As I slurped on my noodles at the town's renowned noodle shop, I found myself immersed in the savory flavors, oblivious to the world around me. However, that moment of bliss was abruptly interrupted by a peculiar sound, a faint "ping." I glanced around, but everything appeared normal. Shrugging it off, I resumed my culinary indulgence.
Exiting the shop, I returned home to the comforting aroma of my mother's cooking. Sophia, with her graceful demeanor, was busy preparing fried chicken as I entered the kitchen. Regretting my earlier noodle escapade, I couldn't help but think that I'd prefer her cooking over any other. "There you are; here, have some chicken," she offered warmly.
I declined, much to her surprise. Her disappointment was palpable, prompting me to quickly apologize and offer a hug. "Sorry, Mom," I said earnestly.
"It's okay, not your fault. I should have told you earlier," she replied, her mood lifting as I kissed her cheek before darting upstairs.
"That little... when will he grow up?" she chuckled, resuming her cooking.
Once alone, I changed into my pajamas and settled in front of my computer, ready to join my friends in a gaming session. However, before I could even launch a game, the mysterious "ping" echoed once more, followed by an unfamiliar mechanical voice. I froze in terror, my heart racing.
"Host has 100% compatibility with the System. Requesting the Host's approval to bind the System with the Host's body," the voice declared.
I stumbled backward, landing unceremoniously on the floor. Panic coursed through me as I struggled to comprehend the situation. Who—or what—was speaking to me? Was I losing my mind?
I shivered at the voice's reappearance. "What the... why am I hearing things? Did the A.I. rebel and start attacking cities? Is the apocalypse starting? What is happening to me?"
"Host, do not be afraid."
Terrified, I remained frozen. "What are you?"
"Congratulations, Host. The Supernatural Divine Godly Power System, or The Primordial System, has selected you to be your guide to becoming the strongest in the Universe and participating in the Multiverse."
My jaw dropped. "The Supernatural Divine Godly Power System? The strongest in the universe? The Multiverse what?"
The information overloaded my senses. I sat down, attempting to process the revelation. "The system, the strongest in the universe – is this some kind of joke?"
"No, it is not."
"What... you can hear my thoughts?"
"Yes, the Host's mind is connected to the system, so the system can hear every thought the Host produces."
"Damn, what a drag."
"Host's approval is required for the system to bind with the Host's body."
"Binding the system? What's the use of that?"
"Binding the system will give the Host complete control over his body and enable the training and cultivation of different powers and techniques."
"Cultivation techniques? Are there Grandmasters and deities in this world?"
"Yes, that is correct."
My mind raced with disbelief; the world held secrets I had never fathomed. The revelation of a supernatural system and the promise of becoming the strongest in the universe opened up a realm of possibilities I couldn't have imagined.
The crowd was still buzzing with excitement after the last duel when Danial, Crystal, and Pavan leaned over the railing of the viewing deck, watching the next match unfold. Jin stood calmly in the arena, his every move deliberate, his aura different from anything Danial had encountered before.Danial narrowed his eyes. “What are Jin’s techniques? Are they different from ours?”Pavan, arms folded and already munching on roasted peanuts he had smuggled in, gave him a sideways look. “Duhhh, of course they’re different. He’s from a monastery. I heard he’s from the Roaring Sun Monastery.”Danial blinked. “Roaring Sun Monastery?”“Yeah,” Pavan nodded. “It’s a century-old monastery dedicated to Buddhist arts, cultivating peace and serenity across the land. They’re famous for their humble lifestyle, their doctors healing the poor, helping the underprivileged. Some of them are like saints. But don’t be fooled—behind that peace, they also train in Buddhist martial arts. Still…” He scratched his
