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Chapter 3: The Age of Ascension
The world, once familiar, had shattered the moment the Great Collapse occurred. In an instant, the boundaries of reality twisted, and chaos poured into the land. Dungeons appeared across the globe, strange and terrifying realms filled with monsters and mysteries. The sky darkened, and mana—an invisible yet omnipotent force—began to leak from these dungeons, awakening abilities in those sensitive enough to feel it. The weak crumbled, the strong thrived, and society fell apart in a matter of days.
In the wake of the collapse, the Hell Sphere emerged. A cursed domain, shifting between dimensions, it's said to be a place of pure destruction and chaos. Whispers circulated that it was created by forces older than time, a battleground for gods or a prison for entities beyond comprehension. Many believed it was a threat that could wipe out all life, while others believed it to be a key to unimaginable power.
As the world plunged into uncertainty, the Awakened began to rise—individuals who had gained abilities through the surge of mana. They were no longer just ordinary humans; they were something more, each with powers tied to the dungeons or the strange cosmic forces that had begun to bleed into the world. These individuals formed guilds, each with their own ambitions, methods, and desires.
The Guilds of the Awakened
The most powerful among them were the Sovereign Guilds—organizations led by those who had transcended ordinary human limits. They controlled vast swathes of land, fought battles to expand their influence, and gained control over the world's resources. Guilds like The Eclipse Guild, The Argent Order, and The Infernal Vanguard held power, and their leaders—known as Ascendants—were regarded as legends.
But not all guilds were made for conquest. Smaller factions, known as Minor Guilds, served more specialized purposes. Some were healers, others focused on crafting, and a few dedicated themselves to studying the secrets of the dungeons and the Hell Sphere.
The Awakening System
To be Awakened was both a blessing and a curse. The weaker among the Awakened were ranked Tier 1 to 3, often unable to control their powers fully, making them prey to the dangers of the world. Tier 4 to 6 marked individuals who had mastered their abilities to a degree, becoming regional powers. Tier 7 to 10 were those legends who could reshape the world around them—rulers, conquerors, and nearly god-like figures.
But Lucian, an anomaly, had yet to discover what rank he would fall under. His powers remained dormant, sealed by an unseen force. No one knew what lay beneath the surface of his ordinary life, but the whispers of his existence began to stir among those who were paying attention.
The Awakened Control Organization (ACO)
Amid the growing unrest, the Awakened Control Organization (ACO) was formed. Ostensibly a governing body to regulate the powers of the Awakened, it was a shadowy organization with its own motives. While they publicly enforced the balance of power, rumors swirled that they were more interested in keeping the dangers of the Hell Sphere at bay. The true purpose of the ACO was hidden in layers of secrecy.
The Fate of the World
As time passed, the world began to adapt to the chaos. Governments crumbled, and the people turned to the guilds for safety, power, and protection. But the dungeons, the Hell Sphere, and the rise of the Awakened were just the beginning. The Prison Realms, otherworldly domains where monsters gained god-like powers, began to open. These beings, known as the Monster People, sought to reclaim their place in a world now dominated by the Awakened.
In this new age, only the strongest would survive. But even they were not prepared for what lay beyond the dungeons, the Hell Sphere, and the secrets of the cosmos that were beginning to unravel.
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