Chapter 11 Eleven
\[But you practically killed yourself, Host. You have yourself to blame.\]
‘Yeah, yeah…rub it in, will you? Let’s get this over with. I’m sure you’re done initiating your so-called “overview,” so out with it.’
\[As you know, there are two primary kinds of Magic in Lunaris. Each has its own system - a path of cultivation and advancement tied to how its power is amassed.\]
‘System like what exactly?’
\[The order in which you grow stronger, cultivating energy, purifying your core, and advancing through defined phases. Divine Magic and Instinct Magic each have their own hierarchy.\]
‘Okay… I’m following. Go on.’
\[Between two people, the one with the lower mastery can’t sense or measure the level of someone above them unless they are told.\]
‘But the one with higher mastery can?’
\[Yes, Host. You are one smart kid.\]
‘If you have the guts, take form and appear before me so I can break your nose.’
\[Violence detected.\]
‘Oh, quit being dramatic. Continue.’
\[Divine Magic users cultivate by aligning their souls with Selune’s rhythm through prayer, meditation, and performing acts that strengthen harmony, protection, or balance. These deeds increase divine resonance, allowing their bodies to channel more of the moon’s essence.\]
‘So, in short, a long list of good deeds, chanting, and glowing in the dark. Got it.’
\[There are six major Tiers of Divine Mastery. Each Tier contains four Phases, marking your connection to Selune’s light. It could take years even decades to move from one phase to the next.\]
‘Whoa, I foresee so much stress in my cultivation journey.’
\[Fret not. Fear is for heroines. You are a villainess, the villainess I handpicked. You shall be brave and evil in the face of any obstacles.\]
Seren blinked. ‘Wow. I love the confidence. Kill me now before I disappoint you.’
\[Host, that is not possible. If I terminate you, I too will cease to exist. I can only report back to the Mother System when your primary mission is complete.\]
‘Hold on…Mother System? Major mission? Why am I only finding out now?!’
\[You didn’t ask. Originally, your major mission was to live as a mindless villainess. But when the Alpha chose you, the storyline shifted. Your new mission is to live out your life as an infamous villainess Omega.\]
Seren groaned. ‘Oh, great. So my reward for being chosen is a death sentence. I’m supposed to expel the Burndels from a pack that already hates my guts and somehow not die in the process. Perfect. You can go brag to the “Mooothherrr Sysstteemm” after my funeral.’
\[Your sarcasm is noted. The Burndel expulsion is a sacrifice you must be willing to make for your greater destiny and rewards.\]
‘Rewards my foot. Anyway, how long does it usually take to move through the phases?’
\[On average, reaching the top Tier of Divine Mastery takes around eighty years.\]
‘Eighty years?! That’s like…an entire lifetime!’
\[You are currently at the Crescent Phase of the Crescent Initiate Tier. A total beginner.\]
Seren gaped. ‘You mean like Book 1, Chapter 1 beginner?’
\[Precisely. If the comparison helps you.\]
‘So I’m twenty-two and will probably be a hundred by the time I reach the top. How am I supposed to unleash my villainy at a hundred and two?!’
\[Correction: Seren Han was twenty-two. Seren Nightwind is nineteen. You are Seren Nightwind now.\]
Seren sighed. ‘Right, nineteen. So that’s… only eighty-three years of struggle left. Yay, optimism.’
\[Would you like me to summarize the tiers and phases again?\]
‘Yes, because I’m about to memorize this divine cheat sheet.’
\[I hope you do. Very well. The six tiers are—Crescent Initiate, Moon-Touched, Blessed Practitioner, Moon-Blessed, Celestial Vessel, and Lunar Paragon.
Each Tier has four phases—Crescent, Half-Moon, Gibbous, and Full Moon.\]
‘Noted. If I ever forget, I can count on you.’
\[That wouldn't be an issue.\]
Suddenly, the Moon Carriage came to a halt, and Seren felt gravity pull her back to reality.
They had arrived at the Alpha Hall.
Darin stepped forward to open the door for her. Seren descended, greeted by the sight of a vast Gothic manor bathed in silver moonlight.
“Wow… this place is giving luxury,” she murmured, awe flickering in her eyes.
Then turning to Darin, she added, “Alright, Darin. Your services are much appreciated. I won’t be long.”
He smiled, slightly red in the face. “Take all the time you need, Miss. I’ll be right here.”
Seren blinked, weirded out. “O…kay. Bye then.”
She walked off, leaving the flustered guard behind.
Why didn’t I notice she was this pretty before? Darin thought helplessly.
At the entrance, two imposing wolf guards flanked the double doors. Seren paused, squaring her shoulders.
‘Oh well… here goes nothing.’
She cleared her throat. “I’ve come to see the Alpha. Where can I find him?”
The guard on the left frowned. “Who are you? State your business.”
Seren scoffed. “Ha! Unbelievable. I’m Seren Nightwind. Can’t you tell?”
She crossed her arms across her chest and waited for recognition to set in but she didn't get it.
The guard sneered. “Imposter. Seren Nightwind’s an Omega brat with dark hair. Yours is silver. Silver and black are not the same. State your real business before I use force.”
Seren looked at him like he was the stupidest man alive.
‘Stalker, you hearing this? Apparently, my hair color invalidates my existence.’
\[I have nothing to say. It seems rejecting the Alpha won’t be happening anytime soon.\]
‘Wow. Rub it in, will you?’
Seren ran her hands through her hair in frustration, pulling it back as she glared at the guards. “Look me in the eyes and tell me I’m not Seren Nightwind.”
The three of them locked eyes in a tense silence until the guard on the right suddenly stammered, “She is Seren Nightwind! I see the resemblance!”
Seren smirked, giving him a mock teacherly look. “Smart wolf. But unfortunately, there’s no reward for basic recognition.”
The guards’ faces darkened, but before the left one could retort, a calm yet c
ommanding voice echoed behind Seren.
“What is going on here?”