Jiho sat quietly in his small apartment, the dim light of the afternoon filtering through the curtains. The room was sparse, decorated only with the essentials: a desk, a worn-out couch, a few books on the shelf, and a stack of unopened letters that had gathered dust over the weeks. It wasn't much, but it was home.

Today, however, wasn't a typical day. Among the letters that littered the coffee table, there was one that stood out. It was sealed with an unfamiliar crest—one that was elegant, intricate, and ancient-looking. Jiho had never seen it before. His curiosity piqued, he carefully opened the envelope, revealing a letter that would change the course of his life forever.

To Jiho Kim,

You have been selected as the sole heir to the estate of your late great-uncle, Yun Tae-joon. He has left you a gift—a painting that holds the potential to change your future. This inheritance is not merely a piece of art, but a gateway to an entirely new world. Should you choose to accept this legacy, you must venture into the realm it reveals and claim your destiny.

Do not underestimate this gift. The world that awaits you is not like our own. Be prepared to face challenges beyond your wildest imagination.

Yours sincerely,

The Executor of Tae-joon's Will

Jiho blinked, unsure whether he was reading a joke. A painting? A "gateway to a new world"? He had heard of strange stories, of people being thrust into fantastical realms, but he never thought he'd be the one to experience it.

Despite his disbelief, Jiho found himself standing before the painting in his modest apartment later that evening. It wasn't much to look at—just a simple portrait of a landscape. A lush forest stretched across the canvas, vibrant with color and light. It almost seemed… alive. There was something odd about it, a pull that made Jiho's heart beat a little faster.

Without much thought, he reached out and touched the surface of the painting. The moment his fingers made contact, a jolt of energy surged through his body. His vision blurred, and the world around him seemed to bend and twist, like a storm sweeping him off his feet.

A portal opened before him—a swirling vortex of colors and light.

Jiho staggered back, his breath catching in his throat. He had never experienced anything like this. He could feel the air growing thick with power, and instinctively, he knew that his life was about to change in ways he could not yet comprehend.

[System Initialization]

Welcome, Jiho Kim. You are now entering the "Realm of Ascension."

Your current ranking in this world is: Rank F

Evaluating innate abilities...

...

Error Detected: Unknown Anomaly.

Adjusting Parameters…

System Note: Luck Attribute exceeds measurable threshold. Implementing temporary overrides. Further instability possible.

Jiho's eyes widened. "Error? What the hell does that mean?" The voice in his head sounded calm and detached, yet the implication of a glitch sent a chill down his spine.

Before he could think further, the system continued.

[System Update]

Abilities Unlocked:

Mana Control: You possess minimal mana. Your current pool is negligible and will need significant growth to use most abilities.Summoner's Gaze: Allows you to observe and capture the essence of creatures, binding them to your service. Be cautious; your abilities are limited by your rank.

Jiho's mind raced as he processed the information. A "system"? It sounded like something straight out of a video game, but there was no mistaking the reality of the situation. He was no longer in his apartment. The world around him was different—vivid, alive with colors and movement.

He looked down at his hands. His skin was tingling, as if his very body was being attuned to the new environment. His heart pounded in his chest. There was no turning back now. This was his reality.

His gaze fell on the painting once more. What was it? How could it summon him into this world? Questions flooded his mind, but there were no answers, only the steady hum of the system's voice.

[System Notification]

Achievement Unlocked: "First Steps."

Reward: 1 Gold Coin.

Congratulations. You are now eligible for basic purchases in the system's shop.

A window appeared in front of him, showing a variety of items available for purchase with the single gold coin he had just earned. It was a strange list—things he didn't entirely understand, but everything in front of him had an aura of importance.

System Shop

1. Dagger (1 Gold)

2. Healing Herb (1 Gold)

3. Basic Potion (3 Gold)

4. Summon Token (5 Gold)

Jiho clicked his tongue in frustration. "This is ridiculous. How am I supposed to survive with one gold coin?" He thought he'd be thrust into battle, or at least something resembling an adventure. Instead, he was stuck here with a single coin and no idea where to go.

Suddenly, another notification appeared.

[System Update]

Achievement Unlocked: "Lucky Start."

Reward: System-Limited Summon Token.

Jiho blinked. "System-limited summon?" He selected the item, and the screen expanded, showing a glowing token. Without hesitation, he activated it.

The token burst into light, and a creature began materializing in front of him. At first, he thought it might be a low-tier monster, something barely useful. But as the form solidified, his jaw dropped.

