Chapter 16: The Domain's Secrets — First Glimpse of the God Shop
---
Inside the Domain — Garden of the Forgotten
Lucian stood there, breathing heavily.
The air smelled of burnt ashes and cold soil.
The black twisted tree pulsed faint green lights, like a heartbeat.
Around him stretched a dark, misty plain — 50 meters wide — yet it felt infinite.
Small broken gravestones poked out from the ground here and there, and strange black crows circled overhead, cawing softly.
Lucian muttered, "This is... all mine?"
[System 17]:
"Correction, Master — this is your Kingdom."
Seventeen's voice rang with excitement.
"Let's properly introduce your Domain Features now!"
A holographic panel appeared before Lucian's eyes.
---
[Domain: Garden of the Forgotten] — Features Unlocked
> 1. Beast Tree [Active]:
A black tree that can grow new beasts from cores and corpses.
Requires Core or Corpse + Beast Seed to function.
Chance to mutate creatures based on soil quality.
> 2. Grave Soil [Passive]:
Any corpse buried here is automatically purified and strengthened.
Increases success rate of undead summoning by +30%.
Mutations possible after multiple deaths.
> 3. Weapon Tree [Locked]:
Will unlock after completing [Hidden Quest: First Command].
> 4. Domain Expansion [Passive]:
Killing enemies inside your Domain automatically strengthens the soil, expanding the area by 1 meter per 2 kills.
> 5. Life-Death Balance [Unique Trait]:
You can allow "Life Zones" inside your Domain.
Rare herbs, beast nests, weapon forges possible in future!
---
Lucian's jaw dropped.
"This... this is insane! It's like my own world!"
Seventeen beeped smugly.
"Naturally. You are no longer a simple Awakener, Master. You are... a Lord of Death and Life."
Lucian grinned wide.
"A badass, you mean."
Seventeen coughed politely.
"That too."
---
System Notification!
[God Shop Access Unlocked!]
Lucian's vision shifted —
and a giant black and gold store appeared in the air, floating like a luxurious casino.
A neon sign blinked above the entrance:
> [Welcome to Seventeen's Special God Shop!]
Lucian whistled.
"Looks expensive."
Seventeen's voice turned sly.
"It's very expensive. But you have me, so discounts apply!"
Lucian entered mentally —
and instantly shelves filled with shimmering items appeared.
---
[First Categories Available:]
Beast Seeds (Grow beasts in Beast Tree)
Weapon Seeds (Grow weapons in Weapon Tree, locked currently)
Low-Rank Treasures (Herbs, Artifact stones, Enchant scrolls)
Slave Collars (Capture and tame beasts or enemy awakeners)
Domain Structures (Walls, towers, defense systems)
System Upgrade Items (Upgrade System 17's abilities)
---
Sample Items Listed:
> - Beast Seed [Common]: 50 God Points
Beast Seed [Rare]: 200 God Points
Domain Wall Blueprint: 500 God Points
Low-Rank Slave Collar: 100 God Points
Resurrection Herb (1x): 300 God Points
Skeleton Commander Summon Scroll: 800 God Points
---
Lucian gasped.
"So many things! How do I earn God Points?"
Seventeen answered smoothly.
"Simple! Kill monsters, complete quests, achieve milestones, and especially..."
"...Loot everything you kill!"
"Artifacts, Cores, Weapons, Souls — they all give points!"
Lucian's eyes gleamed dangerously.
He cracked his knuckles.
"So if I murder a beast, rob its stuff, and loot everything, I get stronger?"
Seventeen chirped.
"Exactly! Rob them blind, Master!"
Lucian's grin turned vicious.
"Finally, a system that understands me."
---
Meanwhile — Back in Reality
Outside Lucian's Domain, in the normal world —
strange changes were happening.
The village's beasts were growing restless.
The soil around Lucian's house began absorbing mana unnaturally.
