Volume 8 Chapter 0 - Prologue

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|Gary|

A heavy sigh escaped my lips as I grappled with the magnitude of the task that lay before us. The future of Dicathen hung in the balance, and it was my responsibility, along with the other Paladins, to chart a course towards victory.

The disparity between our strength and that of the Asuras loomed ominously. While we had demonstrated our prowess in repelling Kezess's initial attack, it was but a skirmish compared to the full might of the Asuras united under his banner. Their collective power, on average, surpassed our own, posing a formidable challenge that could spell the destruction of Dicathen.

Deep in thought, I contemplated the gravity of our situation, focusing on strategies and potential paths to victory. As my mind raced through countless possibilities, I couldn't help but acknowledge the crucial role that my personal growth played in our collective endeavors.

With the influx of mana particles infusing the world, a newfound opportunity presented itself—an opportunity for us to tap into this boundless source of power. Though I had transcended the need for a mana core through the integration stage, I realized that I could still harness the potential of these mana particles to augment my strength.

As I immersed myself in the pulsating energy, I felt the surge of power resonating within me. The current of mana invigorated my being, and I could sense the gradual ascent towards <SSS-> rank—a testament to the influence of the influx of mana from another world.

The significance of this phenomenon was twofold. Firstly, it expanded the boundaries of our world, elevating the realm of possibility to previously unattainable heights—raising the ceiling from <SS+> rank to <SSS+> rank. This broadened scope held the potential for us to transcend our limitations and reach unprecedented levels of strength.

Secondly, the rapid growth and cultivation of mana particles would facilitate substantial advancements for those at the Lances level and below. In a matter of days, they would break through core stages and experience rank advancements, propelling their power to new heights. Although the two-rank leap would primarily benefit those with lower cultivation levels, even someone like myself at the pinnacle of <SS+> rank stood to gain immense benefits by achieving <SSS-> rank.

The enigma of this world's peculiarities continued to intrigue and confound me. There was an undeniable discrepancy between the potential and capabilities of the beings within it. Despite the world limit set at <SS+> rank, the inhabitants of Dicathen remained mired in mediocrity, unable to surpass even <B+> rank due to the limitations imposed by their mana cores.

In stark contrast, the untamed beasts dwelling deep within the formidable Beast Glades thrived and evolved, some ascending to the esteemed rank of <S>. Such creatures were regarded as formidable adversaries even for the mighty Asuras themselves.

This dissonance in power and evolution perplexed me greatly. It was an anomaly that defied natural order and begged for an explanation. I delved into my observations and analysis, seeking to unravel the enigmatic truths hidden beneath the surface.

It became clear to me that the root of this discrepancy lay in the absence of a harmonious relationship between mana and the three sentient species of humans, elves, and dwarves. It was as though these races had been deliberately hindered in their evolution, their connection to mana purposefully stunted.

This revelation led me to a startling conclusion. The limitation on their evolutionary progress was not a natural occurrence, but rather the result of deliberate interference by an external force. Some unknown entity had tampered with the natural course of evolution, curtailing the growth and potential of these species, ensuring that they could never reach the heights of the Asuras.

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