Chapter 16: Awakening Begins. Ray Collapses. Domain Trembles.
The air was thick with tension as Ray stood within his Domain, the land he had only begun to shape. His undead soldiers were well-practiced now, each unit moving in synchronization, their formation impeccable. The No-Bark Tree was flourishing, and its silver leaves swayed gently in the wind, shimmering with an ethereal glow. Ray could feel the growing power within his Domain, and though it was still far from its peak, he knew it was beginning to take shape.
But today, something felt different.
Ray's chest tightened, and his breath became shallow. A strange sensation rippled through him, not unlike the awakening he had experienced when System 15 first spoke to him. This time, however, it was far more intense. The air around him seemed to vibrate, an almost oppressive weight settling upon him.
His vision blurred for a moment, his thoughts becoming fragmented. He stumbled, his legs failing him as his body suddenly felt heavy—far heavier than before.
Ray:
"What... What is this?"
His voice was shaky, his words lost in the chaos that was beginning to churn within him. He could feel something inside his chest—something primal, something raw—awakening, but he couldn't grasp it.
A sharp pain shot through his skull, and he fell to his knees, clutching his head as if trying to hold his thoughts together.
System 15:
"Awakening sequence commencing. Preparing Host for full transition."
Ray gasped for air as the voice echoed through his mind. He couldn't comprehend what was happening. His connection with System 15 was becoming disorienting, the usual snarky comments replaced by an urgency he had never felt before.
Ray
"W-what's happening to me?" His voice was hoarse, as if speaking was a monumental effort.
The ground beneath him trembled, the earth shaking violently as if reacting to his internal turmoil. A pulse of energy, so powerful that it threatened to overwhelm him, surged through his body, radiating outward from his very core. Ray felt as if the fabric of reality itself was warping.
System 15:
"Host is undergoing a full Domain Ascension. Your connection with your Domain is deepening. The power of the God of Humanity is now flowing through you, strengthening both Host and Domain. Please prepare for the consequences."
Ray gritted his teeth, his entire body feeling like it was being pulled apart and reassembled at the same time. The pain was unbearable, his muscles spasming as the power surged through him like wildfire. The air around him crackled with energy, and he could feel the No-Bark Tree—his first connection to his Domain—pulse in time with the rising power.
He had no choice but to endure it.
Suddenly, the world went dark. The pain intensified, and for a moment, Ray thought he might pass out. But then, a rush of warmth washed over him, and his senses snapped back into place.
His vision cleared, and he found himself standing, though he couldn't recall when he had risen. His body felt... different. Lighter, yet stronger. As if every fiber of his being had been rewoven, remade.
And then, his Domain expanded.
Ray
"What...?"
Before his eyes, the land around him began to shift. The barren stretches of grassland gave way to rich soil, and the No-Bark Tree grew in height, its bark darkening, its leaves glowing brighter. New vegetation sprouted, and strange, hauntingly beautiful flowers bloomed around him, casting an eerie glow across the expanding land.
System 15:
"Domain expansion successful. Your connection to the land has deepened. The path forward is now open. Your Domain now extends by one full acre. You may begin further cultivation of your land."
Ray stood still for a moment, processing what had just happened. His connection to his Domain... it was real now. Deeper than before. It was as if the land itself had recognized him as its master. He felt power thrumming beneath his feet, a palpable energy flowing through him, in sync with the land, the trees, the very air.
Ray
"Well, this is... new."
He exhaled a slow breath, trying to steady himself. His mind was still reeling from the awakening. The pain had faded, but the sensation of power remained, thrumming inside him, just beneath the surface.
System 15:
"Domain Ascension complete. You now have full access to the God Shop. New features unlocked."
Ray's heart skipped a beat at those words. The God Shop—he had heard of it, but this was the first time he had actually been granted access to it.
With a thought, the interface appeared before him, the familiar holographic display flickering to life.
God Shop:
"Welcome, Host. The following items are available for purchase with Divine Points. Items of immense power. Select wisely."
Ray's mind raced as he scanned through the available items. There were weapons—divine-tier swords and armor—tools for strengthening his army, even artifacts capable of altering the very structure of his Domain.
But one item caught his eye.
Ray
"A blueprint... for a Divine Weapon?"
It was a strange, glowing hammer—its design simple but elegant. A tool forged from divine materials, it promised to enhance whatever it touched, granting the wielder unparalleled power.
Ray
"...This is just the beginning."
His gaze hardened, determination flashing in his eyes. The path was set. His Domain was growing, his power increasing, and now he had the tools to make his ambitions a reality.