Hidden under the surface —
his Domain was starting to "touch" the real world.
A massive event was brewing.
---
Inside the Domain — Small Training Field
Lucian finally stepped back from the shop.
He opened his palm.
A small [Common Beast Seed] floated there, shimmering faintly.
Seventeen advised:
"Plant it near the Beast Tree, Master! Let's grow your first loyal beast!"
Lucian nodded, excitement rushing through him.
He sprinted to the Beast Tree.
The soil beneath the tree looked richer, almost swallowing his feet.
Lucian bent down and buried the Beast Seed.
For a moment — nothing.
Then —
RUMBLE.
The ground cracked.
A small black sprout pushed up —
twisting rapidly into a creature!
Fur grew, then scales, then a pair of sharp glowing blue eyes blinked open.
---
[New Beast Born: Abyssal Wolf Pup!]
Level: 1
Grade: Common (mutatable)
Affinity: Darkness, Blood
Lucian stared.
It was a wolf pup — pitch black fur with streaks of crimson on its tail.
Tiny, yet packed with potential.
It growled weakly at him — then stumbled forward and licked his boot.
Lucian laughed aloud.
"You're tiny but vicious. I like you already."
Seventeen buzzed proudly.
"Master, as you grow stronger, your beasts will too. Some can even reach Mythical Rank one day!"
Lucian's mind raced.
An army of beasts... undead soldiers... weapon forests...
An unstoppable empire, hidden inside him.
---
[Quest Update!]
Defeat 10 wild beasts inside Domain: 0/10
Lucian's eyes burned with determination.
"Let's get started then."
He cracked his neck.
"I have a Domain to expand... and a future to build."
------
Chapter 17: First Blood in the Garden
---
Inside the Domain — Garden of the Forgotten
The Abyssal Wolf pup wagged its tail furiously, staring up at Lucian with bright, blood-hungry eyes.
Lucian grinned.
"You wanna fight, huh?"
The pup yipped.
Its tiny claws scratched the dirt, body low to the ground — ready to pounce.
Lucian bent down and picked up a stick, waving it mockingly.
"Come at me, you oversized rat."
The Abyssal Wolf let out a war cry — a high-pitched squeal — and charged.
WHUMP.
Lucian dodged easily, the pup missing by a mile and tumbling face-first into the dirt.
[System 17]:
"Master, impressive. You've defeated your first ferocious opponent — a literal puppy."
Lucian snorted.
"You're just jealous I'm winning."
Seventeen buzzed with dry sarcasm.
"Yes, I, a sentient System capable of wiping civilizations, am deeply envious."
The pup shook off the dirt and growled cutely.
Lucian tossed the stick again.
This time the pup's reaction was faster — its little muscles rippling with energy.
Seventeen beeped.
"Master, this creature has huge potential. Want to open the stat window?"
Lucian nodded.
---
[Abyssal Wolf Pup — Status]
Name: (None)
Level: 1
Species: Abyssal Wolf (Variant)
Grade: Common (Mutatable)
Affinities: Darkness, Blood
Skills:
Minor Shadow Step (Passive)
Blood Howl (Locked until Level 5)
Loyalty: 90%
Mood: Playful, Bloodthirsty
---
Lucian whistled.
"Not bad for a little guy."
Seventeen buzzed proudly.
"Plant better Beast Seeds later, and you can grow even stronger creatures."
Lucian crouched.
"Alright, buddy. You need a name."
The pup barked.
Lucian thought for a moment.
"How about... Grim?"
The Abyssal Wolf tilted its head — then howled softly, as if approving.
Seventeen beeped approvingly.
"First companion officially named: Grim."
A small green light flashed over the pup's head.
[Bond Strength +5]
Lucian grinned.
"Good. Now let's toughen you up, Grim."
---
Training Field — Inside Domain
Lucian raised his hand.
From the soil, training dummies made of black vines and bones rose slowly.
