The training hall was alive with energy. Squad Four's elite group of twelve who had conquered the Zenith Tower and entered the top 100, stood together, ready for their next great challenge.
Excitement buzzed through the air like static electricity, and even the usually stoic members of the squad couldn't hide their anticipation.
Today was the day they would venture into the Primordial Zone—a place of unimaginable mystery and danger.
It was a rite of passage for the true geniuses, a test that would toughen them up for their future explorations.
It was also proof that they had grown stronger, and at this moment these youths were stronger than ever.
Each member of Squad Four exuded confidence, their auras more intense than ever before.
The previous night, they had all consumed the Bead Milestone Potion, the rare and powerful potion that helped them advance to the 5th milestone of their Bloodline beads!
This advancement didn't just improve their Bloodline abilities; it had transformed them physically and mentally.
With strength came confidence, and with confidence came excellence.
Their stances were stronger, their gazes sharper, and their every movement seemed to hum with untapped power.
They had entered the camp as individuals, but now, they stood as a team of rising stars, ready to take on the unknown.
Yet even among these remarkable youths, one stood out.
Ares's presence was overwhelming, a tidal wave of power that dwarfed the others. While the rest of the squad shone brightly, Ares burned like a sun.
His aura radiated such strength that even the most confident among them felt a twinge of awe—or intimidation.
It wasn't just his aura that set him apart; it was what lay beneath it. Ares didn't possess one powerful Bloodline but two.
His SSS-grade Bloodline and SS-grade Bloodline worked in tandem, amplifying his growth in ways others could only dream of.
Every time a Bloodliner reached a milestone, their Bloodline bead underwent a process of strengthening.
This didn't just enhance their Bloodline abilities; it also improved their physical bodies. For Ares, the effect was extraordinary.
His already formidable physique became a weapon in its own right, granting him strength that could rival—or even surpass—those with strength focused Bloodlines of the same stage.
The gap between Ares and his peers wasn't just wide—it vast. And with every milestone he reached, that gap would only grow.
The chatter among the squad died down as Sergeant Zeke entered the hall. His presence commanded immediate attention.
Dressed in his usual grey uniform, his sharp eyes scanned the squad, lingering on Ares for a moment before moving on.
"Good. You've all made excellent progress," Zeke said, his voice firm yet tinged with satisfaction. "But don't let it get to your heads. Today's mission is unlike anything you've faced before."
The squad straightened, the weight of his words grounding their excitement.
"At 2 PM, we'll head to the carrier port and depart for the Primordial Zone. But before that, there are some things you need to understand. Pay attention."
What Are Primordial Zones?
Zeke stepped forward, his expression grave. "Primordial Zones are realms leading to the ancient, mysterious world of the Eldritch Era and formed by the lingering energy of the Primordials.
These beings are unimaginably powerful, shaping creation and destruction itself. The zones they leave behind are their echoes—places where reality bends, and danger is constant."
The squad listened intently, the excitement in the room giving way to a more sober mood.
"These zones don't follow the rules of nature. Space, time, even reality itself—they twist and shift in unpredictable ways.
But they're also humanity's greatest resource. Corestones, the crystals found within these zones, are essential for awakening Bloodlines and powering our world. Without them, we wouldn't have the strength to survive.
They also allow us the opportunity to come into contact with relics, which remains humanities strongest assets against these Primordials."
He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in.
"Of course, these zones come with risks. The environment mutates, warping everything it touches.
Wildlife becomes monstrous, and then there are the Primordial Fragments—manifestations of the Primordials' lingering essence.
These are not foes you can take lightly. They're highly dangerous and will kill you without hesitation."
The squad exchanged uneasy glances, but no one spoke.
"The zones are divided into three categories based on the strength of the Primordial they were formed from.
Lesser Zones, created by Lesser Primordials, are the most common. Greater Zones, formed by Greater Primordials, are far more dangerous.
And then there are the Elder Zones, remnants of the Primordial Elders. These are almost impossible to explore and are sealed off to all but the strongest teams."
Zeke's gaze swept across the squad, his eyes narrowing. "You're going into a Lesser Zone, but don't let that fool you. Even the weakest of these zones can kill you if you're careless.
Stick together. Use your strengths wisely. And remember—this isn't about glory. It's about survival."
The squad nodded, their earlier excitement now tempered by a mix of determination and unease.
"Meet at the carrier port by 2 PM," Zeke said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Be ready. Today, you face the unknown."
As Zeke left the hall, the squad began to disperse, each member lost in their own thoughts. Conversations sparked here and there as they discussed strategies and prepared their gear.
Ares stood apart from the group, his mind focused and calm. The Primordial Zone wasn't just a test—it was an opportunity.
An opportunity to grow stronger, to push his limits, and to solidify his place at the top. Most especially, it was an opportunity to possibly acquire more unique Bloodlines from fragments.
He clenched his fists, feeling the power coursing through him. Whatever awaited them in the Zone, Ares was ready.
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Power stone Goal!
50 PS - 1 Bonus chapter
100 PS - 2 Bonus chapter
200 PS (Quite an achievement as of now) - 3 Bonus chapters.