Going through the system notification, Ace felt he was reading the description of a real-time strategy game he was used to playing on his mobile or PC. These typically involve players managing resources, building structures, training units, and engaging in battles to complete various quests, such as conquering opponents or completing missions. Now he understood what the Angel truly meant by saying they had similar games back on Earth.
"What are these Astral beasts, Astral quests, and reward cards?" Jay asked the Angel, getting a gist about Astral Arena.
"Don't get ahead of yourself, you wretched mortal. You'll learn about them when the time is right. But if you're curious, go ahead and explore Astral Arena," pointing at the Astral mist, the Angel responded with a sneer. However, her tone was less arrogant and condescending than before. Proving that no matter where you go in the universe, people will continue to bully you until you let them.
Understanding that the Astral Angel had given him the information she had to give him and the rest was for him to explore, Jay did not bother to pester the Angel, "Now you place the Astral beacon in my Astral domain."
"Pshht," The Angel snorted in response and floated to the center of the Astral domain, as she selected the spot to place the Astral beacon she informed Jay, "The location is not permanent. You can move it later."
Jay nodded while he noticed a purple alignment marker appear in his vision, overlapping and locking on the Angel. Understanding that it was a part of the 'Astral Hack' skill he decided to use his skill, Astral Hack, on the Angel. However, his skill failed, and soon he received a system prompt explaining to him why:
[ System Notification:
> You have used Astral Hack on Astral Angel Astrid.
> Because of the significant disparity in your levels, the Astral Hack failed to hack the Astral Angel Astrid.]
Understanding that the Angel was stronger than him, Jay found solace in knowing the Angel didn't realize he had used a skill on her and that she was called Astrid.
"Hey, insignificant mortal, the Astral beacon is set. Light it by dropping your filthy blood on it," the Angel informed Jay, having set up the Astral beacon at the center of the grassland. It was a circle stone slab, 10 ft in diameter and 3ft in thickness, inscribed with an archaic array covering all sides.
"Here," As Jay neared the stone slab, the Angel passed him a ceremonial knife. Taking the knife, Jay made a small cut on his index finger without any hesitation and dropped a drop of his blood on the circular stone slab returning the knife to the Angel.
As soon as Jay's blood touched the stone slab, its array began to glow and shot a beam of golden light into the Astral mist dome and beyond, illuminating the grassland. The beam of light was 10ft in diameter and appeared endless in height. However, it was a mere blip in the boundless Astral Arena.
[System Notification:
> Congratulations on building your Astral domain and starting your journey as an Astral lord.
> You are rewarded with a 30-day protection barrier card (0 grade).
> You are rewarded with a dungeon card (0 grade).
Note:
i) You can now access the Astral domain status screen.
ii) Check your quest screen for Astral Arena's novice quest.]
After reading the system prompt, Jay found two radiant bronze cards in his hands. While he observed them, the Angel instructed, "Mortal, offer the barrier card to the beacon. So, it can summon a protective barrier to protect your domain."
Jay followed the Angel's instructions and threw the barrier card into the beacon. Soon, the golden light beam pulsated and enveloped the entire domain under a translucent barrier.
"Lowly mortal, for the next 30 days, you will be safe inside the barrier. Use this time wisely to explore your abilities as an Astral lord and prepare for your novice quest. If you don't want your domain to be attacked by random Astral beasts collect barrier cards. Otherwise, you can test your luck. My job is done here. I will take my leave now," The Angel informed Jay and vanished before he could ask his doubts.
Feeling that the Angel was no help, Jay held the dungeon card and looked at his domain. Illuminated by the beacon, the sky was now replaced with a starry expanse of space. He felt as if he were stranded on an island, floating in space. Shaking his head, Jay viewed his domain's status, "View Astral domain status."
[ — Astral Domain's Status Screen —
Domain Name: Unnamed
Domain Title: none
Domain Grade: 0
Domain size: (10/10) acres
Domain Population: 1
Domain Infrastructures: 1
i) Astral Beacon
Domain Mines: 0
Domain Dungeons: 0
Domain Privileges: Domain Axis Manipulation, Astral Network
Note:
i) Complete Astral Arena quest to increase domain tier, expand domain, gain resources, and make achievements.]
[Skill Name: Domain Axis Manipulation
Skill Grade: Innate
Skill Effect: Allows the Lord of the domain to view the domain map and rearrange the landscape and infrastructure of the domain as per their will.
Note:
i) This skill cannot be used when the domain is under attack.
ii) The skill grade will depend on the domain grade.]
[Skill Name: Astral Network
Skill Grade: Innate
Skill Effect: Allows the Lord of the domain to connect to the Astral Network to communicate, trade, and transport to or from other domains on the network.
Note:
i) This skill cannot be used when the domain is under attack.
ii) The skill grade will depend on the domain grade.]
'Mines and dungeons, guess I have a lot of exploring to do to find them,' Jay mused. Then, noting his domain lacked a name, he glanced over the grassland and declared aloud, "You are called 'Astral Ark.' A refuge for tired and lost souls wandering the Astral Arena seeking a new beginning in this end."
[ > Do you want to name your domain 'Astral Haven?' (Y/N)]
"Yes," Jay affirmed.
[ > Astral domain name 'Astral Haven' registered.]
Done registering his domain's name, Jay decided to view his Astral arena novice quest uttering, "Quest screen."
[ — Quest screen—
> Available Quest: 5
Note:
i) Complete quests in time to not incur penalties.]
[ — Quest Window —
i)Quest Name: First Hunt
Quest Info: The journey to becoming a strong Astral Lord is long and hard. Enter a dungeon and hunt a monster.
Quest time: None
Quest Reward: +100Exp, 0-grade random resource card.
Quest penalty: None
—x—
ii)Quest Name: First Subject
Quest Info: Becoming a respected Astral Lord is a challenging journey. Recruit a wandering soul visiting your domain as your subject.
Quest time: None
Quest Reward: +100Exp, 0-grade random item card.
Quest penalty: None
—x—
iii)Quest Name: First Build
Quest Info: Developing a capable Astral domain is a challenging journey. Build an infrastructure in your domain.
Quest time: None
Quest Reward: +100Exp, 0-grade random aesthetic card.
Quest penalty: None
—x—
iv)Quest Name: First Class
Quest Info: Developing a capable Astral domain is a challenging journey. Assign a class to a subject in your domain.
Quest time: None
Quest Reward: +100Exp, 0-grade random class card
Quest penalty: None
—x—
v)Quest Name: Astral Arena's Recognition
Quest Info: Gaining Astral Arena's recognition is a challenging feat. Ninety days from now, a small wave of 0-grade monsters will attack your domain. Protect your domain to gain Astral Arena's Recognition.
Quest time: 90 days
Quest Reward: To be calculated after quest completion based on performance.
Quest penalty: Astral Domain Destruction.]
"This novice quest this fucked up, how am I supposed to prepare to face a monster wave in 90 days?" Jay exclaimed. Then, his gaze fell on the dungeon card in his hand.