Trial of Lords

Manila City, High School.

"Heavenly Dao system is opening soon! Our Lord's trial is about to begin!"

"So soon? I'm so nervous I'm shaking. What should I do?"

"What's there to be nervous about? Look at me, I'm not panicking at all!"

"Really? Then why do your pants look damp?"

"Ha ha ha ha ha!"

A burst of laughter erupted among the students. Sitting by the window, Shine turned his head to look at his noisy classmates, then couldn't help but sigh.

The world was changing, merging reality with a game—[Age of Lords]. This game had become an integral part of their lives, a reality where everyone could become a lord.

Although some parts of history were missing or unclear, it was all documented in the books.

Now, the entire real world was engulfed in this phenomenon called [Age of Lords]. Each person had the opportunity to enter this game, become a lord, and develop their territory with countless possibilities.

In [Age of Lords], the possibilities were endless. You could choose to research science and technology, using your knowledge to create advanced weapons, equipment, or special items. Trade resources with other lords, and you might eventually rise to the rank of emperor.

Alternatively, you could practice benevolent politics and care for your people. Build a god statue within your territory, collect the faith of your followers, and ultimately become a deity sustained by belief.

For those with a taste for conquest, you could transform your territory into a war machine. Focus solely on warfare, conquer neighboring lands, and establish a vast empire.

If you preferred a quieter path, you could opt for pure "farming." Develop your territory peacefully, avoid unnecessary conflicts, and bide your time until you're ready to showcase your amassed wealth and power.

.....

But all of these possibilities had a prerequisite: one must first become a lord within the [Age of Lords] and protect their territory from destruction in the relentless war.

This endless war began with the lord's trial, the first test everyone must face. Only by passing this trial could one earn the right to become a lord.

"Are you worried about this trial, Shine?"

Shine's thoughts were still on the [Age of Lords] when a familiar voice broke through his reverie. It was Su Luna, his childhood friend.

Unlike the typically low-key Shine, Luna was the most popular girl at Manila City High School. Her beauty was matched by her intellect—she excelled in every subject and was the only daughter of the president of the Su family union.

"Nothing," Shine replied, trying to sound nonchalant.

"Shine, I have one last spot on my team. Do you want to join?" Luna's eyes sparkled with anticipation.

In stark contrast to Luna's privileged situation, Shine's circumstances were far from impressive. Apart from ranking first in the school in Military Chess Deduction, his grades in other subjects were near the bottom. Additionally, as an orphan, his family situation was difficult.

This section adds more depth to Shine's character and the dynamics between him and Luna. Let's enhance the clarity and emotional impact:

Facing Luna's invitation, Shine responded with a firm, "No."

Even though Luna's father had raised him, Shine always kept a distance from Luna. Her popularity and the attention she attracted often brought unnecessary trouble.

"I'm not worried about this trial, and I don't like being in a team. Give your last team quota to someone else."

Luna was stunned. She had saved that final team spot specifically for Shine, never expecting such a decisive refusal. For a moment, she didn't know what to say.

The other classmates, overhearing the conversation, began to chatter loudly.

"Can you believe it? He's the worst student in the entire school, and he just refused her!"

"Yeah, except for military chess deduction, he's failing everything else."

"If it were me, I'd have jumped at Luna's invitation."

"He's definitely going to be the first one eliminated."

"I don't get why Luna likes him. It's infuriating. I'm so jealous!"

As the class erupted in speculation and gossip, the classroom door opened. The teacher walked in and addressed the class.

"Everyone, the test is about to begin. Please head downstairs."

The room fell silent as the students quickly gathered their things and left the classroom, heading down to participate in the lord's trial.

——————————————

In the courtyard of the square, the opening of the Heavenly Dao system bathed the area in a dazzling golden light, illuminating an ancient yet still functional "Holy Relic."

This relic from a bygone era was known as the "Game Warehouse" or "Sleeping Cabin," the device players used to enter [Age of Lords]. Due to technological stagnation and other special circumstances, this irreplaceable ancient device had become revered as a "holy relic" from a more glorious time.

Once a year, during the opening of the lord's trial, these relics were brought out and activated. Their numbers were so limited that only high school students had access to them.

In fact, only areas possessing these holy relics were able to build schools, making their presence both a privilege and a necessity for education.

At this time, a young man lay in the relic, preparing to connect with the Heavenly Dao system and begin his lord's trial.

"Please choose your initial environment and race."

"Human race."

A flash of golden light, and the young man disappeared.

"Next."

"Please choose your initial environment and race."

"Jungle type, Druid."

Brush!

"Next."

"Please choose your initial environment and race."

"Swamp type, Murloc."

Finally, it was Shine's turn. He lay down on the platform, which resembled a coffin, and closed his eyes.

In an instant, a somewhat damaged but functional system interface appeared before him.

"Welcome to the Age of Lords, Shine."

"Please choose your initial environment and race."

Countless civilizations and their corresponding environments were displayed on the interface, each offering a unique development path. The combination of environment and race would shape the entire trajectory of his game experience.

However, Shine had a plan. Instead of carefully selecting an environment and race, he chose a special option.

"Random, random."

Selecting random twice would grant him a 50% increase in initial resources, a significant advantage in the game. Although this choice introduced unpredictable risks, Shine valued the extra resources more than the certainty of a chosen path.

After making his selections, the transmission began.

Different voices began to ring out from within the "Holy Relics."

"Digitalization has begun... Digitization completed!"

"Randomly assigning initial environment and race, allocation failed!"

"Warning, warning! An error occurred in the operating system!"

"Warning, warning! The Heavenly Dao system is distorted, player data is abnormal, player…"

"System crashed, restarting!"

"Randomly assigning initial environment and race, allocation successful!"

"Welcome to the Age of Lords, Shine."

"The initial environment assigned to you by the system is…"

"Endless Abyss!"