Seventeen announced:
"I've temporarily constructed weak golems for training. Good practice for Grim."
Three dummies stood, twitching awkwardly.
Lucian pointed.
"Grim! Attack!"
Grim's muscles tensed.
A thin layer of dark mist wrapped around his paws.
Shadow Step!
WHOOSH.
He blurred forward, biting into a dummy's leg.
The dummy staggered.
Lucian yelled, "Good boy! Hit the neck next!"
Grim reacted instantly.
With another small burst of shadow energy, he leapt —
chomping down on the dummy's throat.
CRUNCH.
The dummy collapsed into dust.
---
[Beast XP Gained!]
Grim: Level Up Progress 12%
---
Grim barked proudly, tail wagging so fast it became a blur.
Lucian laughed.
"You're a natural killer."
Seventeen chuckled darkly.
"Master, shall we spawn live targets?"
Lucian's eyes gleamed.
"Yeah. Bring something real this time."
---
Summoning in Progress...
The air rippled.
The soil tore open, and wild domain beasts crawled out —
small grey-furred rats with glowing red eyes.
> [Plague Rats — Level 2]
Aggressive
Infectious bite (minor)
Three rats at once.
Grim snarled.
Lucian stood back, crossing his arms.
"Go, Grim. Show me what you can do."
---
First Real Fight
The rats squealed and rushed Grim, trying to surround him.
Lucian watched carefully.
"Don't panic," he muttered.
Grim darted sideways, faster than the rats expected.
One rat lunged — Grim sidestepped and clawed its face.
Blood spurted.
The rat screeched, tumbling back.
The second rat bit Grim's side.
Lucian clenched his fists.
"Fight back, Grim!"
Grim growled, fangs bared.
A sudden red aura flickered around him.
With a furious howl, he leapt —
biting down on the second rat's spine.
CRACK.
The rat went limp.
The third rat hesitated —
Grim turned, eyes glowing blood-red —
and pounced like a miniature demon.
---
[Battle Results!]
3 Plague Rats defeated!
Grim XP +30%
Lucian XP +10%
Domain Soil Quality +1%
God Points +3 earned!
---
Lucian rushed forward, grabbing Grim.
"You okay, buddy?"
Grim whimpered once — his side bleeding slightly — but licked Lucian's hand.
Seventeen beeped.
"Minor wounds only, Master. Easily healable."
A small vial appeared in Lucian's inventory.
> [Minor Beast Healing Potion] — Use?
Lucian mentally agreed.
The potion materialized and poured itself over Grim's wound.
In seconds, the gash closed.
Lucian hugged Grim tightly.
"You did amazing."
Grim nuzzled his face.
Seventeen buzzed, sounding oddly emotional.
"Master, congratulations. You've officially begun building your Army."
Lucian whispered back.
"One beast at a time... one kill at a time."
His eyes gleamed fiercely.
"I'll create an empire they can't destroy."
---
Back at the House — Reality
Lucian awoke from the Domain hours later.
He found himself lying on the old bed in his room, sunlight streaming through the window.
Downstairs, he could hear his "parents" bustling about.
Warm smells of breakfast drifted up —
fresh bread, sizzling meat, and a hint of fruit wine.
Lucian smiled.
He wasn't alone anymore.
Not in this life.
---
Meanwhile — Somewhere Else
Far beyond Lucian's tiny village —
the capital city of Solvia shuddered.
Ancient magic arrays began to glow.
The yearly Awakening Festival preparations had begun.
Thousands of children would be summoned this year...
...including one very special boy, whose Domain would someday swallow the world.
---Chapter 18: Roots of Power
---
Inside the Garden of the Forgotten — Two Days Later
Lucian stood shirtless in the middle of his domain, sweat dripping from his brow.
Across from him, Grim circled slowly, tail wagging — waiting for the next command.
The air smelled rich, earthy — like rain-soaked soil and something ancient waking up from slumber.
Lucian tightened his fists.
