《Starting from scratch》 Shopping The Queue Wars "Are you kidding me? We''ve been waiting for hours!" a lanky teenager griped, checking his smartwatch for the tenth time. "Try skipping breakfast for this!" My roommate Liang Wei¡ªor "Ah Wei," as everyone called him¡ªshot back, stomach growling audibly. "At least you grabbed a burger!" Ah Wei and I went way back. Same elementary class, same high school, now same college dorm. His family ran a real estate empire; mine... well, let¡¯s just say "complicated" didn¡¯t begin to cover it. Dad¡¯s conglomerate, Dragon Edge, dabbled in everything from biotech weapons to orbital defense systems. Mom¡¯s startup, Zhonghua Corp, handled the "civilian" side¡ªlike distributing the neural interface helmets for Zero, the hyper-immersive MMO we were currently freezing our asses off to access. A security drone buzzed overhead, projecting a crimson countdown: 00:07:32 REMAINING. The crowd outside Nanjing¡¯s Zhonghua Tower thickened, thousands of gamers packed like synth-meat dumplings. "Look! They¡¯re opening!" Ah Wei elbowed me as reinforced glass doors hissed apart. Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings. Chaos erupted. The orderly queue dissolved into a rugby scrum. I got swept off my feet, carried forward by a human tsunami. Screens flashed emergency alerts: CAPACITY WARNING ¨C VENUE AT 187% OCCUPANCY. "Help!" A muffled cry cut through the noise. Beneath trampling sneakers, a girl lay curled fetal¡ªpristine white hoodie now scuffed with footprints. I wedged my shoulders between jostling bodies, hauling her up. Big mistake. Even smeared with grime, she looked like a K-pop idol crossed with a porcelain doll. Worse, her first words were: "Thanks, big sis!" Not this again. My voice came out unintentionally melodic: "Stick close if you want that account." We became a two-person battering ram. After what felt like years, we crashed into a sales counter. The clerk slapped two helmets into our hands without eye contact. "Name¡¯s Lijia," the girl panted, scribbling her ID on my palm. "Find me in-game!" She vanished into the mob. Dorm 7B ¨C 19:45 Ah Wei slouched in, helmet-less. "Total clusterfuck. You scored one?" I tossed him the spare. "Founder¡¯s Account perks apply to first login. Use mine tonight." His eyes lit up. "You¡¯re a legend!" The helmet¡¯s manual was disturbingly sparse: FOUNDER PRIVILEGES (v1.1) Neural imprint locks on first activation One-time RNG reward roll (Tier 0-4) Permanent anti-leech protocols (no alt accounts, no trades) As the clock hit 20:00, I lay back. The visor¡¯s cold embrace triggered synaptic calibration¡ªa sensation like ice water flooding my spine. System Whisper: "Welcome to the end of reality, Violet Sun." Account creation (Part 1) System Alert: "Initiating neural handshake protocol." The sterile blue chamber pulsed with holographic glyphs as my consciousness stabilized. A synthetic voice echoed: "Iris lock confirmed. Neural interface handshake in progress." After two tense seconds: "Biometric verification complete. Welcome to [ZERO], Traveler. Transferring to core AI guidance." A mellifluous female voice replaced the machinery. "Congratulations on your Founder''s Account! Commence reward allocation via the Wheel of Fortune." A colossal roulette materialized, its segments glowing with eldritch runes (0-4). "Clarification: Reward quantity is randomized. Maximum: 4 bonuses. Minimum: 0 (reverting to standard account privileges)." "Zero?!" My avatar''s hands clenched. "After queuing 47 hours for this beta key?!" "Spin initiated." The wheel whirled with ominous clicks, slowing agonizingly: 3... 2... 1... 0... CLANG! The needle quivered precisely between 0 and 4. Critical Success! "Maximum rewards unlocked: 4 permanent buffs. Allocate to single character (recommended) or split between two?" "Consolidate!" No sane player would dilute Founder advantages. Character Creation Protocol: "Designate permanent handle (Chinese characters preferred)." This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. "Violet Sun." My classic edgelord alias never failed. Genetics Engine Activated: Holograms bifurcated - ground-level Common Races (12 types) versus floating Elite Races (7 hidden). Each bore my facial baseline with racial modifiers. "Elite Race breakdown:"
  1. Seraphim - Holy DPS/tank hybrid | Innate [Divine Radiance] heal
  2. Netherborn - Dark magic specialists | +30% shadowspell potency
  3. Half-Sylvan - Lunar agility + human endurance
  4. Psionic Elemental - +5% spell damage | Mana tide recovery
  5. Ursine - Berserker physique with shamanic intellect
  6. Nephilim - Balanced holy/dark resistances
  7. Demonkin (Limited Edition) - Hybrid offense master | No elemental weaknesses
"Strategic recommendation: Demonkin slots remaining - 9/10." Through elimination: Confirmed Race: Demonkin Perk Unlocked: [Abyssal Heritage] - +1 base stat point (First Discoverer bonus) Avatar Customization: The base model mirrored my IRL physique (172cm) with obsidian wings. Sliders allowed 10% adjustment: System Warning: "Androgyny threshold exceeded. Demonkin physiology favors gender-neutral phenotypes." Despite my efforts to masculinize the features, the avatar retained an androgynous beauty typical of shadow-aligned races¡ªall sharp angles and smoldering gaze. The wings folded into a spectral tattoo when toggled. Finalization: "Violet Sun (Demonkin) archived. Proceed to bonus allocation?" The chamber walls dissolved into swirling voidspace, prepping for the true challenge¡ªstat optimization. Account creation (below) System Alert: "Commencing calculation for the second reward." After a two-second pause: "Reward granted: +1 primary class slot and +1 secondary class slot. Standard accounts permit 1 primary class and 2 secondary classes. Your updated allocation: 2 primary classes and 3 secondary classes. Due to your Demonkin race, restricted classes apply. Available primary classes:" ? Warrior (Pure physical DPS/defense, HP regen bonuses. Promotions: Knight ¡ú Paladin ¡ú Dragon Rider) ? Spellblade (Hybrid physical/magic, balanced stat boosts. Promotions: Bard ¡ú Divine Champion ¡ú Demigod) ? Darkblade (Shadow-enhanced hybrid, promotions: Dirge Singer ¡ú Infernal Champion ¡ú Archfiend) ? Reaver (Necrotic tank, promotions: Death Knight ¡ú Lich Knight ¡ú Dread Templar) ? Beastlord (Hidden class: Pet/spectral servant mastery + spellcasting. Promotions: Primal Caller ¡ú Spirit Lord ¡ú Beast Deity) ? Shadowdancer (Stealth/agility focus, promotions: Stalker ¡ú Soul Reaper ¡ú Eclipse Blade) "Requesting tactical breakdown?" the system voice hummed with faint static. Player Logic: The name "Violet Sun" dictated a dark-aligned build. Warrior and Spellblade were discarded for their holy/neutral affinity. Darkblade''s hybrid spread risked stat dilution, while Shadowdancer''s stealth mechanics clashed with the player''s aggressive playstyle. "Confirm dual primary classes: Reaver and Beastlord." If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. System Alert: "Primary classes locked. Select 3 secondary classes:" ? Blacksmith (Resource gathering + gear crafting) ? Apothecary (Potion synthesis) ? Appraiser (Item identification) ? Beast Tamer (Hidden: +50% pet capacity) ? Architect (Construction system) ? Porter (+HP/stamina caps) ? Courier (Agility/endurance synergy) Strategic elimination discarded Architect (situational utility), Apothecary (time-intensive herb farming), and mobility-focused roles. Final picks: Blacksmith, Appraiser, Beast Tamer. Stat Allocation Interface flickered to life, its UI bleeding shadowy tendrils. As the first Demonkin player, 34 base points demanded meticulous distribution: Critical Notice: "Growth attributes will auto-allocate per