Endless Extraction in a Game-Like World

Outside the tower, Araki Shion stared at it with confusion.

"He sealed the observation deck and drove everyone out," he muttered. "What is he planning?"

"How is the situation, Araki-dono?"

A man appeared beside him, wearing the emblem of the Crimson Spirit, one of the three major powers in Japan.

Araki turned and quickly explained everything he had observed.

The man’s expression darkened with every word.

"So he’s a terrorist," the man said coldly. "I expected better from someone of his caliber, but I was clearly wrong."

He pulled out his communication device and made several rapid calls.

Within thirty minutes, representatives from all three major Japanese guilds had assembled at the base of Tokyo Tower.

The military arrived shortly after, their vehicles surrounding the building as armed soldiers took positions at every entrance.

Tanaka Ryuji from the Flame Sakura Guild stood at the front with his arms crossed.

Beside him was Yamamoto Kenji from the Spirit Serpent Guild, his expression carrying barely contained fury.

The third was Suzuki Haruka from the Golden Phoenix Guild, a woman with sharp eyes that missed nothing.

"Caelus Kross!" Tanaka shouted toward the tower. "Come down from the observation deck immediately!"

However, no response came from above.

"If you refuse to surrender, you will face the combined might of Japan’s top powers!" Yamamoto added. "This is your only warning!"

Even then, no reply came, not even the slightest fluctuation.

By the time they arrived there, Caelus was already inside the Master Gate.

Caelus’s vision flooded with blinding light as they passed through the Master Gate.

When his sight cleared, he found himself standing in an endless white space.

[Ding!]

[Congratulations]

[You have passed all trials and reached the Master Gate]

[Awaiting the Trial Creator...]

Everyone in the group stared at the notification with visible confusion.

"We passed?" Freya asked. "But we didn’t do anything yet!"

Before anyone could respond, the space before them began to distort.

A massive figure materialized from nothing, towering over them at nearly 200 meters tall.

It wore a cloak that made it impossible to see its face.

But its eyes were clearly visible beneath the cloak, burning red orbs that radiated power beyond comprehension.

Everyone except Caelus and Sylvia instinctively stepped backward from the overwhelming presence.

"Congratulations on surviving all the trials."

The figure’s voice echoed through the space like rolling thunder.

"The fact that you are here means you are qualified to receive my blessing."

It raised one massive hand in a calming gesture.

"I am not here directly. This is merely a recording. But I have preloaded answers to many questions, so feel free to ask what you wish."

Caelus recovered from his initial shock and stepped forward.

He did not waste any time.

"Who are you, and how did you create these trials?"

The figure’s red eyes seemed to focus on him despite being a recording.

"You don’t need to know my name, but I am someone who has achieved Origin Lord-Rank."

"Origin Lord-Rank is beyond Emperor-Rank, a level of power you won’t reach any time soon."

"As someone from a Tier 2 World, I have certain control over Tier 1 Worlds," the figure continued. "I can impose rules onto your world with the help of the Origin Network. The gates I prepared as trials should demonstrate my authority clearly."

"Of course, not everyone at my level can do this. There are requirements involved, but you don’t need to know those details."

Caelus fell silent as understanding dawned on him.

The barrier created by the human expert in Antarctica around everyone must have been made by someone with similar authority over their world.

It all made sense now.

"What was the purpose of these trials?" Caelus asked.

"To help others reach Tier 2 World status," the figure answered. "This is obligatory for those at Origin Lord-level and above."

"The trials were designed to find a team worthy of governing a planet and advancing it to Tier 2 status. The fact that you reached this place means you met all the criteria."

The figure gestured with one massive hand as it continued explaining.

"The first trial tested your ability to make fast decisions and take control of chaotic situations. Gathering the orbs determined whether you could compete against others and emerge victorious."

Caelus thought back to the orb collection trial.

It hadn’t felt particularly difficult at the time, but that was because his team had overwhelming combat advantages over every other participant.

"The second trial tested team spirit, whether you had enough support and allies to help you win. The third was pure strength, and you passed that as well."

The figure’s red eyes seemed to glow brighter.

"The hidden criteria for the third trial required King-Rank players with Ace-Rank combat power. The fact that you stand here means you met that criterion as well."

Caelus nodded slowly as everything clicked into place.

The trials weren’t random. They were specifically calibrated to find exceptional people.

"If you have no more questions, I will issue your rewards now. These will give you a significant advantage in breaking through to a Tier 2 World."

[Ding!]

[You have obtained: Blessing of the Lord Token]

[Blessing of the Lord Token: Allows your Kingdom to directly reach Tier 5 Regional Lord Territory and enter the Space League. This token will also allow you to convert 10,000 players into King Rank and rest into master rank. Requirement: 5M population and 100% prosperity.]

Caelus’s eyes widened as he read the description.

Direct advancement to Tier 5?

Converting ten thousand players to King Rank?

This was like an upgraded Regional Lord Token.

[Ding!]

[You have obtained: Token of Exchange (10 uses)]

[Token of Exchange: In exchange for an ability or abilities, you can wish for another. Examples include powers from your race or talent.]

"Huh? There is such a thing?"

Caelus’s lips twitched.

Ten uses of this Token of Exchange meant he could reshape his abilities however he wanted.

He didn’t need SSS-Rank Awakening Stones anymore and could instead give up useless abilities to get things related to his race.

This was incredible.

Then the massive figure spoke one final time.

"The Token of Exchange is invaluable, but only in the hands of those with exceptional talent or race. I am placing my investment in your planet."

"Make sure you reach Tier 2 World, or this investment will have been wasted."

The figure began to fade, its form dissolving into particles of light that scattered across the void.

Caelus watched it disappear silently.

The rewards were beyond generous.

But the expectations attached to them were equally massive.

Just as the last traces of the figure vanished, Caelus felt something else stirring within the void.

His Chaos Perception Eyes activated on instinct.