***Chapter 20: The World's Awakening II***
The revelation of the World System rippled through the world like a tidal wave, disrupting centuries-old power structures and ancient traditions. Across kingdoms, empires, and hidden sects, the activation of the universal system left the most powerful forces reeling.
From the smallest village beastmasters to the ruling monarchs of ancient dynasties, the World System had synchronized with everyone, granting equal access to its functions. But its implications were far from equal—those who had already reached the pinnacle of power were now being forced to adapt, while the ambitious saw it as a path to rise.
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Council of Sovereigns
In the gilded halls of Eryndor Citadel, where the Council of Sovereigns—the world's most powerful ruling body—convened, the atmosphere was tense. The grand chamber, adorned with golden tapestries and glowing crystal chandeliers, hummed with energy as rulers from every faction debated.
Seated at the head of the table was Queen Altheria Valenwyn, the ruler of the Dawnspire Empire, her icy gaze sweeping over the assembled leaders. Her voice, sharp and commanding, cut through the rising noise.
"The World System is not a gift," she declared. "It is a challenge. One that will force even the strongest among us to re-earn their power."
Across from her, Grand Duke Kaelorn Ravaryn of the Dominion of Shadows, his form shrouded in a black cloak, smirked. "The weak will perish. The strong will adapt. This is no different from the natural order."
An elderly man with a long, silver beard, Archsage Viridal Mornlight of the Radiant Sanctum, slammed his staff onto the marble floor, his voice ringing with authority. "The system has already altered the balance of our world. Have any of you considered what it truly means? This power is universal—it does not discriminate between noble bloodlines and commoners. Chaos is coming."
The room fell silent. The unspoken fear hung heavy in the air: the system could elevate even a lowly farmer to challenge an emperor, provided they were cunning and ruthless enough.
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As the leaders debated, news poured in from across the realms. In the Beast Plains, ancient creatures long thought dormant were awakening, their power levels surging as they absorbed the ambient Realm Energy unleashed by the system. Some had already evolved to ranks that rivaled the world's strongest beastmasters.
One of the most startling discoveries was a report from the Obsidian Wastes, where a Rank A beast, known as the Stormscale Leviathan, had reached the cusp of a major breakthrough. The system had introduced an Evolution Methodology, allowing beasts of sufficient intelligence to actively seek their own advancement—provided they devoured enough resources and rare materials.
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Deep in the Hollow Vale, within the shadows of the Tenebral Cult, the sect's leaders gathered in their concealed sanctum. These shadowy figures, who thrived on secrecy and manipulation, were unusually animated.
"This World System is a threat to our way of life," growled Lythan Krae, the Sect Keeper. "It exposes us. Even our lowest acolytes now have access to its power."
"And yet, it is an opportunity," countered Ilyana Morvak, a pale woman with piercing crimson eyes. "The beasts will grow stronger. The realms will become more dangerous. The weak will stumble, and we will harvest the chaos."
Her words were met with murmurs of agreement. The cult had always thrived in darkness, and now, with the world destabilized, their influence could spread unchecked.
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In the mountainous stronghold of Drakonspire, the ruling Valheran Clan, one of the founding families, convened in their ancestral hall. The room, carved from ancient dragonstone, was lit by the fiery glow of magma veins running beneath the floor.
Lord Artheon Valheran, an imposing figure clad in scaled armor, addressed his kin. "The system threatens the foundation of our legacy. For generations, we have ruled by the strength of our bloodline and the power of our bonded dragons. Now, even outsiders can claim strength that rivals our own."
His daughter, Lyria Valheran, a prodigy among her peers, stepped forward. Her emerald eyes gleamed with determination. "Then we evolve, Father. We adapt. Our bond with the dragons gives us an edge that no system can replicate. But we must act quickly. If the weak rise too fast, they could become a true threat.
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Meanwhile, Erythion and his team were resting after their ordeal in the Shrouded Glade, unaware of the seismic shifts occurring across the world. As they reviewed the World System's functions, Erythion's Sovereign System whispered to him, showing hidden layers of the system that no one else could access.
[Sovereign System Notification: Anomalous Patterns Detected in the World System. Power Distribution Imbalanced.
Warning: Unknown Entity Detected #####??#####
Power Level Too Low]
The cryptic message set Erythion on edge. Was the World System truly a neutral force, or was it being guided by something—or someone—with their own agenda?
"We need to keep moving," Erythion said, his voice sharper than usual. "This system is going to change everything, and not everyone is going to handle it well."
Rynna looked at him curiously. "What do you mean? Isn't this a good thing? Everyone has a chance now."
"Maybe," Erythion replied, not meeting her gaze. "But the strongest don't give up their power without a fight. And the weakest? They'll do anything to survive."
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Across the world, kingdoms, empires, and sects braced for the upheaval. The World System had reset the playing field, but it had also raised the stakes. No one could ignore the promise of power—whether to preserve their rule, claim vengeance, or simply survive.
And in the dark recesses of the Nytheris Rift, shadowy figures began to stir, their voices whispering of conquest.
"The world fractures," a deep voice rumbled. "The strong clash. The chaos deepens. Soon, we will rise."
Nytheris's forces were not idle. They had been watching, waiting. The World System was not just a tool for growth—it was a catalyst for destruction.
