Fifty years ago, rifts appeared in the world. These rifts spewed spirit beasts, ancient artifacts, and fragments of lost civilizations. The human race brought forth Talent Sigils and built guilds and families for survival.

These families include one of the oldest awakened bloodlines, known as "The Long Clan," said to trace its lineage from the dragons of antiquity.

However, rivalries also exist within great clans.

His name is Long Hao, the son of a dwindling lineage family who is ridiculed for being the embarrassment of the clan. It is not impossible for people to believe that he has only mediocre talent because the clan already labels him as the failure who does not deserve the name dragon.

But on the night before the awakening ceremony, there is a prohibited awakening within him.

> [Eclipse System… Activating
[Forbidden Talent Detected. Origin: Dragon-Eclipse Bloodline


It seems that *Heaven’s Law* itself has made

Long Hao wields forbidden talent, a skill feared not only by humans but also by the heavens.

The day that follows, the Awakening Stone has no talent, and the world laughs at him.

But Long Hao just smiled.

When the first dungeon appears out of nowhere in his high school, chaos breaks out. "The trash of the Long Clan" emerges and displays power that shocks the city.
He will overcome his destiny.
Above the guilds.

Above ancient clans. Beyond God's own command. A dragon ought to fly across the nine heavens, and he, named Long Hao, shall smash those who come to get in his way.

A dragon should soar across the nine heavens—
and Long Hao will shatter anyone who dares stand in his path.

Chapter 257 — The Mark That Appears Before the Fall


It didn't warn them. It didn't shift the ground. It didn't restrict movement. It changed something else. Something smaller. Something invisible.


Far above—The fragment stabilized further. Not reacting. Not calculating. Deciding.


Back in the valley—Long Hao felt it. Not pressure. Not weight. A presence. "…It changed again." Longyu's form flickered beside him. Barely there now. Faint. "…Yes." A pause. "…It removed delay." Long Hao's gaze sharpened. "…Meaning?" Longyu didn't answer. Because the answer—Was already happening.


In the eastern city—No one rushed anymore. Not after what they had seen. Not after what they had lost. Movement was careful. Measured. Incomplete. People stayed between actions. Avoiding final states. Avoiding outcomes. It had worked. Until now.


Chapter 257 - The Mark That Appears Before the Fall