A blinding flash of light engulfed the candidates as they stepped through the dimensional gate. When their vision cleared, they found themselves standing within a vast and untamed wilderness.
The air shimmered with ancient mana.
Towering mountains pierced the heavens, colossal trees stretched toward the sky, and rivers of glowing energy flowed across the land. Strange creatures roamed the terrain, their roars echoing through the primordial expanse.
This was the Primordial Realm—a world forged for testing legends.
A thunderous voice resonated across the sky.
"Welcome to the Primordial Survival Examination."
A projection of Arcanis Vale appeared above them.
"You have seven days to survive in this realm. To pass, you must obtain a Primordial Sigil from the ruins scattered across this land. You may cooperate—or compete. But remember…"
His voice turned solemn.
"Only the worthy shall succeed."
The projection vanished.
And the examination began.
A Realm of Peril
The moment Arcanis's voice faded, the ground trembled.
A colossal beast emerged from the forest—a Crimson-Tusked Titan Boar. Its scarlet eyes glowed with fury, and its footsteps shook the earth.
"ROOOAARRR!"
Panic erupted among the candidates.
"Run!" someone shouted.
Lightning flashed as Ragnar Stormclaw transformed, his body crackling with thunder.
"I'll hold it back!" he roared.
Ignisara Flameheart smirked, flames dancing across her fingertips. "You're not stealing all the glory, beastkin!"
She unleashed a torrent of dragonfire.
BOOOOM!
The combined assault forced the monster back, showcasing the terrifying talents of the academy's finest applicants.
From a distance, Astra observed silently.
"So this is the level of my peers," she murmured.
Her golden and crimson eyes shimmered with curiosity.
A Hidden Power Awakens
Venturing deeper into the forest, Astra arrived at a tranquil clearing. The air here pulsed with a strange resonance, as though the realm itself recognized her presence.
Suddenly—
DING!
A luminous interface appeared before her.
[Eternal Sovereign System – Heir Subsystem]
Mission Assigned: First Step of the Heir
Objective: Acquire a Primordial Sigil
Reward: Unlock First Clone
Bonus Reward: Hidden Talent Awakening
Penalty for Failure: None
Astra's lips curved into a playful smile.
"Let's begin."
She raised her hand, channeling the power within her soul.
"Activate… Celestial Clone Genesis."
Golden light spiraled around her as energy condensed into a humanoid figure. When the radiance faded, a girl identical to Astra stood before her, radiating ethereal brilliance.
[Clone Created Successfully]
Clone Name: Seraphine
Talent: SS-Rank – Celestial Radiance
Astra's eyes sparkled with delight.
"A perfect companion."
Seraphine bowed gracefully. "I exist to assist you, my creator."
The Ruins of the Primordial Sigil
Together, they ventured toward an ancient structure hidden deep within the forest—a crumbling temple engraved with runes older than time itself.
As they entered, a chilling roar echoed through the chamber.
A massive guardian emerged from the shadows.
It was a Primordial Stone Golem, its body carved from enchanted granite, its eyes blazing with azure fire.
INTRUDERS DETECTED.
Seraphine stepped forward, her aura shining like a miniature sun.
"I shall handle this."
She raised her hand.
"Celestial Spear!"
A lance of radiant energy pierced the golem's chest, but the creature retaliated with a thunderous strike.
The temple trembled.
Astra smirked. "Let's finish this together."
She channeled her mana.
"Mana Burst!"
Though her registered talent was only F-Rank, the purity of her power amplified the attack beyond expectation. With Seraphine's assistance, the golem shattered into fragments of glowing stone.
At its core hovered a radiant emblem.
The Primordial Sigil.
A Heir's Triumph
As Astra grasped the sigil, the chamber filled with golden light.
DING!
[Mission Completed]
Primordial Sigil Acquired
Rewards:
First Trial Cleared
Clone Synchronization Increased
Hidden Talent Progress Unlocked: 5%
Energy Points Gained: +500
Seraphine smiled gently. "Congratulations, Astra."
Astra laughed softly. "This is just the beginning."
A Gathering Storm
Elsewhere in the realm, Nymera Chronis gazed into the sky, her silver eyes glowing faintly.
"The threads of time are shifting," she whispered.
Meanwhile, from a hidden cliff, a hooded figure observed Astra with keen interest.
"So… the heir has awakened."
A sinister aura pulsed from beneath the cloak.
"This examination will be far more entertaining than expected."
A Father's Watchful Gaze
From the Sovereign's Academy, Lucian Voidheart watched through a celestial projection. Lilith stood beside him, her expression calm yet proud.
"She's extraordinary," Lilith said.
Lucian nodded.
"She is my daughter."
His eyes shimmered with quiet warmth.
"And the future of the Voidheart Dynasty."