Standing before him was a towering wolf with silver fur that glimmered like starlight. Its eyes glowed with intelligence, and its muscles rippled with power.

[Summon Successful!]

Name: Argent Wolf

Rank: S

Abilities: Enhanced Speed, Mana Aura, Alpha's Command.

Jiho couldn't believe his luck. An S-rank summon on his very first try? He didn't understand how it was possible, but the system's earlier "error" message echoed in his mind. Was this because of the glitch? If so, what else could he achieve?

The wolf knelt before him, acknowledging him as its master. Jiho hesitantly placed a hand on its head, feeling the raw power radiating from its body.

"I guess we're in this together," he murmured, his voice shaking slightly.

Ahead of him, a massive gate appeared out of nowhere, adorned with intricate carvings and glowing runes. The Trial Grounds awaited. Jiho didn't know what challenges lay ahead, but he felt a spark of hope for the first time.

"Let's see what I can do," he said, stepping forward with the Argent Wolf at his side.

The journey had just begun.

The gate loomed before Jiho like a judgmental god, its glowing runes shifting as if alive. The sheer size and otherworldly aura of the structure made his heart pound furiously in his chest. The Argent Wolf stood beside him, silent but vigilant, her silver fur rippling under the strange light. Jiho's hand trembled as he reached toward the gate's surface, his courage wavering with every inch.

"What am I even doing here?" he muttered under his breath. "This is insane. I'm just… I'm just a nobody."

The wolf turned her piercing, glowing eyes toward him, her expression unreadable. Then, for the first time, she spoke.

"Cowardice won't help you survive here," she said, her voice a deep, velvety tone that carried both wisdom and power.

Jiho stumbled backward, nearly tripping over his own feet. "Y-You can talk?!"

The wolf let out a low, amused growl. "Of course I can. Did you think I was some dumb beast? I've been watching you, human. You're shaking like a leaf, and yet you're still standing here. That's something, at least."

Jiho felt his cheeks flush with embarrassment. "I didn't ask for this, okay? I'm not some hero. I'm not even strong. Look at me—I have no mana, no training. The system literally called me an 'F-rank.'"

The wolf tilted her head. "And yet, you summoned me. Luck or not, the fact remains: I am bound to you now. But I will not fight for a master who doubts himself. Prove your worth to me, human."

Jiho swallowed hard. He didn't know whether to feel encouraged or insulted. "Fine. But how do we even…?"

Before he could finish his sentence, the gate opened with a resounding boom. A swirling vortex of light and shadow greeted him on the other side, and a notification appeared in front of his eyes.

[Trial Initiated: Survive the Beast Gauntlet]

Objective: Defeat all enemies.

Rewards: Determined by performance.

"Of course it's a gauntlet," Jiho muttered bitterly.

He stepped through the gate, the Argent Wolf padding beside him. The moment they entered, the environment shifted. The flat field he'd seen in the painting earlier now stretched endlessly before him, but it was no longer peaceful. The sky above was dark and brooding, the air heavy with the scent of blood and decay.

In the distance, a low growl echoed, followed by the sound of thundering footsteps. Jiho's stomach twisted into knots.

"What now?" he whispered.

The wolf growled, her hackles rising. "Prepare yourself. They're coming."

Jiho turned his head, and his breath caught in his throat. A pack of goblin-like creatures was charging toward them, their grotesque faces twisted into snarls. Each one carried a crude weapon—clubs, rusty swords, and jagged spears.

"I don't have a weapon!" Jiho yelped, panic setting in.

The wolf snorted. "Then find one. Or do you plan to let me do all the work?"

[System Notification: Combat Initialized]

Tip: Search the field for items. The system rewards resourcefulness.

Jiho's eyes darted around the field. Spotting a glint of metal nearby, he sprinted toward it, narrowly dodging a thrown spear that embedded itself into the ground behind him. He reached down and grabbed a dagger—plain but sharp.

"Better than nothing," he muttered, turning to face the approaching horde.

The Argent Wolf lunged forward, meeting the goblins head-on. Her movements were a blur, claws raking through flesh and teeth sinking into throats. Each goblin she killed dissolved into a cloud of black smoke, leaving behind shimmering orbs of light.

[Loot Collected: Goblin Core x3, Basic Gold Coin x2]

Jiho hesitated for a moment, then steeled himself. "I can't let her do everything," he muttered, charging at the nearest goblin. He wasn't graceful—his movements were clumsy and his grip on the dagger shaky—but desperation gave him strength.

He ducked under a wild swing from the goblin's club and drove the dagger into its side. The creature shrieked, blood spraying as it collapsed. Jiho stared at the body, his heart pounding, adrenaline coursing through his veins.

