Is this really a Game?!

Back on the beach, as Reign and the others enjoyed their moment of respite, Shadow spoke up, breaking the peaceful silence, "I wonder what kind of challenges we'll face in the next evolution. It feels like each time, the stakes get higher, and the challenges become more unpredictable."

Reign nodded in agreement, "True, but that's what makes this journey interesting. We're not just leveling up; we're unraveling the mysteries of this system and the worlds it connects us to."

Tank, always the practical one, added, "Whatever the challenge, we face it together. We've come a long way as a team, and there's no turning back now."

As the sun began to set, casting hues of orange and pink across the horizon, Laura observed, "I can't help but think about the others going through their challenges on different worlds. We're all in this together, yet each experience is unique."

Wolf, gazing at the distant sea, remarked, "And who knows, maybe one day, we will also be like Eldar and the other Transcendents, volunteering to look after a new world and guide the people present there. The universe seems vast, but our paths may cross with them again in the future."

The conversation transitioned into light banter as they shared stories and laughter. Mia, who had integrated seamlessly into the group, felt a sense of camaraderie she hadn't experienced before. She looked at Shadow and the others, grateful for the new friendships forged in the midst of challenges.

A few days later, with Adrian completing their requested items, they gathered around him in the desert.

Adrian presented them with a set of specialized gear. Each piece was meticulously crafted to enhance their abilities. Reinforced with enchanted materials, the equipment gleamed in the sunlight.

Reign examined his new armor, appreciating the craftsmanship. "Adrian, you've truly outdone yourself. This will give us the edge we need in our next challenges."

Adrian grinned, "Glad you like it. Just remember, the stronger you become, the more intricate and powerful items I can create for you."

Tank lifted his improved shield, testing its weight. "This feels incredible. Let's make sure we put these to good use."

With their enhanced gear, the party geared up for their upcoming evolution challenges. They went to the desert during nighttime and hunted for a bit before the notification echoed in their heads, telling them that they had successfully reached the very peak of Tier V and that the evolution challenge was being chosen for them.

Only about half an hour later, they were all notified that their challenges were chosen and that they would be leaving for the new planets that were chosen for each one of them.

One thing that was told to them this time, which hadn't been told the last time, was the fact that they were going to new planets, the system specifically told them that.

"We have less than a day, huh?" Reign asked as he smiled before staring up at the sky as they stood atop a mountain.

"We have already notified everybody that needed to be notified about our challenges, my only issue is what will happen with the Enclave while we are gone," Wolf said as Reign glanced at him.

"Do you really think they'll try anything, I mean, I have checked out the people on the first mountain base, and none of them hold hostility to us."

"They might not, but we have no idea what Ishmael and the other higher-ups are thinking."

"We can't relax around anybody, even if they truly seem friendly, the feeling all of us got when we first met Ishmael is still there, that guy is hiding something, that much is certain."

"If he does try to do something to our territories while we are gone, then we will make sure that the Enclave will cease to exist after we come back." Reign said in a serious voice as he stared ahead.

"Let's just hope he understands that as well," Wolf said as he sighed before leaning back against a rock.

The next day.

Reign felt the familiar sensation of being pulled through space, the world around him blurring and distorting. Moments later, he found himself standing on solid ground, surrounded by an unfamiliar landscape. The air carried a distinct scent of magic, and the sky above was painted with hues of purple and blue.

As he looked around, he could see the signs of conflict—ruined structures, scorched earth, and remnants of magical battles. The system notification echoed in his mind, providing more details about the planet.

[ Welcome to the planet of Aetheria ]

The system's voice resonated. 

[ You are now in the midst of a conflict between two powerful kingdoms, each possessing unique magical abilities. Your evolution challenge is to navigate through this war-torn world, understand the intricacies of their magic, and emerge victorious. ]

[ The challenge is for you to join the kingdom of Irason and help them end the war that has lasted for two decades. ]

[ The challenge will fail if the kingdom loses and gets destroyed. ]

Reign took in the information, understanding the gravity of the situation. The fate of the two kingdoms rested on his actions, and his evolution depended on successfully navigating the challenges presented by this war-torn world.

He began his journey, heading towards the nearest city that he could see. As he walked, he could feel the residual magic in the air, a tangible force shaped by the ongoing conflict. The atmosphere was tense, and he couldn't help but sense the eyes of magical beings watching his every move.

After half an hour of travel, Reign reached the outskirts of the kingdom where one city was present. Massive walls, reinforced with magical barriers, surrounded the city. Guards clad in enchanted armor patrolled the borders, vigilant against any intruders.

Approaching cautiously, Reign was stopped by the guards. "Halt! State your business," one of them demanded.

"I am Reign, a traveler from another world. I seek understanding and wish to contribute to the resolution of this conflict," Reign replied calmly, revealing no intention of hostility.

The soldiers stared at him with surprise and vigilance.

It wasn't every day that someone would proclaim that they were from another world, but Reign was not the first. During the two decades of war, both kingdoms had summoned mercenaries from other worlds to help them out multiple times, thus such instances were not that rare.

The guards exchanged glances, uncertain of how to proceed. Reign noticed that, so he decided to help them decide.

He unleashed a bit of his aura, causing the soldiers to sweat profusely as they sensed it.

"As you can sense, I am strong, and I am willing to join this kingdom and help you fight your enemy."

After a brief consultation, they escorted Reign into the city, where he was taken to meet the ruling council. The council, comprised of powerful mages, listened to his story and the purpose of his arrival.

"We are in the middle of a long war, one that was brought by the Kingdom of Elais and their lies."

"Although we are no longer sure if they are lies." Another mage said, to which the others glared at him with fury.

"Istamaros, how dare you, do you truly believe our king would ever do such a despicable thing?!"

"And why would they suddenly break the truce that both sides had fought so hard to create if it was not a lie?!"

"She was indeed injected with it, she did have a child, and now, after 20 years, we are almost certain that he truly is 'his' child!"

"He looks almost the exact same, even the power of his bloodline is the same!"

"We have believed our lord for years, but perhaps it is now better to face the facts, he might have very well done it." 

The entire council went quiet as Reign scratched the back of his head, unsure of what to say. He didn't expect that the first thing he would see when coming to a kingdom was a dispute such as this one.

It did, however, give him more information.

It seems that the reason for the war was something the king of the Irason kingdom had done twenty years ago, and it seemed that the king was denying it.

'She had a child, and the child is almost certainly 'his', hmmm.' Reign thought in his head before he sighed inwardly.

'So, the king forced himself on a woman, probably an important person in that kingdom, perhaps even someone connected to the enemy king, she got pregnant and had his baby, and the other kingdom was so enraged they waged war.'

'Yeah, the woman in question is definitely an influential noble or part of the royal family.'

"Definitely, it's not as if such things have not happened in the past."

"Even in your world, I remember there being stories of similar things."

"Helen of Troy, a single woman over whom a great war was waged, one that brought down an entire city-state."

'Yeah, that is why I came to this conclusion, unfortunately, it seems that no matter what world you go to, there will always be bastards that can't keep it in their pants.'