Ray closed his eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath to center himself.
He was ready.
He would not be a hero. He would not be a pawn in some larger game. He would take control, and no one—no one—could stand in his way.
Ray
"Let's see what this world has to offer."
---
End of Chapter 16: Awakening Begins. Ray Collapses. Domain Trembles.
Would you like to continue with the next chapter?Chapter 17: Awakens Successfully. Domain Upgrades. Gains God Shop Access.
Ray stood amidst the now-altered landscape of his Domain, the aftershocks of his awakening still rippling through the air. He felt... different. More attuned to his surroundings, as though the land itself responded to his will. The power flowing through him was intoxicating, yet unsettling. Every step he took now felt like an imprint on the fabric of reality itself. The connection to his Domain was no longer just a tool—it was a part of him, a living extension of his being.
System 15's voice sounded in his mind once again, breaking his reverie.
System 15:
"Host has successfully completed the awakening process. Your connection to the Domain has deepened. Your Domain is now upgraded. New functions and abilities are now available."
Ray's eyes narrowed slightly. He had sensed the changes, but hearing them from the System made them all the more real. His hands flexed as he looked around. The land now had a weight to it, as if it could be shaped with just his thoughts. He could feel it pulling at him, urging him to continue pushing the boundaries of what he could create.
But there was more to this awakening.
Ray opened his God Shop interface, his heart beating a little faster as he glanced at the new items that had become available. He scanned the list eagerly, trying to process the new opportunities before him.
God Shop:
"The following items are now available for purchase with Divine Points:"
Divine Tier Weapons – Various types, including swords, hammers, and spears. Crafted from divine materials, each weapon imbued with unique abilities.
Divine Armor Sets – Each set provides significant boosts to durability, speed, and magical resistance.
Mythical Artifacts – Items of great power that can alter the laws of nature or enhance specific skills.
Domain Upgrades – Abilities that improve the growth rate of your Domain, increase the strength of the land, or amplify the effects of your Beast Trees.
Ray scrolled through the list, taking note of the available upgrades. His thoughts were interrupted as his father's voice echoed across the air.
Father:
"Ray! What's happening? The ground... it's shaking!"
Ray turned to see his father approaching, his face a mix of concern and curiosity. He could feel the weight of the transformation Ray had just undergone, but he likely had no idea what it truly meant.
Ray
"It's... it's part of the awakening process." Ray's voice was steady, but his eyes gleamed with newfound determination. "I've connected with my Domain. It's evolving, and so am I."
His father paused, brow furrowing. "This is... a lot to take in, Ray. But it seems... you're not the same as you were. Your power, it feels—stronger."
Ray nodded slowly. "I feel it, too. It's overwhelming."
System 15:
"Domain has been upgraded. New region unlocked. God's Grove: a place of growth, strength, and power. The No-Bark Tree has evolved. New resources and benefits available."
Ray's eyes widened. God's Grove? The name alone filled him with a sense of awe. That wasn't just some basic upgrade—it was an entirely new region. A place where his Domain could flourish, where he could tap into even more potential. And the No-Bark Tree had evolved? He couldn't help but feel a surge of pride.
Ray:
"God's Grove... So, this is it. The real beginning."
He felt his father's eyes on him, and he glanced up, meeting the older man's gaze. "What is it, father?"
Father:
"I don't know, Ray... but I know this. Whatever path you're on, we'll support you." He placed a firm hand on his son's shoulder, a rare gesture of approval. "You're not alone in this."
Ray nodded, his chest swelling with the weight of his father's words. His family, his undead, his Domain—they were his now. He had been given the tools to shape his destiny, to forge an empire, and it would be his. No longer would he be a spectator in this world. He would be the one to dictate its course.
Ray:
"Thanks, Father."
He stood tall, pushing his emotions aside. There was no time to dwell. His journey had just begun.
System 15:
"New Divine Point balance unlocked: 50 DP. New quests available."
Ray's eyes flicked to the new set of quests that appeared before him. He could see several paths, each leading to different types of power—each unlocking new abilities, new resources, new tools for his expanding Domain.
Quest:
"Expand your Domain: Conquer an additional acre of land."
"Reinforce your army: Empower your undead to Level 5."
"Foster Growth: Enhance the No-Bark Tree to full maturity."
"Create a Masterpiece: Forge your first Divine Weapon."
Ray smirked. These were just the beginning. He had no intention of stopping here. There were still so many ways to grow, so many paths to follow. But one thing was clear: Ray had crossed a threshold today. The world had shifted, and his place within it was no longer in question.