"Not bad for a beginner," the wolf called out, her tone tinged with approval.

Jiho didn't have time to respond. More goblins were rushing toward him, and his fear was quickly overtaken by sheer survival instinct. He fought with everything he had, dodging and striking as the wolf tore through the horde with brutal efficiency.

By the time the last goblin fell, Jiho was gasping for breath, his body trembling from exhaustion. The field was littered with loot—shimmering cores, coins, and other strange items.

[Trial Completed]

Performance Rating: C+

Rewards:

Gold Coins x15Goblin Cores x8Rusty Iron SwordHealing Potion x2

Jiho dropped to his knees, staring at the notification. "C+? What does that even mean? I almost died out there!"

The wolf approached him, her silver fur streaked with blood. "It means you're alive, human. And that's all that matters. Now, let's talk about this bond."

Jiho blinked up at her, confused. "Bond?"

The wolf sat down, her piercing gaze locking onto his. "You summoned me, but we're not truly connected yet. If you want my full power, we need a contract. Are you willing?"

Jiho hesitated. "What does that… involve?"

The wolf tilted her head. "Simple. We share a link—your mana will feed me, and in return, I'll grant you access to my strength. But be warned: if you fail me, the bond will break, and you'll lose me forever."

Jiho's heart raced. "What happens if the bond breaks?"

"Let's just say… you don't want to find out."

Jiho swallowed hard, then nodded. "Alright. Let's do it."

The wolf's eyes glowed brighter, and a circle of light appeared beneath them. Strange runes spiraled outward, surrounding Jiho and the wolf. He felt a sharp pain in his chest, like something was being torn from within him.

[Contract Established: Argent Wolf]

Bond Level: 1

Abilities Gained:

Alpha's Presence: All lower-ranked creatures within range are intimidated and less likely to attack.Shared Awareness: You can see through the Argent Wolf's eyes and sense her emotions.

Jiho gasped as the light faded. He felt… different. Stronger, somehow. The wolf stood tall, her expression unreadable.

"It's done," she said. "From now on, you're my master. But don't think for a second that I'll go easy on you. You've got a long way to go if you want to survive in this world."

Jiho managed a weak smile. "Thanks… I guess."

The wolf snorted. "Don't thank me yet. This is just the beginning."

[System Notification]

Achievement Unlocked: "First Contract."

Reward: Class Token (Rare)

Jiho stared at the notification, his exhaustion momentarily forgotten. "A class token?"

The wolf's ears perked up. "Interesting. That could be useful. Use it wisely, human."

Jiho couldn't help but feel a spark of hope. Maybe, just maybe, he had a chance after all.

Jiho stared at the glowing class token in his hand, its surface shimmering with golden and violet hues. The pulsing warmth of the artifact filled him with a strange sense of anticipation. The system's intimidating presence manifested once more, its text hovering before him like an unyielding oracle.

[System Notification]

You have obtained a Class Token (Rare).

Classes Available (Based on Initial Progress):

Beast Tamer: A specialist in commanding creatures of various natures, excelling in contracts and loyalty.Summoner Adept: A versatile spellcaster focused on bringing forth creatures and minions to aid in battle.Sovereign of the Subjugated: A ruler-class profession, designed to lead and empower lower-ranked races. Allows the summoning of unique units and the ability to create armies of contracted beings.

Jiho's eyes widened as he read through the options, his gaze fixating on the third.

"Sovereign of the Subjugated…" he muttered. It wasn't just a class; it was a declaration.

The Argent Wolf padded closer, her glowing eyes scanning the notification. "Interesting. A ruler-class profession so early in your journey… The system must see potential in you, though I suspect it's also tied to your bond with me."

Jiho gulped, his mind racing. The word "sovereign" resonated deeply within him. He had always been weak, always at the mercy of others, but this class… this class was something different.

[System Notification]

Warning: Once a class is selected, it cannot be changed. Are you sure you wish to proceed with 'Sovereign of the Subjugated'?

Jiho hesitated for only a moment. "Yes. I choose it."

[Class Selected: Sovereign of the Subjugated]

Passive Ability Unlocked: Sovereign's Aura – All contracted beings within your command gain enhanced strength and morale. They are 20% more effective in combat and 10% less likely to resist commands.

Active Ability Unlocked: Summon Retinue – Call forth a random assortment of subordinate beings from among the lower races. Their rank depends on your level and mana reserves.

Passive Effect Unlocked: Leadership – All actions that benefit your subordinates are 25% more efficient.