"Alright, Grim. Again."
The Abyssal Wolf pup yipped and lunged forward, paws wrapped in misty shadows.
Lucian sidestepped — just barely — feeling the whoosh of air against his ribs.
He grinned wildly.
"You're getting faster, little monster."
Grim barked proudly.
Seventeen's voice buzzed inside his head.
[System 17]:
"At this rate, Master, you'll be beaten up by a dog before the Academy even starts."
Lucian rolled his eyes.
"Hey, a real man trains with real warriors."
Seventeen coughed politely.
"He also usually wins the sparring sessions."
Lucian ignored him.
He wiped his forehead, then opened the Domain Interface mentally.
A swirling holographic screen appeared in the air.
[Domain Menu Opened]
Domain Level: 1 (7% Progress)
Features Unlocked:
Beast Tree (Growing)
Weapon Tree (Seed Available)
Soil Quality: Basic (Tier F)
God Points Available: 6
Lucian grinned.
"Time to plant something fun."
---
[Plant Seed: Weapon Tree?] — Cost: 5 God Points
Lucian didn't hesitate.
Confirm.
The ground in front of him cracked open with a low rumble.
From the black soil, a small sapling shot upward — twisting and groaning.
Unlike normal trees, its bark was silver-gray, shimmering faintly.
Tiny metallic leaves jingled like coins in the wind.
At the top, a single fruit-like bud formed — shaped like a sword hilt.
Lucian's eyes widened.
"Holy sh*t. That's badass."
Seventeen beeped with a smug tone.
"Weapon Trees grow weapons instead of fruits, Master. As it matures, you'll harvest basic blades, then enchanted weapons, and eventually legendary arms."
Lucian walked around it, whistling.
"How long till it drops the first one?"
"Six hours for the first batch, depending on Domain Soil quality. Right now... expect basic iron weapons."
Lucian smirked.
"Better than nothing. We're starting a f**king armory."
Seventeen chuckled.
"Master truly has the foresight of a warlord... or a very ambitious bandit."
Lucian flexed dramatically.
"I prefer the term 'future king,' thank you very much."
---
Family House — Afternoon
Lucian returned to reality feeling lighter.
The wooden house creaked warmly around him.
Downstairs, the smell of stew drifted upward.
He yawned and stretched, shirtless, muscles lightly toned from days of training.
He looked at himself in the cracked mirror.
Still skinny —
Still barely hitting puberty —
Still looked like a scrappy, stubborn brat.
Lucian smirked.
"One day I'll be hotter than those nobles. Just you wait."
He grabbed a loose shirt, threw it over his head, and bolted downstairs.
At the kitchen table, his adoptive mother, Elenora, was humming softly, ladling soup into bowls.
His father, Garrick, was sharpening a hunting knife by the window.
Both looked up when he entered.
Elenora smiled brightly.
"There's my little beast."
Lucian puffed his chest.
"I'm not little anymore, Mom."
Garrick snorted.
"Yeah, yeah. When you can wrestle a bear, come talk to me."
Lucian grinned mischievously.
"Can I count Grim? He's almost bear-sized… in ambition."
Garrick barked a laugh.
Elenora rolled her eyes, waving him to sit.
"Eat first, save your jokes for after."
Lucian obeyed happily.
As they ate, Garrick spoke up.
"You feeling any... strange energy lately, kid?"
Lucian blinked.
"Huh?"
Garrick grunted.
"You're almost nine. Around your age, some gifted children start sensing mana — feeling the world stir around them. Especially if they're destined for something."
Lucian played dumb.
He stuffed bread in his mouth.
"Maybe a little...?"
Garrick nodded sagely.
"Good. Maybe the gods will bless you during this Awakening."
Lucian hid his grin behind his cup.
If only they knew —
he already had his own goddamn pocket universe.
And a sarcastic System babysitter.
And soon... weapons literally growing on trees.
