The surge of power that marked the Rank D Ascension was unlike any previous Level Up. It was an explosive, external flare of pure silver light that momentarily banished the crimson gloom of the Beast Nation's valley.
The light wrapped around Archelius, restructuring not just his stats, but the fundamental connection between him and the War God System.
[Rank Up Complete: D]
[User: Archelius]
[Level: 20 (XP: 12560/51200)]
[Rank: D]
[Core Power Restored: 100/100.]
[New System Features Unlocked: Tier 2 Skill Synthesis, Core Fusion Capability, Command Authority (Rank D).]
Archelius felt an immediate, profound increase in his core attributes. His senses sharpened, and the sheer amount of System energy his body could handle felt multiplied.
He opened the Skill Menu. His previous Rank E++ skills had automatically advanced.
[War God's Strike (Rank D, Active): Continuous channeling of Rank D System energy. Cost: 5 Core Power per second. Damage Multiplier: 3x.]
[War God's Fist (Rank D, Active): Focused punch of Rank D System energy. Cost: 20 Core Power. Damage Multiplier: 7x.]
His base multipliers and costs had shifted, indicating a higher baseline power output for his new Rank D status.
The most significant change, however, was in the Core Fusion Capability and Command Authority.
[Core Fusion: Allows the synthesis of multiple Core types for powerful, non-standard equipment and permanent stat augmentation.]
[Command Authority (Rank D): Squad members gain passive XP boost (50%) and access to basic Rank F Skills via proxy connection to User's System.]
Archelius felt a subtle, energetic link connect him to his subordinates, who were now returning from securing the freed mercenaries.
The New Command Structure
Theodore, Raji, and the others arrived, their eyes wide from witnessing the blinding silver pillar of light that had erupted from Archelius. They had saved the mercenaries, but they looked exhausted.
"War God, the captives are safe and moving back toward the plains," Theodore reported, his voice tinged with awe. "What... what was that light?"
"That was the ascension," Archelius replied, feeling the new authority pulse in his voice. "We are now Rank D. And the System has upgraded your capabilities."
He focused his intent on the squad. Instantaneously, floating text appeared before Raji, Theodore, Lisa, and Bethany.
[Proxy System Connection Established. XP Gain Increased: 50% Bonus.]
[New Skill Acquired: Sprint Burst (Rank F). Skill Points: 1.]
[New Skill Acquired: Iron Skin (Rank F). Skill Points: 1.]
Theodore stared at the floating text, dumbfounded. "I... I have Skill Points? I can learn Iron Skin?"
"The Rank D connection allows it," Archelius confirmed. "Theoretically, your physical prowess allows for higher Rank F skills, but the System requires you to prove dominance. You will use those Skill Points for Iron Skin and Sprint Burst immediately."
The students, understanding the gift of immediate, System-granted survivability, nodded furiously.
"Raji, Theodore, you are the Vanguard. Maximize speed and defense. Lisa, Bethany, you are the Support. Maximize defense and invest your third point into basic sensory awareness. You are now Level 3 Rank F fighters with Rank D guidance. We have to push you to Rank D standards as fast as possible."
The students immediately leveled up their skills, the faint silver energy transferring from Archelius to them, upgrading their base capabilities. They were still Level 3, but their defense and mobility were vastly superior to anything they had before.
The Core Fusion
Archelius still had the Divine Grade Arcane Core and one Superior Golem Core left. He opened the Crafting Menu to utilize his new Core Fusion Capability.
[Core Fusion Blueprint: Rank D Weapon Catalyst]
[War God's Scabbard (Rank D): Requires 1 Divine Core, 1 Superior Core, 1 Exotic Core. Success: 75%. - NEW!]
The War God's Scabbard was a Rank D artifact that promised not just defense, but massive power stability for the War God's Edge.
He had already used the Exotic Core (Beast Prime Grade) for the Rank Up, but the System recognized the successful synthesis. He only needed the remaining cores.
Wait, Archelius mused, focusing on the material list. The Exotic Core must have left an energetic imprint on the System that can be used as a synthesis element.
He confirmed the fusion, using the Divine Arcane Core and the Superior Golem Core.
[Fusion Successful! War God's Scabbard (Rank D) Acquired.]
A sleek, metallic scabbard, etched with silver runes, materialized. When Archelius placed the War God's Edge (Rank E++) into it, the weapon immediately resonated, humming with quiet, stable power.
[War God's Scabbard (Rank D) Equipped. Effect: Stabilizes Rank E++ Weapon Energy. Enhances Core Power Regeneration (Minor).]
His weapon was now stable, and his defensive gear was strong. He was ready for the high-level conflict.
The Demon Race Responds
As the light of the Rank D ascension faded, Bethany's energy sight went critical.
"Archelius! Massive energy signatures! Two of them! Fast, magical, and coming from the north—the Demon territory!"
Archelius checked the Map Function. Two colossal red signatures—Level 55 and Level 60—were moving toward their location with incredible speed.
[Threat Detected: Demon Vanguards (Level 55, 60). Entity Classification: Greater Imposters.]
"They detected the power surge of the Rank D ascension," Archelius realized. "They are sending their best to eliminate the threat before I can stabilize."
He drew the War God's Edge from the newly acquired Scabbard. The sword's silver light was now steady and fierce.
"Level 55 and 60," Archelius stated, his voice calm, accepting the inevitable conflict. "They are stronger than anything we've faced. They will not fall to a single punch."
He looked at his squad. "Vanguard, you are the shield. Raji, you pin the Level 55 Imposter with focused distraction.
Theodore, use your Iron Skin and strength to create a momentary barrier. Support, you are on continuous threat detection and healing."
He looked directly at Bethany. "Bethany, your energy sight is our only advantage. I will focus on the Level 60 threat. I need continuous, real-time tracking of its shields. Your sight will be the difference between victory and vaporization."
"Yes, War God," Bethany replied, her face pale but resolute. Her Rank F Iron Skin gave her the stability she needed to maintain her focus.
Archelius knew he was still fighting twenty-five levels above his rank. But he was no longer a solo survivalist. He was a Rank D War God, supported by a specialized, disciplined squad.
"Prepare for combat," Archelius commanded. "The war has arrived."