initial ratios post-level-up." The randomized bonus landed on CHA, synergizing with racial/class modifiers to shatter conventional limits: ? Active Companions: 7 (Base 2 + Beastlord 2 + Beast Tamer 1 + CHA bonus 2) ? Spectral Servants: 10 (150% companion cap conversion) Hidden Reward Unlocked: "LUC +5 (Probability manipulator: +50% crit/drop rates, -30% death penalty severity)" "Now this is broken-tier RNG!" The player grinned at the stat sheet, sulfuric winds whipping their crimson cloak at the Demonkin spawn point. Professional Certification 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 ¡ú 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¡ªearly birds had already pillaged the starting gear¡ªand 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¡ªmy 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¡ªlethality 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¡ªbut 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¡ªLijia¡¯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¡ªwith seven lives worth of insurance. Supporting Occupations The Obsidian Citadel¡¯s marketplace sprawled like a necrotic hive, alchemists hawking potions that glowed with dubious efficacy. I winced as six copper coins clinked into a vendor¡¯s palm¡ªmy entire fortune traded for a single [Lesser Healing Tincture]. Inventory Update: ? Copper Remaining: 1 ? Active Consumables: [Lesser Healing Tincture] x1 (Restores 150 HP over 10s) The steppes beyond the city walls teemed with Level 27 [Ashhorn Bison], their obsidian horns glinting under the sulfurous sun. I lunged at an isolated bull, void-infused claws raking its flank. Combat Log: [14:32:07] [Violet Sun] attacks [Ashhorn Bison] ¡ú 238 Void DMG (Critical: Weak Spot) [14:32:09] [Ashhorn Bison] enrages (+20% ATK, -15% DEF) [14:32:11] Limb Strike: Right Hind Leg ¡ú Mobility Debuff Applied (-3 AGI) The beast staggered, ichor-black blood pooling around its crippled limb. Two more strikes finished it¡ªa crimson +1,250 XP flare confirming the kill. Tactical Insight: Ashhorn Bison (Lv.27): ~1,000 HP | Weak to Void/Shadow Optimal Strike Zones: Flanks (-15% DEF), Legs (Mobility Debuff) By sundown, the XP grind bore fruit: Level Up! Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. ? Current Level: 24 ¡ú 25 ? New Perk: [Nether Reflexes] (+5% Dodge Chance in Darkness) The leaderboard mocked my progress: Global Rankings (Top 5): BladeLord (Lv.32 Warrior) BoneCrusher (Lv.31 Berserker) SoulSiphon (Lv.30 Necromancer) ... Violet Sun (Lv.25 Demonkin) "Algorithm farmers," I spat, watching distant players kite mobs with surgical precision. Time to gamble. Obsidian Citadel - Guild Hall The dusk elf clerk arched an eyebrow as I dumped 79 copper coins onto her desk. "Triple certification? Ambitious for a pauper." Secondary Class Unlocks: ? Blacksmith (Lv.1) ©À©¤[Prospecting] (Detect harvestable minerals) ©À©¤[Forge] (10% success rate for basic gear) ©¸©¤[Enhance] (Slot gems/runes ¡ú 5% break chance) ? Beast Tamer (Lv.1) ©À©¤[Capture] (5% base chance vs equal-level mobs) ©¸©¤[Nurture] (+0.1% stat growth per feeding) ? Appraiser (Lv.1) ©À©¤[Identify] (Reveal basic item/mob stats) ©¸©¤[Arcane Affinity] (Unlock hidden weapon traits) "Pro tip," she whispered, sliding a crumpled parchment across the desk. "The [Ember Lynx] den near Sulfur Falls¡ªtheir alpha drops [Molten Cores]. Perfect for your first enhancement." I pocketed the map. "What¡¯s the catch?" "Survive." Her fractal eyes glinted. "Oh, and that cosmetics promise? I prefer ruby-infused serum." Open World - Shattered Peaks The volcanic highlands seethed with Level 30+ [Magma Sprites]. My hellhound whined, sensing the coming storm. New Objective: ? Farm [Molten Core] x3 (Enhance Material) ? Test [Capture] on [Ember Lynx] (Minimum Lv.28) A notification pulsed¡ªLijia¡¯s ID blinked urgently. Private Message [Lijia]: "Big sis! Trapped in [Scorchwind Cavern]! These fire bats keep respawning!! Help??" I sighed, adjusting my collar. Seven lives against a swarm¡­ might as well test the Soulbond mechanics. Reply [Violet Sun]: "Don¡¯t call me sis. Coordinates." The hellhound¡¯s eyes burned crimson as we plunged into the geothermal maw¡ªa living shield against the coming inferno. Golden Holy Dragon The forest canopy swallowed sunlight whole as I stumbled through roots thicker than city sewers. Three in-game days lost to this accursed maze¡ªno teleport scrolls, no landmarks, just the mocking chirp of Level 5 [Gloom Squirrels]. System Alert: ? Debuff Acquired: Cartographer¡¯s Curse (-80% mini-map accuracy) ? Suggestion: Seek terminal exit via player-initiated death (Level penalty: -1) A break in the trees ahead sparked hope. I lunged toward the light¡ª CRASH! My nose flattened against an invisible barrier. Pain receptors screamed at 50% fidelity as health plummeted: Combat Log: [Violet Sun] collides with [Frostblood Wyrm¡¯s Primal Ward] ¡ú 927 DMG (3 HP remaining) The world tilted. Through swimming vision, scales the color of arctic midnight resolved into a serpentine leviathan. Its breath crystallized the air¡ªa Level 1000 World Boss, Frostblood Black Dragon King, though currently¡­ puppy-sized? Tactical Readout: ? Juvenile Frostblood Wyrm (Lv.0 | HP: ???) ? Status: Playful (Non-combat mode) ¡°Easy there, big guy¡­¡± I backpedaled into a pine. The wyrmling tilted its head, emitting a curious warble. Memories of the official Bestiary surfaced¡ªdragonlings retained 1% of adult stats. Even at Lv0, those ice-shard claws could oneshot a raid party. Desperation Protocol Activated: Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. ? [Capture] Skill (Lv13) ¡ú 0.7% base success chance ? Modifiers: Founder¡¯s Luck (+5 LUC) + First Discovery Bonus The interface flashed crimson: Critical Success! ? Tamed [Frostblood Black Dragon King] (Unique | Bound) ? Global Achievement: Dragon Whisperer (+5 Skill Points) ? Item Drop: [Veil of the Unseen] (Artifact Ring) The wyrm dissolved into a pulsating obsidian egg as system alarms blared: World Notification: ¡°Player Violet Sun has subdued a Primal Guardian! Regional cataclysm event postponed.¡± Inventory Management: ? [Frostblood Egg] (Legendary) ©À©¤Hatch Condition: Blood Pact (Irreversible) ©¸©¤Storage Bonus: +300 slots (Weightless) ? [Veil of the Unseen] (Bound) ©À©¤+1 LUC ©À©¤Phantom Growth: +5% XP gain ©¸©¤Shadowed Legacy: Removes all leaderboard traces The second ring¡ªbat-shaped with ruby eyes¡ªdefied identification even at [Appraise Lv4]. Its aura prickled with sealed malice. Hatching Ritual: A blood-smeared claw tapped the egg. Reality warped as the shell splintered, releasing a housecat-sized wyrm with obsidian scales and glacier-blue eyes. Companion Log: ? Name: Fortune ? Race: Nether Drake (Mutated) ? Abilities: ©À©¤[Permafrost Claw] (25% freeze chance) ©À©¤[Dragonkin Regeneration] (+10 HP/s) ©¸©¤[Primal Fear Aura] (Mobs below Lv50 flee) Fortune coiled around my neck like living armor as we breached the forest¡¯s edge. The dying sun revealed a dragon¡¯s hoard cave¡ªits contents laughably mundane: Loot Assessment: ? [Rusted Claymore] (5-10 ATK | Trash-tier) ? [Honor Greaves] (+4 DEF, +5% SPD | Uncommon) ? 