Chapter 1

Flames swept across Monster Lord Cangu’s settlement as the Innate Nation’s elite hundred thousand strong army marched forward. An impenetrable wall of shields and barriers protected the soldiers in the back from harm, allowing them to launch attacks that tore apart Cangu’s minions. Against the Innate Nation’s disciplined army, Cangu’s underlings found themselves hopelessly outmatched.

Up above, Markus hovered in the sky and observed the burning city in the distance, his complexion sunken. The fact that monsters had created a primitive society challenged his worldview.

Even now, Markus couldn’t find a justification for the massacre happening below him. If monsters could form a civilization, what made them so different from him? What right did he have to kill them? Depressingly, the reservations Markus held were his alone. Whether it be his peers or subordinates, none found any empathy with monsters. Instead, they took delight in the benefits they gained from killing them.

Troubled by his thoughts, Markus only noticed Ska’dur’s presence when the man arrived at his side. Looking over, Markus saw Ska’dur’s torso and right arm mangled beyond recognition, revealing that his fight against Monster Lord Cangu was anything but easy.

“He’s dead,” Ska’dur grunted as he applied medicinal lotion to his wounds.

Markus nodded, “Good work.”

“Title isn’t bad,” Ska’dur winced from the pain. “Gives 15% effectiveness to primary stats.”

Solo killing Cangu earned Ska’dur the divine grade adventurer title. As there weren’t many monsters at that grade, Ska’dur wanted to fight him alone. Although risky, his gamble paid off, netting him a hard-to-earn title.

After applying the medicine, Ska’dur clenched his left hand with a wild grin. The noticeable increase in power from the title left him delighted. Unfortunately, the dour vibe coming from Markus ruined the mood. Ska’dur glanced over. “Still haven’t let go of those whimsical thoughts?”

“Am I a fool?” Markus sighed wearily.

Ska’dur smacked his lips and observed the battle occurring below. “Brother, for someone who thinks so much, why haven’t you realized the difference between you and everyone else yet?”

Markus looked at Ska’dur in confusion. “What difference?”

“Heh,” Ska’dur gestured to the world before them. “Killing for loot and experience, conflict and war, it’s all a part of the paradigm set up by the System. Your family, friends, subordinates, and everyone else has embraced this truth openly.”

Ska’dur turned and pointed at Markus’ chest. “Only you alone resist.”

Seeing Markus fall silent, Ska’dur continued, “Just look down there. Look at the revelry they have upon slaying monsters. To them, it isn’t sentient life they see – it’s experience and items.”

Markus observed the battle below and contemplated Ska’dur’s words, struggling to accept the truth. A moment later, a sharp gleam flashed across Markus’ eyes as he said, “So it all comes down to the System. Its rules have nurtured a mentality that rewards plundering and killing.”

Markus paused and recalled crafting skills. They leveled from knowledge, not conflict. Since both routes to growth worked successfully, Markus realized that a person’s environment shaped them more than he thought.

Startled by this conclusion, Markus looked at the sky and grew determined. “I understand now. My biggest obstacle is the System itself.”

Ska’dur smiled widely when the aura around Markus transformed into one of resolve. Taking a deep breath, Markus continued, “If that’s the case, then I need to become a deterrent equal to the System.”

“Hah!” Ska’dur burst into laughter when he heard Markus’ insane declaration. “Brother, I knew you’d say that.”

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

Markus chuckled. “Are we crazy?”

Ska’dur slapped Markus’ shoulder. “I want to reach the peak, and you want to subvert the System’s rules. If we aren’t crazy, what are we?”

As Markus and Ska’dur chatted, the last of Cangu’s minions died an hour later. A hundred thousand had faced off against a horde of three hundred thousand monsters and emerged victorious. Compared to the complete wipeout of monsters, only a handful on the Innate Nation’s side had fallen.

Markus watched as his army scoured the battlefield for loot and noted the reasons for the overwhelming victory: equipment and the diversity of innate gifts. As a result of the Innate Nation’s developed crafting industry, they could supply each soldier with a complete set of ancient grade armor, weapons, and potions to handle different situations. Additionally, the intelligence department spent months relocating squads to get the greatest synergy between each squad member’s innate gift.

Observing the soldiers below, Ska’dur furrowed his brows. “I underestimated this Highdawn army of yours. In the face of their might, I can only flee.”

