As the Astrax Dominion Ark completed its descent, the massive vessel aligned with one of the vast Dominion Platforms suspended beneath the Starfall Covenant Headquarters. A low vibration ran through the structure as docking locks engaged, followed by the gradual opening of the main exit gates. One after another, the warriors stepped out. The moment their feet touched the platform, a subtle pressure settled over them—not overwhelming, but enough to remind every single one of them that this was no longer Earth. This was Planet Eres.
Stretching across the platform were thousands of figures—warriors from different planets, different systems, different backgrounds. Some carried calm expressions, others sharp vigilance, but one truth was clear to all who observed closely. Everyone here was at the Beast level. For the first time, many of them realized it. This journey was not about a single planet. It was about the Milky Way Galaxy.
Before them stood a massive structure—the Covenant Nexus Hall, a circular complex built from dark alloy and luminous energy lines, serving as the central point for registration, mission access, and all official operations. As the gathered warriors began to move, a voice echoed through the platform.
"All candidates, assemble at the Verdant Convergence, immediately."
The warriors adjusted their paths, moving toward the Verdant Convergence, a wide, elevated garden-like assembly area within the Nexus platform, designed for briefings, ceremonies, and critical announcements. The space pulsed faintly with controlled energy currents, calming the nerves of even the most restless warriors.
At the center of the Verdant Convergence, a presence descended. Space itself seemed to bend slightly as a figure appeared above them, lowering slowly until he stood with commanding authority. His form was tall, his skin carrying a faint metallic tone unique to non-human origin, with subtle energy patterns flowing beneath it. His eyes glowed with steady, controlled light. Silence spread instantly.
Galaxy Lord — Xeryth Vaal'Kor, Origin: Planet Velkaris, Cultivation: Stage 9 Galaxy Lord.
His gaze swept across the gathered warriors, calm yet absolute. "Welcome," he said. His voice carried effortlessly across the entire platform. "You are the selected warriors—chosen from different planets under the authority of the Starfall Covenant. You stand here not as representatives of your worlds, but as candidates within the Milky Way Galaxy. The Starfall Covenant governs this galaxy under the rule of the Xytherian Dominion. From this point forward, your growth, your value, and your survival will be determined by your ability to adapt to this system."
A faint projection appeared above him—currencies, symbols, and flowing data. "The Covenant operates two primary currencies within this galaxy. Eclipse Credits, ranked 5th. Starfall Astryx, ranked 9th. These currencies are not given. They are earned."
The projection shifted, displaying images of the Elysian Life Ocean, energy zones, and resource fields. "You will obtain them through mission completion and resource acquisition. High-value missions include the extraction of resources such as Elysian Life Ocean essence and Chrono Essence Stones. Completion of such missions yields Eclipse Credits, with rewards beginning from 15 Eclipse Credits and above, depending on the quality and success of the extraction.
Standard missions involve the collection of cultivation resources, including Astryx Core Stones, Beastheart Gems, Void Crystallites, and Luminar Shards. These missions yield Starfall Astryx, with rewards starting from a minimum of 500 Astryx, increasing based on rarity and difficulty."
His voice lowered slightly. "Understand this clearly. Planet Eres is divided into multiple treasure zones. Outer zones are accessible to you. Inner zones are restricted. Deeper regions are not meant for Beast-level warriors. Even those beyond your level proceed with caution before advancing further. If you go deeper without the required strength, you will not return. You are here to grow, but growth without awareness leads to death. Proceed to the Covenant Nexus Hall. Register. Receive your assigned missions. Begin your progression."
Xeryth Vaal'Kor rose once more, ascending into the heights of the floating headquarters, leaving behind a silent understanding among the warriors. They moved toward the Covenant Nexus Hall, the central location where registration, mission allocation, and resource verification would begin.
Once all warriors were assembled and accounted for, the environment stabilized under the oversight of Maize AI, ensuring clarity and focus across the vast hall. Then a projection formed at the center, revealing a calm, commanding figure. It was Stephen Adarkwah-Yadom.
Maize announced, "All candidates, you are about to receive classified orientation regarding the next phase of your progression. This information is restricted to active members of the Starfall Covenant." The projection shifted, showing faint distortions of energy around Stephen's figure. "Stephen Adarkwah-Yadom was not the first protector of Earth. That era belonged to the Four Heroes—Zorvath, Kuma, Jaffrey, and Reya—who established the foundation of resistance and survival. However, the system you now stand within was built by him."
The projection expanded, revealing a hidden domain. "During the Beast Binder Stage 8, Stephen achieved a level of Beast Law comprehension that remains unattained by the majority of high-order cultivators in the present era. He entered a state of deep synchronization with the Beast Law and disappeared for fifteen years, returning at Beast Master Stage 6, his understanding of the law instinctive."
The scene shifted, showing shifting silhouettes of massive, indistinct beasts within a space that felt alive and unreal. "During that period, Stephen accessed a concealed realm known as the Beast World. Beasts exist there in their purest state, aligned with the fundamental structure of existence. Only warriors at the Beast level, who have maintained compatibility with the Beast Law, can survive within it.
A new data set appeared. "Every twenty-eight years, the gateway to the Beast World opens. It remains active for five days. All qualified Beast-level warriors may enter. Internal duration differs from external time; participants will remain within for one year before being returned. Success, survival, and return are not guaranteed. Those who survive will return transformed, beyond ordinary cultivators.
The projection stabilized. "The gateway will open within three days at the Celestial Convergence Chamber, a designated section of the Starfall Covenant Headquarters. All pathways, systems, and structures leading to this event were designed by Stephen Adarkwah-Yadom himself. Prepare.
Silence filled the hall. The warriors felt the weight of the moment. This was not a celebration. This was a turning point. In three days, they would step into a world never meant to be found. Their progression, survival, and transformation awaited within the Beast World.