Additional Feature Unlocked: Sovereign's Domain – The Argent Field has evolved into 'The Sovereign's Dominion,' where your will shapes the terrain, and loyal followers may be stationed.

As soon as the system finalized his choice, a surge of power coursed through Jiho's body. It wasn't physical strength—his limbs still felt weak and his stamina depleted—but an unshakable presence settled over him, as if the weight of an invisible crown had been placed on his head.

"I… I feel different," Jiho murmured.

The wolf smirked—or at least, he thought it was a smirk. "Of course you do. You're no longer just some weakling stumbling through the system. You've taken your first step toward becoming a ruler."

Suddenly, the landscape around them began to change. The flat expanse of the field rippled like a disturbed pond, the very air shimmering with raw energy. Before Jiho's eyes, the Argent Field transformed. Towering stone pillars erupted from the ground, forming crude yet imposing watchtowers. A faint glow of blue light began to outline the edges of the field, marking its boundaries.

[System Notification]

The Sovereign's Dominion has been established. All activities within the Dominion are enhanced by 15%.

Jiho turned to the wolf, his voice unsteady. "Did I… do this?"

"In a way," the wolf replied, her tone almost reverent. "The Sovereign's Dominion reflects your will. As you grow stronger, so too will this place. Consider it the foundation of your empire."

Jiho stared at the transformed field, his mind a whirlwind of emotions. He barely had time to process what was happening before another notification appeared.

[System Notification]

Achievement Unlocked: "Sovereign's Genesis."

Reward: Sovereign's Sigil (Allows permanent summoning of one elite unit).

[Summon Retinue Activated Automatically (Tutorial)]

The air around him shimmered again, and suddenly, humanoid shapes began to form. At first, Jiho thought they were goblins, but as the light faded, he realized these creatures were different.

Each one was taller and more muscular than the goblins he'd fought earlier, their skin a deep emerald hue. Their features were sharper, more defined, and their posture far more upright. They wore crude armor, but their weapons gleamed as if freshly forged.

"What… what are these?" Jiho asked, taking a step back.

The wolf sniffed the air. "Goblin Elites. Your ability must have glitched the summoning. These aren't ordinary goblins."

Jiho's stomach dropped. "Glitched? Is that bad?"

The wolf chuckled. "Not for you. These creatures are far stronger than what the system likely intended. You've been given a blessing in disguise."

Jiho stepped forward cautiously, his eyes scanning the group of goblins. They turned to him in unison, their glowing yellow eyes filled with an unsettling mix of respect and fervor. One of them, a towering figure with a scar across his face, stepped forward and knelt before Jiho.

"Master," the goblin said, his voice rough but clear. "We are yours to command."

Jiho blinked, struggling to process the moment. "Uh… okay."

The wolf let out a low growl. "You need to do better than 'okay,' human. These beings are your subordinates now. Speak to them as their leader."

Jiho cleared his throat, trying to sound authoritative. "I… I welcome you to my Dominion. Together, we'll grow stronger and… uh, conquer whatever challenges come our way."

The goblins raised their weapons in unison, letting out a guttural cheer that echoed across the field.

[System Notification]

Tutorial Complete: The Sovereign's Dominion is now operational. You have unlocked the following features:

Class Assignments: Assign roles to subordinates to enhance their skills and usefulness.Training Grounds: Subordinates stationed here gain experience over time.Resource Harvesting: Gather materials to expand and upgrade the Dominion.

Jiho let out a long breath, his knees nearly buckling from the weight of it all. "This is insane," he muttered.

The wolf nudged his arm with her snout. "You're overwhelmed. That's normal. But you're alive, and you've gained allies. Focus on what's next."

Jiho nodded, determination slowly building in his chest. He wasn't just a nobody anymore. He was the Sovereign of the Subjugated, and this was only the beginning of his journey.

[System Notification]

Summon Retinue can only be used once, unless all summoned creatures perish.

The weight of that warning hung heavy on Jiho's mind. He knew the stakes. If any of these goblins fell in battle, they wouldn't come back. Their fate would be sealed, and so would his ability to summon again. This was not a resource to be squandered.

But that thought barely had time to settle before the ground trembled beneath them. The sound of marching footsteps echoed from the horizon—something was approaching.

Jiho's instincts kicked in. He wasn't going to let this new responsibility overwhelm him. Not yet.

"Prepare yourselves," Jiho said, his voice now full of authority. "We'll defend the Dominion together."

The goblins rallied around him, their eyes gleaming with anticipation. The battle for Jiho's future was about to begin.