C1 Summon Technique!
In the bustling city of Tianfeng, within the walls of No.5 High School, the students of Class 308 were abuzz with excitement and anxiety.
"I have no idea which Innate Skill I'll awaken tonight. I'm on edge!" one student confessed.
"Please, God, grant me a Level A talent!" another pleaded.
"You're dreaming! There aren't even a thousand people with Level A talents in all of Great Xia Country," a classmate chided.
"Did you hear about the senior who unlocked a Level-S talent last year? She got a direct pass to Qing University Martial Arts School. Now she's a Rank 1 Devil Domain Expert!" someone chimed in.
"Devil Domain Experts rake in at least a million yuan a year, not to mention the perks that come with it. I'm green with envy!"
"How can you fixate on their million-yuan salaries? We should aspire to defend our nation!"
"Let's be real. For us regular folks, not being a burden to our country is contribution enough."
"Still, it irks me every time I think about the hefty commissions our country pays to M Country annually."
"We don't have much choice. M Country is home to the Rank 5 Devil Domain Experts we need to take down High Level Devil Cave Monsters."
Amidst the fervent discussions, Zhang Ze sat quietly in a corner, his gaze locked on his phone, weighed down by a heavy heart.
"My sister's artificial kidney lease is up this month. Renewing it will cost us half a million yuan!"
"Our parents' inheritance is gone. Selling the house is the only option left, and even that might not cover it."
"I thought my financial worries were over after my rebirth."
Zhang Ze was an outsider to this world, having arrived from Earth a decade ago due to an unforeseen event. He was taken in by the Zhang family, where he was embraced as a son by Mr. and Mrs. Zhang and as a true brother by Zhang Feng. Tragedy struck five years ago when a Devil Cave Monster laid waste to Tianfeng City, claiming the lives of his adoptive parents. Feng was left gravely injured, her kidneys failing. Her unique condition meant only an artificial kidney could sustain her life.
To ensure his sister's survival, Zhang Ze had exhausted his parents' legacy, pouring every last yuan into the costly renal lease.
He couldn't afford an artificial kidney, given that one cost a staggering 5 million yuan—and Zhang Feng needed two of them.
"I hope tonight's the night I awaken a high-level talent!"
Zhang Ze gazed at the full moon pattern on his right hand, where a series of numbers flickered in the center: 05:26:50.
It was a countdown. When it hit zero, he'd be able to enter the Devil Domain.
The Devil Domain had emerged out of nowhere twenty years prior, its origins a mystery. Many believed it to be the work of the divine.
Upon turning eighteen, everyone gained access to the Devil Domain, where they could unlock their Innate Skills.
Innate Skills were categorized into levels D, C, B, A, S, SS, and SSS, with power escalating at each tier.
The emergence of the Devil Domain coincided with the appearance of Devil Caves, which materialized randomly across the globe. From these caves, formidable Devil Cave Monsters would emerge, posing a threat to humanity.
Conventional weapons were useless against these creatures. It was later discovered that strength acquired within the Devil Domain translated to the real world. Those who grew stronger in the domain also became more powerful in reality.
Consequently, nations worldwide mobilized Devil Domain Experts to combat the Devil Cave Monsters, ultimately achieving significant victories.
As Devil Domain Experts grew in importance, the Devil Domain Experts Association was formed, an international body that classified experts into five ranks. Passing the association's assessment earned one a rank certificate.
Typically, anyone with a Level A talent could breeze through the Rank 1 assessment.
But it took a Rank 5 Devil Domain Expert to take down a High-Level Devil Cave Monster. The power unleashed by a Rank 5 expert was on par with nuclear weaponry.
Hence, nations with Rank 5 Devil Domain Experts wielded substantial international influence.
At present, M Country was the sole nation boasting a Rank 5 Devil Domain Expert. Moreover, it had a plethora of experts across various levels, securing its top spot in the global hierarchy and establishing a monopoly.
When a High-Level Devil Cave Monster appeared, other nations had no choice but to turn to M Country for assistance. M Country would then levy hefty commissions and impose stringent demands. Left with no alternatives, the rest of the world had to reluctantly comply.
Among them, Great Xia Country bore the brunt of the losses. As a result, they were eager to train a cadre of Devil Domain Experts.
The perks for Devil Domain Experts were exceptionally attractive.
They not only served their nation but also reaped both fame and wealth. It's no wonder everyone aspired to become a Devil Domain Expert!
"If I can just awaken a Level A talent, I'll have a shot at becoming a Devil Domain Expert. Maybe then I can save my sister!" Zhang Ze whispered to himself, fists clenched with determination.
As the school bell signaled the end of the day, Zhang Ze dashed from the classroom. He swiftly cleaned the Martial House, the job that provided for both him and his sister.
With his work done, Zhang Ze checked the time and realized he had two hours before his foray into the Devil Domain. He hurried to catch the last subway home.
The television broadcasted the news anchor's voice: "This year, our country has seen three million students turn eighteen. How many of them will prove to be exceptional talents? We'll just have to wait and see!"
While watching the news on the subway, Zhang Ze's phone buzzed with a new message.