---
Later — Midnight
Lucian sat cross-legged on the floor of his room, feeling the Domain thrumming in his chest.
Seventeen buzzed softly.
"Master, Weapon Tree harvest available."
Lucian clapped.
"Show me the goods."
---
[Weapon Tree Harvest — Results!]
Rusty Iron Sword (Common) — Damage: 10–15
Bone Dagger (Common) — Damage: 6–8 + Bleed Chance
Iron Short Bow (Common) — Damage: 8–12 (Requires Arrows)
---
Three weapons materialized neatly in front of him, glowing faintly.
Lucian picked up the Rusty Sword first.
It was heavy, awkward in his hands.
He swung it once — almost knocking over his chair.
Grim, curled up nearby, barked sleepily.
Lucian stuck out his tongue.
"Hey, it's not that bad."
Seventeen beeped.
"Master, perhaps you should practice holding the blade by the handle instead of the sharp side."
Lucian flipped it around sheepishly.
"Details, details."
He grabbed the Bone Dagger next.
It was lighter — sinister-looking, curved like a wolf's fang.
Lucian grinned.
"This one's more my style."
He strapped it to his waist clumsily.
The bow he left aside for now — no arrows yet.
Seventeen announced:
"Master, with the first Weapon Harvest complete, Domain Level progress has increased to 9%."
Lucian pumped his fist.
"Hell yeah. At this rate, I'll have an army and an armory."
---
The Next Morning — Village Square
News had spread.
All the village children between nine and fifteen were whispering excitedly.
"The Awakening Festival is coming!"
"Three more weeks!"
"We'll be summoned to Solvia's Grand Plaza!"
Lucian leaned against a tree, watching them.
For once, he wasn't nervous.
He knew his class would be special.
He had a Domain.
He had Grim.
He had a goddamn Weapon Tree.
He had Seventeen —
even if the little shit was 90% sarcasm.
Lucian's lips curled into a wicked smile.
"Bring it on, Solvia."
---
[Chapter 18 End]
------
Chapter 19: Bark and Bite
---
Village Training Grounds — Morning
The sun was brutal overhead, casting sharp shadows across the packed-dirt field.
Lucian stretched lazily, joints popping.
All around him, kids and teenagers milled about, buzzing with excitement.
Today was special.
Today, old man Roland, the village's retired Knight, was holding a mock battle session — getting them ready for the upcoming Awakening Ceremony.
Lucian cracked his knuckles, grinning.
"Time to show these peasants who's the real boss."
Seventeen buzzed dryly in his head.
[System 17]:
"Master, please remember: you are still classified as 'street rat-tier' in combat proficiency."
Lucian sniffed haughtily.
"That's because no one can handle my raw, untamed masculinity."
Seventeen coughed loudly.
"Right. Raw, untamed delusion, perhaps."
Before Lucian could argue, a voice barked across the field.
"NEXT MATCH! LUCIAN VS. LEIF!"
Heads turned.
Lucian blinked.
"Leif?"
Across the field, a hulking, red-haired boy cracked his knuckles.
He was a year older, a head taller, and built like a miniature ox.
Lucian gulped internally but plastered on a cocky grin.
"No mercy, tubby!"
Leif grinned back, showing a missing tooth.
"I'll smash ya flat, shrimp!"
---
Training Field — 1 Minute Later
Lucian and Leif faced off in the circle, wooden swords in hand.
Old Man Roland raised his arm.
"Begin!"
Leif charged like a bull, roaring.
Lucian barely ducked the first wild swing — the wooden blade whistling over his head.
The air pressure alone ruffled his hair.
Lucian yelped.
"Jesus, bro! We're sparring, not committing murder!"
Leif laughed.
"Cry louder, maybe your momma will hear you!"
Lucian's eyes gleamed dangerously.
"Oh, it's on now."
---
The next three minutes were chaos.
Lucian darted and weaved, playing keep-away, poking Leif's ribs and ankles with sneaky jabs.