Ray closed the God Shop and surveyed the land again. The God's Grove stood before him, its trees ancient and towering, its roots digging deep into the earth. Power radiated from it, and Ray could feel the potential waiting to be tapped.
Ray:
"It's time."
He turned toward his father and the rest of his family, his eyes gleaming with purpose. They might not fully understand the magnitude of what was happening, but they would soon.
Ray:
"Let's make this world ours."
The wind stirred the trees, and for the first time since his rebirth, Ray felt the certainty that his path, the one he would carve with his own hands, was just beginning.
---
End of Chapter 17: Awakens Successfully. Domain Upgrades. Gains God Shop Access.
Would you like to continue to the next chapter?Chapter 18: Mother Learns the Truth. First Family Meeting. The Deal Begins.
The early morning sun bathed the village in warm gold as Ray sat with his mother on the front porch of their modest estate. She cradled a steaming cup of herbal tea in her hands, her eyes scanning him with soft intensity. She hadn't spoken since he asked her to sit—just stared at him like she was trying to peel back the layers with a mother's intuition alone.
Ray broke the silence.
Ray:
"Mother, I need to tell you something. And… it's not easy to explain."
Her brows raised. "Ray, you came back from a coma walking, talking, summoning undead wolves, and bending trees to your will. Not easy to explain is starting to feel normal."
He chuckled, nervous. She sipped her tea, waiting.
Ray looked away for a moment, gathering the courage. Then he let the words fall, raw and unfiltered.
Ray:
"I died, Mother. Truly died. And I was chosen by the God of Humanity. He gave me a second chance. I've been reborn… with something inside me. A System. One that helps me grow stronger, build a Domain, and protect everyone I love."
Silence.
His mother didn't flinch, but her grip on the teacup tightened. She set it down carefully, then reached out and grabbed his hand.
Mother:
"You're serious."
Ray nodded. "It's why I'm different now. Why I can summon beasts, why I know things I shouldn't. Why I've changed."
She stared at him, tears welling in her eyes—not from fear, but from heartbreak. "You… died? And came back? And you didn't tell me?" Her voice trembled.
"I didn't want to scare you," Ray whispered. "I wanted to wait until I could protect you. Until I was strong enough."
Her arms wrapped around him before he could finish the sentence. She squeezed him tightly, fiercely, her heart pounding against his shoulder. "You idiot. My beautiful boy—you were gone and I didn't even know. And now you're back and trying to protect me? I'm your mother. That's my job."
Ray let himself hold her for a while. The sarcasm, the jokes, the battles—none of it could shield him from the depth of this moment.
System 15:
"Tears detected. Parental bonding initiated. Hormonal responses at peak capacity. Commence 'Mom Buff' protocol?"
Ray (mentally):
Shut. Up.
She pulled back finally, wiping her eyes. "So… you've been chosen by a god, have a magical Domain, and you can command the undead?" A long pause. "So you're your grandfather with better hair?"
Ray laughed, finally relaxing. "Something like that."
She stood, suddenly composed, regal. "Then it's time we had a family meeting."
---
Family Hall, Later That Day
The entire core family was gathered.
His grandfather, arms crossed, expression unreadable.
His grandmother, watching with a glint of curiosity.
His uncle, leaning on the table, eyes scanning Ray.
His twins siblings, sitting wide-eyed and whispering excitedly.
Ray stood at the head of the room, his mother beside him like a silent storm.
Ray:
"You all deserve the truth. I've awakened something… powerful. A gift from the God of Humanity. I have a System, a Domain, and access to the God Shop. I can grow stronger, protect our family, and reshape this land. But I'll need all of you. Your support, your guidance, and… your trust."
His grandfather snorted. "Boy thinks he's the chosen one, does he?"
Ray didn't flinch. "I don't think, grandfather. I know."
A brief moment passed before the old warrior smiled faintly. "Good. You'll need that arrogance where you're going."
His uncle nodded thoughtfully. "And this… Domain? What's in it?"
"Undead beasts," Ray said. "Living trees. An evolving land that grows with me. Right now, it's small, but it's changing. It's tied to my life—and my goals."
Grandmother:
"You say it's tied to you. Then if you die…?"
Ray didn't answer. Her frown deepened. "Then we will protect you."
Ray stepped forward. "But it's not just protection I need. I want a deal. With grandfather. One befitting the head of this house."
His grandfather raised a brow. "A deal?"
