Harem Stealer: Reborn with the God-Tier Sharing System Chapter 444 - Primordial Ruler System
Previously on Harem Stealer: Reborn with the God-Tier Sharing System...
DING!
A sudden throb pulsed within Noah’s chest. An ancient, primordial force erupted from his core, radiating outward and piercing the very fabric of reality.
The entire Dominion of Maryam fell into a deathly hush, as if a cosmic pause button had been struck. The silence was fleeting.
Moments later, rhythmic, drum-like vibrations thundered through the air, vibrating the foundations of the entire Dominion.
Instinctively, the First Soul retreated a step. Her leg rose, poised to touch the ground in a backward motion.
That movement was never completed.
She became a motionless statue, a goddess-like figure meant for veneration, possessing grey skin, vacant white eyes, and a breathtaking countenance.
Six horns crowned her head, jutting toward the heavens in a display of defiance... it was a magnificent sight to behold.
Noah, however, was preoccupied. His violet gaze swept across the chamber, flickering between his wives and his foes.
Every single one of them was suspended in time.
Realization dawned on him. Just as he was about to speak, the voice of Providence echoed within his mind.
<The Primordial Ruler System is now fully functional.>
She spoke with a voice as sweet as musk and as tender as a babe’s skin, continuing smoothly:
<This System is a singular power of your own making. You are its only master. It provides you with strength and a path to elevate your rank.>
Noah paid close attention, marveling at how the system was capable of freezing this entire space in time.
He blinked, forcing himself to concentrate on the matter at hand.
"How do I increase my rank?" he questioned.
<In the manner you were always destined to.>
"Which means?"
<By being a ruler, Noah,> Providence replied, as if the answer were self-evident. To be fair, it was.
<Your level increases through your acts of ruling. However, not all rulers are created equal. Every sovereign must begin at the bottom and climb the hierarchy.>
<That is your current path.>
Without pausing for Noah to digest the information, she pressed on relentlessly.
<The progression stages are: Lord of Harmony, Duke of Cloud, Prince of Sky, King, and Emperor.>
Noah raised an eyebrow, recognizing the titles of the Seeds bestowed upon him by the Records.
<You currently hold the rank: Lord of Harmony.>
A second translucent panel shimmered into view beside the first.
<Stage: Lord of Harmony>
<Manifestation: Ring of Renown.>
<First Authority: Name of Renown—You possess the power to name yourself and those who serve you. All names are bound to your essence. Exercise caution, for to grant a name is to bestow a destiny.>
<Unique Skill: Binder—You are capable of binding any object or being to yourself. Once bound, a portion of their essence will dwell within you, inside your Ring of Renown. You shall draw power and enhancements from them.>
<Aspect: Harmony—The process of binding is made seamless. You can detect discord within yourself and others. Your very presence naturally guides things toward a state of harmony.>
Providence finally fell silent, and in that moment, Noah felt a sensation.
He looked down at his left hand. Around his middle finger, a swirling vortex of purple energy began to coil.
The phenomenon concluded quickly, leaving Noah with a cold sensation against his skin—the feeling of metal on flesh.
As the energy vanished like a mist under the sun, the Prince saw a ring. It was a stunning piece of craftsmanship.
The band was white, topped with a brilliant purple crystal. Etched along the surface of the ring was a mysterious script.
To his surprise, he could both read and speak it.
It was a tongue taught to him by the Old Man Tree during his time in Gaia’s realm.
Yet, despite being able to read the characters, the true meaning behind them remained elusive.
"What is the nature of this ring?" Noah asked, bringing his hand closer to inspect the jewelry.
He attempted to slide it off, but it wouldn't budge. It felt as though it were a literal extension of his body, and he could feel the deep connection between them.
<That is the physical manifestation of your authority at the Lord stage. A true ruler requires regalia. This ring is the inaugural piece. Others will appear as you advance.>
<Furthermore, Noah,> she prompted, <You must select your Sigil and your Motto. That is the request the ring is making in the language of Gaia.>
The Gaia language... Noah’s mind briefly wandered to his third mother before Providence’s words pulled him back.
<As a ruler, you must have a legacy to be remembered by. A symbol unique to your existence.>
'Fascinating!' Noah thought with a smirk. 'I’m already a fan of this system. However, I’m not ready to choose just yet. I’ll wait and consult my wives for their thoughts.'
He made his decision.
Nevertheless, one nagging question remained at the forefront of his mind.
"How exactly do I bind someone?"
<Binding necessitates the consent of the individual being bound.>
Noah’s expression immediately darkened into a frown.
<A true ruler is one followed by choice. You must become a figure for whom beings are willing to sacrifice their lives just for a glance. Such devotion is only acquired by earning their loyalty and agreement.>
<Manipulating the mind is a hollow substitute. It will only serve to weaken you.>
"Aren't you making this more difficult than it needs to be?"
<Power always carries a price.>
Providence’s tone was icy, even while remaining soft and affectionate.
<The price you paid was lower, and remains so, because of your system. But there is always a hidden toll.>
"I suppose that's true," Noah sighed. "Now, how do I move forward?"
<To advance from Lord to Duke, you must claim a small territory and turn everyone within it into your followers. This could be a kingdom, a continent, or even...>
Noah could almost sense Providence wearing a mischievous grin at that moment.
<...even the Dominion of a Soul Ruler.>
Noah’s face broke into a wide, predatory smile, his teeth showing in a wolfish grin.
"How very convenient," he murmured. "Did I not just receive someone's consent?"
<Indeed. But allow me to finish my explanation, darling.>
"My apologies, love. Please go on."
Providence let out a soft laugh.
<Yes. The First Soul has acknowledged your authority. Therefore, she has implicitly and willingly agreed to be bound to you. To your very will.> <From her, you will receive immense power and enhancements. You can draw any power she possesses. The extent of the power you can take is directly linked to the depth of her devotion to you.>
"Can I take a bloodline?" <Anything.>
"Can I take her title?"
<Anything.>
"Even her rank?"
<Yes. However, it will manifest as a massive boost to all your attributes, rather than the rank itself. That is no longer the path you walk.>
Noah began to grasp the mechanics of the system. He realized it was deeply rooted in the foundations of his previous system.
While the old way required the affection of women, this new path demanded a being’s willingness to submit to ensure his growth.
This was only the first stage, Lord of Harmony. He was already curious about what the Duke of Cloud stage would entail.
A faint smile touched his lips, and his ring emitted a captivating purple glow that mirrored his internal state.
"There is one thing I desire above all else right now," he stated, looking at his frozen wives. "I require a bloodline. My own. I have lost the Elysiari bloodline—it was sacrificed and can never be reclaimed."
He let out a sharp breath, pushing down his frustration. "But first, before I bind my mother, I should talk to her. And we need to find a way out of this mess."
<As you wish, husband.>
The ring flared once more. This time, the light was brilliant enough to shatter the time-stop within the Dominion of Maryam.
'Are you capable of doing this for the entire Spirit World?' Noah inquired as he saw the others begin to move again.
<Only if every ruler and the Will itself submit to your reign.>
'Understood,' Noah replied curtly, turning his focus back to his bewildered mother.