The journey east toward the Beast Nation's heart was long, but strategically essential. Archelius, now Level 23 and fully optimized at Rank D+, possessed the stability to travel without fear of lower-level ambushes. His focus was entirely on reaching The Great Hunting Grounds—the territory Prince Rakan had named—and securing the final material for Rank C Ascension.
[Rank C Ascension Requirements:]
User Level: 30+ (Required)
Dominance Kill: Defeat a Level 100+ Entity (Required)
Core: Synthesize a Grand Exotic Core (Required)
Archelius had a long way to go to reach Level 30, but defeating a Level 100+ entity—presumably Lord Lija, the God of the Beast Nation—would provide the massive XP boost necessary. The key was the Grand Exotic Core, likely only found near Lija's nexus.
His squad, now confident Rank F fighters, followed with disciplined resolve. Theodore and Raji, utilizing their enhanced skills, easily managed security and scouting.
The Midpoint Synthesis
During a brief rest, Archelius addressed his final inventory. He still had the two remaining Legendary Psionic Silks and the two Legendary Shadow Weaving Silks.
"We need to maximize our mobility," Archelius decided. "Raji, your speed is our greatest asset. Theodore, your defense protects the Support team."
He initiated two final Rank D equipment upgrades, utilizing the spare silks.
[War God's Boots (Rank D) Upgrade: Requires 1 Legendary Psionic Silk, 1 Legendary Shadow Weaving Silk. Success: 95%.]
[War God's Vestment (Rank D+) Upgrade: Requires 2 Legendary Psionic Silk, 1 Legendary Shadow Weaving Silk. Success: 90%.]
He successfully crafted the upgrades, the synthesis process now routine and stable under his Rank D control.
[War God's Boots (Rank D+) Acquired. Dexterity +30. Stamina Drain Reduced (Major). Passive: Swiftness (Minor).]
[War God's Vestment (Rank D++) Acquired. Defense +70. Reduces Core Power damage taken by 40%. Passive: Psychic Resistance (Minor).]
His defensive and mobility gear was now at the absolute peak of Rank D performance, ensuring he could withstand Rank C level threats long enough to execute a Dominance Kill.
The Beast Nation's Territory
The terrain shifted violently from the obsidian spires to massive, petrified forests and crimson dust plains. The air here was not magically oppressive like the Demon territory, but brutally physical—hot, dry, and constantly swept by powerful, bone-shattering winds.
As they reached the edge of the Great Hunting Grounds, they encountered a powerful Beast Nation patrol.
[Threat Detected: War Beasts (Level 50) x 5. Berserkers (Level 55) x 2.]
Archelius knew he needed to conserve his Core Power for the final confrontation with Rakan and Lija.
"This is a training exercise," Archelius commanded. "Vanguard, you engage the War Beasts. Use your coordinated Rank F attacks to distract and disorient. Do not allow them to charge. Support, you track the Berserkers. I will neutralize the Berserkers on your signal."
Raji and Theodore, now fully confident in their Rank F skills and the command authority boost, attacked the five Level 50 War Beasts. Raji's superior speed kept the beasts circling, while Theodore's improved Iron Skin allowed him to tank glancing blows and deliver crippling physical attacks to the beasts' legs.
Meanwhile, Archelius engaged the two Level 55 Berserkers—massive, armored rhinos with explosive rage. He used his newly upgraded Rank D+ War God's Strike—now a 5x multiplier—to execute two blindingly fast, clean strikes that incapacitated the Berserkers instantly.
[Berserker (Level 55) Defeated. XP Gained: 550.]
[Berserker (Level 55) Defeated. XP Gained: 550.]
He then focused on the War Beasts, allowing the students the crucial, high-level XP.
[War Beasts (Level 50) x 5 Defeated. Subordinate XP Gained: 500.]
[Raji Level Up: User Level 5! Theodore Level Up: User Level 5! Lisa Level Up: User Level 5! Bethany Level Up: User Level 6!]
The successful coordinated fight, boosted by the Dominance Kill XP, was a massive jump for the students, pushing them all to Level 5 and 6, solidifying their Rank F status.
The Rival's Arena
They pressed deep into the Hunting Grounds until they reached a plateau overlooking a vast, circular canyon—an obvious, natural arena. At the center of the arena, Prince Rakan (Level 65) stood alone, his massive Silver Bone Axe resting on his shoulder.
