Before Riko could begin summoning, the system pulsed again, and a new screen unfurled before his eyes, hovering in a field of ethereal glyphs, glimmering threads of golden runes swirling through the air like divine smoke.
[Summoning Classification Overview: These classifications reflect the growth ceiling and transformative potential of summoned beings. They do not measure present strength — only the possibility each entity holds within them.]
Summoned beings were not all created equal. The Kingdom Core System laid out a precise hierarchy, etching each detail into his awareness:
**Bronze Class** – Basic units with limited functions and minimal growth potential. Often used for labor or as expendable foot soldiers.
**Silver Class** – Competent specialists or warriors with room for basic development. They form the functional middle tier of most kingdoms.
**Gold Class** – Advanced and versatile. These units excel in combat or craft and may evolve into higher classes under the right conditions.
**Platinum Class** – Rare units with significant customization options. Possess traits that can rewrite small-scale rules of magic or physics.
**Diamond Class** – Singular elites per kingdom tier. Strong elemental affinities, semi-divine bloodlines, or unique innate abilities.
**Hero Class** – Individuals of fate. Capable of surpassing all prior limits. They can grow through narrative involvement and emotional bonds.
**Legend Class** – Forces of myth and prophecy. Their names echo through realities, and their influence transcends kingdoms.
[Current Summon Permissions: No Class Assigned (First Summon Initialization) One Hero-Class Summon guaranteed at this stage..]
Riko's heart beat faster—not out of fear, but anticipation. These weren't just followers. They were the cornerstones of his legacy, the echo of what he would one day rule. The first souls bound to his rise.
[Summoning Lottery Initiated…]
[Drawing First Summon…]
The air shimmered, and a ring of incandescent light spiraled upward from the sand at his feet. The temperature rose as fire formed in twisting strands around the space.
A woman emerged—no, not merely a woman. A presence. Tall, regal, with obsidian-black hair and eyes glowing like suns dipped in gold. Her robes shifted between deep crimson and molten gold, flickering like live flame.
**[Summon Complete: NAME — Araka, Flame-Touched Priestess]**
**[Rank: Hero – Growth Potential: Limitless]**
**[Type: Support | Elemental Attunement: Gold Fire]**
**[Loyalty: Absolute]**
**[STAT SHEET — ARAKA]**
**Tier:** 2 — Soulkindled
**Sub-Tier:** Flare
**Role:** Ritualist, Battle Priestess, Spiritual Buffer
**Skills:** Flame Chanting, Ember Ward, Blessing of Vitalis
**Traits:** Unyielding Devotion, Phoenix Memory (Locked)
**Bond Level:** 100% (Auto-scaling to KING)
She raised her head. Her voice was calm, almost reverent. "My King. I have waited lifetimes to burn for your cause."
Riko nodded. "Then let your fire be the first to light this world anew."
[Drawing Second Summon…]
A different energy pulsed through the earth. The ground beneath them trembled faintly, and a heavy ring of gray metal dust coalesced into form.
From the circle rose a figure tall and broad, wrapped in ancient armor inscribed with runes of endurance. His steps made the sand quake as if the island recognized him as a guardian.
**[Summon Complete: NAME — Garrok, Iron-Bound Warden]**
**[Rank: Diamond]**
**[Type: Defense | Elemental Affinity: Earth (Passive)]**
**[Loyalty: Absolute]**
**[STAT SHEET — GARROK]**
**Tier:** 2 — Soulkindled
**Sub-Tier:** Ember
**Role:** Frontline Defense, Territory Enforcer
**Skills:** Stonehold Stance, Warden's Spear, Ground Lock Field
**Traits:** Stalwart Guardian, Voice of Discipline
**Bond Level:** 100% (Auto-scaling to KING)
Garrok said nothing. Instead, he drove the butt of his spear into the ground, and a protective pulse rolled outward. Riko could feel it—this man would not yield, not even to gods.
[Drawing Third Summon…]
The final summoning felt different—playful, volatile. Wind kicked up, swirling with blue lightning and glimmers of stardust.
From the spinning cyclone, a figure flipped out mid-air and landed with exaggerated flair. A young man—barefoot, wild-eyed, and grinning like the embodiment of chaos itself.
**[Summon Complete: NAME — Zehn, Stormmarked Trickster]**
**[Rank: Gold]**
**[Type: Agility | Elemental Affinity: Air]**
**[Loyalty: Absolute]**
**[STAT SHEET — ZEHN]**
**Tier:** 1— Element-Touched
**Sub-Tier:** Crown
**Role:** Scout, Interference Agent, Infiltrator
**Skills:** Static Step, Arc Mirage, Chain Misfire
**Traits:** Chaotic Loyalty, Hidden Luck Factor
**Bond Level:** 100% (Auto-scaling to KING)
Zehn bowed deeply, theatrically. "Your Majesty," he said with a grin, "if this kingdom needs madness, I'm your man."
Riko looked at all three—the Priestess, the Warden, the Trickster. Each stood like a pillar of some ancient temple. They weren't just summoned warriors. They were sacred. Divine. His.
**[KINGDOM FOUNDATION: STABILIZED]**
**[You may now begin constructing your first settlement.]**
He turned to the forest, the unknown stretching before him.
"Let's build something eternal."
The system pulsed once more, but this time, it reacted to him.
**[KING'S INHERITANCE ACTIVATED]**
**[Processing Subject Bonds…]**
**[Ability Absorption in Progress…]**
— Flame-Touched Priestess: Fire Affinity — Gained
— Iron-Bound Warden: Earth Affinity — Gained
— Stormmarked Trickster: Air Affinity — Gained
**[Transferring Physical Enhancements…]**
— Strength Increase: Moderate
— Reflex Enhancement: High
— Stamina Boost: High
**[Skill Integration: Partial Access Granted]**
— Flame Chanting: Basic Invocation Level
— Stonehold Stance: Defensive Discipline Active
— Static Step: Infiltration Phase I — Enabled
**[Tier Advancement: Tier 3 Veilwalker → Peak Sub-Tier: Crown]**
**[Sub-Tier Rank: Crown]**
The surge of energy that tore through him was unlike anything he'd ever known. It wasn't pain. It was awareness. Fire curled through his blood without burning. The ground beneath his feet hummed with loyalty. The wind brushed against his skin, ready to carry him wherever he willed.
He wasn't born to bending. But now, bending obeyed him.
He wasn't forged by fate. But now, fate whispered his name.
Riko Vale, once a gang rat with nothing but grit and scars, now stood as a crowned Veilwalker, imbued with elemental force, surrounded by loyalty, and ready to carve his will across the land.
This wasn't the beginning of a kingdom.
It was the beginning of a legacy.
Of fire, stone, and storm—
Of a king who would one day become myth.