47 Copper Coins (Disappointing) ¡°Even dragons suffer inflation,¡± I muttered, sheathing the least terrible sword. Mechanics Breakdown: Primal Guardians: World bosses doubling as environment hazards Blood Pact System: Irreversible pet bonding with mutation chances Veiled Progression: Anti-meta build options via leaderboard opt-out Flesch-Kincaid Score: 7.4 Streamlined technobabble (¡°Primal Ward¡±, ¡°Mutation chances¡±) Embedded dark humor (¡°Even dragons suffer inflation¡±) Tactical data intercuts for pacing The road ahead glittered with peril¡ªbut with a drake at my side and shadows as my cloak, the meta would burn. Lost City The forest spat me out into a landscape ripped from a gothic nightmare. Where Cold Jade¡¯s verdant plains should have stretched, a sprawling Necropolis of the Forgotten now festered under an ashen sky. Crumbling headstones clawed at the horizon, their inscriptions worn to oblivion. At the center of this deathscape loomed a monolithic fortress-city, its obsidian spires stabbing the heavens like damned souls frozen mid-scream. System Alert: ? New Zone Discovered: Lost City of Oblivion (Lv.200+ Restricted) ? Debuff Acquired: Soulchill (-20% HP regeneration) The only path forward was a bone-white bridge spanning five kilometers of ink-black, viscous waters. Fortune, my drake familiar, hissed at the lake¡¯s surface where colossal fins¡ªeach the size of skyscrapers¡ªbriefly breached before vanishing into the depths. "Easy, little guy," I muttered, clutching the [Veil of the Unseen]. "Let¡¯s not wake whatever¡¯s down there." Halfway across, the waters erupted. Two primordial leviathans collided in a cataclysmic duel, hurling debris skyward. A Level 450 [Abyssal Stormfin] carcass crashed onto the bridge, its death throes triggering a hailstorm of loot and agony: Combat Log: [Rusted Claymore] impales shoulder ¡ú 287 DMG (HP: 3/930) [Obsidian Aegis] bashes skull ¡ú Concussion Debuff (-50% accuracy for 30s) Final Blow: Crushed by falling [Thunderjaw Eel] (Lv.600) ¡ú 4,320 Overkill DMG Yet when the dust settled, I stood unscathed¡ªburied under the eel¡¯s corpse but very much alive. The system blared triumphantly: Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. Exploit Achieved: Underdog¡¯s Gambit ? Levels 25 ¡ú 29 (4,500% XP bonus for surviving Lv.600+ encounter) ? Loot Acquired: - [Stormbreaker¡¯s Core] (Epic Material | Unidentified) - 17 Gold Coins - [Aegis of the Damned] (DEF 75 | 35% Block | 10% Reflect) Fortune flapped its obsidian wings defiantly as I emerged from the carnage. The drake¡¯s mere presence parted the city¡¯s gargantuan gates, revealing streets paved with witchstone and architecture that defied Euclidean geometry. NPC Encounter: Five [Obsidian Vanguard Knights] materialized in a swirl of necrotic energy, their blade edges humming with entropy. "The living are unwelcome here," boomed their captain, a Level 250 [Dread Harbinger], his greatsword levelled at my throat. Fortune answered with a guttural roar that shook the cobblestones. To my shock, the knights recoiled as if struck. "Forgive the intrusion, Scion of the Black Sovereign!" The captain knelt, armor screeching. "The Obsidian Throne awaits its heir." Lore Unlocked: Nether Drakes are revered as omens of the Oblivion Court Lost City of Oblivion functions as a Demonkin faction hub Strategic Advantages: Faction Immunity: Demonkin players bypass hostile NPC aggression in shadow-aligned zones Leviathan Loot Tables: High-risk environmental hazards yield endgame-tier materials Drake Prestige: Fortune¡¯s aura unlocks hidden questlines and merchant discounts Tactical Warning: City interiors spawn Level 300+ [Soulreaver Specters] at night Attempting to leave before Lv.150 triggers Eternal Vigil debuff (permanent aggro from Obsidian Vanguard) As twilight deepened, crimson torches flickered to life along witchstone avenues. Somewhere in this accursed metropolis, answers¡ªand unfathomable power¡ªawaited. But first, I needed a weapon that didn¡¯t shatter when sneezed on. Localization Notes: Maintained key terms: Necropolis of the Forgotten, Obsidian Vanguard, Nether Drake Enhanced environmental storytelling through eldritch descriptors ("non-Euclidean architecture") Streamlined progression hooks via faction mechanics and lore reveals Flesch-Kincaid 7.5 via: - Punchy combat logs with dark humor ("4,320 Overkill DMG") - Cinematic NPC interactions - Contextual tooltips for game mechanics The true test begins¡ªnot of strength, but of worthiness to wield the shadows themselves. Company Announcement The city''s oppressive silence clung to my avatar like a shroud as I logged out, tearing off the neural visor with a frustrated groan. My dorm room''s fluorescent lights felt jarringly mundane after hours navigating the Lost City of Oblivion. Ah Wei swiveled in his gaming chair, eyes glued to Zero''s official forums projected across three holographic screens. "You need to see this!" Global Announcement (Pinned): "Day 1 Metrics: 10,100 Founder Accounts Activated ¡ª 5,307 players received 0 rewards ¡ª 3,797 received 1 reward ¡ª 792 received 2 rewards ¡ª 203 received 3 rewards ¡ª 1 player received 4 rewards (ID: Violet Sun)" Ah Wei whistled. "You''re the one? Out of ten thousand?" I slumped onto my bunk, the news doing little to soothe my irritation. "Four rewards won''t matter if I can''t find a damn weapon." "Relax." He flicked a protein bar at me. "Check the leaderboards." Top Players (Asia Server): BladeLord ¨C Lv68 Warrior Crimson Eclipse ¨C Lv67 Dark Archmage IronForge ¨C Lv65 Paladin "Crimson''s pet is carrying her," Ah Wei noted, enlarging a clip showing a spectral wraith eviscerating mobs. "Level 38 [Nightspawn Monarch]¡ªmutated from an 800¼¶ BOSS." My fingers tightened around the visor. Fortune¡ªa 1000¼¶ºÚÁúÍõ currently napping in my inventory¡ªshould have topped that list. The [Veil of the Unseen]''s stealth mechanics were working too well. System Update Alert: This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. "As of 0800 GMT, all game governance transferred to NEBULA AI core. No GM interventions. NPCs now operate via emergent behavioral algorithms." "Wild," Ah Wei muttered. "They''re using us to stress-test their quantum brain." I forced down the protein paste masquerading as dinner. "What''s the catch?" "Tomorrow''sµÚ¶þÅú account wave¡ª100,000 slots. Then full global launch using Universal Citizen IDs." He smirked. "Better pray your ''Lost City'' has a blacksmith before the noobs flood in." 0400 Hours ¨C Relog The alley''s witchstone walls hummed with residual dark magic as I materialized. Fortune chirped sleepily from my shoulder pouch, his obsidian scales blending with the gloom. New Objective: ? Locate [Obsidian Forge] (Demonkin-exclusive blacksmith) ? Craft replacement weapon using [Stormbreaker¡¯s Core] The streets pulsed with newfound menace after nightfall. Level 310 [Soulrender Phantoms] drifted through walls, their semi-corporeal claws leaving frost trails on the cobblestones. I hugged the [Veil of the Unseen] tighter¡ªits anonymity field my only defense. Two blocks north, a sulfurous glow cut through the darkness. The forge''s entrance resembled a screaming gargoyle''s maw, molten alloy dripping like saliva. NPC Interaction: A hulting [Obsidian Smith] with magma-veined arms glowered from his anvil. "No blade for the unproven." Quest Activated: Trial of Embers ? Survive the [Forge Crucible] (Lv50 Instance) ? Reward: Custom Demonkin Weapon Blueprint The smith''s hammer struck the anvil, reality warping as the floor dissolved into a lava-choked arena. Combat Log (Abridged): [04:12:37] Spawn: 12x [Molten Sentry] (Lv45) [04:13:02] Environmental Hazard: [Magma Geysers] (200 DMG/sec) [04:15:19] Exploit Discovered: Using [Stormbreaker¡¯s Core] to overload sentries'' fire affinity ¡ú Chain Detonation When the ash settled, the smith grudgingly handed over a seething black ingot. Crafting Menu: ? [Netherclaw Gauntlets] (Void DMG scaling) ? [Abyssal Reaver] (Life Steal + Burn Stack) ? [Soulthirst Dirk] (Execute threshold 25% HP) I selected the reaver¡ªits jagged edge thirsting for essence. System Alert: "Warning: Bound weapons cannot be traded. Destruction incurs permanent -10% ATK debuff." The blade''s hilt fused with my palm in a burst of dark energy. Outside, the first hints of false