"Bro, I'm going to a friend's house tonight. Dinner's ready for you. Make sure to eat up before heading to the Devil Domain. Stay safe!"
Zhang Ze's smile was tinged with unease.
"What if I awaken a talent that's less than Level A? What then?" The thought was too much for Zhang Ze, and he pushed it from his mind.
Once home, he ate as quickly as he could, anticipation building for his entrance into the Devil Domain.
Globally, the appointed time to enter the Devil Domain was 8 PM sharp.
However, due to time zones, the exact moment varied from place to place.
As the clock struck eight, a soft blue glow emanated from the pattern on the back of Zhang Ze's hand. Having pored over the Devil Domain Guide beforehand, he knew it was time.
To enter or leave the Devil Domain, all he needed to do was tap the full moon pattern on his hand three times—a simple gesture.
After tapping the pattern thrice, darkness enveloped his vision. Seconds later, light returned, revealing that he stood upon a circular altar.
The altar was immense, rivaling the size of a football field. It was surrounded by numerous stone pillars, beyond which lay an expansive prairie.
A crowd began to materialize, their gazes wandering in confusion. Clearly, they were all newcomers to the Devil Domain, just like Zhang Ze.
"Welcome to the Devil Domain. I am your Guiding Elf," announced a palm-sized elf as it fluttered before Zhang Ze. "First, please choose a name and attire for your time here in the Devil Domain."
After a moment's thought, Zhang Ze replied, "Call me Rakshasa! And I'll be wearing a mask."
'Rakshasa' was the online alias Zhang Ze had always used. His choice to don a mask was a precaution to safeguard his identity.
In a world fraught with conflict, nations vied for advancement by relentlessly invading their neighbors. Their sights were often set on the formidable Devil Domain Experts.
These experts could find themselves courted for alliances, tempted with offers, or even targeted for assassination.
One should never grow complacent upon becoming a Devil Domain Expert; there was always someone stronger out there.
Zhang Ze had once witnessed a brutal murder. Despite the police later dismissing the incident as mere rumor, he knew the victim was a Devil Domain Expert.
Survival was key; only by living long could one amass the power to protect oneself.
"Rakshasa, once you're ready, we'll activate your Innate Skill," the elf said, producing a crystal ball. "Place your hand upon the crystal ball, and your Innate Skill will reveal itself."
Zhang Ze rested his hand on the crystal ball, which immediately burst into a dazzling golden glow.
"Let my Innate Skill be Level A," he silently hoped, his palms slick with perspiration.
"Congratulations, you've been granted an SSS-level Innate Skill, the [Summon Technique]!" the elf exclaimed joyously.
Zhang Ze was momentarily stunned, then elated beyond measure!
An SSS-level Innate Skill was the stuff of legends, unseen and unheard of in the world. If awakening a Level-S talent could secure entry into a prestigious institution, what doors would an SSS-level talent open?
Zhang Ze envisioned himself standing atop the pinnacle of the world, bathed in a radiant glow, like a deity surveying all of creation.
"At last, I can turn the tide!" he exclaimed.
Without delay, Zhang Ze reviewed the details of his Innate Skill.
Name: Summon Technique (SSS-Level)
Level: 1
Experience: 0/1000
Vitality Cost: 10 points
Cooldown: 60 seconds
Effect: Upon slaying a target, the Summon Technique can conjure a duplicate of that target. This clone is an exact replica of the original, with no time constraints, and is upgradable to a maximum of Level 5.
Note: At Level 1, the user can summon ten clones.
At Level 2, the user can summon thirty clones.
At Level 3, the user can summon fifty clones.
At Level 4, the user can summon one hundred clones.
At Level 5, the user can summon five hundred clones.
Zhang Ze was astounded by the sheer power of the Summon Technique.
With every monster he defeated, he could bring forth an identical creature. Slay ten, and he could summon ten clones. These monsters could battle on his behalf while he reaped the rewards. The Summon Technique was indeed an invaluable asset.
Should Zhang Ze vanquish a formidable beast, he could summon it to his side. The furthest humans had ventured into the Devil Domain was the 38th level, each guarded by a formidable beast. If Zhang Ze could defeat every guardian, he'd amass an army of these mighty creatures.
With such a force, he was confident no one would dare challenge him.
With a spark in his eyes, Zhang Ze accessed his character panel.
Name: Rakshasa
ID: C Country 24751176
Blood Volume: 100
Vitality: 110
Damage: 1-10
Speed: 10
Strength: 10 (Standard for an ordinary person)
Constitution: 10 (Standard for an ordinary person)
Mental Strength: 11 (Standard is 10 points)
Agility: 10 (Standard for an ordinary person)
Assignable Attribute Points: 0
Skill: Level 1 Summon Technique (SSS-Level)
Equipment: None
Overall Rating: Beginner
"My Spirit is one point higher than the average person's. Could it be due to my transmigrator status?"
Zhang Ze shut his character panel, eager to experiment with his Level SSS Innate Skill.
Out of nowhere, a voice bellowed, "Hey, newbies, over here!"
