The World Fragment, a small "crystal," might appear to be just a tiny piece of the natural world, but it holds profound significance.
This fragment is a shard of a destroyed world's origin.
Though minuscule, only a billionth of a world's core, its essence is invaluable—it is the foundation of creation.
These fragments are allocated by the government, and any newly ascended Level 10 lord can apply for one.
As a student of Silvermoon High School, Lucian and his peers were spared the trouble.
Each year, the school procured a batch of these fragments and distributed them to students systematically.
The function of the World Fragment was straightforward:
It could be absorbed by the Heart of the Lord to enhance the domain's essence, breaking through level caps and allowing for further ascension of both territory and its lord.
Lucian toyed with the fragment in his hand before storing it within his domain.
The moment the fragment entered, the domain seemed to greedily consume it, transmitting a clear message to Lucian:
Absorb it!
Without hesitation, Lucian complied.
The fragment dissolved into countless points of light, merging into the soil of his domain.
Simultaneously, information flooded into his mind, confirming that his domain had gained sufficient foundational essence.
It could now level up further.
"Creating a world from scratch…" Lucian murmured with a smirk, glancing around.
Other lords were similarly absorbing their fragments.
Today, with classes over, students were free to consult teachers, train in the combat simulation hall, or return home.
"These classmates sure have it good in this lifetime."
Lucian chuckled at the thought, recalling his previous life.
Back then, he had carried a heavy schoolbag and studied hard, only to realize after graduation that 80% of the knowledge was useless.
Here, education felt more practical and empowering, providing more choices and opportunities for students to shape their paths.
Just as Lucian prepared to leave, two students approached him.
One appeared confident and proud, the other wore a friendly smile.
Both seemed to be the same age as Lucian, but their personalities and attitudes were worlds apart.
"Excuse me, classmate."
The friendly one adjusted his glasses and said politely, "Could we trouble you for a moment?"
"Go ahead."
Lucian's eyes flickered briefly before he nodded.
He wasn't one to dismiss politeness, and their courteous demeanor was enough to warrant a civil response.
The polite student introduced himself, saying, "I'm Rowan, and this is my friend, Ethan."
"Nice to meet you," Ethan said, though his tone carried an air of arrogance.
Lucian ignored Ethan's attitude and looked at Rowan.
People who called themselves "geniuses" were either brilliant or deluded.
"I'm Lucian."
"Ah, Lucian, an honor!" Rowan replied with a nod before asking, "Are you prepared for next month's simulation battle?"
"I'm aware of it. As for preparation…"
Lucian trailed off, his expression unreadable.
His initial plan had been to join the simulation battle, if only to gain some resources.
But now, with his newfound abilities and golden opportunities, he saw the event as a mere stepping stone.
Rowan smiled knowingly. "The school holds this annual simulation to allocate resources and identify talent. Excelling in the battle can even attract investments from corporations."
He leaned in slightly, his tone earnest. "I'm forming an alliance, the 'Prodigy Club,' and I'd like to invite you to join us. Together, we could dominate the simulation and claim the best rewards."
Hearing this, Lucian's eyes gleamed with understanding.
The simulation battle was a significant event for new lords.
The school provided rewards, and the event fostered competition, collaboration, and alliances among lords.
Many formed coalitions beforehand to secure higher rankings.
Under normal circumstances, Lucian might have agreed.
But now…
"Sorry, not interested."
Lucian shook his head and turned to leave.
Rowan frowned but didn't press further, moving on to invite another student.
Indeed, alliances were forming rapidly.
Lucian encountered several groups on his way out, each trying to recruit him for the simulation battle.
He refused them all, his determination unwavering.
When Lucian returned home, just as he was about to enter his domain, the phone rang unexpectedly.
Frowning, he wondered who might be calling at this time.
He hesitated briefly before answering.
"Lucian? Congratulations on becoming a new lord," came the voice of a middle-aged man.
"What do you want?" Lucian's tone was cold.
"Ahem, well, according to the law, now that you're a lord with independent capabilities—"
The man hesitated, but Lucian cut him off sharply.
"Don't worry. I won't ask you for money."
"Ah, good! I knew our family was dependable!"
Relieved, the man hung up immediately, not sparing another word.
Lucian's expression darkened.
Moments later, the phone rang again.
"This better not be the school notifying parents," Lucian muttered, massaging his temples before picking up.
"Lucian?"
"It's me."
The voice on the other end was female and icy.
"The final payment for your upbringing has been transferred to your account. Please don't contact me again."
The line went dead.
Lucian set the phone down, taking a deep breath to steady himself.
While his current mindset allowed him to cope, it didn't mean he was unaffected.
In his past life, he had loving parents.
But in this life…
Both his parents were nothing short of scoundrels.
His mother had abandoned him at three, running off with another man.
His father had dumped him on his grandfather before disappearing entirely.
Were it not for legal requirements, they likely would never have contacted Lucian again.
Now that he was a fully-fledged lord, they rushed to sever all ties.
Such parents would have crushed any ordinary person.
But Lucian's experiences as a transmigrator and the warmth of his late grandfather had fortified his resolve.
"They're not worth my time."
Without lingering on these thoughts, Lucian focused inward, his figure vanishing from the living room.
Inside the Domain
Lucian reappeared on a quiet path.
Two Qin Elite Warriors happened to be passing by.
Upon seeing Lucian, they quickly saluted.
"My king!"
"Carry on. No need to mind me."
Lucian nodded with a smile, and the two warriors continued on their way.
Gathering his thoughts, Lucian accessed his inventory.