Chapter 16: The Sovereign’s Dilemma
The early morning air shimmered with residual mana as the sun rose over the Kael Estate. A hundred meters above ground, the Sovereign Tower—still incomplete—stood like a fang against the skyline. Inside, Alex stood at the open balcony of the observation level, staring at a land he barely recognized as his.
Dominion territory markers now outlined the forest edge, projecting a visible blue line that pulsed faintly. The local wildlife avoided it. Travelers and wandering mercenaries often stopped and stared at the towering structure before moving on in haste.
The world was watching. And Alex Kael had no room left to hide.
---
System Notification: Dominion Sovereign Status Update
Territory Expansion Unlocked: Inner Sanctum +5 kilometers radius
Resources acquired: Crystallized Mana Veins, Dominion Timberline, Microfauna Essence
Intelligence Alert: Hollow Crown activity detected near Obsidian Plateau
Urgency Level: Red
---
Six Days After the Nexus Battle
Alex's routine had shifted. His days were now filled with split duties:
1. Training and Mastery – With Naomi, Goro, and Ryssa leading drills
2. System Integration – Guided by Iris
3. Territorial Oversight – With Reed and Lira forming an Administrative Core
4. Political Correspondence – Local lords and system-backed sovereigns were taking notice
The most challenging of these was diplomacy.
Alex was not a politician. But as a Sovereign, he couldn't avoid the games of alliances and power. Not if he wanted to protect his territory.
---
Meeting with Sovereign Veltar of Crestforge
Veltar's avatar flickered into the Throne Room, transmitted via an ancient Sovereign Channel—likely predating even the current Dominion cycle.
The man was twice Alex's age, with emerald eyes and a body composed entirely of living obsidian. He spoke with deliberate authority.
"You're new. Young. But you've done what few could—survived a Nexus battle, claimed territory, and held it. I respect that. But you're drawing attention."
Alex crossed his arms. "Let them look."
"They already are. The old Sovereigns? They see a threat. Not a hero."
"And you?"
Veltar's obsidian face cracked in something like a grin. "I see a future... if you survive long enough to grasp it."
---
Later That Night – Sovereign Chambers
Alex laid out a Dominion map across the center table. Iris floated beside him, her form now semi-solid during night hours due to increased Core synchronization.
"They're circling," she said. "Like vultures. If the Hollow Crown doesn't strike first, another Sovereign might."
"Let them try," Alex muttered.
"Don't be stupid. We're barely holding together internally. Your squad's loyal, but not invincible. Reed still hasn't recovered from his last system lockout."
"I know."
He leaned back, exhaling slowly. "What do I need to do, Iris?"
"Grow the Guard. Expand the Inner Sanctum. Strengthen Nexus roots. And most of all... train until the throne resonates with you fully."
---
Training Arc: Phase Two Initiated
The Dominion Arena transformed itself again. This time, Alex fought phantom versions of the old Sovereigns—echoes encoded in the system's memory.
Each trial focused on one principle:
Dominion Pulse Synchronization
Sub-core Delegation
Multi-layer Energy Flow
Quantum Foresight Reflex (QFR) Testing
Each defeat taught Alex something new. He stopped using brute force. He studied their movements. Understood the rhythm.
"Every Sovereign dances with their domain," Iris whispered once.
By the end of the week, he'd reached the 12th floor of the Sovereign Tower—a place reserved only for true rulers.
There, a new system panel opened:
Sovereign Heart Functionality: 12% Activated
New skill unlocked: Territory Manifestation (Prototype)
---
Meanwhile – Hollow Crown Outpost, Obsidian Plateau
The cultists chanted around a pool of living ink. From its surface, a being emerged—tall, feminine, with multiple eyes that blinked asynchronously.
"Is the seed ready?" the creature asked.
Varinth knelt. "Yes, Mistress. We've planted it near the Sovereign Tower. Soon, it will take root."
The creature smiled. "Then the Sovereign will know despair."
---
Back at the Tower – Days Later
The seed activated.
Without warning, the northern edge of the Dominion border collapsed. Trees rotted. Mana veins curdled. Wildlife mutated.
Alex sprinted toward the breach, followed by Naomi and Ryssa. Goro activated his shield just in time to block the first wave of cursed beasts.
The sky darkened. A storm not born of weather formed—driven by hate and magic.
Iris screamed in his mind. "It's a World Seed! Kill it before it roots completely!"
Alex drew his sword. "I won't lose this land. Not again."
---
Boss Fight: Corrupted World Seed (Stage 1)
HP: 92,000
Afflictions: Decay Aura, Shadow Bloom, Chain Rooting
Minions: Corrupted Fauna x12
The battle raged for hours. Naomi's flames seared the ground. Ryssa's bullets sang through the rain. Goro shielded all, even as his armor cracked.
Alex dove into the seed's core, carving through layers of flesh and bark, chanting Dominion Sigils.
"You chose the wrong Sovereign!" he roared.
---
System Alert: Sovereign Synchronization Surged (Heart Level – 18%)
Alex's sword ignited. Not with fire. But with purpose.
The World Seed screamed as the blade drove into its heart.
And the sky cleared.
---
Aftermath
Goro collapsed. Naomi limped, bloodied but grinning. Ryssa muttered, "Damn, that was close."
Alex stood in the ruined valley, watching
the corrupted soil fade to ash. He felt no triumph.
Only warning.
"I need to be stronger," he whispered.
Behind him, Iris appeared.
"And you will be. Just keep earning it."