2025-02-05 21:42:28The atmosphere in Arc Aegis had shifted overnight. Tension and excitement buzzed through the corridors like a living storm. In a vast, purpose-built arena district specially designated for the Inter-Base Military Tournament, recruits from all over the Arcs had been gathered to witness the ultimate test of skill and strength.
None of the competitors could hide the anticipation in their eyes. Every recruit knew that this was an opportunity to etch their names into the history of the Arc.
On the marble-floored central plaza of the tournament area, Base 7’s team assembled in neat formation. Military officers in dark, imposing uniforms barked final instructions. Amid the throng, Adam stood with his sister Eve at his side.
Alec Rho, one of the ten members of Base 7 and the team’s specialist shield bearer, flexed his arms as he prepared himself mentally. His Ascendant-class training had honed his ability to manifest an energy shield in combat, and today, he was determined to prove that his skill could stand up against the finest from across the bases.
Alec turned to Adam with a wry smile. “This is our moment, Adam. The tournament will decide who truly deserves respect in Arc Aegis. Win or lose, our performance today could redefine everything for Base 7.”
Adam’s jaw set in quiet determination. “Just remember, it’s not only about brute strength—it’s about technique and timing. We have to outthink and outmaneuver them.” His voice, low and steady, betrayed a fierce determination that resonated with every recruit in his squad.
At precisely the designated hour, a deep chime echoed over the arena. Massive holographic screens flickered to life, broadcasting the tournament brackets in dazzling light. The matchups were revealed one after the other, and then came the announcement that sent a ripple of hushed excitement through the crowd
Round 1: Alec Rho (Base 7) vs. Orion Vex (Base 4).
A murmur swept through the arena. Orion Vex was well known across the Arcs—a Pure whose reputation was built on his unmatched mastery of the shield. Like Alec, Orion was a shield user. But while Alec’s techniques were raw and aggressive, Orion’s style was marked by graceful precision and an almost intuitive understanding of defensive combat. In many circles, it was whispered that Orion’s shield was an extension of his very soul.
The matches for the first round were taking place simultaneously. while Alec was to face Orion, six more matches asides this were taking place in different locations.
The main arena had been reserved for the elite final fight.Alec’s lips twisted into a confident smirk. “A one-on-one duel between shield users. This is exactly what I was waiting for,” he muttered. His eyes flashed with anticipation. However, deep down, he also recognized the formidable challenge ahead. If Orion’s skill truly eclipsed his own, then every moment in the ring would be a test of endurance and ingenuity.
Eve’s eyes narrowed with concern as she placed a gentle hand on Alec’s shoulder. “Be cautious out there, Alec. I know you’re ready, but don’t underestimate him.”
Alec offered her a determined nod. “I won’t. I promise I’ll give Base 7 something to cheer about.”
The two fighters took their places in the center of a ring outlined in shimmering blue energy. Around them, the arena’s stands filled with recruits, commanding officers, and spectators from different bases. A large holographic referee raised his hand. “Prepare yourselves! When I say ‘Begin,’ you may start!” he boomed.
A moment of charged silence followed. Then, with a sharp command of “Begin!” the duel erupted.
Alec launched himself forward, summoning his energy shield to a vibrant, semi-translucent state that enveloped his forearm and extended outward like a protective wall. With a quick feint and a heavy swing, he attempted to knock Orion off balance. His attack was fueled by years of rigorous Ascendant training—a blend of raw physical prowess and calculated aggression.
But Orion was ready. The Pure recruit’s own shield, a beautifully crafted barrier of deep indigo energy with swirling patterns of light, shimmered into existence almost as if by instinct. In a flash, Orion pivoted on his heel, intercepting Alec’s charge. The impact was tremendous—shield clashing against shield sent sparks flying in every direction. The resounding crack of energy colliding filled the arena, leaving the spectators momentarily breathless.
For several long, suspended seconds, both fighters engaged in a delicate dance. Alec pressed forward, his shield battered by the precision of Orion’s defensive maneuvers. Orion, meanwhile, was not on the defensive alone; he countered with rapid, decisive strikes. Every parry and riposte revealed a depth of control that came only from the rare combination of innate talent and relentless training.
