The sky split open in a burst of white fire. Words, cold and clear, etched themselves into Kael Ardyn's mind.
[Welcome to the High Continent.][All chosen by the Supreme Will shall bear the fate of the Cerulean Planet.][You are Lords now. Build, conquer, and claim the title of Lord of All Races.]
A flood of messages followed like a battle horn summoning him to war.
[Every Lord begins with a dwelling and a Gate of Summoning.][Some will awaken unique Lord Talents—gifts that will define empires.][Treasures. Wealth. Armies. Power. Status.][Here, they belong to those strong enough to take them.]
Kael's vision cleared. He faced an endless stretch of yellow desert, with dunes rolling like waves to the horizon. The sun shone above, its heat pressing down like an anvil. Behind him stood a small wooden hall, humble and almost laughable, beside a towering gate of shimmering white light.
The wind shifted, whipping sand against his face.
"A desert…" His eyes narrowed. Water would be hard to find. Resources even harder. This was not a gift; it was a challenge.
A golden screen appeared in front of him.
[Novice Lord Protection: Seven days.][For seven days, no other Lord or monster may breach your territory.][After that, the Scarlet Fog will descend. Survive the invasion or be erased.]
A white barrier shimmered into existence, rising high and enclosing the land in a protective dome.
"Seven days. No more." If he could not raise an army by then, the desert would claim him.
Kael turned toward the wooden hall. Another screen rolled out.
[Lord's Hall: Black Iron-Tier – Elementary Grade.][Upgrade Requirements: 200 wood, 200 fine sand, 200 metal, 200 stone, 100 Black Iron-Tier Mist Cores.]
Then—another notification.
[Lord Talent Awakened: Legendary Tier.][Talent Name: 100% Drop Rate.][Effect: You will see the exact loot an enemy holds. Upon their defeat, you claim everything.]
Kael's lips curled into a slow, dangerous smile. "Everything they own will be mine."
He stepped toward the Gate of Summoning, its white light pulsing like a heartbeat.
[Daily Quota: Five summons.][Chance to summon professionals.]
"Summon," Kael said.
Light flared, and five figures appeared, blinking against the desert glare. They immediately knelt.
"Rise," Kael commanded. His voice was calm and steady, already holding the weight of authority.
Three were men, two were women. Two wore aprons and gave off the vibe of cooks, likely a couple. The other two looked like ordinary workers.
But the last—a woman in light armor with a bow on her back—stood differently. Her stance was sharp; her gaze was sharper.
[Subject: Bai Yi – Archer, Black Iron-Tier Elementary Grade.][Potential: White Silver-Tier.]
A real soldier. Useful.
Kael faced them all. "You have chosen my banner. That means loyalty. That means obedience. Outside these walls, monsters wait to kill us. Inside these walls, I will not accept weakness. Will you fight for this territory—and for me?"
"We will!" they shouted together.
Suddenly, a thud echoed in the distance. Then another. And another. The ground shook with each impact.
Kael's eyes turned toward the noise. "Move."
They followed him to the edge of the barrier.
Beyond it, a lizard the size of a warhound slammed its body into the shield, again and again. Yellow-scaled and with eyes like burning coals, it hissed and roared as if sensing the life inside.
Bai Yi drew her bow without a moment's hesitation.
[Desert Fog Lizard – Black Iron-Tier Elementary Grade.][Loot: 2 Mist Cores (100%), Desert Lizard Meat (20–1%), Water Bag (3%), Sword Shield Soldier Certificate (0.1%).]
Kael's smile returned, cold and predatory. "Looks like my first offering has arrived."