--
The streets of Eldoria were alive with the usual chaos—merchants shouting, children playing, and the clang of blacksmiths working. Kael moved through the crowd like a shadow, his tattered cloak pulled tight around him. His stomach growled, a constant reminder of his empty pockets and his bleak future.
*Another day, another failure,* he thought, remembering how he'd almost been caught stealing earlier. The city guards had chased him, their spears shining in the sun as he ran through the alleys. He'd barely escaped, his heart pounding as he hid in the forest outside the city.
Now, as the sun set, Kael stood in front of an old temple. Its stone walls were cracked and covered in vines. The air felt strange—heavy, like the forest was holding its breath.
"What is this place?" Kael whispered to himself. He stepped inside, his boots crunching on broken tiles. The temple was dark, except for a soft glow coming from the middle of the room.
There, floating above a broken altar, was a glowing orb. It was smooth and clear, shining with a golden light. Kael hesitated, his instincts telling him to leave. But something about the orb pulled him in.
*What do I have to lose?* he thought. *My life can't get any worse.*
He took a deep breath and touched the orb.
The moment his fingers touched it, a sharp pain shot through his body. He fell to his knees, clutching his head as a cold, mechanical voice echoed in his mind.
**[System Starting… Welcome, Host. You have been chosen to use the System of Sovereignty. Your goal is to become the ruler of the world.]**
Kael's vision blurred, and he thought he might faint. But then the pain faded, and his mind felt clear. He blinked, looking around. The orb was gone, but the voice was still there.
"What… what was that?" Kael stammered. "Who's there?"
**[I am the System of Sovereignty, your guide. You have been chosen to conquer the world, Host. Do you accept this destiny?]**
Kael's mind raced. *Conquer the world? Me?* He laughed bitterly. "You've got the wrong guy. I'm nobody—just a thief. I can't even feed myself most days."
**[It doesn't matter. The System doesn't make mistakes. You have the potential to be great, Host. You just need to take the chance.]**
Kael frowned. "And if I say no? What happens then?"
**[The System will shut down, and you'll go back to your old life. But you'll lose this chance forever.]**
Kael clenched his jaw. He thought about all the nights he'd gone hungry, all the times he'd been treated like nothing. He thought about the rich nobles living in their big houses while people like him suffered.
*What if… what if this is my chance to change everything?* he wondered.
"Alright," he said, his voice steady. "I accept. What do I have to do?"
**[First Task: Find a Base of Operations. Reward: 100 Gold Coins, 10 Basic Soldiers.]**
Kael's eyes widened. "A hundred gold coins? That's more money than I've ever seen!" He paused. "But how am I supposed to find a base? I don't even have a place to sleep."
**[The System will guide you, but you must take action. Use your skills, Host. You are no longer limited by your past.]**
Kael nodded, feeling a spark of determination. "Alright. Let's do this."
---
As Kael walked back to the city, his mind buzzed with ideas. The System's voice occasionally chimed in, giving advice or answering his questions. It was strange having this voice in his head, but Kael found it comforting. For the first time, he didn't feel alone.
"So, if I complete these tasks, I'll get stronger?" Kael asked as he neared the city gates.
**[Yes. Each task you complete will bring you closer to your goal. Rewards may include money, soldiers, or new abilities.]**
"New abilities? Like what?"
**[You could become stronger, faster, or even learn new fighting skills as you progress.]**
Kael grinned. "Now that's what I'm talking about."
As he slipped back into the city, Kael thought about his first task. He needed a base—a place to start building his power. The System had said he'd get ten soldiers as a reward, so he'd need space for them.
*Maybe I can buy a small place on the edge of the city,* he thought. *Somewhere cheap but safe.*
The System chimed in. **[A tavern or inn would be a good start. It can make money and help you gather information.]**
Kael nodded. "Good idea. Let's see what's out there."
---
By morning, Kael had found what he was looking for—a run-down tavern called "The Drunken Dragon." It was on the edge of the city, far from the nobles but close enough to attract travelers. The owner, an old man named Garrick, was eager to sell.
"A hundred gold coins, you say?" Garrick asked, eyeing Kael. "That's a fair price. But what does a young guy like you want with a place like this?"
Kael smirked. "Let's just say I'm looking for a fresh start."
Garrick chuckled. "Well, good luck to you, kid. This place could use some new life."
As Kael handed over the gold, the System's voice echoed in his mind.
**[Task Completed: Find a Base of Operations. Reward: 100 Gold Coins, 10 Basic Soldiers.]**
Kael felt a rush of satisfaction as ten armed men appeared outside the tavern, their faces serious and their weapons ready.
*This is just the beginning,* he thought, a fire burning in his chest. *With the System's help, I'll become more than just a king. I'll become a legend.*