Chapter 30 – The First Disciples of Chaos

The sky over Shadowfire Mountains darkened with unnatural clouds as the Chaos Recruitment Signal continued to burn in the sky — a blood-crimson lotus floating high above the rugged peaks.

It could be seen from cities hundreds of kilometers away.

Adventurers, rogue players, mercenaries, and sectless cultivators were already on the move.

But not all who came would be accepted.

Chaos Outpost – Outer Gate

A crowd had begun to gather.

Dozens of players stood outside the Chaos Barrier, some nervously eyeing the swirling violet dome, others openly greedy as they discussed rewards and titles.

At the center stood a silver-haired youth in tattered robes with a broken sword on his back.

"Name?" asked the mechanical voice at the gate.

"Kiran. Rogue cultivator. Level 32."

[System Scan: Potential Compatibility – Medium]

He was allowed entry.

Another stepped forward — a woman in black armor and a red scarf wrapped around her mouth.

"Name: Sumi. Assassin class. Level 27."

[System Scan: Blood Affinity Detected – Chaos Resonance: 48%]

Candidate Eligible for Inner Disciple Trial

Throne Hall – First Audience

Inside the black stone hall, Zero sat on the Chaos Throne as ten candidates were brought in.

Each knelt before him, uncertain, curious, or defiant.

Yulin floated silently behind him in dragon form, his chaotic presence muting the air.

Zero looked down at them. "You came for power. Wealth. Fame. You think this is a sect like any other?"

His voice echoed, low and sharp.

"This is not a school. This is not a haven. This is Chaos."

[System Function Unlocked: Soul Judgement – Initiate Trials]

Choose Trial Format:

Combat Test Soul Resonance Blood Contract Illusion of Truth

Zero selected "Illusion of Truth" — a technique left by the previous Sect Master that revealed the deepest desire and weakness of the target through illusion combat.

Trial One – Kiran's Heart

In the illusion, Kiran stood on a burning battlefield.

A younger version of himself was surrounded by bandits. He screamed as they slaughtered his family.

He fought back—but died again and again.

Zero watched from beyond the illusion, reading every thought, emotion, and willpower spike.

"Kiran," he said through the void, "you crave vengeance so badly you'd sell your soul."

Kiran's eyes burned. "Then let me sell it to you."

[Trial Complete – Loyalty Marked]

Kiran: Outer Disciple – Assigned: Chaos Guard Captain

Hidden Trait: Berserker's Bloodline (Unawakened)

Trial Two – Sumi the Silent

Her illusion was different. She walked through shadows. Assassinated targets. Then stood at a cliff… and wept over a gravestone marked: "For My Sister."

Zero's voice rang through. "You kill… but you hate what you are."

Sumi stood still. "Then let me kill under a cause. One that shakes the heavens."

[Trial Complete – Loyalty Marked]

Sumi: Inner Disciple – Assigned: Chaos Shadow Division Leader

Hidden Trait: Bloodthread Qi (Advanced Assassin Trait)

One by One…

A crippled alchemist joined, offering his dying breath in return for a second chance.

Assigned: Alchemy Apprentice – Chaos Pill Hall (Locked)

A beast-tamer girl offered her spirit fox, only for Zero to return it stronger through the Chaos Ring.

Assigned: Chaos Beast Division – Outer Trainer

A player with a cursed arm was stabilized by the Chaos AI, gaining temporary control of his power.

Assigned: Chaos Rune Guard

Zero's Internal Dialogue

He returned to the throne after the selection.

"These are just the first… ten seeds."

Yulin curled around the Chaos Monolith, tail flicking gently.

"My Lord," the Chaos AI spoke in his mind, "your disciples will attract attention. Shall I mask their aura?"

"No," Zero said, eyes glowing. "Let them shine. Let the world know Chaos is recruiting."

[System Notification]

🌟 You have accepted your first 10 Disciples

Inner Disciples: 3

Outer Disciples: 7

Chaos Reputation +25,000 New Quest Chain Unlocked: [Trials of Loyalty – 10/100] Unlock: Chaos Disciple Tokens (Can be traded, ranked, and evolved)

East City – Chaos Effects Begin

At the city's southern gate, NPC guards whispered.

"You hear? A new sect appeared in the mountains. They say their leader wields Primordial Qi."

"Chaos Sect?"

"Yes."

"And their disciples are already completing quests no one else dared attempt…"

Nearby, a hidden agent from the Heavenly Court Sect sent a transmission.

"Subject ZERO has begun mass recruitment. Possible Realm War Candidate."

Final Scene – Asha's Choice

At Frost Jade Palace, Asha held a sealed jade envelope.

Her master watched silently.

"You were invited to join the inner core of Frost Jade… yet your heart is elsewhere."

Asha looked up, eyes determined. "I owe him everything. I will repay it."

She crushed the jade token.

[Hidden Task: Disciple of Dual Ice and Chaos]

You are now eligible to join the Chaos Sect. Seek out the Crimson Lotus Signal.