His eyes flicked to Zephyros, who remained seated on his throne, his piercing gaze fixed on the group. The god’s patience seemed to be wearing thin, his jaw tightening as the demands continued to pour in.


    The room grew colder, the once flickering torches now burning steadier, their light casting ominous shadows on the walls. Zephyros’s glare deepened, his expression shifting from tolerant amusement to simmering irritation. Travis gulped, sensing that whatever happened next would silence everyone—whether they wanted it or not.


    A smirk curled on Zephyros’s lips, sharp and commanding. “Silence,” he said, the single word carrying the weight of an unbreakable decree.


    Instantly, the protesting voices faltered. Students who had been shouting found their words dying in their throats, replaced by a choking stillness. Mouths opened and closed, their owners trying to speak, but no sound came forth. Panic flashed in their eyes as they grasped at their necks, their frustration turning to fear.


    The room, now utterly silent, was filled only with the faint crackle of the torches and the rhythmic thud of hearts pounding in collective unease.


    Zephyros leaned forward on his throne, resting his chin on his hand as he observed them with mild amusement. “Now that you’re all quiet, let me continue,” he said, his tone calm yet laced with authority, as if daring anyone to defy him further.


    He stood, his towering figure casting a shadow that seemed to stretch unnaturally across the room. His presence was overwhelming, his movements slow and deliberate as he descended the steps of his throne. The air grew heavier with each step, pressing down on everyone like an invisible weight.


    “I summoned you here not for your approval, nor for your opinions,” Zephyros continued, his voice resonating through the room like a low rumble of thunder. “You may not yet understand the gravity of the situation, but know this: the world I speak of teeters on the brink of annihilation. And only you—flawed, unremarkable though you may seem—hold the potential to save it.”


    He stopped at the base of the steps, his eyes scanning the group. The golden light from the torches reflected in his gaze, making it seem as though fire burned within them. “You’ve been chosen, each of you, for a reason. A reason that will become clear in time.”


    Travis, still standing at the back, felt a chill run down his spine. The god’s words stirred something in him, a flicker of curiosity mingled with dread. While the others remained frozen in defiance or fear, Travis found himself wondering what it all meant. Chosen? For what?


    Zephyros’s gaze lingered on Travis for a brief moment, and Travis felt as though the god could see straight into his soul. Then, turning his attention back to the group, Zephyros raised his hand, and the oppressive silence lifted.Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.


    “You may speak again,” he said with a smirk, his voice dripping with a confidence that suggested he knew no one would dare interrupt him now.


    “Now,” Zephyros began, pacing slowly before his throne, his voice steady and measured, “I will explain the threat that looms over my world. He is called by many names—The Crimson Conqueror, The Eternal Flame—but his primary title is the Vermillion King, Ruler of a Million.”


    The room grew colder at the mention of the name, the weight of it pressing down on everyone like a leaden shroud.


    “You might think,” Zephyros continued, “that leading a million means nothing about his strength. That he must rely on his numbers rather than his own power. But think, truly think: what weak man can lead a million warriors? What man could command such loyalty and terror without unmatched strength? In your world, you choose leaders—figures no different from yourselves. They are flawed, they err as you do, and yet you place them above you. What gives them the right to lead?”


    His words cut through the air, resonating in a way that made some students shift uncomfortably. Zephyros smirked as he continued.


    “The Vermillion King is not like the leaders of your world. He is different. He is the most powerful being in all of Astrevia. With a single swing of his blade, he can erase entire countries from existence. His power is absolute, his will unshakable. That is the caliber of foe we face.”


    As his words sank in, an oppressive silence filled the throne room. For the first time, the students’ defiance faltered, replaced by the icy grip of fear. The idea of facing someone capable of obliterating a nation with ease was beyond comprehension.


    '' How the hell are we supposed to fight someone like that? '' Travis thought, his fists clenching instinctively. He glanced at the others and saw the same fear etched on their faces.


    Breaking the silence, a hand tentatively rose from the group. A girl with fiery orange hair and sharp, determined eyes stepped forward. Her name was Leona Hart, and despite the tremor in her voice, she spoke clearly.


    “God Sir, how do we defeat him?” she asked, her voice filled with equal parts respect and desperation.


    Zephyros stopped pacing and turned his gaze to her, nodding approvingly. “A good question,” he said, his tone softer. “I was just about to explain that.”


    He raised his hand, gesturing for their attention. “I want each of you to focus. In your mind, think of the words World System. Do not speak them aloud—simply think.”


    Curiosity mingled with hesitation as the students did as instructed. For a moment, nothing happened. Then, as if responding to an unspoken command, glowing screens appeared before their faces. The translucent displays shimmered with lines of text and numbers, each screen unique to its viewer.


    The sudden appearance of the screens caused a ripple of panic through the group, several students recoiling as though the glowing panels might bite them.


    “Now, now, don’t panic,” Zephyros said with a chuckle, holding up his hand to calm them. “These are your abilities. What you see before you is the manifestation of your potential, unique and rare even in Astrevia. In fact,” he added, his gaze sweeping over the group, “none of these abilities exist in my world. Out of every human being on your planet, you alone possess such talents. That is why I summoned you here.”


    The students stared at the screens, the words and numbers beginning to make sense as they focused. Titles, skill sets, and strange abilities were listed in glowing script, and a mix of wonder and unease spread among them.


    Zephyros stepped closer, his expression more serious. “It is a peculiar coincidence that you all know each other, but I assure you, that is all it is—coincidence. Your connection to one another was not the reason you were chosen. You are here because you are extraordinary, even if you do not yet see it. These abilities will grow, evolve, and shape your paths.”


    Travis stared at the screen in front of him, his heart racing. The words blurred slightly as he tried to take it all in. His eyes locked on one line:


    “Ability: God Swordsman – Wield the blade of divine power, channeling your essence into unmatched combat prowess.”


    The description sent a shiver down his spine. What does that even mean? he thought, his mind a whirl of confusion and curiosity.


    As the students continued to examine their newfound abilities, the weight of Zephyros’s words lingered. They were extraordinary, perhaps even chosen—but they were also about to face a power far beyond anything they could imagine.


    TO BE CONTINUED