Ares sat down quietly, his mind racing as he stared at the glowing mark on his palm. The Primordial Rune, a symbol of his newly awakened SSS-tier bloodline, pulsed with an otherworldly energy.
He could feel its overwhelming power, yet it was more of a curse than a blessing. If he didn't find a way to hide it, he was as good as dead.
His thumb rubbed nervously over the mark as he asked, "Bloodline suppression—is it possible?"
A tense moment passed in silence. Ares waited for an answer, but instead of addressing his question, the system responded with something entirely different.
[Ding! Primordial System initialization complete. Welcome, Host. I am the Greatest Evolutionary Construct in Existence.]
Ares blinked. That was not what he had asked.
The voice continued in a flat, emotionless tone, [This system is designed to guide the Host through the evolution of their bloodline and abilities, granting access to Primordial Energy and the secrets of the universe's most destructive forces.
Functions include:
1. Bloodline growth and evolution.
2. Ability Evolution.
3. Combat and bloodline analysis.
For further inquiries, please ask specific questions.]
Ares frowned. The system had completely sidestepped his question about bloodline suppression.
Then it clicked—this thing wasn't sentient. It was just a pre-programmed tool. That was why it couldn't answer freely or provide information outside of its predetermined scope.
It could only reply to specific requests.
Testing his theory, he asked, "What abilities do I have?"
[Ding! Host has unlocked three abilities:]
A glowing screen appeared before him, listing the abilities in detail.
[Ding! Revealing System Abilities!
1. Primordial Mark.
-Description: The Host can place a mark containing his essence on the target. The mark lasts for 24 hours, during which the host can sense the target's location. If the host kills the target within the 24-hour timeframe, the host gains the target's bloodline abilities and traits. However, failure to kill the target within the timeframe results in permanent weakening of the host.
Usage: Host currently has only one mark. Marks can only be placed once. Placement of Mark doesn't require physical contact with target.
2. Primordial Evolution.
-Description: After killing a Primordial, the host can absorb its life energy to evolve their physique to match the stage of the Primordial. This grants enhanced physical traits, such as durability, strength, and regeneration. The higher the rank of the Primordial, the greater the transformation.
Usage: Primordial must be killed by Host in order to absorb it's life essence. Only Primordials of Higher level than Host's current physique level would prompt an evolution.
3. Primordial Law
-Description: The host can impose a law upon the world or a target—be it a person, Primordial, object, or abstract concept—by stating a single word. This law becomes absolute, overriding any resistance, no matter how powerful the target is. For physical targets (like Primordials, humans, or objects), the law must be invoked through physical contact. For abstract concepts (such as emotions, time, or fate), the law must be spoken aloud.
Usage: The host can only use one law per month, and for each law invoked, there is a severe backlash proportional to the power of the target. The stronger the target or concept affected, the more devastating the backlash, which could result in severe injuries, disabilities, or even death if the target is overwhelmingly powerful.]
Ares' heart pounded as he read through the abilities. Absorbing other bloodlines? Primordial Evolution? It was overwhelming. These weren't just abilities, they were god-like powers!
And Primordial Law... The sheer potential of enforcing a law like 'destroy' on anything was staggering.
For a moment, Ares stared at the screen in awe. He could sense it; his path to survival was hidden in these abilities.
"Can I switch bloodlines if I use Primordial Mark?" he asked after a beat, already forming a plan.
[No. Host cannot switch bloodlines.] the system responded immediately. [However, Host may choose to showcase any of the absorbed bloodlines to the outside world while keeping his main bloodline hidden.]
Ares' eyes lit up. 'That's perfect!'
He didn't need to suppress his SSS-tier bloodline. If he could absorb a lower grade bloodline, he could simply display that one and keep his true power concealed!
But there was a catch—he needed to find someone with an S-tier bloodline and kill them within 24 hours.
That was easier said than done. Not only had he never killed someone before, the mere thought of doing something like that made him feel disgusted.
Why should he kill an innocent person who had not offended him in any way just so he could live?
Unless there was no other choice, Ares really didn't want to do this. It was against his moral compass.
He had to find a target that wouldn't affect his conscience and he had to do it fast. Time was not on his side!
Before he could think of a plan, the ZMA official approached, his steps brisk and full of purpose.
"Congratulations," the man said, though his eyes still carried suspicion. "Those who awakened bloodlines of D grade and above have three hours to say goodbye to their families and prepare. The Nightwind Carrier will arrive shortly to take you to Camp."
'Three hours!'
Ares' mind went into overdrive. He had three hours to find someone with an S-tier bloodline, kill them, and absorb their power!
This was simply impossible!
He didn't even know anyone with such a bloodline. Heck, in Irongate bastion, he was probably the first person to awaken such a bloodline!
The weight of the task crushed down on him. Time was his enemy, and the stakes had never been higher.
He had no family to say goodbye to—he was an orphan. His only focus now was survival, and that meant absorbing a bloodline to hide his own.
But where would he find a suitable target in such a short time?
He clenched his fists, thinking, 'There must be another way…'
Suddenly, inspiration struck him like lightning.
"System," he asked, "can I absorb bloodlines from Primordial Fragments?"
Primordial Fragments were mutated beasts or creatures born from the overwhelming energy of the Primordials.
It wasn't uncommon for some to develop powerful bloodlines—some as high as SS-tier. If he could find one with an S-tier bloodline, he might just have a chance.
[Yes. Primordial Fragments possess bloodlines that can be absorbed.] the system confirmed in its monotone voice.
Ares felt a surge of hope.
This was it!
If he could sneak out of the Bastion, find a Primordial Fragment with a bloodline at S-grade, and kill it, he could absorb its power.
That would give him a bloodline to showcase at the Camp while hiding his true SSS-tier bloodline.
The plan was risky, reckless even, but it was his only chance.
His heart pounded as he stood up.
'Three hours. I have three hours to leave the Bastion, find a Primordial Fragment, kill it, absorb its bloodline, and return before the Nightwind Carrier arrives.'
There was no time to waste.
Without another thought, Ares moved toward the exit, his mind focused on survival.
Time was slipping away, and if he didn't act quickly, his secret would be exposed to the world—and his death would follow soon after.
_____
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