Void Lords, transcendent beings who can traverse the void in their true forms.
The onslaught of endless energy and information cannot shake their essence.
Within the void where myriad worlds converge, they are the undisputed apex predators.
As an Umbral Lord, the demon known as Dark Demon gazed at the rapidly shifting colors before it. Within this kaleidoscope, a world was subtly emerging.
Initially assigned to World Number Ten, Dark Demon felt a twinge of regret.
However, the potential surprise that world ascension might bring now filled it with anticipation for this world, which was about to begin after one hundred and sixty-five turns of contemplation.
"The professions in this game system are quite interesting, but whether ordinary or rare, they are merely a common occurrence among the countless grains of sand in the void."
"I recall that human was a mage who wielded elemental power, possessing a faint resonance with the origin of fire."
"I wonder how far he has progressed after elevating the world?"
As if recalling something amusing, the Void Lord Dark Demon couldn't help but let out a chuckle.
Within the magnificent shadow constructed from darkness and crimson, imperceptible malice began to surface.
The manipulation of elemental forces is the most common form of extraordinary power across the myriad worlds.
This power yields rapid results in the early stages, but its limitations become increasingly apparent at higher levels.
Except for creatures from worlds of elemental origin, the elemental forces displayed by other worlds are unlikely to harm a Lord capable of traversing the void.
Therefore, in Dark Demon's eyes, Chen Luo was already a mere appetizer.
"It's a shame that once the game begins, the system does not allow us Lords to interfere arbitrarily."
"That human managed to drive the world's ascension; he must have slain quite a few monsters."
"The trace of consciousness I had previously hidden was exposed after resurrecting the vengeful wolf, otherwise, I would know which monsters were deployed in that world."
"However, since it's designated as World Number Ten by the game, it's likely that a few Tier One Abyssals would be its limit."
"Nuclear weapons from low-tech worlds could theoretically still damage a Tier One Abyssal, which aligns with the game's rule of providing a way to survive."
The thought brought an increasing sense of delight to Dark Demon:
"An elemental caster, likely by pooling the entire world's might, struggled to defeat those inferior Abyssals."
"Perhaps that human has already been hailed as a savior?"
"I wonder what despair this human will exhibit when the restrictions are lifted and I can send my avatars down!"
Dark Demon's shadow-like body, composed of blood and darkness, began to tremble violently. It was eager to savor these souls filled with despair.
Suddenly,
A tiny speck of crimson flashed for an instant outside the swirling colors before Dark Demon's eyes.
Dark Demon's expression changed, but it was too late to intervene.
That was the brilliance of successfully inscribing the void, a moment when an Abyssal stepping into the void would completely transcend the mortal realm.
Though minuscule, this radiance, signifying the breakthrough to transcendence, could still pierce the deepest layers of the void.
But Dark Demon did not want other Lords to discover this brilliance!
However, it was already too late!
Void Lords are all apex predators.
Amidst the birth and death of countless worlds around these figures, although an endless stream of information constantly washed over them,
Their exceptionally high status allowed them to discern even the slightest change.
And at this moment, this brilliance inscribing the void, though it flickered for only an instant in the deep void, was enough for all Lords to perceive.
Silently,
Several colossal shadows materialized behind Dark Demon.
"World Number Ten has actually produced a transcended domain wielder?"
"Dark Demon, move aside! This world is definitely problematic!"
The other Lords were not fools. The initial world ascension, having encountered it in numerous games before, had not concerned them.
But for a recently ascended intermediate world to produce a domain wielder who inscribed the void?
Such an event could not be ignored.
After all, even in high-tier worlds, domain wielders were at the top of the food chain.
This scene, though minuscule, informed all the Lords that,
Within this world before them, there was likely a surprise worth their attention.
"ROAR!!!"
An enraged roar erupted from the dark crimson light.
Accompanied by materialized sound waves, the surrounding flowing colors suddenly dimmed.
A sense of oppressive unease slowly emerged from the void.
The Lords who had been surging forward abruptly halted, their thoughts rapidly transmitting:
"Are you insane?! To speak out here?!"
"Don't get agitated! Dark Demon! We will honor the contract!"
"Dark Demon! Calm down! We merely wish to investigate!"
The Lords, with wary expressions, gazed at the void whose colors had suddenly darkened.
After a moment, seeing the void return to its flowing colors, the Lords lowered their guard.
Observing these hesitant Lords, Dark Demon let out a sneer and then lunged towards the swirling brilliance behind it:
"This world! I shall distribute its spoils!"
"According to the contract, the first exploration is mine!"
The Lords, with grim expressions, watched Dark Demon attempt to hoard everything. This anomaly that had suddenly advanced to the domain stage represented an opportunity.
If Dark Demon were to distribute the spoils, none of them would get anything!
Seemingly mindful of the other Lords' apprehension, Dark Demon transmitted its thoughts:
"As a gesture of goodwill! I will tear open the blockade of this world! I will bear the subsequent costs!"
Upon hearing this, the few Lords who had been stirring quietlyed down.
Abnormal growth required time. Dark Demon forcibly tearing open the world's blockade would directly interrupt the anomaly's growth, thus its gains might not be as envy-inducing.
Furthermore, the Lords, gazing at the void colors that were still slightly dimmed around them, felt a sense of dread that made them agree.
"This lunatic... daring to speak out at this depth..."
...
Time returned to the present.
Above the firmament, a terrifying, sky-tearing rift suddenly opened.
Colors, as if tangible, slowly flowed from behind the rift, even attempting to pour into this world.
But as a colossal eye appeared, the influx of colors was completely halted.
The eye's pupil was crimson, flickering with immeasurable malice and madness.
"I... see... you..."
A voice filled with malice echoed in Chen Luo's ears. A waterfall of pitch-blackness surged wildly into this world from the rift.
Wherever the pitch-black liquid flowed, scarlet eyeballs abruptly sprouted within space.
These eyes leered at the world before them, their gazes instilling primal fear in all who looked upon them.
The world faintly emitted a mournful cry; these were monsters that even the world could not resist.
Chen Luo abruptly lowered his head, no longer looking at the giant eye in the sky.
Long Niang's anxious voice reached his ears:
"Master!! This power!! It's likely Tier Three!! We must escape!!"
"If we can escape into the void, using the residual shockwaves from this world's destruction, we might be able to get away!!"
Chen Luo remained silent, his lowered head trembling slowly.
Just as Long Niang thought Chen Luo was paralyzed by fear and prepared to drag him away,
A voice suppressed to the extreme reached Long Niang's ears:
"Why...."
Chen Luo's head slowly lifted, and he once again met the gaze of the blood-red eyes that filled the sky.
A pair of dark pupils quietly turned crimson.
The power of qi and blood surged within his body,
An uncontainable rage welled up from his heart.
In Long Niang's astonished gaze, Chen Luo, driven to the peak of his anger, gritted his teeth and said:
"Why... run?!"
"This is my home!"
"The enemy comes!"
"I shall strike!"
"Only battle!!"