 38: Masquerade at the Gambling House | 0 |
| 65 | Chapter 39: The Exorcism | 0 |
| 66 | Chapter 40: Masks and Mirrors | 0 |
| 67 | Chapter 41: The Lull | 0 |
| 68 | Chapter 42: The Price of Actions | 0 |
| 69 | Chapter 43: The Return | 0 |
| 70 | Chapter 44: Quiet Echoes | 0 |
| 71 | Chapter 45: Confession | 0 |
| 72 | Chapter 46, Epilogue vol. 2: Arbiter | 0 |
| 73 | Author’s Note: After Vol.2 | 0 |
| 74 | 2.1.1. Clashing Scenarios | 0 |
| 75 | 2.1.2. The Director of Others' Dramas | 0 |
| 76 | 2.1.3. Severed Threads | 0 |
| 77 | Chapter 47, Prologue vol. 3: Intelligentia consequentiarum | 0 |
| 78 | Chapter 48: Void and Chance | 0 |
| 79 | Chapter 49: Mech anima | 0 |
| 80 | 2.1.4. Theater of Shadows | 0 |
| 81 | Chapter 50: A Mistake of Fate | 0 |
| 82 | Chapter 51: Dialogue at the Source | 0 |
| 83 | 2.1.5. Sacrifice for Love | 0 |
| 84 | Chapter 52: The Reaper | 0 |
| 85 | Chapter 53: A New World | 0 |
| 86 | Chapter 54: Resignation | 0 |
| 87 | Chapter 55: The Start of a New Game | 0 |