The sanctuary rose amid shadows, a battered refuge whose fragile silence still trembled with echoes of combat. Purifying light towers spilled amber glow over muddy ground, the air thick with burnt wax and damp earth. Renn leaned on the central pillar, his tattered cloak brushing cold stone, crystallized sweat stinging his gray eyes. Lilith prowled beside him, humming a mischievous tune, her black wings whispering against the floor. Valka stood watch at the window, her white armor a beacon in the gloom, while Seraphina adjusted her weapon by the altar, the click-click of springs slicing the air like a nervous metronome.
A low roar rumbled in the sky, a sound that shook bones, and Renn's bracer buzzed with a blue flash, warming his wrist like a lit coal. A hologram unfolded, words floating like fireflies in the dimness:
"[System]: Do you wish to reveal your name as the Lord atop the World Ranking?"
Renn tapped his dagger against his thigh, his hoarse voice breaking the silence with a hint of mockery. "What do you think? Should I drop my name to those chat idiots or let them sweat wondering who kicked their asses?"
Lilith giggled softly, resting her chin on his shoulder with a warm brush, her breath smelling of incense and crushed berries. "My lord, stay in the shadows. A faceless king will have them spinning like headless chickens. Plus, I'd love to see them guess."
Valka turned from the window, her blue eyes gleaming like frozen rivers, her voice calm as a still lake. "My lord, water flows without boasting its name. Let them talk; their echoes don't stir the current."
Seraphina glanced up from her weapon, her golden eyes cold yet relieved. "My lord, anonymity is armor. Let them stew. We've had enough of those screaming hordes."
Renn grunted, a crooked smile creeping in. "Well, if you're all on board, let them keep scratching their heads. I'm not here for their whining or applause." With a flick of his finger, he chose anonymity, and the hologram flickered, expanding with a hum that filled the air like a distant swarm:
"[Global Announcement]: The World Ranking has updated! The lords of Endless World have forged their glory in the crucible of the hordes. The top Lord, for their feat against the Reliquary General and combined hordes, rises as the King of the Hordes. Rewards for Top 1: 'Summoning Sanctuary' building, Ascension Card, Ancestral Chest (contents TBD), Title 'King of the Hordes,' Hidden Mission Scroll. Their name remains shadowed, a faceless echo in the world."
The hologram faded with a spark, and Renn whistled low, twirling his dagger. "Hear that? 'Faceless echo.' Not bad. Let them chew their nails wondering who I am."
Lilith sidled closer, pressing her chest seductively against his arm with a slow shift, her tone soft and playful. "Oh, my lord, you're a delicious mystery. I can't wait to see those smug lords make dumb bets."
Seraphina snorted, holstering her weapon with a final snap. "Lilith, if you keep clinging like that, we'll need a shovel to pry him off. Control yourself—this isn't a cuddle fest."
Renn laughed, nudging Lilith lightly without pushing her away. "Easy, Seraphina, she's just glad we're alive. Though, Lilith, ease up or I'll nick myself with this dagger."
Lilith pouted playfully, her red eyes glinting with mischief. "My lord, I just want to be your comfort after all that fighting. Don't I deserve a reward for my devotion?"
Valka tilted her head slightly, her tone soft as a wave's murmur. "Succubus, water rewards stillness, not noise. Your loyalty is already your prize."
Lilith spun toward her, batting her lashes. "Quiet, Valka? That's like asking a bird not to fly. But I guess you're right—my lord knows my worth."
Renn shook his head, amused, as his bracer buzzed again, displaying the title details:
"[System]: Title 'King of the Hordes' activated. Benefits: +20% damage vs. corrupt hordes, +10% resistance for allied troops, intimidation aura reducing enemy morale by 15%."
"Look at this," Renn said, raising his wrist with a crooked grin. "Now I'm a headache for any horde. That aura… sounds like I could make them run without drawing my dagger."
Lilith leaned in, her wing brushing him gently. "My lord, it's perfect. Imagine them trembling when they feel you. Can I be up front to watch?"
Seraphina crossed her arms, dry. "My lord, if she's up front, the enemy will laugh before they run. Stay back, Lilith."
Renn barked a laugh, the sound bouncing off the battered walls. "Well, looks like we're alive and in good spirits. That's more than I expected after that mess. Now, what do we do with these rewards?"
