firecrow36

[SSS-RANK SYSTEM AWAKENED]
Host: Fedrick Vaelthorn
Bloodline: Origin-Class, “Solarborn Sovereign”
System: Universal Devourer Protocol
Primary Function: Absorb all forms of energy and matter. Convert to Skills, Attributes, and Laws.
Secondary Function: Law Assimilation, Cosmic Integration, Vessel Binding
Bound Vessel: [Class-S Warship: Aurealis Myrrh] — Bond Level: Dormant
Current Power Level: Mortal Tier 0
Unlock: 0.01%

Universal Devourer Protocol

Back on the continent of Velaris, the Festival of Ascendants was the most revered celebration of the celestial calendar.

Held once every century, the festival gathered all the rising geniuses, noble heirs, spiritual sects, and elemental clans into the Imperial Capital of Aureline. It was a time for showing power, forming alliances, and proving your worth before the eyes of the Divine Scribes.

And this year, the spotlight belonged to one man.

The moment he descended from the skies riding the Aurealis Myrrh, the capital's protective barrier knelt to him.

The Emperor himself—a veteran Sky Monarch with five Domain Crowns—left his throne to greet him. "The Sovereign of Dual Realms," he said. "We welcome you to Aureline."

The Emperor laughed. "Then you came for the stage?"

Across the seven-day festival, duels were held atop the Sky Mirror Arena—a floating island of unbreakable crystal reflecting the cosmos. Fedrick accepted every challenge.

From elemental prodigies to sword saints, beast tamers to lawforgers, every genius with pride came forward.

None lasted more than five minutes.

But what made the festival legendary wasn't just the duels.

The Celestial Night Gala was a tradition where the top contenders selected their partners before the Empire's great families.

Fedrick walked down the hall in black silk robes laced with starlight gold. A thousand noble daughters whispered his name, eyes glittering with anticipation.

To the far side of the balcony, where Serenya stood under the moonlight in a sapphire dress that shimmered like the ocean under stars.

"Serenya Nyelle. Will you dance with me?"

The crowd gasped. She hesitated—then smiled softly and took his hand.

They didn't speak. They didn't need to. Every step they took echoed through memory and motion—reminding them of battles survived, promises made, futures written in stardust.

The music ended. Applause erupted.

Fedrick leaned in and whispered, "Next time we fight, it'll be together."

Her eyes sparkled. "You'll need to keep up."

The entire capital remembered that dance.

Because it wasn't a prince and a noblewoman.

[CHAPTER 8 — THE FESTIVAL OF ASCENDANTS]