“Your shield technique is formidable,” Alec panted as he blocked a sudden, swift thrust from Orion. “But let’s see if you can handle this!” With a burst of speed, Alec shifted his stance and delivered a series of rapid blows aimed at exploiting what he believed might be a tiny gap in Orion’s defense.
Orion’s eyes glittered with focus. He moved as fluidly as water, absorbing the force of each blow with minimal effort. Then, with a calculated twist of his wrist, he redirected Alec’s momentum. In one graceful motion, Orion advanced forward. The Pure’s shield glowed brighter, absorbing and dispersing the incoming energy before slamming into Alec’s side with a force that sent a shockwave through the ring.
Alec staggered. His breath hitched as pain flared across his ribs. Gritting his teeth, he struggled to regain his footing. “Not bad… but I’m not finished yet,” he growled, summoning every ounce of energy in his body. Determination etched across his face, he bolstered his shield further, the energy crackling with an almost audible hum. With renewed vigor, he charged again, this time mixing in unpredictable feints and rapid direction changes to force Orion into a mistake.
The duel grew increasingly intense. Their shields clashed repeatedly, each collision producing dazzling bursts of light that illuminated the arena like miniature fireworks. The crowd roared with every impact, every near miss, and every calculated counter.
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Primordial Beast System EPISODE 1: The Boy at the Edge of Despair
It was the last day of school for the children on Arc Inferna, their last day as free children. It is the law set by the military a hundred years ago for every person who turns 18 to be enrolled in the military for training on Arc Aegis for 2 years. Arc Aegis is the largest human military base, floating only 10,000 kilometres from Arc Elysium. Every student is excited, for many, this will be the only time that they will travel outside Arc Inferna.Many students were at the school compound, taking pictures and celebrating the completion of their childhood.Somewhere in the Abandoned Quadrant of Arc Inferna. Adam lay sprawled in the dirt, his vision blurred from the swelling around his eyes. Blood dripped from his split lip onto the cracked metal floor beneath him. His body ached with every shallow breath he took, ribs screaming in protest from the relentless kicks he'd endured. The laughter of his tormentors echoed through the empty corridor of the lower district, the forgotten parts
Primordial Beast System EPISODE 2: Fateful Encounter with a Relic.
When Adam regained consciousness, his heart was racing. Was this real? Or was it a fever dream brought on by my injuries? Adam questioned himself.But the power surging through him felt undeniably real. A warmth spread through his battered body, numbing the pain and filling him with a newfound sense of relief.It had been a while since he had felt such relief. The information the mysterious tablet had forced into his subconscious had made him numb.Adam has lived all his life on Arc Inferna, one of the seven giga-floating sanctuaries that keep humanity in the sky, safe from the extremovores. Being the 5th generation children of the Arcs, they have only heard of the surface from stories and history books.From time to time, they will be shown video records from a time when humanity was free and roaming on the surface.It all changed 250 years ago, after the great ascension wars that resulted in the destruction of the moon, humanity almost destroyed itself. That was when the most powerf
Primordial Beast System EPISODE 3: Escape
Somewhere in the Control room of Arc Inferna, a man was seated in front of multiple screens, each with a different thing displayed. There are about a hundred different screens. A woman was seated at the back of the room, she was wearing a military uniform with a sword strapped to her hip and a barret on her head.The man in front of the multiple screens had his attention on a particular screen to his left, it had been flashing something in red over and over again.“Commander Thena, I think we have something,” he said, turning around to look at the woman at the back of the room.She sighed and paused for a while before adjusting the barret on her head.She was a tall woman in her thirties, and her physique was very muscular, indicating her toughness while still retaining her feminine appearance. On her uniform, three silver stars hung on her shoulders, indicating her rank as a silver-grade commander.“Put it on the big screen.” She said, walking forward in a strut that was calm and wel
Primordial Beast System EPISODE 4: Escape 2
Adam’s heart beat faster as the system's warning echoed in his mind. The danger was real. He couldn’t afford to be caught, not after what he’d discovered, and certainly not before he could fully understand the power of the Primordial Beast System.With newfound agility, he bolted down the dimly lit corridor, his footsteps echoing off the rusted walls of the abandoned quadrant. His body moved with an ease he had never experienced before, each stride longer, each breath deeper.He glanced over his shoulder, already hearing the faint hum of engines. The Arc Guards were closing in.Adam has been exploring the abandoned quadrant since he was twelve, he had no friends in school, another effect of being an outcast. He spent most of his time exploring the quadrant, endlessly satisfying his curiosity.He knows the quadrant map off the top of his head. He spent many years venturing into the restricted area to avoid Bryan and other bullies who targeted him simply because he was an outcast-class