The bracer buzzed again, a sharp sound tickling Renn's fingers. He swiped the hologram, and the System Shop unfolded like an ethereal market, its blue glow bathing the sanctuary in a cold, pulsing light. The air thickened with ozone and hot metal, a whisper of condensed magic:
"[Shop]: Welcome, Lord. Available options:
Resistance Potions: 400 Arcana Crystals. Boosts strength 5% for 1 hour.Low-Level Upgrade Scrolls: 1000 Arcana Crystals. Slightly boosts weapon or structure strength permanently (use limit).Low-Level Runic Armor: 5000 Arcana Crystals. Advanced protection with 30% magic resistance.Minor Ascension Scroll: 10,000 Arcana Crystals. Upgrades a common troop to uncommon (20% attribute boost).Advanced Summoning Crystal: 80,000 Arcana Crystals. Allows one extra legendary troop summon per day (permanent).Elite Runic Armor: 30,000 Arcana Crystals. Superior protection with 50% magic resistance and 10% physical damage boost.Corrupt Horde Essence: 8000 Arcana Crystals. Temporary (24-hour) aura of +30% damage vs. corrupt hordes for allied troops.Current Resources: 130,440 Sacred Energy Crystals (convertible to Arcana Crystals, 1:1)."Renn frowned at the hologram. "What's this? I didn't see Arcana Crystals in my resources…" He tapped the screen, and a golden display emerged with a low hum, the System's voice resonating with authority:
"[System]: Sacred Energy Crystals are the exclusive unit of the Lord of the sacred Order, granted by your dominion and victory over the Reliquary General. They convert to Arcana Crystals at equal value in the Shop."
Renn grunted, scratching his neck with a chuckle. "Huh, I've been tossing around these Sacred Energy Crystals like daily bread. Forgot the world runs on Arcana Crystals. This system keeps surprising me."
The World Chat flared to life, a flood of voices buzzing like angry wasps, mixing newbies and veterans:
[Lord_Kael]: "What's this 'King of the Hordes' madness? How does someone score that high? My dragon doesn't get me half that."
[Lady_Veyra]: "Must be a system glitch. No one climbs that fast."
[Lord_Zorak]: "No name, no credibility. Probably a bug. Who else saw it?"
[Lord_Novak]: "I barely kill goblins for scraps. What's a 'Reliquary General'?"
[Lady_Esmera]: "Novak, you're clueless. I've fought for years and never heard of it. But that score… either real or the system's broken."
[Lord_Tarik]: "Esmera, don't be dramatic. Probably killed a big horde and the system hyped it."
[Lord_Kael]: "Tarik, keep dreaming. No one pulls that off without cheating. I demand a review."
[Lord_Novak]: "Cheating? I just want over 200 Arcana Crystals without dying."
[Lady_Veyra]: "Novak, so naive. Keep killing bugs while this 'King' makes us look bad."
Renn closed the chat with a scoff, twirling his dagger until the handle squeaked. "Listen to these clowns. 'System glitch,' they say. They've got no clue what it took to face the General and his hordes."
Valka stepped closer, her armor crackling softly like shells rubbing together, the air carrying a scent of salt and fresh moss. "My lord, their voices are small waves against the storm we endured. They don't understand."
Lilith slid beside Renn, leaning on his arm with a smooth motion, her voice low and seductive yet playful. "My lord, those lords know nothing. While they babble, look at this," she pointed at the hologram, her red eyes gleaming. "The Advanced Summoning Crystal for 80,000 Arcana Crystals. Imagine one more legendary unit a day—a show worthy of you."
Renn glanced at her, smirking. "A show, huh? I like the sound of that, Lilith. 80,000's steep, but another strong troop… could be fun." He turned to Seraphina, who watched from the altar, weapon in hand. "What do you think, Seraphina? With 130,440 Sacred Energy Crystals, we've got more than those chat fools combined. Crystal or something else?"
Seraphina approached, her hood slipping slightly as she studied the shop with narrowed golden eyes. "My lord, those Sacred Energy Crystals are our prize from the General. The Crystal at 80,000 is a dream—a legendary unit daily puts us above all. But with what we have, I'd grab three Minor Ascension Scrolls at 10,000 each—30,000 total—and two Horde Essences at 8000—16,000 more. Leaves 84,440 for the crystal later."
Renn whistled, scratching his chin. "Always thinking ahead, huh? I like it. Scrolls sound useful, and essences could give us a quick boost. But that crystal… how wild would another troop like you be, Lilith?"
