Victory brought no peace.
In the citadel's depths, Alex felt the weight. The system had grown quieter, but its hunger remained. Every night, dreams of Earth flickered—friends, family, simple days—only to be drowned in rivers of blood.
Nyxara approached during one sleepless vigil. "Power without purpose is a cage, Harvester. What do you truly want? To rule… or to end this endless war?"
He stared at the horizon where new banners already gathered—reinforcements, perhaps even ancient beasts awakened by the chaos.
"I want to be strong enough that no one can ever force me again," he whispered. "Strong enough to choose."
She placed a hand on his shoulder—cold, yet strangely comforting. "Then choose wisely. The final war approaches. The Four Thrones will fall… but only one can remain."
Alex nodded, gripping his sword tighter.
The system updated one last time that night:
[Ultimate Path Unlocked: Eternal Conqueror or World Breaker]
[Decision pending. Harvest continues.]
The boy who once played games now played for keeps. And the kingdoms trembled.