The world snapped into focus.
Cold stone pressed against Saturo's palms as he blinked awake. The endless white void was gone. He now stood within a vast temple hall, its towering pillars carved with ancient runes that glimmered faintly in the light. Sunlight poured through stained-glass windows high above, scattering gold and silver across the marble floor. The air itself hummed, thick with unseen power.
At the far end of the hall, rows of robed figures knelt in reverent silence. Their heads were bowed low, voices hushed and trembling.
"He has come…"
"The Chosen One… the prophecy is true…"
Saturo swallowed hard. His heart raced—not from fear, but from the crushing weight of expectation pressing down on his chest.
So this is it. My new beginning.
From the kneeling crowd, an elderly man stepped forward. His robes were embroidered with symbols of leaves and crowns, and though age bent his body, his eyes were sharp as tempered steel.
"Welcome, O Chosen of the World Tree," the high priest proclaimed. "By divine decree, this temple and its people are placed under your command. May you guide us into an age of unity."
Saturo opened his mouth—then closed it.
What am I supposed to say to that?
A soft chime echoed inside his mind.
> [King System Activated]
Welcome, Saturo Valenhardt.
Lineage: Founder of the Valenhardt Dynasty.
Sword Technique: Celestial Severance (8 Phases).
Aura Color: White.
New Objective: Unite the scattered settlements into a sovereign nation.
Reward: Legacy Growth, Dynasty Prestige.
The words etched themselves into his consciousness.
So this is the King System… it's real.
Saturo drew a slow breath and straightened his back.
"I accept the responsibility placed upon me," he said, forcing calm into his voice. "From this day forward, I will lead you—not as a god, but as your king."
Cheers erupted, shaking the temple walls.
---
The celebration did not last.
Unease soon returned as nobles, priests, and commoners pressed forward, whispering among themselves. At the center stood Saturo—the white-haired stranger clad in ceremonial robes.
"Chosen One," High Priestess Liora said firmly as she stepped forward. "If you truly bear the Creator's blessing, then show us. Awaken your aura before us all."
Saturo's throat went dry. Aura… already?
He closed his eyes and reached inward. A strange warmth answered him. Pale light flickered at his fingertips, spreading slowly until radiant white energy engulfed his body, swirling like mist.
Gasps rippled through the hall.
"A white aura…"
"So pure… truly divine…"
The strain hit him hard. His legs trembled, breath faltering. After only moments, he released the power, the glow fading away. Silence followed.
"I am Saturo," he said clearly. "I do not yet know how to rule, nor how to wield this power. But no king stands alone. Help me become worthy of leading you."
For a heartbeat, no one moved.
"I will teach you the sword," growled a scarred veteran stepping forward. "Name's Garron."
"I will guide you in law and knowledge," said an elderly scholar with keen eyes. "Master Elric."
"And I shall instruct you in faith and diplomacy," High Priestess Liora said, bowing her head.
Hope replaced doubt.
---
That very day, Saturo was escorted through the settlement of Arvendahl. Stone houses lined winding streets, markets buzzed with life, and children played beneath the watchful gaze of guards. Beyond the walls stretched wild forests and jagged mountains.
"You are not the only chosen one," Liora warned quietly. "Others have come."
The King System answered instantly.
> [Warning: Other Rulers Detected]
99 competitors have entered the world.
Locations: Distributed across approximately 2,000 settlements.
A hundred rulers. One world.
Saturo clenched his fist.
---
The very next morning, his training began.
With Garron, the Swordmaster, Saturo trained until his hands blistered and his arms screamed in protest.
With Master Elric, he studied law, trade, borders, and the power of carefully chosen words.
With High Priestess Liora, he learned faith, diplomacy, and the burden of listening to those he would one day command.
That night, Saturo collapsed onto his bed, every muscle aching—but his resolve burned brighter than ever.
This was only the beginning.
The weight of the crown had settled upon him…
and he would not cast it aside.
---