Lilith laughed softly, brushing his arm with a wing. "Oh, my lord, one like me would be divine chaos. But imagine it—more power to shield you and make those lords quake."
Seraphina grunted. "My lord, one like her would be a disaster. The crystal's raw power, but I'd save for it after scrolls and essences. With 84,440 left, you're close."
Valka tilted her head, her voice serene. "My lord, water flows with patience. Scrolls and essences are a firm foundation; the crystal can wait."
Renn drummed his fingers on the dagger, thoughtful. "Lilith, you tempt me with that crystal, but Seraphina and Valka are right. Step by step: three scrolls at 30,000 and two essences at 16,000—46,000 total, leaves 84,440. We save for the crystal and see what's next."
Lilith sighed dramatically but smiled. "If you insist, my lord. Though I still say I'd look good with a legendary troop beside me."
Renn winked at her. "We'll see, succubus. For now, Seraphina, lock that in. We'll strengthen what we've got and dream of the crystal."
The ground trembled faintly, a pulse echoing through Renn's boots, and a blue glow erupted from the sanctuary's center. The Summoning Sanctuary rose: a stark gray stone structure, its circular altar topped by a small crystal buzzing like an insect trapped in amber. It wasn't grand, but the air around it thrummed with latent potential, a scent of old incense and dry dust lingering, as if the place held its breath.
The bracer announced with a metallic echo:
"[System]: Summoning Sanctuary built. Cost: Ranking Reward. Function: Summon legendary troops via troop plane fusion."
Renn twirled his dagger, its edge catching the blue glow as he eyed the building. "Not much to look at, but it's got potential. Thoughts?"
Lilith approached, her wings fluttering with a silky whisper, a mischievous glint in her red eyes as she brushed Renn's arm. "My lord, it's a bit dull for someone like you, no? We could squeeze more juice out of it."
Valka tilted her head from the window, her voice a marine echo. "My lord, water senses a shift. This place holds more than it shows."
Seraphina looked up from her weapon, the click-click pausing as she spoke. "My lord, it's a start. But it must be worthy of you."
A private message cut in, its firm, authoritative tone ringing from the bracer:
"[System]: The Common Troop Plane is a shadow unworthy of the Lord of the sacred Order. Purify it. Fuse the Common Troop Plane (Random) with the Epic Troop Plane (sacred Order) in the Summoning Sanctuary to summon troops reflecting your glory. Reward: Ascension of this Sanctuary to the Cathedral of Ascension, a bastion of your will."
Renn raised an eyebrow, his dagger's edge stilling midair. "Hear that? The Order doesn't want me stuck with mediocrity. What do you say, we do it?"
Seraphina nodded, her tone sharp yet reverent. "My lord, the Order's right. We can't settle for less. Do it."
Valka crossed her arms, her blue eyes gleaming like icy rivers. "My lord, water whispers this place is meant for more. Follow the mandate."
Lilith leaned closer, her warm breath grazing Renn's ear with a hint of incense and berries, her voice soft and playful. "My lord, if the Order demands it, they know how great you are. A Cathedral of Ascension sounds as dazzling as me… and it'll make you look even more incredible. What are you waiting for?"
Renn grunted, a dry laugh escaping as he nudged her lightly. "Lilith, you've got a way of selling it. I'm not arguing with the Order or you." He activated the bracer, the crystal's hum swelling to a dull roar. Using 500 Sacred Energy Crystals and 200 Epic Materials—the hologram updated: 129,940 Sacred Energy Crystals, 700 Epic Materials left. The air crackled as the planes fused, the crystal flaring with blinding light. A golden card emerged from the altar, rough to the touch, etched with runes sparking like embers: Legendary Troop Card: 'Templars of the Eternal Order.'
Renn brought the golden card to the altar, its rough edge scraping his fingers. The crystal hummed, a murmur growing to a deafening roar, and a whirlwind of light erupted, blinding flashes bouncing off gray walls. The air snapped, thick with incense and molten steel. Three figures emerged from the glow: Templars of the Eternal Order, their silver armor gleaming like mirrors under an unseen sun, crimson capes flowing like living blood, spears etched with golden runes sparking with sacred energy. Their steps rang like hammers on anvils as they knelt, their voices cutting the echo in harmony: "We serve the Lord of the sacred Order, my lord."
Renn stepped back, twirling his dagger with a crooked smile. "Well, that's an entrance. What do you think of these new ones?"
Lilith squealed with delight, darting to the altar's edge. "My lord, they're gorgeous! Can I have one? I'd be the envy of any horde."
