Ten years ago, humans and demons coexisted in an uneasy but stable peace. That peace was shattered one fateful day when the skies tore open, revealing a swirling black portal. From the rift emerged a tall, striking man draped in a black robe that shimmered faintly with celestial light. His deep, commanding voice resonated across the lands, silencing all in its wake.
"My name is Azrath, the Overseer of this sector," he declared, his piercing silver eyes sweeping over the gathering crowd.
He paused, allowing the weight of his presence to settle in before continuing. "I bring a decree from the God King himself. From this moment forward, you will no longer receive aid from your gods. Instead, you must ascend to divinity on your own. The spiritual energy of this world has ripened; it is now potent enough to empower you to become gods in your own right."
Gasps and murmurs rippled through the crowd, but Azrath's voice cut through like a blade.
"In seven years, phantoms from the Abyss will invade this realm. We cannot intervene directly, but we will offer you the tools to survive. I shall bestow upon you the System, which will guide you on your journey to gain the strength necessary to repel the invaders."
A brilliant blue light engulfed the adults present, causing many to cry out in shock as a new power coursed through them. Yet the light avoided the young.
Azrath raised his hand, silencing the cacophony. "Whichever race manifests the first god among you shall receive an increased growth rate, granting them an edge in the battle to come. Remember these words, for your survival depends on it."
With that, Azrath stepped back into the portal, which closed behind him with a resounding crack, leaving the world forever changed
Three years after the Overseer's declaration, the world had changed drastically. The System had become the cornerstone of civilization, guiding humans and demons alike in their pursuit of power. Guilds had risen to prominence, with the Phoenix Guild reigning supreme as the strongest of all.
At its helm was Kael Draven, a 26-year-old prodigy who had reached the first level of transcendence, becoming a demigod. His brown hair and piercing yellow eyes, a mark of his power, were known throughout the world. Kael commanded respect as the Phoenix Guild's master, leading its ranks of S and SSS-rank players with unmatched charisma and strength.
One day, while returning from a monster subjugation mission in the Whispering Woods, Kael stumbled upon something extraordinary a baby boy lying amidst the forest clearing.
The child was stunning, with gray hair that shimmered like moonlight and golden eyes that glowed faintly even in the shadows. Kael crouched beside him, his curiosity piqued.
"Whose child could this be?" he murmured, activating his skill.
[Skill: Third Eye activated. Reading target's past...]
Before Kael could glimpse the boy's past, a surge of energy struck him like a hammer.
[Skill has been deactivated by a powerful force.]
[Failed to read target's past.]
Kael staggered backward, clutching his head as his yellow eyes returned to normal.
"What kind of power is this?" he whispered, staring at the boy in awe. After a moment's hesitation, he scooped the child into his arms. "I'll call you Eryon."
Kael brought Eryon back to the guild, raising him as his own. Over the next two years, the boy showed remarkable intelligence and adaptability. But it wasn't until one evening that Kael truly felt the weight of the child's mystery.
As Kael carried Eryon on his shoulders, he felt a strange, otherworldly aura emanating from him.
"Have you awakened?" Kael asked, trying to sound casual.
"Awakened? What's that?" Eryon replied, tilting his head in confusion.
Kael furrowed his brow. "Do you feel... different? Like there's a strange power inside you?"
Eryon shook his head, his grey eyes wide with innocence. "Nope! I feel the same as always!"
Kael's thoughts churned. 'Has he been awakened since the day I found him? Was I just too weak to sense it then?'
Determined to unravel the truth, Kael decided it was time to send Eryon to a specialized academy for the awakened, overseen by the United Player Association.
Two years passed swiftly. The world braced itself for the impending invasion as players and demons pushed their limits to ascend in power. Yet, no one had ascended to true godhood.
Then, one fateful day, a massive pillar of light erupted in the Ashen Wastes—a desolate region long abandoned by both humans and demons. For a single, harrowing minute, an aura of unimaginable power blanketed the land, sending tremors of fear through every living soul.
In the Phoenix Guild headquarters, Kael gathered his top players.
"Report," he ordered.
Lyra Evernight, an SSS-ranked mage with crimson hair, spoke first. "The aura was unlike anything we've ever encountered. It was overwhelming, almost divine. But it vanished before we could pinpoint its source."
Kael clenched his fists. "We have less than two years until the phantoms arrive. If the enemy is already making moves, we may not stand a chance."
Eryon, now six years old, entered the room. His golden eyes gleamed with a maturity far beyond his years. "What's happening, Father?"
Kael hesitated before placing a hand on the boy's shoulder. "The world is changing, Eryon. You'll need to be strong to survive what's coming."
The child nodded solemnly, his gaze steady. "I'll do whatever it takes."