Primordial Beast System EPISODE 5: Military Enlistment
When Adam arrived home, Eve had already made dinner, she had arranged the food on the small dining table they had by the side of the bed, but had not been able to eat without her brother.When she learned that Arc guards were patrolling the abandoned quadrant with drones and a transporter, she became worried. She saw him fleeing from the gang of bullies that had been tormenting him every day.When she looked at him, she noticed that, as usual, his uniform was dirty, but there were no bruises on his body, which relieved her of her worries. Although she was safe from harsh treatment and bullying in school, due to her immense potential even as an outcast, she didn’t know what she would do if her twin brother were to get seriously injured.Adam went straight into the shower. After he cleaned up, he dressed and sat by the small dining table.Eve could not take her eyes off him. Everything about him had changed. His gaze, the air around him, and even his body posture. Adam usually had a slu
Primordial Beast System EPISODE 6: Evaluation.
The recruits were soon divided into groups and assigned quarters. Adam and Eve were separated, each placed in different dormitories based on gender. Adam found himself in a small, stark room shared with three other recruits, all Ascendant-class. Their disdain for him was evident, but Adam paid them no mind. He was used to the hostility. The first day of preparation involved physical assessments. The recruits were marched to an open field as soon as they finish taking their bags to their rooms after inspection of their luggage contents. On the field, there were obstacle courses which had been set up. Adam observed the Ascendants breeze through the challenges with practiced ease, while the Outcasts struggled to keep up. His turn came, and he moved with surprising agility, a result of the system’s subtle enhancements. Though he didn’t outperform the Ascendants, he completed the course with a quiet determination that earned a few curious glances. The physical fitness tests continued t
Primordial Beast System EPISODE 7: Survival Simulation
About a day ago, during the combat evaluation, Marcus, one of the Ascendants from Adam’s class had lost a fight against Adam, an Outcast.Later that night during dinner, Bryan and his lackeys had gone out of their way to make Marcus the laughing stock of their class. Bryan had bragged of how he used to beat Adam to the brink of death, how any ascendant in their class could beat a miserable outcast like Adam.Marcus was greatly humiliated, and Bryan used this opportunity to convince him that the only way to regain his dignity as an Ascendant was to get rid of Adam during the simulation test.Once commander Darius asked the students to team up, he figured that if he joined the same team as Adam, he could attack him during the exercise and report it as an accident.Marcus’s cold gaze locked onto Adam as he approached their group, his lips curling into a smirk. Eve’s expression darkened when she saw him, but she held her tongue. The golden-haired boy with green eyes, Alec, shifted uncomfo
Primordial Beast System EPISODE 8: Survival Simulation 2
Adam now had enough motivation, and his hesitation vanished and a serious expression appeared on his face.The mantis let out a loud shriek and charged again. It targeted Eve and swung hard.Alec used his shield to block the attack. The sound of the mantis' arm hitting the shield gave out a large bang, setting off sparks and sending Alec crashing backwards.While keeping Marcus at bay, Adam had analyzed the mantis. Its exoskeleton was tougher than the weapons they were using and it was relatively fast, especially when it is attacking.With the aid of the system, Adam had identified the mantis’ weakness.“Draw its attention Alec, I want to try something.” He shouted.Eve drew her bow, aiming at the eye of the mantis, she shot an arrow.Before the arrow could pierce its eyes, the two large arms moved with incredible speed, catching the arrow mid-air.Adam had observed that the mantis's strength lies in its tough outer shell and how incredibly fast it can attack with its large front grap
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EPISODE 25: Clash of the Shields
The atmosphere in Arc Aegis had shifted overnight. Tension and excitement buzzed through the corridors like a living storm. In a vast, purpose-built arena district specially designated for the Inter-Base Military Tournament, recruits from all over the Arcs had been gathered to witness the ultimate test of skill and strength.None of the competitors could hide the anticipation in their eyes. Every recruit knew that this was an opportunity to etch their names into the history of the Arc.On the marble-floored central plaza of the tournament area, Base 7’s team assembled in neat formation. Military officers in dark, imposing uniforms barked final instructions. Amid the throng, Adam stood with his sister Eve at his side.Alec Rho, one of the ten members of Base 7 and the team’s specialist shield bearer, flexed his arms as he prepared himself mentally. His Ascendant-class training had honed his ability to manifest an energy shield in combat, and today, he was determined to prove that his s
CHAPTER 24: Weapons Test.