Rakan turned, sensing their arrival. He was flanked by no guards, no traps—only the raw, chaotic energy of the Beast Nation nexus deep below.
"Archelius, you have arrived," Rakan's voice boomed, filled with anticipation. "You passed the lesser tests, and you survived the Demon Lord's stupidity. I am pleased. You are ready for the true test of your Rank D."
Rakan gestured to the ground beneath the arena. "This arena is the focal point of Lord Lija's power. Defeating me here will allow you to access the heart of the nexus. I sense the strength of your new gear. Show me if your skill matches your System."
"You are the obstacle," Archelius replied, stepping onto the plateau edge. "I am here for the Grand Exotic Core."
Rakan grinned, a savage, confident display of teeth. "Then take it, Rival! But first, you must take my life!"
Rakan noticed the Level 5-6 students poised behind Archelius. "I see your pets have grown stronger. But this duel remains between us. Let us see if the Rank D of the System can overcome the Rank D of the Wild!"
The Final Duel: System vs. Wild
Archelius leapt into the arena, the War God's Edge blazing. He was Level 23, Rank D+, facing Level 65, Rank D. This was the final hurdle before Rank C.
Rakan, fueled by the raw energy of the Beast Nexus, moved first. He didn't charge, but unleashed a devastating, ground-shattering attack—a Seismic Crush—driving his axe into the stone floor.
The force rippled through the arena, throwing shrapnel and dust into the air. Archelius used his Rank D+ Iron Skin and Vestment to withstand the initial blast, but his Core Power dropped slightly.
[Health: 90/100. Core Power: 95/100.]
"Too slow, System!" Rakan roared, closing the gap instantly.
The fight was a brutal exchange of massive power. Rakan's physical strikes were immense, requiring Archelius to constantly use his Rank D+ defenses and the Focus Lock to maintain stability. Archelius, however, was faster and more precise.
Rakan attempted to outlast Archelius, leveraging his superior stamina and strength. Archelius countered by using his superior Rank D+ damage output to rip through Rakan's armor layers, exploiting every previous weakness.
Archelius executed a perfect feint, allowing Rakan's axe to graze his War God's Helm. The impact stunned Rakan momentarily. Archelius seized the moment, unleashing a War God's Fist (Rank D) directly onto the weakened spinal column.
CATASTROPHIC BOOM!
Rakan roared, finally dropping his axe, his defense shattered.
[Beast Prince Rakan (Level 65) Health: 10%.]
Rakan stumbled, but looked at Archelius with fierce pride. "You are worthy, Archelius. You truly are the Rival."
He pointed to the ground. "Finish it. The core is below."
Archelius raised the War God's Edge. He didn't hesitate. He drove the blade straight into the ground at Rakan's feet, channeling his remaining Core Power into a final, massive System Blast into the earth.
The blast pierced the nexus. Rakan dissolved into a massive surge of golden-red energy, his body exploding into a massive, shimmering core.
[Beast Prince Rakan (Level 65) Defeated. Dominance Kill Achieved!]
[XP Gained: 6500. Total XP: 37910/51200.]
The nexus below the arena fractured, and from the deep fissure, an object emerged—a pulsing, crystalline heart, radiating the power of Lord Lija.
[Grand Exotic Core (Beast God Grade) x 1 Acquired.]
Archelius grabbed the core, his body surging with the raw energy. He was now fully prepared.
[Level Up: User Level 24!]
The Challenge of the God
As the golden-red energy of Rakan's demise dissipated, a booming, terrifying voice shook the entire mountain range.
"YOU. DEFEATED. MY. RIVAL!"
A colossal figure, Level 100, erupted from the fissure—Lord Lija, the God of the Beast Nation. A monstrous, multi-limbed entity wreathed in golden flames and bone armor.
[Threat Detected: Lord Lija (Level 100). Entity Classification: God-Class Nexus.]
[Warning: Ultimate Danger. Defeat the entity for Rank C Ascension.]
Archelius stood ready, the War God's Edge blazing, the Grand Exotic Core pulsing in his hand. He was Level 24, Rank D+, facing Level 100.
"The rules of the System are absolute, God," Archelius declared, channeling the core's energy into his body. "I have the Grand Exotic Core. Now, I claim the Dominance Kill."