Rufus Knox stepped through the familiar wooden door of his modest home, the soft creak echoing through the quiet room. The lingering smell of evening stew filled the air, and the soft hum of the city beyond the walls reminded him that life continued outside, even as his own future began to shift.
"Rufus! How was school today?" His mother's voice, warm but tinged with worry, floated from the kitchen.
"Good," Rufus replied, shrugging as he removed his bag. His father, standing nearby with his hands folded behind his back, gave a small, approving nod. Both knew what today meant.
"You got it," his mother said, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "A B-level power. That's… impressive."
Rufus allowed himself a faint smirk. "Yeah, it's B-tier. Not too shabby, right?"
His father's stern gaze softened. "B-level… that's strong. But strength alone isn't enough. Remember that, Rufus. Use it wisely."
He nodded, already plotting. He had a vision—one that extended far beyond the normal high school-to-university path most students would follow. Unlike the others, he wouldn't be joining a guild or the military. He would carve his own way. Start small, yes, but grow large. Mercenary work first, then a guild, and eventually… something far greater.
His father finally spoke. "I'm giving you this college fund… 100,000 credits. Enough to start whatever path you choose."
Rufus's eyes flicked to the shimmering note in his father's hand. In terms he could relate to, that would be roughly ten million US dollars. Enough to begin, but not nearly enough to accomplish what he wanted. He knew that from the start.
"I have a plan," Rufus said, his tone calm but determined. "I'm not going to follow the traditional path. I'll start small—mercenary work. I'll recruit allies, train them, grow, and eventually create my own guild."
His mother's face fell, concern deepening. "That sounds dangerous. Mercenary work… guilds… that's not safe, Rufus."
"I know the risks," he said firmly. "But I need to do this my way. I can't wait around for permission to live someone else's plan."
His father studied him for a long moment, then nodded slowly. "I see. Very well, take your path. Just… produce results, Rufus. You must show us that you're capable."
Rufus's mind was already racing. The first step would be to multiply the credits he had, to acquire equipment, weapons, and—most importantly—monster cores. That would give him the first raw energy he needed to grow his power.
He closed the door and activated his system. The familiar interface flickered into existence, displaying his current status:
Ranked Talent: B-tier
Order Level: 1st Order (weakest, as with all first awakenings)
Power Description: Dominion Core
The system detailed his unique abilities:
Dominion Core: Rufus could absorb the essence of anything he defeated—life force, mana, spiritual energy, elemental energy, monster cores, even abstract concepts. These would condense into Essence Spheres, the foundation of his power. Initially small and unstable, these spheres would grow, merge, and evolve into exponentially more potent forms. Some could become weapons, others defense, others support for allies.
Legion Protocol: Any ally under Rufus's command could receive:
A Commander-Forged Shield storing fragments of his Essence Spheres, enhancing defense and energy reserves.
A Stretch-Sword, capable of elongating, hardening, or emitting cutting waves.
An Inner Essence Node, implanted in their body to boost stamina, synchronize their actions, and link their senses to Rufus.
Formation Mastery: Synchronized allies could execute powerful formations—shield walls, combined weapon attacks, defensive domes, and more. The Legion would become an extension of his will.
Personal Abilities: Rufus could create personal Essence Armor, Devastation Spheres, reinforce his body or weapons, absorb stray battlefield energy, and transfer energy to allies.
He leaned back, absorbing the full scope of what was now in his grasp. This isn't just power. This is control. Command. Strategy. I don't need to fight alone. I lead.
His mind, as always, began strategizing. Weapons could be bought, enhanced, and resold to generate capital. That capital could purchase monster cores, which he could convert into Essence Spheres. Those spheres could then empower Fred, himself, and the first few allies he recruited.
The idea that had always flickered in the back of his mind now sharpened: why be a lone hero? He could be a commander. A strategist. Lazy, if necessary, but terrifyingly efficient.
His thoughts lingered on his parents as he formulated the first steps of his plan. Would they be proud? Could they understand the path he was taking? They'll see results soon enough.
For now, the plan was clear: turn 100,000 credits into a starting force, acquire cores to awaken his power faster, and prepare to lead his first unit. The pathway was set. The Dominion Core, his B-tier talent, and the Legion Protocol were ready. His mind, calm yet buzzing with possibility, began mapping out the immediate actions: weapon acquisition, energy absorption, and ally recruitment.
Rufus Knox had begun the first steps of the life he had always envisioned. Not as a hero. Not as a soldier. But as a commander.
And with that, the first sparks of his grand Legion began to take shape.