Investment contracts were a double-edged sword.
For many rookie Sovereigns, they offered a chance to survive the early stages of their journey, providing resources and support in exchange for a permanent share of their territory's future. But Lucian saw them for what they were: gilded cages.
"Sacrificing freedom for short-term gain," Lucian muttered as he glanced at the contracts pinned to the board. "No thanks."
Without a second thought, he turned away.
Back at home, Lucian meticulously prepared for the descent into the Void.
The rules of the Rookie Trial were strict: only essential resources could be brought along. After careful planning, Lucian packed enough food and water to sustain one hundred individuals for thirty days—the minimum required to establish a stable foothold.
Once his preparations were complete, he showered and changed into black attire, his movements deliberate as he strapped a ceremonial alloy longsword to his hip. Though largely symbolic, the blade's weight was reassuring.
Finally, Lucian opened the Sovereign Heart interface in his living room. Three glowing icons floated in his mind's eye:
[Sovereign]
[Territory]
[Descend]
His gaze lingered on the last option, a faint light pulsing rhythmically as if waiting for his decision.
"This is it," Lucian murmured. Taking a deep breath, he selected [Descend].
The world around him dissolved into darkness.
The Endless Void
The Void was said to be the final resting place of dying worlds and collapsing universes. A realm of infinite possibilities, it was filled with treasures beyond imagination—and dangers to match.
For Sovereigns, the Void represented both trial and opportunity. Each territory descended into a random location, its placement dictated by the mysterious Scales of Libra. The stronger a territory's potential, the greater the threats it would face.
Lucian awoke on cold, hard ground.
The chill in the air made him shiver as he pushed himself upright. His surroundings were barren—a 200-square-meter plot of land enclosed by a crude wooden fence. In the center stood a small wooden hut, its appearance as humble as his beginnings.
"This is my kingdom," Lucian said with a wry smile. "Built from nothing."
A mechanical voice echoed in Lucian's mind:
"Welcome, Sovereign, to the Endless Void!"
"The Trial Phase has begun!"
"For the next 30 days, monsters will attack daily, growing stronger with each wave."
"Slaying monsters yields Void Rewards."
"You may retreat at any time, but doing so will forfeit all rewards."
"Sovereigns who survive the full 30 days will be evaluated and granted additional rewards based on performance."
Lucian's heart raced. He'd studied the Trial Phase in theory, but experiencing it firsthand was something else entirely.
"This is it," he said, steadying his breath.
"Time to build."
Establishing the foundation, Lucian opened his inventory and retrieved two building models: a Shrine and a Barracks.
He started with the Shrine, placing the miniature structure on the ground. It expanded rapidly, growing larger until it became a majestic altar beside the wooden hut. The Shrine's ancient design was adorned with runes that seemed to pulse faintly with energy.
"Next, the Barracks."
Lucian repeated the process, watching as the second model grew into a sturdy training ground. The wooden structures were simple but functional, a testament to the humble beginnings of any Sovereign's journey.
With his basic buildings in place, Lucian turned to the Shrine.
[Shrine]
Level: 1 (0/100)
Functions: Summon (10 Crystals), Advanced Summon (100 Crystals)
Heroes Summoned: None
Description: Consume Void Crystals to summon celestial beings to fight for your cause.
Lucian studied the interface, his gaze lingering on the [Summon] option.
"Not yet," he decided, stepping back. Resources were limited, and the Trial's first wave of monsters would arrive soon. For now, he needed to focus on fortifying his position.
Lucian spent the rest of the day surveying his territory. The fence was rudimentary at best, offering little protection against the threats that would inevitably come. He resolved to reinforce it as soon as possible, using whatever materials he could gather from the Void.
As night fell, the atmosphere grew heavier. The air seemed to hum with an invisible energy, a reminder that the Void was far from an ordinary place.
Standing in the center of his small domain, Lucian gazed at the starless expanse above.
"This is just the beginning," he whispered, determination lighting his eyes. "I'll make this place a kingdom worthy of legend."