Recently, Ska’dur had grown so much over the past six months that he felt nothing could stop him. However, seeing the Highdawn troops in live combat made him realize how naïve he was. No matter how strong, an individual could never match a disciplined army.

Sensing Ska’dur’s dissatisfaction, Markus explained, “Each member of the Highdawn army is the best the Innate Dimension has to offer. All of them are mythic grade adventurers and have undergone strict training. Including the artisans supporting them from the back, it stands to reason you have no chance. This is the power of civilization, brother.”

Ska’dur snorted. “You just can’t help yourself from mentioning civilization, can you?”

“I really can’t,” Markus shrugged with a sheepish smile.

“I just thought of something,” Ska’dur frowned. “If our Highdawn army is this strong, how strong are the armies of the Elemental and Sin dimensions?”

Markus grew solemn. “By working with Radiant Glory, we’ll find out soon.”

“Oh? Rayel accepted our proposal?” Ska’dur raised an eyebrow.

Markus nodded. “Speaking of which, you’re among the few selected to head to the central zones. There’ll be a meeting about it later.”

“Great!” Ska’dur cracked his knuckles. “I can’t wait to see what we’re up against.”

Markus shook his head at Ska’dur’s enthusiasm. Wanting to talk about something lighter, he asked, “How’s Rhea been?”

Ska’dur sported a grin. “Much better. She’s finally started talking to me again. Still a bit of a lone wolf, though. The only company she has is her monster pets. What about yours?”

“I couldn’t be happier. Keith’s taking some initiative and pursuing his own interests. Even has a lady friend,” Markus said proudly.

Ska’dur whistled. “I heard he and Frisk developed the Mana Body together. What’s with that?”

“A series of coincidences,” Markus replied with a shrug.

Ska’dur hummed. “I’ve been trying to sense mana for a few days now. Even with Frisk’s Tranquility Array, progress is slow. Can I…. Ah, forget it.”

“What? Too proud to ask a youngin for advice?” Markus found Ska’dur’s expression hilarious.

Ska’dur rubbed his beard to hide his embarrassment. Laughing, Markus explained, “The method Keith used was to overload his body with mana to heighten his sense of it. I think he said he consumed almost twenty million points in less than a minute. The process almost killed him, so I wouldn’t recommend copying him.”

Ska’dur’s eyes popped open in shock. “What the slimeball?! How’d he manage that?”

“A sub-ability of his innate gift acts as a mana bank of sorts,” Markus answered, equally bewildered by Keith’s feat.

Processing the information, Ska’dur quickly readjusted his expectations. “With my knowledge of arrays, I thought it’d be enough to get a Mana Body of my own. I should’ve guessed something so powerful wouldn’t come so easily. Looks like I can only take it slow and steady.”

“It’s a matter of talent,” Markus said with some bitterness. “This is classified, but someone unlocked Mana Manipulation on their first attempt, while a handful of others only needed a day. They’re studying arrays now.”

“Talent, huh?” Ska’dur felt slightly deflated after hearing that, though he laughed a moment later. “Whatever. I’m already so talented. It’d be too easy if I were perfect.”

“As always, your ‘confidence’ is admirable,” Markus remarked, having gotten used to Ska’dur’s personality long ago.

Caressed by the wind, the two fell into a momentary silence before Markus said, “The operation to expand the magic network into the surrounding zones starts tomorrow. I’m going to have Keith join one of the squads to get some practical military experience. If you want, I can include Rhea too.”

Ska’dur quickly voiced his concern. “What’s the expected danger level?”

“Low,” Markus paused. “However, anything’s possible. I can only guarantee one of my trusted aides will secretly watch over them.”

Ska’dur thought about it long and hard before he eventually agreed. “Okay, I’ll let you handle it.”

“Thanks,” Markus smiled, feeling grateful that Ska’dur was entrusting his daughter to him.

At that moment, an officer riding a griffin flew up from below. Hovering before Markus, they reported, “Sir, everything’s finished. Your orders?”

“Well done,” Markus waved his hand. “Return to New Hope.”

The officer saluted, their eyes filled with respect. Shortly after, the army organized itself before heading northeast. On the way back, Markus browsed the System’s report regarding the battle, noting everyone’s performance. At the same time, he thought about the major operation beginning tomorrow, hoping that everything went as planned.