The great hall was shrouded in swirling mist.
The crimson-robed woman hovered barefoot in midair, her cold, striking beauty emanating a natural authority that silenced the room. Her piercing gaze swept across the students, making even the boldest among them hold their breath.
"Come forward and claim your rewards," she said, her tone like ice yet mesmerizing.
In her hand, a radiant ribbon unfurled, scattering into countless motes of light that filled the hall.
One by one, these motes coalesced in front of each student, growing until they became spheres of pure energy.
With a soft pop, the light dissipated, revealing small bundles:
A finger-sized model of a Shrine
A miniature Barracks
Ten thumb-sized black crystals
"The basic structures and Void Crystals,"
Lucian murmured to himself, swiftly gathering the items into his inventory. These were the standard starter rewards for all rookie Sovereigns in the nation.
The crimson-robed woman raised her hand again, her voice cutting through the quiet, "Congratulations. You have all become Sovereigns, stepping into an era of destiny and opportunity."
The tension in the hall eased as students visibly relaxed, their expressions brightening. For many, this moment marked the start of their journey in the Endless Void—a chance to change their lives forever.
However, her next words quickly sobered them.
"I trust your education has prepared you well," she said, her gaze sharp. "But let me remind you of two critical points."
"First, the Trial Phase. Your first month as a Sovereign will be fraught with danger. If you find yourself overwhelmed, do not hesitate—flee the Void immediately. Survival is paramount."
Her voice softened slightly, though her tone remained firm. "Second, if you are prepared and capable, the Trial Phase is also your greatest opportunity. Seize it, and you may leap over the dragon's gate to greatness."
The students nodded, their faces a mix of excitement and determination.
"Remember," she continued, "this is a chance for the ordinary to transform into the extraordinary. Do not squander it."
The hall erupted into murmurs as her words sank in.
"This is it—a shot at changing everything!"
"Even with the risks, I can't afford to miss this opportunity."
"Trial monsters are relentless. If the first wave hits too hard, we're doomed!"
"It's all about resource management. Use the Shrine and Barracks to build your strength early. Once you establish a front line, you'll gain the upper hand!"
"With a bit of luck, thirty days isn't impossible. The challenge is acing the evaluation afterward."
Excitement and anxiety buzzed in the air as students debated their strategies.
Lucian, however, remained calm, his sharp eyes scanning the room.
"Ordinary people fear the rich. The rich fear the talented. And the talented? They fear being pushed too far," he thought, his lips curling into a faint smile.
He wasn't intimidated—he was ready.
"Silence!"
The crimson-robed woman's voice rang out again, instantly quelling the chatter.
"Lastly," she said, her expression unreadable, "if your territory trait is exceptional, consider reviewing the investment offers outside the hall."
Without waiting for a response, she dissolved into a cloud of mist and disappeared.
The room stayed quiet for a moment as students exchanged glances.
"Investment offers? Really?"
"I thought the academy was against students getting involved with outside investors!"
"Last year, some parents even sued the principal over this."
"Well, think about it. If you can secure a strong backer, it's better than struggling on your own."
The chatter resumed, growing louder as students began filing out of the hall.
Lucian followed the crowd, stepping into the bright courtyard outside. Along one wall, a large board displayed rows of investment contracts.
[Investment Offers]
"Penguin Group": Seeking talented Sovereigns. Contact us for rare-grade traits and above!
"Lunar Tech": Recruiting mechanical-themed Sovereigns. Flesh is weak; machines shall ascend!
"War God Guild": Join the fight! Participate in global wars and shape the next world order!
"Rosemary Bloom Foundation": Accepting Sovereigns with rare or superior-grade traits. Membership includes access to a shared universe and 16 Cthulhu sequences!
Lucian smirked at the variety of offers. While tempting, he wasn't in a rush to sign away his independence.
"Some of these sound more like traps than opportunities," he mused.
As he scanned the board, a familiar voice interrupted his thoughts.
"You're not seriously considering these, are you?"
Lucian turned to see Selene Valcrest, the crimson-robed instructor, leaning casually against a pillar. Her cool demeanor was unchanged, but her piercing eyes studied him with faint curiosity.
"I was just looking," Lucian replied, matching her gaze.
"Good," Selene said. "Most of these contracts are predatory. You'd be wise to avoid them."
She tilted her head slightly, a hint of amusement in her expression. "You're not like the others, are you?"
Lucian raised an eyebrow. "What makes you say that?"
"Your eyes," she said simply. "You're not intimidated by me, and you didn't flinch during the ceremony. Most students shrink under pressure, but you…"
Selene stepped closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "You seem like someone who knows exactly what he wants."
For a moment, Lucian felt the tension between them, electric and undeniable.
"Selene, what are you doing here?" another voice called.
A second woman approached, her long silver hair shimmering like moonlight. She wore a sleek white combat suit that emphasized her athletic frame, her icy blue eyes fixed on Selene with a mix of annoyance and respect.
"Just curious, Elena," Selene replied with a faint smirk, stepping back.
Elena turned her gaze to Lucian, her expression softening slightly. "Ignore her. She enjoys testing people."
Lucian chuckled. "I've noticed."
Selene arched an eyebrow but said nothing, her smirk widening.
As the two women walked away, Lucian couldn't help but feel that his journey had taken a fateful turn.
"Testing people, huh?" he muttered, a faint smile on his lips.
If this was the start, he was eager to see where the path would lead.