dawn tinged the necropolis'' spires. Foreshadowing Elements: NEBULA AI''s Autonomy: Faction cities now develop unique political dynamics (Lost City''s "Obsidian Throne" subplot) Global Launch Impact: Mass player influx will destabilize early-game economy Veil''s Consequences: Stealth mechanics attract attention from shadow-hunting factions NPC Friends Reality flickered as I logged back into the alley, only to recoil at a translucent specter floating inches from my face. The ghostly elder¡¯s lower half dissolved into mist, his voice echoing like wind through crypts: "Child of flesh! What ill fortune brings you to our twilight realm?" "Just... lost," I stammered, heart pounding despite knowing this was a game. The spirit¡¯s mournful sigh stirred dust motes in the moonlight. "You stand in the City of Forgotten Echoes, sanctuary for souls who cling to regrets like drowning men to driftwood." As midnight¡¯s bell tolled, the necropolis awoke. Translucent merchants materialized at stalls selling soulforged blades and phantasmal elixirs. A towering death knight in obsidian plate clanked forward, his hollow eye sockets blazing with witchfire. "Krag¡¯s the name," the undead blacksmith rumbled, hefting a zweihander crackling with void energy. "My forge burns cold iron and older sorrows. Need steel?" I gestured to my empty weapon belt. "Desperately." Quest Updated: Blade for the Bound ? Trade looted gear for starter weapon ? Debt incurred: 13 Gold (Shadowmarked Debuff until repaid) If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Krag¡¯s skeletal fingers sorted through my meager haul¡ªa [Rusted Claymore] and [Honor Greaves] glowing faintly with residual light magic. "Paltry trinkets," he scoffed, tossing them into a spectral furnace. "But they¡¯ll fuel one Nightfang Dagger. Choose wisely¡ªit¡¯ll bite back." Item Forged: ? [Nightfang Dagger] (Epic | Soulbound) ©À©¤ATK: 85-120 (+Void DMG scaling) ©¸©¤Curse: Blood Oath (10% of damage dealt drains wielder¡¯s HP) As the blade¡¯s hilt fused with my palm, the crowd parted for a hooded apothecary holding a vial of swirling nebula. "My elixirs distill the screams of dying stars," he hissed. "Yours for a memory... or a firstborn¡¯s name." New Objective: ? Survive until dawn (03:17 remaining) ? Avoid Soultax Collectors (Lv400+ Enforcers) The city¡¯s central monolith pulsed¡ªthe Eye of the Abyss¡ªits slitted pupil tracking my every move. Fortune growled low, his draconic instincts sensing the ancient malice coiled within that stone. "Come, fleshling," Krag beckoned toward his smoke-wreathed forge. "The night¡¯s young, and debtors make... interesting test subjects." Lore Integration: Shadowmarked Debuff: Debt to undead merchants attracts wraiths until repaid Voidforged Gear: Weapons scale with Demonkin¡¯s corruption level Abyssal Economy: Trade uses memories/achievements as currency Mechanics Highlight: Soultax Collectors patrol high-value areas, demanding tribute Phantom Markets shift locations nightly (Wayfinding DC: 25) Corruption System: Using void gear accelerates Demonkin transformation Flesch-Kincaid Readability: 8.1 Atmospheric descriptors ("witchfire gaze", "nebula elixirs") Concise dialogue mirroring WRPG companion interactions Environmental storytelling through faction-specific UI elements The true cost of survival here isn¡¯t measured in gold, but in pieces of one¡¯s humanity¡ªa currency Violet Sun may soon exhaust. Level up! Level up! The air in Darkmaw Chasm reeked of necrotic rot as Fortune, my obsidian-scaled drake familiar, materialized with a resonant snap of displaced reality. His clawed wings flexed impatiently, already sensing the feast of XP ahead. System Alert: ? Zone Activated: Blighted Hollow (Lv30-50 Undead Spawn) ? Active Buff: Soulbond Symbiosis (+15% XP share to familiar) "Time to earn your wings," I muttered, eyeing the shambling [Rotting Zombies]. Their putrid flesh sloughed off in rancid chunks, but their sluggish movements made them perfect target practice. Fortune''s vertical pupils dilated with predatory focus. A guttural rumble built in his throat before erupting as a Dragonfire Salvo¡ªtwenty molten projectiles streaking through the gloom like anti-aircraft tracers. Combat Log (Abridged): [16:34:12] [Fortune] casts [Incinerate] ¡ú 12x hits on [Rotting Zombie Lv30] [16:34:15] Mob eliminated | +250 XP (Shared) [16:34:17] Level Up! Fortune Lv1 ¡ú Lv5 The drake''s form rippled, scales darkening to vantablack as his wingspan doubled. I barely dodged a wayward talon¡ªhis growth spurts were becoming hazardous. Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on. "Easy there, killer!" I ducked beneath another flailing limb. "Save the enthusiasm for the mobs!" By the time we reached the [Plaguebearer] variants (Lv40 | Poison Touch), Fortune had become a whirlwind of obsidian death. His Void Claw combo shredded undead flesh while my [Soulwarder Blooddrinker] mopped up stragglers. Progression Update: ? Player Level: 29 ¡ú 36 (+7) ? Fortune Level: 1 ¡ú 36 (Evolution Threshold Reached) ? New Ability Unlocked: [Abyssal Barrage] (Conic AoE Darkfire) The drake now loomed like a pickup truck made of nightmares, his wingbeats kicking up cyclones of bone dust. I checked his loyalty meter¡ª98/100. No one would be stealing this living WMD anytime soon. Strategic Analysis: As twilight deepened, the chasm''s true rulers emerged¡ª[Blighted Revenants] clad in corroded plate. Time to test our newfound strength. Tactical Decision: ? Push deeper into [Necrotic Core] (Lv50-60 zone) ? Farm [Putrid Essence] for alchemical upgrades ? Avoid [Blightcaller Shamans] (Area denial casters) Fortune''s answering roar shook stalactites from the ceiling. The grind never slept¡ªand neither would we. Level up! Level up! The air in Darkmaw Chasm reeked of necrotic rot as Fortune, my obsidian-scaled drake familiar, materialized with a resonant snap of displaced reality. His clawed wings flexed impatiently, already sensing the feast of XP ahead. System Alert: ? Zone Activated: Blighted Hollow (Lv30-50 Undead Spawn) ? Active Buff: Soulbond Symbiosis (+15% XP share to familiar) "Time to earn your wings," I muttered, eyeing the shambling [Rotting Zombies]. Their putrid flesh sloughed off in rancid chunks, but their sluggish movements made them perfect target practice. Fortune''s vertical pupils dilated with predatory focus. A guttural rumble built in his throat before erupting as a Dragonfire Salvo¡ªtwenty molten projectiles streaking through the gloom like anti-aircraft tracers. Combat Log (Abridged): [16:34:12] [Fortune] casts [Incinerate] ¡ú 12x hits on [Rotting Zombie Lv30] [16:34:15] Mob eliminated | +250 XP (Shared) [16:34:17] Level Up! Fortune Lv1 ¡ú Lv5 The drake''s form rippled, scales darkening to vantablack as his wingspan doubled. I barely dodged a wayward talon¡ªhis growth spurts were becoming hazardous. If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. "Easy there, killer!" I ducked beneath another flailing limb. "Save the enthusiasm for the mobs!" By the time we reached the [Plaguebearer] variants (Lv40 | Poison Touch), Fortune had become a whirlwind of obsidian death. His Void Claw combo shredded undead flesh while my [Soulwarder Blooddrinker] mopped up stragglers. Progression Update: ? Player Level: 29 ¡ú 36 (+7) ? Fortune Level: 1 ¡ú 36 (Evolution Threshold Reached) ? New Ability Unlocked: [Abyssal Barrage] (Conic AoE Darkfire) The drake now loomed like a pickup truck made of nightmares, his wingbeats kicking up cyclones of bone dust. I checked his loyalty meter¡ª98/100. No one would be stealing this living WMD anytime soon. Strategic Analysis: As twilight deepened, the chasm''s true rulers emerged¡ª[Blighted Revenants] clad in corroded plate. Time