While Danial sat in the waiting room, the next fight had already begun. The referee called out the names:“Egbert Ray versus Sylas Morren!”Egbert’s footsteps were measured as he stepped onto the stage. Unlike his usual arrogant strut, he was quiet, shoulders tense. He did not glance at his opponent. His hand rested lightly on his sword as if the act of drawing it would be unnecessary. The crowd murmured at his uncharacteristic silence. Damian Holt, his opponent, jumped onto the platform, brimming with confidence, unaware of the storm raging within Egbert.Sylas, a tall boy with sharp, hawk-like eyes, entered with confidence. He smirked at the lack of response from Egbert. “So cold, are you? Don’t think I’ll go easy.”The referee signalled.“Begin!”Egbert vanished from sight, reappearing behind Sylas in less than a blink. The dull thud of a hilt striking skull echoed, and Sylas collapsed face-first into the concrete, unconscious. Gasps spread across the arena.The match was over in a
The arena was frozen in time. Danial’s heart hammered like a war drum, yet his body refused to obey him. His stance remained locked, his swords trembling faintly in his grip. He couldn’t let go—not because of will, but because of fear.Kyle didn’t so much as glance at the referee. Instead, he simply jumped down from the stage, his boots clicking softly against the stone floor. His pace was unhurried, almost casual, as he made his way toward the exit.Silence followed him like a shadow.The crowd, once a roaring beast, was now a muted void. The only sound that existed was the slow, rhythmic breathing of the Gods of War in the VIP chambers. That alone was enough to make the air heavy, suffocating.Kyle reached the edge of the arena. Before stepping into the darkness of the exit tunnel, he stopped. His head turned just enough for his crimson gaze to settle back on Danial.Danial’s chest tightened.And then, in a voice that was clear enough for every person in the coliseum to hear, yet so
The arena was still ringing from the gasps of disbelief after Kyle’s sudden arrival, yet silence fell again as he stood face-to-face with Danial.Crystal’s face paled, her breath caught in her throat as if her chest had turned to stone. She had expected many things from this day—fierce matches, blood, glory—but not Kyle singling out Danial with such deliberate intent.Pavan, on the other hand, looked as if his soul had left his body. His jaw hung so low it almost touched the polished stone floor. “W-what the hell was that?” he muttered under his breath, unable to tear his eyes away.Elysia’s reaction was different. Her posture remained regal and unshaken, but her narrowed eyes told another story. They glimmered with recognition, calculation… and perhaps, the faintest hint of unease.From the VIP rooms high above, nobles and sovereigns leaned forward. The relaxed air that once filled the chambers shifted into something taut with interest. Conversations hushed, and all eyes zeroed in
The sun rose slowly over Somerland, its golden rays stretching across the horizon, casting brilliance over Phoenix Academy. Yet even before the first light touched the academy’s great spires, preparations were already underway. Servants rushed through the halls carrying silks and banners, warriors patrolled the grounds, and officials barked orders with voices hoarse from long nights without rest. This was no ordinary day—it was the last day of the Tournament of Sovereign Might, the day that Somerland would reveal its brilliance to the world.The air was charged, heavy with excitement and tension. Carriages of gleaming gold and steel rattled through the gates, bearing dignitaries from across the continent. The biggest businessmen, royal envoys, and masters of martial sects arrived dressed in extravagant robes and tailored suits, their every step watched by countless guards. The grandstands swelled with nobles and commoners alike, buzzing like a restless hive. For the first time in year
Seth scoffed and rolled his eyes with disdain.“Tsk… I did not know that little bastard would make such noise.” His tone dripped with irritation, though beneath it lingered something disturbingly playful.“I had gone out into the Capital with nothing more than an intention to find a guinea pig… a body to break, a soul to carve into. I had just finished weaving a new curse, one unlike anything I’ve crafted before. Subtle, invasive, designed to twist the very foundation of a cultivator’s energy. All I needed was the right vessel. Then…” Seth’s eyes gleamed as he leaned back, recalling the moment. “I learned of the grand tournament at Phoenix Academy. Thousands gathered, young talents shining like moths before the flame. I thought to myself—what better place to find a pig to slaughter, or in this case… test?”His smile widened, cruel and mocking. “I killed that fool protector of the Emsgate Representatives and slipped inside without a trace and wore my way into the academy like a wolf a