NOVEL WEB Chapter 3: Chapter 1: The Architect’s Gambit
The light from Bakr Kael's office window streamed onto his desk, the papers and contracts scattered about like battlefield debris. His fingers hovered over the holographic display, glinting with the unmistakable mark of the Legends of the Five Realms monetization interface. The morning sun was deceptive in its warmth, a reminder that the world would soon be plunged into chaos. One day until the Cataclysm.
He stood, looking out over the skyline of New Aurora, a city buzzing with life, yet oblivious to its impending transformation. The knowledge of his first life's final moments burned fresh in his mind: betrayal, despair, and the realization that his achievements had been hollow in the face of apocalypse. This time would be different. This time, he would be prepared.
The sharp chime of an alert pulled him back to his desk. The screen glowed with a message that only someone like him—a top-tier player and master strategist—could fully appreciate.
System Awakening Detected: User Bakr Kael Game Character: ShadowProphet | Level 380 Class Reconfiguration Initiated: Cosmic Architect Hidden Specialization: Godking Architect Unlocked
A surge of energy rippled through Bakr as the familiar yet foreign Game System interface manifested before him. Its translucent panels hovered mid-air, each etched with cascading streams of data. For the uninitiated, the System would seem like sorcery, but to Bakr, it was a tool—a weapon forged from ten years of anguish and knowledge.
The voice of the System was cold and mechanical, yet to Bakr, it was a herald of second chances.
"Welcome, Cosmic Architect. Integration protocols initializing. Prepare for optimization of assets."
Bakr's fingers danced over the interface as he meticulously distributed his remaining funds. His decision to convert 75% of his wealth into the game's monetization system was bold, bordering on reckless, but necessary. He purchased rare blueprints, mythic-grade resources, and an expansive tract of land within the Evria Realm. This would be the foundation of his future kingdom—a bastion against the chaos to come.
With his Cosmic Architect class unlocked, new abilities became available: Celestial Forge, Reality Warden, and Dominion Nexus. Each one brimming with potential to reshape the world, both in-game and after the Cataclysm. Yet, the most valuable tool wasn't the System or his class; it was the memories of his previous life—every triumph, every betrayal, every detail of the coming apocalypse.
He had two weeks.
During the initial days, Bakr maintained appearances as the successful CEO of NeoMiracles. His public persona was that of a visionary genius, but behind the polished veneer was a man haunted by ghosts of the past. His younger sister, Amara, a brilliant physicist, often teased him for spending so much time on the game.
"You're going to turn into one of those people who think the game is reality," she laughed, unaware of the irony.
Their parents, retired engineers, lived comfortably in the suburbs. They were proud of their son's achievements but lamented his long hours and reclusive tendencies. Bakr loved them deeply but knew that his time with them was limited. If he didn't act now, the Cataclysm would claim them as it had in the previous timeline.
He allocated resources for their protection—securing a safehouse in a rural area and arranging for trusted allies to guide them to safety when the time came. There was no room for error.
The Preparations
Every day was a race against time. Bakr trained rigorously, familiarizing himself with the nuances of the Cosmic Architect class. He summoned celestial constructs to test their limits, reshaped terrain with his blueprints, and even crafted his first Starborn Citadel, a towering fortress of radiant metal that would serve as his stronghold.
Through his company, Bakr subtly introduced new technologies derived from his game knowledge. NeoMiracles' innovations became highly sought after, but only a select few knew their true purpose: to fortify humanity's chances of survival after the Cataclysm.
He also recruited key individuals from his previous life—players who had proven their loyalty and skill. Each one was given a crucial role, their destinies intertwined with Bakr's grand vision. Whether it was warriors, crafters, or strategists, Bakr's handpicked allies would be vital in shaping the world to come.
As the days dwindled, Bakr delved deeper into the intricacies of his Cosmic Architect class. The System wasn't merely a passive interface; it responded to his actions, offering cryptic hints and challenges. One particular mission stood out: "The Architect's Trial."
The trial was brutal, testing his ingenuity, combat skills, and resilience. He had to construct a defensive outpost within a simulated zone while withstanding waves of assaults from shadow creatures. By the end, his celestial constructs gleamed, and his mastery over the class solidified. The rewards were worth it—a legendary artifact blueprint, the Ethereal Throne, and an upgraded skill tree that further enhanced his dominion-building capabilities.
Bakr realized that the System was more than a tool; it was an entity—perhaps even a gatekeeper—testing whether he was worthy of wielding the title of Godking Architect.
The Final Day
On the eve of the Cataclysm, Bakr stood atop the partially constructed Starborn Citadel, gazing at the horizon. The night sky was unusually clear, the stars shining brighter than ever before. He could feel it—the tension in the air, the subtle hum of reality beginning to fracture.
The System's voice broke the silence.
"World Integration Protocol: T-minus 24 hours."
Bakr closed his eyes, his mind racing through the possibilities. The events of the past two weeks had gone according to plan, but the true test was yet to come. This time, he wouldn't merely survive—he would thrive. The title of "Godking Architect" wasn't just a name; it was a promise.
As the first rays of dawn crept over the horizon, he whispered to himself, "Let's see if the gods can keep up."