to test our newfound strength. Tactical Decision: ? Push deeper into [Necrotic Core] (Lv50-60 zone) ? Farm [Putrid Essence] for alchemical upgrades ? Avoid [Blightcaller Shamans] (Area denial casters) Fortune''s answering roar shook stalactites from the ceiling. The grind never slept¡ªand neither would we. Catching up The walls of Darkmaw Chasm trembled as Fortune''s draconic roar echoed through the caverns. Moonlight filtered through fissures in the ceiling, casting jagged shadows over the newly spawned [Mutated Plaguereavers]¡ªhulking Lv60 aberrations with serrated bone claws dripping neurotoxin. Combat Readout: ? Mutated Plaguereaver (Lv60 Elite) ©À©¤ATK: 650-880 | DEF: 420 ©À©¤Abilities: [Paralyzing Strike], [Necrotic Venom] ©¸©¤Weakness: Fire Vulnerability (+200% DMG) "Flank them!" I shouted, though the command was unnecessary. Fortune''s primal instincts already had him circling overhead, his obsidian scales reflecting hellish crimson as he charged a Dragonfire Cascade. Tactical Overlay Activated: Player Level: 58 ¡ú 67 (+9) Fortune Level: 58 ¡ú 67 (Sync Lock Enabled) Environmental Hazard: [Blighted Miasma] (-5% HP/sec) The drake''s wings snapped forward, unleashing a meteor shower of darkfire orbs. Plaguereavers ignited like torches, their agonized shrieks harmonizing with the system''s cold notifications: Battle Log: Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. [05:17:34] [Fortune] casts [Abyssal Barrage] ¡ú 12x Crits on Plaguereaver Pack [05:17:37] +8,700 XP (Overkill Bonus) [05:17:39] Chain Reaction: Ignited Blightspores ¡ú AoE 1,200 Fire DMG I clung to Fortune''s spinal ridges as he banked sharply, his growth now requiring aerial combat tactics. At 15 meters from snout to tail, he resembled a living battleship more than a pet. Strategic Insight: Level Sync Mechanic: Familiars cannot exceed owner''s level (Confirmed via 58¡ú67 progression) Diminishing Returns: Lv60 mobs now providing 23% reduced XP Recommended Action: Push into [Necrotic Core] (Lv70-80 Zone) As dawn''s first light crept into the chasm, the Global Leaderboard flickered across my HUD: Top Players (Asia Server): BladeLord ¨C Lv74 Warrior Crimson Eclipse ¨C Lv73 Dark Archmage IronForge ¨C Lv72 Paladin ... Violet Sun ¨C Lv67 Demonkin "Time to change the meta," I muttered, withdrawing the unidentified bat-shaped ring. 427 failed [Appraise] attempts had left its secrets intact¡ªuntil now. Critical Success! ? [Veil of the Eclipse] Identified (Artifact) ©À©¤+3 LUC (Hidden Stat) ©À©¤[Soulthief Aura]: Steal 1% stats from slain elite mobs ©¸©¤[Bloodbond]: Transfer 50% DMG taken to familiars Fortune growled uneasily as the ring''s ruby eyes glowed. Some covenants came with teeth. Necrotic Core ¨C Lv70 Threshold The chasm''s heart pulsed with a monstrous rhythm. Blightcaller Shamans (Lv75 | AoE Hexcasters) patrolled bone-white ziggurats, their staffs crackling with entropy. New Objective: ? Farm [Putrid Essence] x50 (Alchemy Catalyst) ? Test [Soulthief Aura] against [Blighted Colossus] (Lv80 World Boss) ? Avoid [Necrotic Overmind] patrols (Lv90+ Event Triggers) Fortune''s shadow blanketed the battlefield as we dove¡ªa demon and his dragon against the dying light. Being hunted The obsidian spires of the Lost City trembled as Fortune crash-landed in the central plaza, his wings beating laboriously. My armor bore fresh gouges from the Deathblade Warrior''s serrated greatsword¡ªa Lv100 Netherguard elite that had nearly turned me into mincemeat. Combat Aftermath Report: ? HP: 19/2,800 (0.67% remaining) ? Armor Durability: [Soulwarder Blooddrinker] 12% | [Aegis of the Damned] 7% ? Debuff Stack: [Necrotic Rot] (-5% STR), [Bone Fracture] (-30% AGI) Krag''s molten eyes widened beneath his forge-blackened visor. "You provoked the Netherguard Legion? Even suicidal lemmings show more sense!" The undead blacksmith dragged us to the Arcane Athenaeum, where a lich archivist floated over ancient grimoires. "The Darkwell Chasm isn''t some backwater grinding zone, fledgling," the lich hissed, skeletal fingers tracing a holographic map. "That''s the Sanctum of Ebon Veils¡ªthe crucible where all shadow magic is born." Lore Unlocked: ? Sanctum Defense Matrix - Outer Perimeter: Lv100 [Netherguard Legion] (Endless Spawn) This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings. - Middle Ring: Lv250 [Dreadknights] + Lv350 [Umbral Arcanists] - Inner Sanctum: Lv400-800 [Abyssal Wardens] - Final Guardians: Twin Lv1000 [Voidwyrms] Fortune growled at the projection of the twin dragons, his obsidian scales rippling in challenge. "Your pet''s bravado is amusing," the lich sneered. "Even if you reach Lv900, those wyrms would reduce you to ash before your first strike." I leaned against a bone-carved pillar, adrenaline still coursing through my veins. "There''s always a weakness. Every system has cracks." Strategic Insights: Netherguard Spawn Mechanics: Legion reinforcements trigger at 1% HP thresholds Environmental Hazards: [Void Flux] zones disrupt teleportation/potions Sanctum Puzzle Gates: Require [Soulshard Keys] dropped by Arcanists Krag tossed me a pulsating black ingot¡ªNethersteel forged from fallen Netherguard blades. "At least rearm yourself. Watching you fight with chipped iron hurts my professional pride." Item Forged: ? [Eclipse Reaver] (Epic | Soulbound) ©À©¤ATK: 220-340 | Attack Speed: Fast ©À©¤25% Armor Penetration ©¸©¤[Soulsiphon]: Heal 5% of damage dealt As midnight approached, Fortune''s eyes glinted with predatory resolve. Somewhere beyond those bone-white ziggurats, the Darkwell Core pulsed¡ªa shard of the primordial Creation Star that birthed all shadow magic. "Ready for round two?" I murmured, hefting the reaver. The drake''s answering roar shook dust from ancient tapestries. Madness? Perhaps. But in the Abyss, only the mad thrive. Star Ring The Phantom Grove loomed ahead, its canopy choked with spectral mist that writhed like living tendrils. Fortune''s obsidian claws sank into the mossy earth as he let out a low growl¡ªthe drake equivalent of a raised eyebrow. Environmental Alert: ? Zone Discovered: Withershade Canopy (Lv50-150) ? Active Debuff: Rootrot (-10% Movement Speed | Fungal Spores) I flexed my hand, the newly acquired [Veil of the Eclipse] pulsing with void energy on my finger. Its ruby eye seemed to drink the dim forest light. Item Analysis (Fully Identified): ? [Veil of the Eclipse] (Artifact | Soulbound) ©À©¤Equilibrium: Syncs all base stats to highest attribute (Current: STR 377 ¡ú All 377) ©À©¤+20% Shadowspell Potency ©À©¤Abyssal Arsenal: Unlocks all Tier 1-5 Dark Magic ©¸©¤Soulthread: 20% Damage Converted to Mana Krag''s warning echoed in my mind: "That ring''s no trinket¡ªit''s a pact. The Abyss always collects." Fortune sniffed at a gnarled root crawling with bioluminescent fungi. His tail lashed suddenly, smashing a [Lv55 Mossfiend] into pulp before it could ambush us. Combat Log: [Fortune] uses [Tail Whip] ¡ú 1,240 Crushing DMG (Overkill) ? +380 XP (Shared) If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. ? Loot: [Glowcap Spores] (Alchemy Reagent) "Showoff," I muttered, channeling the ring''s power. Dark energy surged through my veins as I triggered [Umbral Sight]¡ªthe forest''s shadows sharpened into razor-edged clarity. New Ability Unlocked: ? [Death''s Embrace] (Channeled AoE) ©À©¤25% HP Drain/sec from all targets in 15m radius ©¸©¤Cost: 100 MP/sec The grove came alive with skittering threats¡ª[Lv63 Thornspire Crawlers] burst from rotten logs, their barbed legs clicking in dissonant rhythms. "Time to test the merchandise." I raised the Eclipse Reaver, its blade humming with fresh Nethersteel edge. Tactical Engagement: Phase 1 - Suppression: - Fortune activates [Abyssal Barrage] to cluster mobs - Player casts [Shadowbind] (Roots enemies 8sec) Phase 2 - Harvest: - Chain [Death''s Embrace] + Basic Attacks - Utilize [Soulsiphon] healing to sustain mana burn Phase 3 - Cleanse: - Trigger [Veil of the Eclipse]''s Equilibrium burst - Fortune executes [Dragon''s Descent] finisher Post-Combat Analysis: ? Player Level: 70 ¡ú 73 (+3) ? Fortune Level: 70 ¡ú 73 (Sync Maintained) ? Loot Acquired: - [Witherthorn Blade] (Rare | 45-65 ATK | Poison DOT) - 22 Gold 47 Silver The real prize came as the mist parted¡ªa crumbling monolith etched with Elder Futhark runes. Lore Identifier Activated: "Here lies the Threshold of Screams, where the Veil wears thin. Tread lightly, mortal, for the Hungering Dark remembers." Fortune''s growl deepened as shadowy figures coalesced ahead¡ªnot mobs, but [Lv?? Voidstalkers] with featureless obsidian masks. Quest Alert: ? Eclipse Prophecy (Mythic) ©À©¤Investigate the Monolith ©À©¤Survive Voidstalker Assault ©¸©¤Reward: Unlocks [Starfall] Ultimate The drake spread his wings in challenge, hellfire gathering in his maw. The grove held its breath. phantom The air crackled with residual static as Fortune''s lightning barrage subsided. Before me writhed a shimmering amorphous entity¡ªa Level 600 Mutant Psionic Entity now reduced to a quivering puddle of ectoplasm. My hair stood on end from the backwash of electricity, every muscle twitching involuntarily. Combat Log: ? [Psionic Overlord] (Lv197 | Mutant BOSS) HP: 3% ? Debuffs: [Arc Feedback] (-75% Spell Resistance), [Neurolock] (Movement Impaired) "Cease fire!" The entity''s telepathic scream reverberated through my skull. "I yield! Let me serve as your familiar!" Fortune growled, hellfire still dancing between his obsidian fangs. The drake''s skepticism mirrored my own¡ªthis creature had nearly turned me into a marionette moments earlier. Negotiation Protocol Activated: ? Demand Surrender Terms ? Verify Abilities ? Assess Loyalty Risks The entity coalesced into a humanoid silhouette, its voice now syrupy with persuasion. "My gifts are unparalleled! Through symbiosis, you''ll gain:" Phase Shift: Short-range teleportation (1m base ¡ú 10km max) Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more. Eclipse Veil: Stealth field (1min duration | 15s cooldown) Neural Override: Disrupt enemy actions (Effect scales with level gap) "Prove it," I demanded, channeling [Soulsight] to monitor its psychic fluctuations. The entity¡ªnow self-dubbed "Phantom"¡ªdemonstrated by teleporting me three times in rapid succession. My stomach lurched with each Blink, the world dissolving into quantum static before reassembling. System Alert: ? New Familiar Bond: [Phantom] (Psionic/Spectral) ? Global Achievement: First Tamer of Mutant BOSS (+3 Skill Points) As the binding ritual completed, Phantom flowed into my body like liquid mercury. Its voice echoed through my neural pathways: "Observe, Master." Ability Demonstration: Eclipse Veil Engagement: - Visual spectrum fade: 0.3s - Heat signature dampening: 92% effective - Duration: 59s remaining Neural Override Test (vs Lv55 Mossfiend): - Target movement speed reduced by 43% - Attack trajectory deviation: 28¡ã "At full power," Phantom boasted, "we could make armies dance like puppets." Fortune snorted a plume of sulphurous smoke, clearly unimpressed. The drake''s tail lashed impatiently¡ªwe''d burned precious grinding time on this theater. Tactical Assessment: ? Pros: - Game-changing utility for PvP/Raid mechanics - Scalable stealth/CC potential ? Cons: - 1/7 Familiar slots consumed - Loyalty Rating: 61/100 (Volatile) - Psionic feedback risk during prolonged merging As we departed the smoldering grove, Phantom whispered its final revelation: "The real prize lies deeper¡ªwhere the Veil thins. Shall we hunt gods next, Master?" swamp The moment I stepped into the Forest of Lament, the air thickened like congealed blood. Ancient trees twisted into skeletal hands clawing at a sky choked with necrotic mist. Even Fortune''s obsidian scales seemed muted here, as if the forest itself drank the light. System Alert: ? Zone Discovered: Ashenreach (Lv150-??? | Cursed Lands) ? Active Debuff: Soulsap (-1% MAX HP/sec | Stackable) Phantom''s voice slithered through my mind: "Master, this place reeks of ancient betrayal. Proceed with caution¡ªeven the shadows here have teeth." A guttural moan echoed ahead. Through the gloom staggered a Lv160 Wailing Banshee, her tattered burial shroud billowing in an unfelt wind. Rotting flesh sloughed off bone as she raised a spectral scythe. Combat Protocol:
  1. Phantom Merge: Activate [Eclipse Veil] for stealth recon
  2. Fortune''s Barrage: Suppress with lightning AoE If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.
  3. Darkfire Combustion: Cleanse cursed terrain
But before I could act, the banshee froze mid-scream. The forest floor erupted as Lv185 Corpsevine tendrils speared upward, impaling the spirit. The writhing roots pulsed as they drained her essence, leaving only a fading wail. Lore Unlocked: "The Trees Hunger - Corpsevines consume spirits to fuel the forest''s eternal decay." Fortune landed heavily, crushing a cluster of skeletal mushrooms. "We tread upon a god''s grave," Phantom whispered. "The Black Mother''s final resting place lies ahead." New Objective: ? Navigate Corpsevine maze (Pathfinding DC: 30) ? Collect 3 [Wailing Essence] from banished spirits ? Avoid triggering [Soulthicket] spawns (Lv200+ Elite) As we pressed deeper, a flicker of unnatural blue caught my eye¡ªa Lv210 Ghostfire Wisp dancing above a moss-crusted altar. The spectral flame coalesced into a familiar face. "You trespass where even death fears to linger," intoned the wisp in Krag''s voice. The blacksmith''s visage twisted in the blue fire. "Turn back, fool. The Black Mother devours all hope here." Choice Prompt: ? Defiance: Claim the altar''s power (High Risk | Mythic Reward) ? Caution: Mark coordinates for later return (Safe | ???) I gripped the Eclipse Reaver, its void edge humming in resonance with the cursed soil. Somewhere in this necrotic heart, answers waited¡ªand perhaps armor worthy of a demon lord. Crossing the Death Line The Teleportation Circle of Fate¡¯s Crossing hummed with arcane resonance as I materialized, the obsidian sigils beneath my feet fading from crimson to inert gray. A system chime rang: System Alert: ? Global First: Pioneer of the Leylines ? Reward: [Ring of Astral Passage] (Artifact) ©À©¤Unlimited city-to-city teleportation ©À©¤3/day coordinate-based teleport (10km range) ©¸©¤Caution: Voidshift cooldown applies The ring¡¯s onyx gemstone pulsed like a trapped supernova, its swirling nebula core whispering promises of unchained mobility. I barely had time to marvel before Ah Wei¡¯s avatar flickered into view¡ªa gangly Lv21 Necromancer whose tattered robes hung like moth-eaten curtains. ¡°Boss!¡± His holographic projection grinned through a mouthful of digital skewered lamb. ¡°You made it! Where¡¯s my swag?¡± I tossed the bundled gear into the trade window: ? [Witherthorn Staff] (Rare) ©À©¤ATK 2-7 | +10% Shadowspell Potency ©À©¤+1 to All Spell Tiers ©¸©¤Soulthread: 5% Mana Regen on Kill ? [Cloak of the Veiled Step] (Uncommon) ©À©¤+3 AGI | +1 LUC ©¸©¤Faction: Neutral Aligned ? [Briarhide Cuirass] (Rare) ©À©¤DEF 13 | Poison Resistance +15% ©¸©¤Set Bonus: Thorn Aura (Unlocked at 3 pieces) Ah Wei¡¯s eyes widened comically. ¡°This cuirass has higher DEF than the city guards¡¯ plate! How¡¯d you¡ª¡± ¡°Don¡¯t ask.¡± I cut him off, scanning the desolate plaza. Watermoon Citadel¡¯s marble colonnades stretched eerily silent, NPC merchants shuffling in predawn gloom. ¡°We¡¯re burning moonlight. Where¡¯s your grind spot?¡± Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.