Leif swung and missed —
swung again and missed —
tripped over his own feet trying to catch Lucian.
The crowd of kids roared with laughter.
Old Man Roland watched with an amused glint in his eye.
Lucian danced away again, sticking out his tongue.
"Come on, slowpoke! Even a turtle could've hit me by now!"
Leif roared and charged blindly.
Lucian sidestepped again... but this time tripped over his own loose shoe.
He landed flat on his ass with a loud thud.
The crowd howled.
Seventeen chimed in helpfully.
[System 17]:
"Master's special move: Self-Destruct Ass-Plant Activated."
Lucian muttered under his breath, "F*ck you too."
Before Leif could capitalize, a low growl echoed across the training ground.
Everyone froze.
Heads turned.
At the edge of the field, Grim stood — hackles raised, teeth bared — fur glowing faintly with dark mist.
The Abyssal Pup's eyes glowed blue, full of primal threat.
Leif stumbled back, wide-eyed.
"W-What the hell is that?!"
Lucian smirked from the dirt.
"My backup dancer."
He whistled sharply.
Grim bounded forward, stopping right next to Lucian, growling protectively.
Old Man Roland raised an eyebrow.
"That your summon, boy?"
Lucian climbed to his feet, dusting off his ass dramatically.
"You bet your wrinkly balls it is."
Roland snorted.
"Watch your mouth, runt."
Lucian winked.
"No promises, old timer."
The audience laughed harder.
---
The battle ended in Lucian's favor by default.
Not because he beat Leif, but because Grim scared the living shit out of everyone.
Even the older teens stepped back nervously whenever Grim growled.
Lucian preened like a peacock.
He patted Grim's head proudly.
"You're the best, buddy. Remind me to buy you a steak later."
Grim barked once, tail wagging.
Seventeen beeped.
"Master, technically speaking, using external beasts in a trial is grounds for disqualification."
Lucian shrugged.
"Technically speaking, I don't give a f*ck."
Seventeen coughed.
"Spoken like a true future war criminal."
---
Later — Sunset
Lucian sat on the grassy hill behind the house, watching the sun bleed across the horizon.
In his hands, he turned the Bone Dagger slowly, admiring the wicked curve.
Behind him, Grim chased butterflies lazily.
Lucian exhaled slowly.
Three more weeks.
Three more weeks, and he'd be teleported to Solvia —
The Grand Plaza where his true Awakening would happen.
Where the gods would judge them.
Where destinies were forged.
Lucian grinned wildly.
"I can't wait to wreck some rich noble kids."
Seventeen buzzed.
"Master may want to 'survive' first before planning 'wreckage'."
Lucian wagged a finger.
"Details, my metallic friend. Details."
In the distance, a bell rang faintly — signaling the end of another peaceful day.
Lucian tilted his head back, grinning at the endless sky.
He had a domain.
He had a wolf pup.
He had a talking System.
He had a future brighter than a supernova.
And soon…
He would have a class that would make even gods blink.
---
[Chapter 19 End]
------
Chapter 20: Before the Journey
---
Lucian's House — Morning
Sunlight poured through the wooden windows, golden and soft.
Lucian blinked awake, arms tangled around Grim's warm, furry body.
The little Abyssal Wolf snored faintly, drooling on Lucian's shirt.
Lucian chuckled sleepily.
"You're lucky you're cute, you little slob."
He rubbed Grim's ears affectionately.
Seventeen buzzed in his mind.
[System 17]:
"Master: Warning. Subject 'Grim' has begun passive evolution towards Intermediate Abyssal Beast."
Lucian's eyes widened.
"Wait, really?!"
Seventeen continued.
"Correct. Estimated time: 2 to 3 years without intervention. 1 year with proper cores and nourishment."
Lucian grinned.
"Looks like we're both gonna be monsters soon."
