Two decades after Rael met the kid 'reaper', somewhere in the Von Morgen Kingdom, a Soulless slave camp exists.
The bright rays of the sun flaunt its orange and yellow streaks to all living creatures, signifying another day for all to strive their hardest to gain newfound strength. As for those who are unfortunate,
"Useless Soulless! You lots brought nothing but bad luck in our lands and shame to humanity!"
"Die in a ditch and hope the gods won't toy with your existence, you insects!"
"Insects? Quite a high honor for these good for nothing scrubs don't you think?"
This was the classic routine for all those creatures that were born Soulless. Their bodies battered by stones, partnered with hurls of mockery that cascades within their ears as they forcefully parade themselves. Physical and mental abuse would always be their daily breakfast in the morning. Fate such as this is inevitable.
In this world, if a creature is born Soulless.
Death would not be even enough to escape this harsh reality.
After Heaven's Descent, every creature across the universe started to receive systems in their mind. Granting them an Authority Board that signifies one's authority level, thus unlocking unimaginable power. Humans paved their way through the ranks of the new era after the attainment of the power of authority. However, the highest acquisition authority known to humanity capped at Completer's Authority.
The peak of the mortal tier of authority that existed. The low tier authority consists of:
Novice's Authority, the basic infant rank
Combatant's Authority, the survivor rank
Expert's Authority, the unique semblance rank
Phylogenesis' Authority, the elemental ascension rank
Completer's Authority, the enlightened mortal rank
Accomplishing a significant progression in one's authority level relies upon the Authority Board's guidance. The board would give explicit tasks that are custom-made to cultivators. This guarantee the best possible progression of every cultivator that uses the power of authority.
As for the Soulless, they are creatures that were born without any power of authority, furthermore, without the Authority Board system.
Soulless, which are cursed by the universe. Unqualified to co-exist with those who wield the power of authority. Undeserving to stand on equal footing even to an ant.
They are regarded as a worse status than being deceased.
The utter humiliation for all that breathes!
"Don't they ever get tired of this?" One Seven Two remarked as they marched down the streets of shame.
"Enjoy the limelight One Seven Two. In the event they start to harvest us, we will be in for a treat" Afraid that he would be heard by the guards, One Seven Zero mumbled
"Stop with those unnecessary remarks. No one would want like to want One Seven Zero." Rael interjected. The dread behind his words was definite.
As far back as Rael's 'rebirth' he was exposed to the profound detestations of being a Soulless. Harvesting a Soulless is equivalent in researching someone from their ranks. Cultivators would haphazardly select some Soulless who will be experimented. Then those Soulless will be preserved throughout the process.
Soulless are categorized by numbers, not by experimental use. They are numbered for it is believed that being named comparatively to a Soulless would be an offensive mishap.
Thus naming the Soulless with numbers became mandatory.
"It's within the range of importance 173. You're not just in it, and the fact that 171 is in that chamber proves me right. Your friends right? Don't mislead others for the reality you can't accept!" One Seven Zero commented with conviction, despite his silent tone.
This made Rael distraught with helplessness. He went silent since it was the truth.
Soulless are treated as exploratory subjects, the only way they could be substantial to humanity's advancement in the power of authority. Hooligan cultivators would perform gruesome experiments using their body on ways to unlock higher authority levels easier without the Authority Board. This likewise expands humanity's knowledge and control the deficiency of insight towards the power of authority.
The child 'reaper' was right, this is Hell.
"Greater destiny? How is this greater destiny?" Rael stared at the sky; he wanted answers from whoever had delivered him here.
"Stop your chattering you worthless germs, consider it as a blessing that the king of this kingdom allows you to breathe the same air as we do!" A guard sneered, with a powerful whip covered with gushing mana, all the Soulless trembled in their knees due to the insufferable pain.
Deathly groans echoed throughout the streets.
Meanwhile, cynical laughter filled the other side.
A portion of the group of Soulless staggered on the hard ground, some of them panted for air. Resentment and anger filled Rael's mind at the sight he witnessed. Vengeful thoughts clouded his mind heavily, his eyes gave away every thought in his mind.
If only he had sufficient power to do so, he would immediately kill everyone who was responsible and who took part in this inhumane activity.
"Erase that vicious stare in your face and stand up. " One Seven Zero offered his hand to get Rael back up" If you know what's good for you and 171. "
One Seven Zero can sense the hostility that Rael radiated. If he had not impeded the guard's field of vision as he helps Rael to get back up, Rael's head would've been flying in full circles for miles without any warning.
"I know we can't keep living like this. Control yourself."
One Seven Zero grabbed Rael then he hurriedly proceeded in their walk. He shuffled with Rael in the line of Soulless where they will be less likely to be seen or heard.
"171's chamber time would end later. Tend to her then meet us at the southeast mining site, perform the leap of faith with us." One Seven Zero whispered in Rael's ear softly, afraid to be heard and be beaten again. He then walked away to avoid suspicion. However, before
anything else, he turned around.
"A greater destiny awaits."
...
As the gruesome event continued at the Soulless camp, a sudden influx of power could be felt in the forest nearby. A sturdy boulder sends out a corrupted aura nearby which blended within the atmosphere.
A storm is quietly brewing.