Volume 2: Rise of the Vessel
Chapter 6: The Mark of an SSSS+
After the intense training and days of survival, Lee Hwan finally found a moment of calm. Sitting atop a fallen tree trunk with Pyron curled behind him like a mountain of muscle and flame, and Nerok watching silently from a tree's shadow, Lee opened his system window.
He whispered, "Status window, open."
A translucent blue screen blinked into existence in front of him.
[Player: Lee Hwan]
Level: 41
Title: Vessel of the Dragon Monarch
Class: Monarch's Vessel – Dragon Type
Attribute Points Available: 0
Potential Rating: SSSS+
Affinity: Flame, Aura, Shadow, Monarch's Authority
His gaze locked onto the word.
[Potential: SSSS+]
His eyes narrowed slightly, breath catching.
"…SSSS+?"
He had never seen or even heard of a rank like that. The strongest known potential for normal players was usually A-rank. Occasionally, an awakened genius or a ranker might possess S or even SS potential.
But SSSS+?
That was beyond comprehension.
He tapped on the potential window, and the system revealed additional data.
[SSSS+ Potential Detected]
Note: Only the Vessels of Monarchs can possess this rating.
Current Monarch: Dragon Monarch – Supreme among all Monarchs.
Warning: Vessels attract danger and conflict. You are being watched.
His jaw tightened.
"So… all the other vessels out there also have this rating. But mine…"
He recalled something the Dragon Monarch had whispered when he first touched the heart in the cave:
"You are my only vessel. I chose you not just to carry my power… but to become the next Monarch yourself."
If that was true, then his SSSS+ potential wasn't just a rank. It was a declaration.
He wasn't just a player anymore.
He was becoming a Monarch.
He stared at the quiet forest, his enhanced vision detecting mana trails in the distance. He wasn't afraid.
If other vessels existed, they were now his competition.
"I'm not just aiming to clear the Tower anymore," he muttered.
"I'm going to stand at the top of it. As the Dragon Monarch reborn."
Suddenly, a system alert appeared:
[New Quest: Monarch's Path]
Description: Survive, conquer, and dominate. As a vessel, your growth will attract enemies—both players and Monarchs. But only one can inherit the throne.
Objective: Defeat at least one other Monarch's Vessel.
Reward: Unknown
Failure: Loss of Vessel Status
Lee Hwan smiled. His eyes burned like gold.
"Let them come."
His dragons roared in sync behind him, as if echoing his resolve.
The path ahead was filled with blood, battle, and the legacy of Monarchs.
But Lee Hwan—vessel of the strongest among them—was ready.