The return journey to the Citadel of Whispers was instantaneous, thanks to the newly unlocked Warp Function (Minor). Archelius spent 50 Core Power and, with a dizzying flash of silver light, transported himself and his entire squad from the desolate Beast Nation territory to the safety of the Citadel's core nexus.
The sudden, overwhelming teleportation left the students gasping, but completely unharmed.
"That... was terrifyingly efficient," Theodore managed, clutching his chest.
"A Rank C function," Archelius explained, sheathing his sword. "It ensures survival and eliminates unnecessary travel time. We utilize it only for strategic repositioning."
Archelius, now Level 30 and fully Rank C, immediately focused on the two primary objectives: synthesizing the ultimate Rank C equipment and maximizing the growth of his subordinates.
The Rank C Synthesis
Archelius had the final, critical material: the Legendary Divine Grade Core from Lord Lija.
He checked his inventory and the crafting menu.
[Legendary Divine Grade Core (Beast God Grade) x 1 Acquired.]
[Legendary Psionic Silk x 1 Acquired.]
[Legendary Shadow Weaving Silk x 1 Acquired.]
He immediately focused on upgrading his primary offense, the War God's Edge.
[War God's Edge (Rank C) Upgrade: Requires 1 Legendary Divine Core, 1 Legendary Psionic Silk, 1 Legendary Shadow Weaving Silk. Success: 98%. - NEW!]
The synthesis was confirmed. The three legendary materials dissolved, fusing with the Rank D+ blade in a violent storm of silver, golden-red, and crimson light.
[War God's Edge (Rank C) Acquired. Damage: Divine. Passive: Overlord (Suppresses enemies below Rank C). Active: System Overload (Instantly channels full Core Power into a single, devastating blast. Cost: 100 CP).]
The Rank C War God's Edge was now a perfect weapon. The System Overload ability was the ultimate tactical nuke, capable of instantly erasing powerful targets at the cost of his entire Core Power. The Overlord passive meant that anything Rank D and below would be subtly demoralized and weakened by his mere presence.
Subordinate Advancement
Archelius then turned his attention to his squad, who were now struggling to adapt to the immense XP boost and the pressure of Rank C Command Authority.
"You are now Rank E fighters," Archelius commanded. "The Rank C Authority has granted you access to the next tier of skills. Invest your points now."
The students, following the previous model, immediately poured their accumulated Skill Points into foundational Rank E skills.
Raji: Maximize Sprint Burst (Rank E) for ultimate speed and scouting.
Theodore: Maximize Iron Skin (Rank E) for enhanced defense and shielding.
Lisa & Bethany: Maximize Focus Lock (Rank E) for improved psychic resistance and energy tracking.
Archelius watched as a burst of energy flowed into his subordinates, leveling up their key abilities.
"Raji and Theodore, your effective combat level is now equivalent to a low-level Rank C fighter against non-System entities," Archelius stated. "Your next goal is Level 10, where you will truly stabilize as Rank E fighters."
The New Threats
With local threats neutralized, Archelius activated the global Map Function, which was now fully optimized by the Rank C power. Two new, overwhelming signatures dominated the globe.
The Northern Continent (Level 150): The Technocracy. A vast, shimmering blue nexus radiating highly organized, mechanical energy.
The Western Sea (Level 200): The Leviathan Empire. A deep, abyssal purple nexus radiating immense, cold, organic power.
[Target Acquisition: Rank B Ascension]
User Level: 50+ (Required)
Dominance Kill: Defeat a Level 200+ Entity (Required)
Core: Synthesize an Arch-God Core (Required)
"Our next target is clear," Archelius announced. "To reach Rank B, we must defeat a Level 200 entity—the Leviathan Lord in the Western Sea. But first, we need to gather intelligence and necessary materials."
"The Technocracy is only Level 150," Bethany noted, her Rank E Focus Lock allowing her to read the signals clearly. "They might be easier targets for initial XP gain and resource collection."
"Correct," Archelius agreed. "But Level 150 is still over four times my current level. We cannot engage without specialized equipment. The Technocracy relies on precision weapons and energy shields. My current Rank C physical armor is not enough."
He checked the Tier 3 Skill Synthesis menu, which was now unlocked.
[Tier 3 Synthesis: Rank C Specialized Gear]
[Anti-Energy Shielding (Rank C): Requires 2 Legendary Psionic Silk, 2 Legendary Shadow Weaving Silk, 5 Arcane Cores (High Grade). Success: 70%. - NEW!]
"The Technocracy is our materials run," Archelius concluded. "The Anti-Energy Shielding is vital for the Western Sea and the Northern Continent. We need materials and XP. We will spend the next week in intense training and preparation."
The Rival's Legacy
Before beginning the grueling training, Archelius performed one final action. He picked up the discarded Silver Bone Axe (Rank D) from his inventory—Prince Rakan's weapon.
He gifted it to Theodore.
"Theodore, you are the shield, and your strength is paramount," Archelius said. "You survived a psychic blast that should have killed you. You will need a weapon to match your defense. This is Rakan's axe—a symbol of raw, physical strength. The System will recognize your use of it."
Theodore, awestruck, took the massive, silver-bone axe. The Rank D weapon was far too heavy for his Level 6 frame, but the Rank C Command Authority granted him the strength to wield it.
[Theodore equipped Silver Bone Axe (Rank D). Rank F Physical Strength enhanced to Rank E equivalent.]
"Raji, you are the scout," Archelius continued. "You require speed and utility."
He focused on the remaining Legendary Psionic Silk he had saved.
[Psionic Grapple Gauntlet (Rank E) Synthesis: Requires 1 Legendary Psionic Silk, 5 Obsidian Scale Plates. Success: 90%.]
The gauntlet synthesized into a sleek, wire-firing device that attached to Raji's arm.
[Raji equipped Psionic Grapple Gauntlet (Rank E). Allows rapid vertical and horizontal repositioning (Max 50m). Cost: 5 CP per use.]
Raji's scouting and evasion were now revolutionary. The squad was complete.
"Training begins now," Archelius announced, turning toward the vast, empty expanse of the Citadel nexus. "We will not stop until we are ready for Level 200."