A fortress-city built entirely from layered black metal walls stood atop a jagged plateau. Massive cannons lined its perimeter, each powered by chained beasts bound to rotating engines.
On the highest tower, a silver-armored commander stared at the approaching translucent dome.
"…It's still expanding," he muttered.
An aide rushed forward. "Reports confirm. Three frontier outposts have already been swallowed by that domain. All communication lost."
Another officer clenched his jaw. "Is this some kind of territory-type ability?"
"No," the commander replied quietly. "This is… a system."
His wristband flickered as a recorded transmission from a swallowed outpost played.
[You are now part of the Game of Chaotic Ascension.]
The officers froze.
"…They're converting territory into a game?" one whispered.
The commander's expression hardened.
"Mobilize all units. Activate the perimeter formation. No one enters that domain."
"And if it keeps expanding?"