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The team pressed onward, the weight of the World System's revelation fresh in their minds. The forest around them was quiet, the eerie kind of stillness that set their nerves on edge. They were heading toward the first marked Small Realm, a place where ancient beasts and treasures awaited. This realm was a critical step in their growth, but danger lurked at every corner.
Erythion's focus was split. While the team discussed strategies and studied the World System, his Sovereign System remained quietly active in the background. He hadn't shared the truth of his unique power with anyone—not yet. It was his ace, and he knew revealing it might draw unwanted attention even from his allies.
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As they crossed into the outskirts of the Small Realm, a synchronization alert rang in their minds.
[World System Notification: Small Realm Detected - "The Shrouded Glade." All entrants will have their ranks assessed. Weak beasts cannot enter.]
Rynna frowned. "It's testing us already? What happens if someone's too weak?"
"They probably die," Kaelen said bluntly, his Fenrir growling low. "This isn't a game. The World System doesn't coddle anyone."
[Small Realm Entry Requirements: Minimum Rank F+]
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The moment they stepped into the realm, the air grew colder, the trees more twisted. A fog clung to the ground, thick and unyielding, muffling their footsteps. They couldn't see more than a few paces ahead, and every shadow seemed alive with potential threats.
[World System Notification: Welcome to The Shrouded Glade. Objective: Survive and Collect Realm Energy.]
Realm Energy: A vital resource for strengthening beasts and unlocking evolution paths.
Enemies Present: Darkened Wolves (F++), Shadow Serpents (E-), and ???.
Rewards: Enhanced EXP Gain, Beast Evolution Materials, Rare Bloodline Shards.
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As the group moved deeper into the Glade, they encountered their first foe—a pack of Darkened Wolves, their glowing red eyes cutting through the fog.
[Darkened Wolf - Rank F++]
"Finally, something we can handle," Kaelen said, stepping forward. His Fenrir leapt into the fray, its claws sparking with raw energy.
The team fought with precision, their ranks and experience showing as they took down the wolves one by one.
[World System Update: +50 EXP for defeating Darkened Wolf.]
As the last wolf fell, the fog seemed to part slightly, revealing a path deeper into the Glade. But just as they began to relax, the oppressive energy of the realm grew tenfold.
A figure emerged from the shadows—a Harbinger of Nytheris, its dark form rippling like liquid smoke. But this wasn't the same one they had faced before. This one was stronger, more substantial.
[Entity Detected: Harbinger of Nytheris - Rank D-. Warning: Lethal Threat Detected.]
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Erythion clenched his fists as the Harbinger loomed before them, its presence suffocating. The team instinctively formed a defensive formation.
"This one's far stronger than the last," Rynna whispered, her Seraph casting a protective glow around the group. "Stay sharp."
The Harbinger's voice was cold and mocking. "You thought you could escape my master's shadow? How pitiful. Your strength is a spark in the void."
It lashed out without warning, its tendrils slicing through the air like whips.
[Harbinger Skill Activated: Shadow Rend.]
The tendrils struck Kaelen's Fenrir, knocking the beast back. It yelped in pain, struggling to rise as the Harbinger advanced.
"We can't let it corner us!" Erythion shouted. "Keep moving—don't let it focus on anyone!"
The team scattered, each member attacking from different angles. Rynna's Seraph unleashed beams of light, forcing the Harbinger to retreat momentarily, but its shadows quickly regenerated.
Erythion activated his Sovereign System, careful to keep it discreet.
[Sovereign System Skill: Abyssal Rend Activated.]
Obsidian, his Direwolf, surged forward, its claws glowing with dark energy as it struck the Harbinger. This time, the attack connected, carving deep gouges into the creature's form. The Harbinger hissed in fury, its body flickering as it struggled to reform.
"Hit it now!" Erythion yelled, giving the team the opening they needed.
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The combined efforts of the team began to wear the Harbinger down. Kaelen's Fenrir struck with lightning-infused claws, while Rynna's Seraph provided critical support, healing the team and weakening the Harbinger's defenses.
As the Harbinger faltered, its form unstable, Erythion saw an opportunity. He focused his Sovereign System, channeling a surge of power into Obsidian.
[Sovereign System Skill: Abyssal Devour Activated.]
Obsidian lunged at the Harbinger, its jaws closing around the creature's core. The Harbinger screamed as its essence was consumed, its form dissolving into nothingness.
[World System Update: Harbinger Defeated - +500 EXP.]
[Sovereign System Update: Unique Essence Absorbed. Power Increased.]
---
The team collapsed to the ground, exhausted but victorious. The fog around them began to dissipate, revealing the shimmering outline of a Realm Energy Crystal.
[World System Notification: Realm Energy Collected. Reward Unlocked: Bloodline Shard (E Rank).]
Rynna held the shard in her hands, its glow faint but promising. "This… this is how we grow stronger," she said, her voice filled with determination.
Erythion nodded, though his thoughts remained elsewhere. The Sovereign System had grown stronger, and with it, so had his beast. But the Harbinger's words lingered in his mind.
Nytheris wasn't just sending minions to hunt them. It was testing them, learning from their every move.
"We're being watched," Erythion said, his voice low. "Every battle, every victory—they're preparing for us."
Kaelen smirked, wiping blood from his blade. "Let them prepare. We'll be ready."
Erythion glanced at his team, their resolve stronger than ever. The path ahead was dark, but they had taken their first step toward survival—and dominance.
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To Be Continued...