"I'll build something greater than any noble house. I'll make this land a fortress. I'll bring power, knowledge, wealth—whatever this family needs. But in return…" Ray's gaze sharpened. "I want full control over my Domain. I want to be treated as my own lord."
The room fell still.
Finally, the old man leaned forward. "And if I refuse?"
Ray smiled. "Then you'll lose more than a grandson. You'll lose the one chance this family has to rise beyond these dying lands."
Silence again.
Then, slowly… the old warrior grinned.
Grandfather:
"You've got guts, boy. Fine. We'll talk terms. Tomorrow. At dawn. In the war room."
Ray nodded.
System 15:
"Quest Started: Legacy Negotiations."
"Reward: Family Blessing. Domain Upgrade. One Rare-Class Egg."
Ray looked around the room, finally feeling like he wasn't walking through someone else's story.
This was his now.
---
End of Chapter 18: Mother Learns the Truth. First Family Meeting. The Deal Begins.
Shall we continue to Chapter 19?Chapter 19: The Deal with Grandfather. A Forge Awakens. First Army Purchase.
The war room smelled of steel, sweat, and decades of discipline. Weapons hung on every wall—some decorative, most deadly. A long table sat in the center, carved from a single slab of obsidian, its surface worn from years of battlefield planning and noble bickering.
Ray stood on one side, flanked by his mother and uncle. On the other side sat his grandfather, the Iron Wolf himself—stern, calculating, and entirely too smug for someone technically being challenged by a teenager.
Grandfather:
"You've come to negotiate. So negotiate."
Ray didn't waste time.
Ray:
"I want full autonomy over my Domain. No interference from you or the clan council. I'll swear loyalty to the family name, but I operate as an independent force. My land, my rules, my people."
His grandfather tapped his fingers on the table. "What do I get in return?"
Ray didn't flinch.
Ray:
"Access to my Domain for training and resource extraction. Weapons from my forge. Beasts when I breed them. Soldiers if the family is ever at risk."
The old warrior grunted. "You'll be forging weapons?"
Ray nodded. "My father already lives inside the Domain. The forge there is… special. It reacts to energy. It grows. If he continues working, he'll surpass his old limits. I'll fund his advancement—materials, beasts, and knowledge from the God Shop."
His uncle leaned forward. "You're building an army, aren't you?"
Ray:
"Not just an army. A kingdom. But one that starts with a village."
The silence was heavy, then—
System 15:
"Negotiation skill increased. 'Bold Brat' trait unlocked. +1 Intimidation against old men with legacies to protect."
Ray ignored it, keeping his eyes on his grandfather, who finally smiled—not with arrogance, but with something close to pride.
Grandfather:
"Fine. You'll have your Domain rights. But I want a deal in writing. And… I want to see that forge."
---
Later That Afternoon — Inside the Domain
The air shimmered as Ray, his grandfather, and uncle stepped through the gate into his Domain. The ground pulsed with undead energy, but it felt… stable now. Controlled. Even the No-Bark Tree in the distance rustled in greeting, its eerie silence louder than any voice.
And then, they reached the forge.
It had grown.
Stone walls had formed around it—almost like the Domain wanted to protect its flame. The anvil glowed with faint runes. The hammer levitated slightly, thrumming with mana.
Inside, Ray's father looked up—eyes focused, shirtless, covered in soot, and utterly alive in a way he hadn't been in years.
Father:
"You brought guests?"
Ray:
"They wanted to see what we're building."
The old man approached, touching the anvil with reverence. "This… this isn't just a forge. It's a forge of evolution."
System 15:
"Correct. Welcome to the Soulfire Forge. Capable of crafting living weapons, mana-bonded armor, and domain-linked constructs. Restrictions: Materials must be fed directly to the forge. Upgrades cost Divine Points."
Ray's grandfather exhaled slowly. "I underestimated you."
Ray smirked. "Get used to it."
---
That Evening — First Purchase
Back in the village, Ray sat alone at his desk, the God Shop interface glowing in front of him.
He scrolled through options:
[Undead Wolf Pack] – 20 minor souls
[Skeletal Archer Squad] – 30 minor souls
[Goblin Slave (Rank 1)] – 3 Divine Points
[Beast Tree Seed: Panther Variant] – 5 Divine Points
[Military Template: Scout Unit] – 1 Divine Point
He grinned.
Ray:
"Let's build something terrifying."
