This is the first in a series of gripping stories set within the expansive domain known as The Cosmore. Kyle and his three friends find themselves abruptly transported to the perilous frontier of a vast cosmic entity called the Cosmore. The harshness of this new reality hits them instantly, claiming the life of one friend and underscoring the ruthless dangers of their surroundings. Quickly adapting, Kyle and his surviving companions uncover that they each harbor rare and potent cores, granting them unique affinities and extraordinary abilities. Their journey begins amidst an unforgiving jungle, where survival demands swift growth in both personal power and influence. To thrive, they must gather a community of at least a thousand inhabitants to activate a celestial stone—a mystical artifact crucial for initiating trade with the Cosmore and connecting with other burgeoning settlements. Yet their rapid rise draws unwanted attention, as an emissary from a formidable Empire emerges through a portal, extending an ominous offer of "protection." The world operates on meticulously interwoven systems of power: beads function simultaneously as currency and as conduits for specific affinity-based enhancements; cores determine personal affinities and skill sets; and everything from combat proficiency to item crafting adheres to stringent tier-based progressions. Leadership itself is incentivized by a system wherein leaders passively gain a fraction of their followers' experience, naturally shaping complex societal hierarchies. Dungeons scattered across the Cosmore host creatures native to deeper, more advanced realms, offering significant opportunities for growth while acting as gateways to higher-tier worlds. Navigating this intricate balance of power demands constant vigilance, as prematurely displaying extraordinary potential can swiftly attract deadly threats. As Kyle and his friends steadily ascend, their understanding expands, revealing unsettling truths about the Cosmore's true intentions and their own pivotal roles within this intricate cosmic tapestry. What to Expect: 1. Morally ambiguous characters facing challenging ethical dilemmas. 2. A rigorously structured hard-magic system featuring cores, affinities, racial upgrades, classes, skills, attributes, abilities, and unique items. 3. Comprehensive growth arcs spanning personal power, attire, equipment, infrastructure, attitudes, language, and evolving moral compasses. 4. Non-stop action and intensity, leaving little room for rest or respite.