[Variants are failures of worlds past, abominations tainted with current ether, scourges whose only aim is to spread the night of corruption...]
Roy raised a brow as he listened to the system's ominous description. Isn't all this just a fancy way of calling them zombies?
[...]
For once, the system seemed speechless, but it still continued. From its sense of urgency, one could tell how horrifying these variants were.
[Host needs to comprehend the terrible danger the variants pose. The term "zombies" is an understatement compared to these horrors...]
[A single scratch or bite will strip Lords and Hunters of all blessings of Arcana — all the privileges, systems, territories, skills, orders, and subordinates...]
[Unlike zombies, Variants are as intelligent as can be. These devious creatures will plot, they will scheme, and most of the time, they will win! It is most advisable for Host to delay this calamity. Most Lords will only face Variants when they are about to reach Tier 9...]
By the time the system finished speaking, Roy's back was matted with sweat. So terrifying. He realized these creatures weren't as simple as they seemed.
While he was pondering, something occurred to him. Wait, if other Lords are getting this upgrade calamity by Tier 9, why am I getting this now?
[Host is special. Among all other orders out there, the benefits of the SSS-class Cosmic Policing System are one of the best — if not the best...]
[Only the Host alone has access to the unique tactical weapons and the unique occupation: the Policeman. It is only natural that the Host's hurdles be harder and tougher compared to others.]
[Though Host is not alone, as a few other Lords will face the same situations... Benefits don't come without corresponding consequences.]
Sigh, I guess that's the consequence of having cheat-like perks... He shook his head in self-deprecation.
Now there was the question — should he stall or should he face it right away?
If he stalled, it would give him the benefit of time. His subordinates would have time to grow both in numbers and in strength. He himself would be able to toughen up...
But he would also lose time. One had to keep in mind most Lords wouldn't face the same precarious calamity and wouldn't waste time in upgrading their territories — leaving him in the dust.
He gazed at the minimized screen at the corner of his vision. He saw the hunters showing their might, dominating the battlefield...
He glanced at Ashley, Alpha, and the gold membrane cocoon. His gaze steeled.
If we can't survive this, we might as well quit now, because I believe what's ahead will be worse...
While deep in thought, suddenly a warning chime came in...
[Foreign subordinated hunter has crossed into territory and is rapidly approaching outpost!]
Roy wondered, curious. Isn't it too early for contact with other Lords?
And to think they initiated it first...
Right then, he heard a voice directed at the newly recruited civilian hunters outside:
"Go call your liege. I have a message to relay."
Roy decided to go see what the other had to say. After all, for a Lord to try to make contact with another this early, it could only mean one thing: benefit.
He stepped out to see a man cloaked in shadows, his figure and features obscured by a mass of bristling, writhing shadows. Even his height was eluded, as the fluctuating flicker morphed his being continuously.
The shadow seemed to catch sight of Roy, and instinctively he knew this was the Lord. He could tell this without even paying heed to the submissive air that choked the civilian group by the side. He could tell by the bearing, the presence, the might — it was as though the figure before him stood as tall as the heavens themselves. This was the presence his liege gave.
But what is with this weird building and the costume? Don't tell me he's going to be one of those fools who believe they can uphold justice here in Arcana... the shadow squinted.
His liege once told him that the moment humans ascended, they became divided into two classes — the realists, who would adapt faster than anyone, and the delusionists, who would cling tightly to the past. And it seems this Lord was among the latter.
Still, who was he to judge? He was before a Lord, and he was here to relay a message. Despite the fact that he disdained this man and felt he was superior, he still had to give the respect that was due.
Then his frame bent slightly forward as he greeted, "Greetings, esteemed Lord."
Roy nodded in reply, his expression stoic — but inwardly, tumultuous waves erupted in his heart, his mind drifting erratically between emotions: uncertainty, shock, disbelief, and a trickle of fear...
It has barely been a day! This is impossible! Unless... he came to Arcana ahead of humanity. But that doesn't make sense — I thought all of humanity ascended together? Roy's pupils constricted as he gazed at the result of his inspect.
[????
????
????
Level: 19
????
????
????]
The man before him was a Level 19 hunter! Such leveling speed was nearly impossible to achieve in a day. If anything, he wouldn't be able to slay that many monsters in a single day — so how?
On the other hand, the shadow remained oblivious to his inner turmoil and continued relaying his message. "My master wishes to meet with you. Initially, she was planning on making the trip over herself..."
Reaching this point, the shadow paused, then glanced around the still undeveloped and scant surroundings and sighed. "But it wouldn't be possible, as you are not in the condition to accept visitors, it seems. So instead of that, you will have to make your way over yourself."
The more he spoke, the more his tone became authoritative — his disdain and superiority in full display. But of course, he didn't overdo it.
Roy frowned, and he was about to give his reply, rejecting the invitation on the spot. Who did these guys think themselves to be? He might be weaker than them — that he would admit — but that didn't affect his pride. But the shadow's next words made him hesitate.
"Of course, she is calling you over to speak about a very beneficial resource that is sitting beneath your feet, and you seem oblivious to it... Fret not, my liege would never cheat you. Visit us, and you can learn more."
With that said, the shadow made a swiping motion, and a holographic map outlining the path to their territory appeared in Roy's vision.
Then, without waiting for a response of any kind, the shadow dispersed — leaving on site his disdainful gaze, making clear that he didn't care either way.
Roy frowned as he gazed at the map contemplatively. Tempting...
The worst thing that could happen to someone was suffering while the key to your problems was right beneath you — and you just didn't know how or what it was. His eyes twitched in annoyance. It seems he'll be going. He couldn't let this scenario happen to him.
Just then, a loud popping noise followed by a crackle rang out!
[Subordinate Richard Gunthers has finished evolution and has fully embodied the legendary inheritance of the Medieval Machine Demon General!]
Now that's good news...