> "What is written in the Codex is not law... it's prophecy in chains." —High Arcanist Vehlor, Last Keeper of the Rescript
---
[Location: Windlight Citadel – Depths, Artifact Chamber]
The glow of the Windlight Core cast flickering runes across Aric's face. The system interface hovered beside him:
> "Sacrifice confirmation pending. Loyalty grade: S-tier. Subject: Kaelis."
Kaelis knelt calmly, sword resting across his knees.
> "If my death furthers your ascension, I accept."
Aric frowned. "No. Not yet."
He turned away, accessing the Territory Codex Interface, pulling up ancient system records bound to the Citadel.
> Codex Fragment Identified: "Rescript Shard I" Effect: Reveals part of the forgotten history of the Multiversal Merge.
---
[Codex Fragment I – The Merge Truth]
> "Eras ago, Earth and billions of other seeded worlds were not separate. They were splinters of a shattered divine realm—Elysium Prime. The gods fractured the realm to bind their creations with limitation and force evolution through trials. But one world rebelled… and was erased from memory. The Rescript Codex holds the commands that can undo the gods' edits."
> Warning: Containment Protocol Breach at 3 more citadels. Resonance sync with this Codex has begun.
Eira muttered, "If we collect the full Codex... we can rewrite system rules?"
Aric smiled. "Or burn the whole game board."
---
[Across the Continent – The Whisper Chain Activates]
Mysterious voices echoed in hidden rooms, projection halls, and forgotten dungeons. Members of secret factions received encrypted messages:
> "The Rescript Fragments are awakening." "Phase Two of the Convergence War has begun." "Kill or recruit the Infinite One."
The shadows stirred. An ancient organization moved.
> Faction Revealed: The Chrono Exiles
Goal: Seize all Codex Fragments before any single realm-builder can monopolize them.
Known Agents: ???
Threat Level: Classified – Potential EX+"
---
[System Update – Convergence War Phase Two]
> New Global Condition Unlocked:
Artifact Containment Events
Codex War Mini-Campaigns
Loyalty Pressure Mechanics
> Summon Morale and Loyalty Factors will now visibly influence territory effectiveness and war outcomes.
Units may disobey if Loyalty < B-
Betrayal Events now possible under Codex Exposure effects
> Global Trade Lobby Expanded
Codex Rumors Section added
Black Market Fragments Auction (Hidden Timer Active)
Aric opened the Codex Rumor tab:
> "Fragment II – said to be buried beneath the Crimson Library of the Sable Scholars, guarded by a former World Ruler now gone mad."
---
[Meanwhile – Black Veil Syndicate's Inner Circle]
A crimson-eyed woman in obsidian armor stared at the illusion of Aric and his clone forces.
> "He's making moves faster than the scripts predicted."
A beast-skinned man beside her growled. "Should we intervene?"
She smiled. "No. Let him find the Fragments… then we take them. All of them."
Their table bore seven sockets, five of which already glowed faintly. Each contained a Codex Fragment.
> Codex Control: Black Veil Syndicate – 5/20 Fragments
---
[Back at Windlight – Forge Construction Begins]
Aric authorized the build of the Dimensional Forge, unlocking a new UI window:
> Forge Tier: 1 Current Resources: Voidsteel (x18), Soul Glass (x3), Echo Crystals (x27) Blueprint Unlocked: Proto-Relic Blade – "Mirror Fang"
Kaelis approached him. "Why did you spare me?"
Aric replied without turning. "Because you're worth more alive. I don't sacrifice pawns—I promote kings."
Kaelis bowed deeply, his loyalty now upgraded to SS-tier.
> Special Trait Gained: Faithbound Servant – Cannot be turned, even under Codex Influence.
Aric clenched his fist. The war had escalated. And now he had something the others didn't:
> A Codex Fragment, an unshakable Champion, and the will to rewrite fate.
---
End of Chapter 17