He purchased:
1 [Beast Tree: Panther Variant]
5 [Goblin Slaves]
10 [Skeletal Archers]
1 [Scout Template]
And a [Domain Expansion Token]
The ground trembled slightly. In the center of his Domain, a black seed burst from the soil—fur-lined, sleek, and radiating predator energy.
The Panther Tree had taken root.
The goblins appeared next—small, feral-looking things wearing shackles, but their eyes flicked toward Ray with unnatural loyalty. Skeletal archers rose in a neat line. Silent, obedient. Efficient.
System 15:
"Congratulations. You've formed your first Auxiliary Army Unit. Expect minor uprisings, resource shortages, and racial tension. You know, the usual."
Ray sat back, smiling to himself.
The first brick had been laid.
---
End of Chapter 19: The Deal with Grandfather. A Forge Awakens. First Army Purchase.
Would you like to continue to Chapter 20?Chapter 20: Training Days Begin. Divine Skills Unleashed.
The morning sun filtered through mist and mana alike as Ray stepped into the training field inside his Domain—a massive circle of packed earth surrounded by spectral pillars, beast trees looming in the distance. His undead stood in formation—wolves, archers, and five very confused goblins rubbing their wrists, now freed from their shackles.
But they weren't the only ones gathering.
His family was here too.
Mother—blade in hand, hair tied up, eyes calm but deadly.
Father—shirtless again, hammer slung over his shoulder, a forge's heat still radiating from his skin.
Sister—bouncing slightly on her feet, light magic glowing around her fingertips.
Brother—half-asleep but already whispering to his sheep, one of whom looked suspiciously smarter than it should be.
And Ray?
He stood with System 15's interface wide open. New features had unlocked since the Domain upgrade… and it was time to see what his family could really do.
---
System 15:
"Activating Divine Skill Matching. Beginning skill fusion. Compatibility: High. Results may vary. Side effects may include ego inflation, emotional outbursts, and spontaneous divine arrogance."
A golden rune glowed above each family member.
Mother:
"Divine Sword Style – Moonlight Executioner."
A passive style that shifted her movement into light-speed cuts under moonlight. Shadow steps. Energy blades. It didn't just make her fast—it made her untouchable at night.
Father:
"Divine Forge Art – Molten Bone Crafter."
His hammer now consumed mana to mold metal like clay. He could craft living weapons that adapted to their wielder's essence. His path was no longer just smithing—it was creation.
Sister:
"Divine Light Domain – Sanctified Prism."
A subdomain of Ray's own. She could create hard-light barriers, blind entire fields, and mark enemies with radiant sigils. Tactical brilliance in radiant form.
Brother:
"Divine Shepherd's Bond – Flock Ascension."
Yeah… his sheep now glowed. Literally. He could temporarily evolve them into guardian beasts, each sheep holding a unique affinity. One had wind. Another, earth. A third just… exploded.
Ray (grinning):
"And that's why we don't bully the sleepy one."
---
Training began immediately.
Mother danced between undead wolves, slicing only the red-tipped ones—those marked as "hostiles." The others watched, seemingly in awe. She didn't just kill; she moved like poetry with a blade.
Father taught the goblins how to hammer iron. They weren't smart—but they were obedient. And with every swing, they learned faster. One even forged a usable spear.
Sister and Ray teamed up: she lit the battlefield with blinding halos, while Ray guided undead archers to fire through light tunnels—each shot landing with surgical precision.
Brother? He summoned his sheep… and they fought. Not bleated. Not ran. Fought. Biting, ramming, glowing with primal energy.
One sheep literally roundhouse-kicked a wolf undead in the face.
---
System 15 (cackling):
"Achievement unlocked: "What the Flock?" – Successfully weaponized a peaceful species. +1 Respect from System 15."
---
As the sun dipped below the Domain's edge, Ray gathered them all in the center.
They were sweaty. Bruised. Breathing hard.
But alive.
And growing stronger.
Ray:
"This isn't just training. This is transformation. You're not just warriors. You're pioneers. The first of a new era. My army begins with you—but it won't end here."
His mother smiled, proud.
Father nodded once, then glanced at his son. "You're still cleaning the forge tonight."
Sister rolled her eyes. "You sound like a cult leader."
Brother just yawned and fed a sheep a glowing apple.
And System 15?
"Army cohesion up. Family bond up. Strategic potential… dangerously high."
Ray looked out across his Domain.
The trees were growing.
The army was forming.
And war was coming.
---
End of Chapter 20: Training Days Begin. Divine Skills Unleashed.
Shall we move to Chapter 21: The Pocket Domain of a Shepherd next?