General Kael, the commanding officer of Base 7, stepped forward. All of them instantly recognized and collectively saluted him. “Enough with the pleasantries”, he snarled. “Each of you will choose a specially designed nytherite weapon that will complement your ability. These weapons are designed to enhance combat prowess.”One by one, the recruits made their selections. Eve chose a sleek Nytherite bow, its energy-infused arrows humming with explosive power.Adam approached the racks, his fingers grazing the hilt of a curved sword. The moment he touched it, a spark of golden energy flared between them. The weapon resonated with him."A fine choice," General Kael remarked. "That blade reacts to those with unique energy signature."He turned to Eve, watching her carefully. He nodded his head in approval and laughed arrogantly.“You twins are more popular than you know, but I am satisfied.” He said, looking at Darius before walking closer to where Eve was standing.“These arrows are made
EPISODE 23: Nytherite Weapons.
Adam pressed his back against the cold metal wall of the dormitory corridor, his breath still ragged from the night's escape. His uniform was scuffed, dirt clinging to his boots from the restricted sector he'd barely managed to flee. Even now, as he stood outside the entrance to his shared room, the echoes of Arc Aegis' patrol guards barking orders still rang in his ears.He'd been on the run for hours, evading detection after being forced into the penalty survival mission. The system had thrust him into a brutal test on the harsh surface of the planet that was dominated by extremely dangerous beasts, a trial where the only outcome was survival or death. And yet, here he was, a survivor.His fingers trembled as he placed them on the access panel of his dorm room. A soft beep signalled the door unlocking, and as he stepped inside, he exhaled a breath of relief.The dormitory was silent, his arrogant Ascendant roommates were deep in their slumber.Adam sighed in relief, dropping onto hi
EPISODE 22: Survival
The ground beneath Adam was a patchwork of ruin and decay, the air thick with the stench of desolation. As he stood amidst the remnants of an obliterated world, the extremovores began to emerge from the shadows, their forms a nightmarish blend of earth's former fauna twisted into grotesque predators.But among them, one creature stood out—a colossal spider, its body a mass of dark, chitinous armor, with limbs that gleamed like wicked scythes under the sunlight. When he looked at the spider’s face, he was stunned, as if he was looking into the eyes of a demon.The system window appeared.Survival Test Initiated: Objective: Survive for 10 minutes.Reward: Return to Arc Aegis.Adam's breath came in short, sharp gasps, the weight of survival heavy upon him. He knew the stakes; failure here was not just a setback but a plunge into oblivion. He willed his Primordial Light into existence, the golden glow offering formed a protective layer around his body and formed two long swords.Normally
EPISODE 21: Penalty
In the upcoming days, Adam did everything he could that would earn him EXP points. He pushed each body fitness quest the system gave him, sometimes going overboard and exceeding the limit of what the system had asked him to do. He eventually obtained 2 passive level 1 skills, the first one being stealth, which allows him to dampen the sound of his footsteps, but the system had explained to him that if he level up the skill, it’s application can be changed.The second one was a distortion skill that changes his face according to his wish.Today, Adam decided to visit the Skyview Museum, an entertainment and relaxation facility on Arc Aegis that preserves the history of humanity, with displays of ancient artefacts and paintings from a long-lost era.Although Adam was quite interested in the relics of the past, the main attraction that brought him to the place was the large viewing station of the Museum that showed a live view of the sky below them.The facility had served as the only en
EPISODE 20: Reality Check 2.