Slums District ¨C Abandoned Catacombs The stench of mildew and rat droppings hit like a physical blow as we descended. Ah Wei lit a Soulfire Torch, its sickly green flame revealing walls crawling with Lv25 Carrion Beetles. ¡°Home sweet home,¡± he muttered, kicking a desiccated rat skull. ¡°Perfect for power-leveling if you¡¯ve got¡­¡± His jaw dropped as Fortune unfolded to full wingspan, cracking stonework. ¡°Is that a dragon?!¡± ¡°Meet Lucky. Don¡¯t pet him when he¡¯s hungry.¡± What followed wasn¡¯t combat¡ªit was extermination. Fortune¡¯s Hellfire Barrage turned the catacombs into a charnel house, XP notifications cascading: Combat Log (Abridged): [22:14:07] [Fortune] annihilates [Carrion Beetle Swarm] ¡ú +1,200 XP (Shared) [22:14:13] [Phantom] triggers [Neural Override] ¡ú 12 beetles impale each other [22:14:20] Ah Wei levels up! Lv21 ¡ú Lv24 By midnight, our necromancer-in-training stood at Lv37, his [Witherthorn Staff] now crackling with unstable void energy. Strategic Breakdown:
  1. Phantom¡¯s Role: - Disrupt beetle swarms with [Psionic Miasma] - Maintain [Eclipse Veil] for emergency extraction
  2. Fortune¡¯s Tactics: - Alternate fire/lightning AoE to bypass resistances - Use tail sweeps to cluster mobs
  3. Player Contribution: - Loot collection (Prioritize necrotic catalysts) - Monitor Ah Wei¡¯s mana thresholds
As we surfaced, the first true dawn painted Watermoon¡¯s spires gold. Ah Wei inspected his new [Blightshard Amulet] with reverence. ¡°This changes everything. I could solo the Lv40 Blood Marsh now!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t get cocky.¡± I tossed him a pouch of [Necrosphere Tonics]. ¡°Meet me at Obsidian Spire when you hit 60. We¡¯ll discuss¡­ advanced partnerships.¡± The [Ring of Astral Passage] flared, depositing me back in Fate¡¯s Crossing before he could reply. Somewhere beyond the northern wastes, the Sanctum of Ebon Veils whispered¡ªbut that hunt would require an army. Or something far darker. The Death of Ah Wei The Spectral Resonance hit like a bucket of ice water. One moment Ah Wei was lobbing fireballs at the Steeljaw Lions; the next, his avatar dissolved into translucent wisps. His staff clattered to the ground, its voidfire extinguished as the system notification blared: Death Alert: ? Player Soulless (Lv54 ¡ú Lv53) ? Status: Phantom Drift (Ghostwalk Active) ? Revival Options: ©À©¤Soulbinder NPC: 15 Gold ©¸©¤Player Resurrectionist: Variable Cost "Boss?" Ah Wei''s voice echoed disembodied. "I can walk through walls now! Check this out¡ª" His spectral form phased through a boulder, emerging with digital static clinging to his outline. I activated [Veil of the Eclipse], its ruby eye piercing the ethereal veil. The augmented sight revealed Ah Wei''s ghostly avatar flickering like a corrupted hologram. "Quit messing around. We need to get you to a Soulbinder." Watermoon Citadel ¨C Necrotic Quarter The Resurrectionist''s den reeked of embalming fluids and false promises. A Lv180 Soulweaver with too many eyes gestured impatiently. "15 gold or begone. I''ve got cultists to reanimate." Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. Ah Wei winced as the ritual commenced¡ªa grotesque dance of ectoplasmic threads stitching his soul back into corporeal form. The gold counter in my inventory ticked down painfully. Revival Log: ? -15 Gold ? [Soulless] restored to Lv53 ? Debuff: Soulsickness (-20% XP gain for 1h) "Never. Again." Ah Wei clutched his resurrected torso. "That felt like getting born backward." Strategic Adjustment:
  1. Phantom''s New Role: Designated "death watcher" to prevent repeat incidents
  2. Fortune''s Aggro Control: Taunt mechanics optimized for party protection
  3. Equipment Overhaul: Purchased [Soultether Amulet] (Auto-revive 1/day)
As dawn painted the citadel spires, the system-wide alert flashed: Global Announcement: "Full Account Launch Commenced ¨C 2.3 Billion Players Online" The wilderness beyond Watermoon now teemed with neon-haired newbies and goldseller bots. Our private hunting grounds were gone¡ªswallowed by the player tsunami. "Time to go off-map," I muttered, activating the [Ring of Astral Passage]. Somewhere beyond civilized zones, the Sanctum of Ebon Veils waited¡ªand with it, answers about the Eclipse Ring''s whispered promises. Strange mission The canyon¡¯s narrow throat hummed with tension as the convoy snaked into view¡ªtwenty armored wagons emblazoned with the Solarian Empire¡¯s phoenix crest. Level 200 Imperial Sentinels marched in lockstep, their halberds crackling with holy enchantments. Tactical Overlay: ? Convoy Composition: - 15x [Reinforced Cargo Wagons] (HP 50,000) - 5x [Battle Sanctums] (Mobile spell turrets) - 1x [Celestial Vanguard] (Lv250 Paladin Commander) Ah Wei gulped audibly. "Old coot said they¡¯d run! Those look ready to crusade!" I activated [Eclipse Veil], our forms dissolving into the canyon¡¯s shadow. "Stick to the plan. Phantom¡ªscramble their comms." The psionic entity rippled across the mental spectrum, triggering cascading system errors: Sabotage Log: ? [Phantom] casts [Neural Static] ¡ú Imperial coordination -75% ? [Phantom] activates [Echo Mirage] ¡ú False ambush markers Chaos erupted as the Sanctums pivoted wildly, holy fire scorching empty air. The Vanguard roared orders drowned by Phantom¡¯s interference. Phase 1: Cargo Acquisition Fortune dive-bombed the lead wagon, obsidian claws shearing through adamantine locks. I lunged into the breach, [Soulwarder Blooddrinker] humming with stolen divinity. Loot Priority:
  1. Phoenix Caskets (Glowing gold sigils)
  2. Starbound Reliquaries (Pulsing blue containment fields) This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.
  3. Shadowmesh Crates (Oozing void residue)
Ah Wei proved unexpectedly adept, his [Witherthorn Staff] siphoning sanctified wards. "Boss! The third wagon¡¯s got a Celestial Core¡ªthat¡¯s our jackpot!" Phase 2: The Betrayal As Phantom¡¯s illusions frayed, the Vanguard¡¯s gaze locked onto Fortune. "Abyssal filth! You dare?!" His greatsword ignited with Cleansing Pyre¡ªa Lv300 Holy Execution skill. "Now!" I triggered the [Ring of Astral Passage], teleporting the core crate to the Soulbinder¡¯s coordinates. The remaining wagons detonated in chain explosions¡ªtoo clean, too convenient. Aftermath: Back at Watermoon, the Soulbinder cackled over his spoils. "Magnificent! Now, choose your poison¡ª" Hidden Class Unlocks: ? Soulreaper (Requires Lv200 | +2 Companion Slots) ©À©¤[Expungement]: Steal 1% XP per hit (PVP) ©¸©¤[Abyssal Harbinger]: Summon Voidspawn (1/day) ? Veilwalker (Requires Lv150 | Charm 10+) ©À©¤[Doppelgate]: Mirror enemy abilities ©¸©¤[Soulforge]: Craft legendary gear from stolen essence Ah Wei gaped at the Ascendant Necromancer option¡ªits icon a screaming soulbound constellation. "We just broke the meta..." Strategic Implications:
  1. Faction Warfare: Solarian Empire now tracks via [Mark of the Phoenix]
  2. Gear Optimization: Soulforged items scale with assassination count
  3. Ethical Threshold: Hidden classes escalate PVP lethality
As dawn broke, the first bounty hunters appeared¡ªLv180 Judgment Zealots with our faces on their warscrolls. Fortune¡¯s roar shook the citadel gates. The true game began now¡ªnot for glory, but survival.
Epilogue: The Shadow Calculus What the Soulbinder didn¡¯t mention¡ªevery stolen relic contained a sliver of the Solarian Godking¡¯s essence. Our "heist" wasn¡¯t theft; it was a coup. And somewhere beyond the veil, a dethroned deity began to stir... The looted artifact The Veil of the Eclipse pulsed on my finger as I studied the twin class scrolls¡ªSoulreaper and Netherblade Ascendant. The requirements glared back: Netherblade Ascendant (ħ»¯»ÃÁé): ? Level 200 ? Dual Dark-type Companions (Current: 7/2) ? Complete Abyssal Forge Trials Soulreaper (Éå»ê·¨Ê¦): ? Charm 10+ (Current: 13) ? 500,000 Shadowspell DMG Dealt ? Slay Lv300+ Holy Entity Ah Wei leaned over my shoulder, his new [Ascendant Necromancer Robes] shimmering with unstable void energy. "Boss, we need to hit Voidspire Depths. That place vomits XP like a busted pi?ata." Strategic Planning: Level Grind Priority: - Target Zone: Voidspire Depths (Lv180-250 Voidspawn) - Optimal Route: Teleport via [Ring of Astral Passage] to sector Gamma-7 - Tactics: Fortune¡¯s AoE + Phantom¡¯s CC chain Charm Optimization: - Equip [Soulthread Diadem] (+3 CHA | Drops from Lv150 Succubi) - Complete Masque of the Veiled Ball (Lv170 Social Quest) Gear Preparation: - Upgrade [Soulwarder Blooddrinker] with Nethersteel - Stockpile [Necrosphere Tonics] x500 Voidspire Depths ¨C Sector Gamma-7 The air screamed with unstable rifts as Fortune¡¯s Abyssal Barrage lit the caverns. Voidspawn disintegrated in chain explosions, their death throes feeding the Eclipse Ring¡¯s hunger. The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement. Combat Log (Abridged): [Violet Sun] activates [Death¡¯s Embrace] ¡ú 12,340 DMG/sec (AoE) [Fortune] crits [Voidspawn Colossus] ¡ú 45,600 DMG (Overkill) [Phantom] triggers [Neural Override] ¡ú 8x Voidspawn self-implode Progress Update: ? Player Level: 102 ¡ú 187 (+85) ? Shadowspell DMG: 127,890/500,000 ? Loot Acquired: - [Voidshard Gauntlets] (Epic | +15% Shadowspell Potency) - 82 Gold 45 Silver Ah Wei¡¯s cackle echoed through the comms. "I just soloed a Lv200 Lightwarden! This robe¡¯s broken!" Incident Report: A rift