He rolled out of bed, stretched his arms high, and headed for breakfast, Grim padding happily at his heels.
---
Family Breakfast Table
The entire family gathered:
Father Marcus, mother Elaina, little brother Felix, and even Grandmother Selene.
The table was loaded with food — fresh bread, roasted meats, steaming vegetables.
It smelled like heaven.
Marcus ruffled Lucian's hair as he sat down.
"Eat well, son. You'll need your strength where you're going."
Elaina smiled warmly, her eyes a little wet.
Felix hopped excitedly beside Lucian, waving a half-eaten bun.
"Big Brother, will you bring me a sword from Solvia?! A big one!"
Lucian snorted, stuffing meat into his mouth.
"Sure, I'll find you one bigger than your head."
Felix cheered.
Grandmother Selene chuckled, sipping her tea.
"You're growing fast, boy. Not just your body... your soul too."
Lucian paused.
There was a certain weight to her words.
Selene's eyes gleamed, full of knowledge that Lucian couldn't even begin to guess at.
Seventeen beeped softly in Lucian's head.
[System 17]:
"Family bloodline anomaly detected. Recommend future investigation."
Lucian tucked that information away quietly.
---
Training Field — Afternoon
The village square was full of people.
Today was Lucian's Farewell Trial — a tradition for any child who would soon teleport to Solvia.
Lucian stood proudly at the center, Grim sitting at his side, a small leather vest around his chest.
The village elder, Old Man Roland, stepped forward with a thick, ancient-looking staff.
"Lucian Arkwright, son of Marcus and Elaina," Roland said, voice echoing across the plaza.
"You have grown well. You have protected your kin. You have proven courage and wit."
Lucian grinned cockily.
"Because I'm awesome."
The crowd laughed.
Old Man Roland smirked.
"Don't let that big head of yours pop before you even reach Solvia, brat."
Lucian gave a mock salute.
"No promises, old fart!"
Roland chuckled deeply, then grew serious.
He extended the staff toward Lucian.
"Take the Oath."
Lucian knelt, pressing one hand to his chest.
"I, Lucian Arkwright, swear to grow stronger, to protect my family, my village, and my world. I swear to carve my destiny with my own hands."
The staff glowed faintly, warmth flowing through him.
The crowd erupted into cheers.
Felix threw flowers.
Elaina wiped tears.
Marcus clapped hard enough to sting.
Even Grim howled, tail wagging.
Lucian stood tall, heart pounding.
It felt... real.
It felt huge.
---
Lucian's House — Night
They celebrated late into the evening.
There was dancing, singing, even a bonfire.
Felix sat on Lucian's shoulders, giggling uncontrollably as Lucian staggered around like a drunk horse.
Grim chased sticks and stole sausages off unattended plates.
Elaina kissed Lucian's forehead when she thought he wasn't paying attention.
Marcus gave him a rough, back-breaking hug.
Selene sat quietly, watching it all, smiling with something deeper — something ancient — in her eyes.
When the moon was high, and most villagers had gone to sleep, Lucian sat alone by the dying fire, Grim curled against his side.
Seventeen spoke quietly.
[System 17]:
"Master. Emotional bonding complete. Mission: Prepare for World Advancement — 1 day remaining."
Lucian swallowed hard.
"Tomorrow, huh?"
"Affirmative. Initiating teleportation sequence upon sunrise. Solvia Protocols enabled."
Lucian leaned back, staring at the stars.
His heart was a storm — excitement, fear, pride, and longing tangled together.
He reached out, touching Grim's soft fur.
"Whatever happens... we survive together. Deal?"
Grim woofed softly.
A tiny notification blinked in Lucian's mind.
[Bond Strengthened: Lucian <-> Grim]
[Passive Skill Unlocked: Beast Empathy I]
Lucian smiled.
He closed his eyes, letting the fire's warmth seep into him.
Tomorrow... everything would change.
Tomorrow... the real story would begin.
---