Seraphina crossed her arms, her tone dry. "They're troops, Lilith, not toys. My lord, they're impressive. I feel their strength already."
Valka watched from the window, her voice serene. "My lord, water knows them. They're daughters of the Order, forged for you."
Before Renn could reply, the ground roared, a tremor climbing his legs. The Sanctuary's gray walls rose, transmuting into polished white marble; gothic arches sprouted like petrified wings; multicolored stained glass burst into being, spilling divine light that painted the floor in blood and gold. A giant amber crystal formed in the tower, its sacred pulse thrumming in everyone's chest, incense now laced with celestial ozone.
The System announced in a deep tone:
"[System]: The fusion has purified the Summoning Sanctuary. By the sacred Order's mandate, this place ascends to the 'Cathedral of Ascension.' New abilities unlocked: Resonance with the Ascension Card to elevate units to Deity Hierarchy, transforming them into heroes with evolved racial essence and unique divine powers. All troops summoned here gain a 50% attribute boost."
Renn whistled, the sound nearly lost in the hum. "See that? From stones to this. What's this 'Deity Hierarchy'?"
The System replied, precise:
"[System]: The Cathedral of Ascension, exclusive to the Lord of the sacred Order, resonates with the Ascension Card to elevate a unit to Deity Hierarchy. It transforms their racial essence and grants unique divine powers. Troops summoned here gain 50% more strength, endurance, and speed, reflecting your will."
Lilith clapped, bouncing with gleaming eyes, her wing brushing Renn. "My lord, this is divine! Make me a goddess already? Imagine what I could do with a bit more celestial power…"
Valka smiled faintly, her voice deep. "My lord, the Cathedral is a gift of fate. Your troops will be unstoppable."
Seraphina gazed at him solemnly, her hood catching amber light. "My lord, the Order has raised you. This place is sacred now."
Renn twirled his dagger, grinning with curiosity. "This is more than a building—it's a weapon. These Templars already look ready to crack skulls, don't they?"
The lead Templar raised her head, her spear sparking. "My lord, the Cathedral's power courses through us. We're faster, stronger. Command us, and we'll prove it."
Lilith sidled up to a Templar, leaning in with curiosity. "Hey, how do those spears feel? Can I try one? My lord, I'd look good with one, right?"
Renn laughed, pulling her back. "Not a chance, succubus. They're for fighting, not dress-up."
Seraphina grunted. "My lord, if you give her one, she'll kill us all by accident. Keep them still."
The sanctuary was chaos: cracked towers, the altar dust-coated, craters scarring the floor like fresh wounds. Renn checked his resources—129,940 Sacred Energy Crystals, 700 Epic Materials—and growled. "This won't stay like this. Time to set things right with the Cathedral."
He activated the bracer:
"[System]: Repair of 4 Purifying Light Towers completed. Cost: 400 Sacred Energy Crystals, 100 Epic Materials. Resources left: 129,540 Sacred Energy Crystals, 600 Epic Materials." The towers hummed to life, their amber crystals shining like renewed beacons.
"[System]: Construction of 3 Stone Houses completed. Cost: 90 Sacred Energy Crystals. Resources left: 129,450 Sacred Energy Crystals." Stone groaned and rose, forming three smooth-walled houses reflecting divine light.
Lilith whistled, leaning on Renn with a wink. "My lord, this is starting to look like a decent home. When do I get a little palace? Something nice for your devoted succubus…"
Renn nudged her, laughing. "Keep dreaming, Lilith. For now, these houses are for the Templars. Rest up, girls, I'll need you soon."
The lead Templar bowed, her crimson cape fluttering. "Thank you, my lord. We're ready to serve when you call."
Valka approached, her armor crackling. "My lord, these repairs are a solid foundation. Water approves the calm before the storm."
Lilith spun toward the houses, flapping her wings. "How about some color? A bit of red to match me, my lord."
Seraphina snorted. "Lilith, they're for the Templars, not your ego. My lord, with this, the sanctuary breathes again."
Renn nodded, twirling his dagger. "It has to. I'm not letting this place crumble while we plan what's next."
Renn pulled the Ascension Card from the chest, a golden scroll pulsing with warmth, resonating with the Cathedral's amber crystal like a shared heartbeat. Rune light danced on his fingers as he turned it. "So, if I use this in the Cathedral, someone becomes a Deity. Who do I pick?"