After class, recruits splilled into the corridors, talking amongst themselves. Adam walked beside Eve and Alec, his thoughts still tangled in the weight of the lesson.Then, a voice called from behind.“Reed!”Adam stopped. He knew that voice.Turning, he found himself face-to-face with Alden Vaelis, one of the highest-ranked Pures in their regiment.Tall, with short silver hair and piercing blue eyes, Alden carried himself with effortless arrogance. He wasn’t just any Pure, he was a prodigy. An S-ranked cadet, rumored to be one of the strongest in their generation. Everyone knew him.He gave a speech on behalf of the cadets that was broadcasted over the seven Arcs. Of course, Adam knew him.“But how did he know me?” Adam wondered.Alden looked at Adam as if he were an anomaly, something that shouldn’t exist.“I’ve been hearing some interesting things about you,” he said, folding his arms.Adam didn’t blink. “Oh yeah? Like what?”Alden’s lips curled into a smirk. “That an Outcast thin
EPISODE 19: Reality Check
Adam thought about the question for a moment before shaking his head.With a big smile on his face, he reached his hand patted Eve on the head.“You don’t need to worry about making the decision right now. You have a whole year to prepare for the possibility, why rush it now?”Eve had calmed down even more, what Adam just did was what others call family tradition, a love language or unique way of expressing love. Since they were children, way before Eve was announced to have double awakening potential, she was the silly cry-baby among the two of them.Outcasts, even as children, do not have the sympathy of society. As orphans, their guardianship in the hand of the Kennedy family extends only to their essential survival needs. An apartment, food, that was all.Growing on their own, Adam and Eve were alone even as children. Whenever Eve was bullied or get scared, Adam would pat her head gently and calm her down.She smiled back at him.“You are right. I should focus on building my stren
EPISODE 18: Test of Pottential 2.
Adam felt the weight of her words, remaining silent to thing about it properly.Astra lifted a hand, and suddenly, the thin strands around her fingers extended like whips. They lashed forward, stopping just before touching Adam’s skin."These are my strings," she explained. "I can weave them into anything I can imagine, cutting, binding, reinforcing, even reinforcing my armor. They are an extension of my will."Then, with a flick of her wrist, the strings lashed toward Adam. Instinctively, he summoned his Primordial Light, and a golden barrier flared to life around him. The strings struck the light, it didn't penetrate at first, but suddenly, the barriers broke."Good," Astra said, nodding. "You are fast with your reaction time, now, let’s see if you can shape it."Adam clenched his fists, focusing on his energy. The light around him pulsed and changed, forming a sturdy structure around him. It was like a glowing exoskeleton, an armor of pure energy.Astra’s eyes gleamed with approval
EPISODE 17: The Test of Potential
After arriving at their respective dormitories, Adam and Eve were informed of the plan that Astra had for them the next morning. Adam was a little unsure of the idea of meeting a Pure in her personal training room, he was afraid that she may harbour ill intent towards them.But there was nothing he could do about that, they were military cadets now and she was a class instructor, her commands and orders were absolute.After he had eaten his dinner, Adam sat in the dormitory, staring at the holographic interface of his system visible only to himself.Ever since his awakening, the Primordial Beast System had been an enigma, offering him power but withholding its secrets. Today, however, a new notification appeared in front of him during the combat practice, a mission reward that was unknown.He opened the windows he had dismissed earlier to see what message they have.Congratulations! You have unlocked the passive skill: Inspection Eye.Ability type: Passive.This ability allows the use
