The world dissolved into prismatic light, depositing me in a cobblestone plaza under a bruised twilight sky. A system chime rang:


    System Alert:


    ? Zone Transition: Frostspire Village → Obsidian Citadel


    ? Global Rank: #79 to breach Level 20 barrier


    ? New Title: Nether Pioneer (+5% reputation gain with dark-aligned factions)


    The NPC guard tower loomed ahead, its obsidian spires clawing at low-hanging stormclouds. I sprinted past empty merchant stalls—early birds had already pillaged the starting gear—and burst into the Guild Hall.


    A dusk elf receptionist with fractal-patterned irises looked up. "Ah, a Demonkin! Here for dual-class certification?"


    "Darkblade and Beastlord." I slapped three gold coins on the counter—my entire net worth from grinding boar tusks.


    Her fingers danced across a holographic ledger. "Certification fee processed. Your skill tomes await at the Arcane Repository, but..." She leaned closer, voice dropping conspiratorially. "True power lies beyond codified skills. The Citadel’s dungeons whisper secrets to those bold enough to listen."


    Before I could ask, a second alert flared:


    The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    World First Achievement:


    First Beastlord Ascendant


    Reward: [Soulbond Collars] x7


    The elf produced seven obsidian-chained collars thrumming with void energy. "These bind your essence to your familiars. Damage redirection protocols enabled—lethality becomes a shared burden."


    I frowned. "So if I take a killing blow..."


    "...your hellhound eats it instead. Provided it has enough HP." She smirked. "Choose your companions wisely, Demonkin. Their lives now anchor yours."


    Item Acquired:


    ? [Soulbond Collar] (Legendary)


    Links wearer’s vitality pool with bonded familiar


    Redirects lethal damage to familiars (prioritizes highest HP)


    Caution: Familiars cannot be dismissed once collared


    The weight of the mechanic sank in. Seven slots meant seven insurance policies—but also seven vulnerabilities.


    Open World - Obsidian Wastes


    Beyond the citadel’s wards, the landscape writhed with Level 25+ [Ashstalkers]. My hellhound growled low, sensing predators.


    Tactical Overview:


    Active Familiars: 1/7 ([Lesser Hellhound] Lv.18)


    Collared Slots Remaining: 6


    Recommended Hunt: [Ember Lynx] (High HP pools, fire affinity)


    A notification pinged—Lijia’s ID blinked on my social HUD.


    Private Message [Lijia]:


    "Big sis! Found a nest of [Phoenix Hatchlings] near Sulfur Pits. Think you can tank while I DPS? :D"


    I facepalmed. Still with the "sis."


    Reply [Violet Sun]:


    "Bring potions. And it’s ‘bro.’"


    The horizon flickered with unnatural lightning. Somewhere in this damned continent, the Level 25 frontrunners were already triggering world events. Time to catch up—with seven lives worth of insurance.