Lilith laughed, draping herself on his arm with a seductive brush. "Me, my lord, obviously! Imagine a succubus goddess—I'd shake the world and look divine doing it."
Valka shook her head, serene. "My lord, water suggests patience. This power is a river that must flow at the right time."
Seraphina spoke low, her golden eyes avoiding his. "My lord, I'm not worthy of it. Choose wisely, not on a whim."
Renn spun the card between his fingers, frowning. "Lilith, you'd be a divine mess, and you know it. Valka, when's the 'right time' for you?"
Valka smiled faintly. "My lord, you'll know when water speaks clear. For now, hold it."
Lilith leaned closer, whispering in his ear. "What if you use it on me and we see what happens? Could be fun, my lord."
Seraphina grunted. "Fun for you, a headache for us. My lord, this isn't a game."
Renn tucked the card away, his dagger still in hand. "We'll see. It's too big to decide now, but… I can't stop thinking about what it could do." His words hung, his mind spinning as the Cathedral's amber light licked the shadows.
The day faded slowly, amber glow giving way to a twilight that tinged the sanctuary in cool hues. Renn lingered at the altar, twirling his dagger, letting the Cathedral's hum fill the silence. Lilith, Valka, and Seraphina's voices had quieted, each retreating to their thoughts after the day's whirlwind. He rubbed his neck, feeling exhaustion settle into his shoulders. "A breather wouldn't hurt," he muttered, standing with a creak of boots. As he walked to his room, night had fallen like a heavy cloak, wrapping the sanctuary in silence broken only by candle crackles and the Cathedral's deep pulse.
Renn moved down the hall, boots crunching, but paused seeing Seraphina kneeling at the altar. Her torn habit hung from her shoulders, amber light painting her pale face in gold and shadow. Her hands shook as she whispered, "Domine, mea culpa…"
"Up late again, Seraphina?" His voice was soft but firm, an anchor in the stillness.
She looked up, her golden eyes clouded with sorrow. "My lord, I can't sleep. I saw that General's hand nearly crush you, and my light… failed. If not for you…"
Renn stepped closer, resting a hand on her shoulder, his palm's warmth clashing with her armor's chill. "Stop, Seraphina. I'm here because of you. Don't punish yourself for what happened."
She met his gaze, a flicker of longing crossing her face. "My lord, you don't understand…" But she stopped, her eyes dropping back to prayer.
Renn frowned, his voice lowering. "What don't I understand? Speak plain, Seraphina."
She pressed her lips tight, trembling. "I can't… Not yet, my lord. Just… let me pray."
Renn sighed, squeezing her shoulder before stepping back. "Rest when you can. I need you whole." His words' echo lingered, a weight trailing him.
Renn entered his room, a stark space of worn wood, wind whistling through the window like a distant wail. Lilith followed, hopping onto the bed with a playful bounce. "A house for me, my lord?"
"No, no, no," she laughed, winking. "I'm your personal pillow, much better."
Renn flopped beside her, burying his face in her chest with an exhausted sigh. Her warmth enveloped him, a balm against the stone's cold, mixed with the sweet scent of crushed berries. Lilith shifted her legs with a teasing brush, biting her lip, her wings draping him like silky sheets. "My lord," she whispered, grazing his face gently, "I await the day you truly claim me. It'd be a spectacle, don't you think?"
Renn laughed, muffled. "You're too comfortable, Lilith. How do you do it after all this?"
"With you, my lord," she murmured, her warm breath against his hair. "Don't you like having me like this?"
Renn grunted, amused. "It's a risk I take. But don't push it, succubus, or I won't sleep."
Lilith giggled softly, nestling closer. "I just want to serve you, my lord. In all you need."
He nudged her lightly, voice low. "Rest, Lilith. You've done enough today."
She smiled, resting her head on his shoulder. But as her warmth wrapped him, Seraphina's golden eyes slipped into his mind, heavy with guilt and something more—a weight Lilith's wings couldn't chase away.
The sanctuary rested in fragile peace, candles flickering with a soft echo against the Cathedral of Ascension's steady hum, a beacon of power cutting through the night. Its amber light seeped through stained glass, bathing the altar where Seraphina prayed silently, her form still as a broken statue. The Hidden Mission Scroll waited in the chest, its faint glow whispering promises and threats. Renn drifted off between Lilith's wings, her warmth a shield, but Seraphina's melancholy haunted him, a loose thread in the calm awaiting his waking.