Because of that full-server announcement, the entire player base of Divine Realm is in an uproar.
During the ten years since Divine Realm first launched, plenty of geniuses have risen to prominence, and countless powerful players have etched their names into legend with jaw-dropping feats.
Some reached high levels in record time, others conquered formidable dungeons using unique tactics.
But nobody had ever solo-killed a hidden boss at Level 1. Until Ares came along.
This development spreads like a tidal wave, sweeping across every corner of Divine Realm.
…
In the Black Dragon City, towering buildings pierce the sky, and bustling crowds of players intermingle in the streets, trading, teaming up, and wandering around in ceaseless excitement. Yet inside one luxurious mansion, the mood is considerably darker.
Felix Ashford, Master of Apocalyptic Guild, reveals himself for the first time. Sitting in a spacious room, he's flanked by rows of subordinates standing reverently in two neat lines. They appear almost terrified in his presence.
Felix wears a grim expression, eyes cold and piercing, emanating a chill that sends shivers down the spine. He taps an armrest with his fingertips, setting a slow, rhythmic beat that seems to hammer at his underlings' hearts.
"Guild Master… You called for us?" one of them asks timidly, voice trembling slightly.
Felix doesn't answer at once. Instead, he lifts his gaze, casting a frosty glance around the room. His stare suggests he can read everyone's innermost thoughts.
After a moment, he says, "So, you all heard the news about that newbie who solo-killed a hidden boss at Level 1?"
His subordinates exchange glances, stunned and confused.
Finally, one blurts out, "Yes, Guild Master, we did hear. It's unbelievable… everyone's been talking about it. Most suspect the rookie cheated."
Felix lets out a contemptuous snort. "Cheating? Don't be ridiculous. Never compare Divine Realm to your run-of-the-mill online knockoffs. That sort of talk is an insult to Divine Realm."
His voice is low and frigid, making the air in the room feel a few degrees colder. From his words and attitude—and judging by how intimidated his people look—it's clear Felix is arrogant, merciless, and self-centered.
"Here's what I want," Felix continues, "Send people to the main city teleport zone and wait for this 'Ares.' Bring him into our guild—one way or another. If he refuses to cooperate…"
Felix's eyes flash with menace, and though he doesn't say more, the look on his face conveys everything. His subordinates swallow nervously.
---
Meanwhile, back in the Misty Forest, Ares remains unaware of all this. He stands over the defeated Flame Goblin, mentally reviewing his latest loot.
Taking down that hidden boss earned him a massive chunk of EXP, boosting him four levels at once and granting him twenty free attribute points. Knowing his [Damage Multiplier] talent burns through mana at a hundredfold cost, Ares didn't hesitate to drop all those points into INT.
As the extra attributes settle, he feels a distinct change in his body—a subtle, flowing energy surges through him. A moment later, he calls up his status panel:
[Name: Ares]
[Level: 5]
[Class: Warrior]
[HP: 140]
[MP: 600]
[ATK: 22] (gains +3 base attack per level)
[DEF: 9] (gains +1 base defense per level)
Seeing his MP jump from 100 to 600 brings him a bit of relief. Although skill costs are still multiplied by 100, at least now he has enough mana to cast something.
He picks up the Flame Battle Armor, a crimson piece of gear engraved with mysterious markings that radiate a faint, fiery glow. Slipping it on, he feels his defense climbing sharply.
Next, he lifts the skill scroll: Kindling Spark. The moment he flips it open, a white glow envelops him, and Ares immediately learns the spell.
Testing it out, he conjures a tiny spark at his fingertip. Though unassuming at first glance, with his SSS-grade talent behind it, that little fire has quite the kick.
After organizing his loot, Ares sets off to leave the Misty Forest and explore further. He only manages a few steps before recalling the old man's parting words in the newbie village about Ares's "Ascendant aura," which fuels a bit of curiosity in his mind.
What exactly is an Ascendant, and what does it have to do with me?
But he has no time to dig deeper into that now—his main goal is to keep leveling, keep getting stronger in this mysterious world of Divine Realm. Making his way along a narrow forest path, he crosses paths with stray goblins and minor critters. None of them pose the slightest threat. With his current strength, a single sword swing is enough to snuff out any low-level creature.
After who knows how long, Ares finally emerges from the forest.
Ahead stretches a broad road leading toward a magnificent skyline: a huge city in the distance. Crowds come and go under the city gates, lending a vibrant, bustling atmosphere. Guards in heavy armor stand on duty at either side.
Just as Ares is about to enter, he's suddenly blocked by a hulking Warrior with a shield, who gives him a quick once-over.
"You're Ares?" The man's tone is cocky, dripping with condescension.
Ares answers calmly with a faint nod. "That's me. What's up?"
"We're from Apocalyptic Guild. Our guild master wants to see you. Come with us," says another player, an Assassin, raising a hand as if to seize Ares's arm.
Ares sidesteps effortlessly, frowning, a trace of annoyance flickering in his eyes. "Not interested."
He's a bit surprised at how freeform everything is here in Divine Realm, to the point that players can just grab each other if they want.
"Listen, kid," snaps the Assassin, "don't be dumb. Our guild master's willing to meet you—this is your lucky day."
As impatience creeps in, the Assassin motions to the other Apocalyptic Guild members, who draw their weapons and surround Ares.
Ares's expression stays cool, but anger churns inside him. For some reason, he instinctively dislikes these people. Clutching the hilt of his iron sword more tightly, he lets out a powerful aura, staring them down.
"Get lost," he says icily.
Tension crackles in the air as other players nearby clear out, giving them space. The Apocalyptic Guild members exchange glances, then charge Ares at once.
Every single one of them is over Level 200.
And player opponents aren't like standard boss fights. Though humans start weaker, player growth potential can be enormous. A low-level player facing high-level attackers basically has no chance.
Worse yet, Ares is only Level 5, and he's pumped his stat points almost entirely into INT; no matter how you look at it, going up against a handful of 200+ players spells trouble.