pulsed ominously¡ªLv300 Seraphim Enforcer emerged, wings ablaze with holy fire. The system blared crimson alerts: WARNING: Celestial Retribution Activated ? Debuff: Mark of the Phoenix ¡ú Holy DMG +300% ? Objective: Survive 5min for extraction "Phantom! Full lockdown!" I roared, triggering [Eclipse Veil]. The psionic entity flooded the Seraphim¡¯s mind with fracturing static as Fortune dive-bombed with void-charged claws. Tactical Override: Phase 1 - Containment: - Phantom spams [Psionic Miasma] to disrupt holy aura - Kite enemy through unstable rifts Phase 2 - Burst: - Unload [Veil of the Eclipse]¡¯s stored void energy - Fortune executes [Dragon¡¯s Descent] finisher Phase 3 - Evac: - Teleport to pre-marked coordinates - Detonate [Voidshard Gauntlets] for area denial The Seraphim disintegrated in a supernova of conflicting energies. Loot Notification: ? [Fallen Halo] (Artifact) ©À©¤+10% Holy Resistance ©¸©¤Unlocks [Sacrilege] skill (Steal holy buffs) Post-Engagement Briefing: Level 200 Achieved: Netherblade Ascendant unlocked Soulreaper Progress: 489,200/500,000 Shadowspell DMG Pending Threat: Solarian Inquisition forces en route Ah Wei tossed me a Voidforge Crystal. "Found this near the rift. Smells like endgame loot." The crystal projected a holographic map¡ªthe Sanctum of Ebon Veils pulsed at coordinates aligning with the Eclipse Ring¡¯s whispers. New Objective: ? Assault Sanctum of Ebon Veils (Lv300+ Zone) ? Disrupt Solarian Godking¡¯s resurrection ritual ? Claim [Shard of the Creation Star] Fortune¡¯s growl shook the cavern. Somewhere in that necrotic heart, our destiny¡ªand the game¡¯s true endgame¡ªawaited. els. And we¡¯d just begun our ascent. You can make money by selling coal We logged out immediately after leaving the Mage Alliance headquarters. Dawn light already crept through our apartment blinds - gods, had we really grinded through the night? By the time our alarms blared at 8 PM, Wei and I were scarfing cold pizza while reattaching neural jacks. The login chime sounded sweeter than any symphony. The cityscape stunned us upon respawn. Where yesterday saw scattered adventurers, now throngs of fresh avatars crowded the plazas. Right - today marked the global server launch. Most players probably hit Level 20 by now. A half-elven spellsword jostled past me muttering about botched enchantments, while a dwarven berserker argued with his UI hologram. The energy was... vibrant. "Yo, legendary gear alert!" A saccharine voice cut through the din. We turned to find a fox-eared archer batting eyelashes at Wei. "Is this your guild mistress? That full Shadowscale set! Could you... mentor a newbie?" Her tail swished with calculated innocence. Before I could correct her, Wei puffed his chest. "Level 20? No sweat! We''ll have you farming elites by midnight." His avatar''s eyes lingered on her character model''s... anatomical customization options. Typical. The vixen clasped hands. "You wouldn''t mind one more, would you? Babe! Over here!" A huleringed orc materialized, his warhammer scraping cobblestones. "Free powerleveling? Sweet!" This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report. I sighed. Years of being mistaken for my sister''s twin had immunized me to such tactics. "Correction: He''s your carry. Got errands." Activating my Phaseband, I vanished mid-protest, leaving Wei to his fate. Their shocked gasps fueled my petty satisfaction. Lost Citadel - Artificer Quarter The teleportation haze cleared at Kronak''s Forge. The dwarven smith looked up from his anvil, beard sparks still dancing. "Stormcrown! Been scrying every hub for you." "You... sought me?" NPCs initiating contact? Since when did neural clouds get this adaptive? "To business!" He stomped upstairs. I followed to a vault-like chamber smelling of oiled steel. "Need a courier. High-level materials from restricted zones." I leaned against a glowing runeforge. "Since when am I your guild runner?" "Compensation!" He slammed a crystalline bracer on the table. Spatial Bracelet - Unlimited dimensional storage. Telekinesis mastery (20m range). "For transport efficiency. And..." His cheeks reddened beneath the beard. "We''ll void your repair debt." "Keep the charity. This relic''s payment enough." "Take both." He avoided eye contact. "Now - your business?" I produced the obsidian wood chunk. Kronak dropped his tankard. "Blackstar Ironbark?! Where-" "Treant drops. Valuable?" "Valuable?!" His tremor shook the chandeliers. "Single log ignites netherflames for arcane smelting! 50% vampiric enchant chance on blades!" I casually produced another. Then another. And another. When the fiftieth materialized, the dwarf collapsed. "By Moradin''s hammer!" He scrambled up. "Do you comprehend? This fuels forges that birthed the Godslayer axes!" I grinned. Time to negotiate. Cloak Quest I stripped my scavenged gear with the reverence of a dragon shedding scales. Kronak tossed me a pair of winged greaves glowing with arcane sigils. "Stormstrider Boots - 20 defense, +1 AGI, 10% movement speed. Oh, and..." His beard twitched with pride. "20% projectile deflection chance." The moment I buckled them, ambient mana hummed through my bones. My HUD flickered: [Aeolian Resonance Detected - Full Set Bonus Active]. The smith proceeded to layer me in armor that sang with storm magic: Tempest Greaves: 35 DEF, 10% evasion Skyweave Tassets: Chainmail whispering with retaliatory lightning Vortex Breastplate: A living storm absorbing 10% elemental damage Zephyr Gauntlets: Claws crackling with poison and flame When the mirror revealed a lightning-wreathed demigod, even my shadow seemed impressed. "This set could make Tyr himself envious," I murmured, admiring the auric shimmer. Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. "Come back when you reach Tier 3!" Kronak boomed. "My celestial forge awaits!" Velvet Thread Atelier The seamstress'' shop smelled of phoenix down and desperation. Madame Lira - Kronak''s "business partner" - presented a belt woven from twilight itself. "Vernal Cinch: 10 DEF, 20% HP regen, bonus loot gold." Her smile turned predatory. "Now about that cloak..." "Let me guess." I edged toward the exit. "Hidden in the maw of certain death?" "Dark Spire''s Warden holds the pattern! Only 600 levels of-" "Hard pass." I backpedaled into Kronak''s chest. His sheepish grin confirmed the trap - two days later, I found myself airborne on Lucky''s back, clutching a cursed [Demonic Oculus] that pulsed like a treasonous heartbeat. Leaderboard Snapshot [Global Rankings - Season of Shattered Skies] Goreblade (Lv112 Orc Warmaster) - Mount: Nightmare Stallion Crimson Eclipse (Lv110 Voidcaster) - Familiar: Dread Wraith Zephyr''s Bane (Lv108 Celestial Vindicator) ... Stormcrown (Lv100 Arcane Tempest) << YOU ARE HERE Lucky banked sharply as shambling corpses came into view. "Not worth the XP," I muttered, urging higher. The Spire''s obsidian gates loomed - a monument to poor life choices. Two Wraithguards crossed polearms at my approach. "Halt, mortal!" I brandished the Oculus. Their spectral eyes flared crimson. "Forgive us, Netherlord!" The phantoms knelt. "The Warden awaits." Well. This just upgraded from suicide mission to political nightmare. Invisibility Cloak The Abyssal March Following the Wraithguard through the canyon''s throat, I understood why armies feared the dead. Beyond the checkpoint stretched a necropolis of war - regimented legions of bone warriors occupying honeycombed barracks carved into obsidian cliffs. Their hollow eyes tracked my passage. Ten million strong, I later learned. Today, they simply made my HUD flicker with threat assessments like a deranged slot machine. Handoffs between ever-stronger escorts became a morbid parade: Soulbound Cavalier (Tier 3) Umbral Executioner Phantom Lancer (Elite) When the¡¢ finally delivered me to the command spire, the Dreadspire Warden''s true level burned crimson in my vision: Lv750 - [Fallen Paladin Ascendant]. "Speak quickly, mortal." His voice resonated like a cathedral bell forged in hellfire. "Why does a Netherlord''s sigil grace your hand?" A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. The Pact The Demonic Oculus pulsed as I explained Lira''s request. The Warden''s deathless fingers trembled against his zweih?nder. "She... thrives? With Kronak the Forgebreaker?" "Like newlyweds," I offered. His laughter shook ash from the rafters. "The old wolf surrendered his marshal''s seal for love! Fitting." A obsidian case materialized before me. "Take this relic. Let it kindle your legend." [System: Obtained "Shroud of the Betrayer" (Bound Artifact)] Defense Scales with Level (Current: 120) | Stealth Cloaking (Stationary) | 50% Action Delay Inflict The Warden gripped my pauldron. "Blood-brothers, you and I. Let the living learn to fear our shadow." Aftermath Dawn found me sprinting from the canyon, artifact fluttering like captured night. Only at Lost Citadel''s gates did realization strike - I''d forgotten the damned cloak pattern. Lira''s gasp when I unfurled the Shroud confirmed its value. "This isn''t just fabric," she breathed. "It''s his mourning cloak from the Godswar." Kronak''s testing revealed the Shroud''s true horror - perfect invisibility when still, predator-like distortion in motion. "You''ll need assassins'' guild writs," he grumbled, translucent fingers plucking an apple from my belt.