Endless Extraction in a Game-Like World

"The Origin Expanse is fundamentally different from anything you have experienced before. Players do not simply hunt monsters for Origin Energy here."

She waved her hand, and an illusion appeared in the air between them. It showed a massive map dotted with glowing points.

"The most important source of power comes from controlling Origin Energy nodes scattered throughout the expanse."

The illusion zoomed in on one of the glowing points, revealing a towering pillar of pure energy.

"These nodes are connected to massive energy currents running throughout the world. Factions establish extraction points around them and fight to capture and defend these locations."

Caelus studied the illusion carefully.

"So whoever controls more nodes has more power?"

"Precisely." Glaciana nodded. "The more Origin Energy nodes a faction controls, and the more energy it gathers, the greater its influence and respect becomes."

She dismissed the illusion and fixed them with a serious gaze.

"However, do not underestimate the competition."

Her voice turned colder.

"There are other ways to obtain enormous amounts of Origin Energy. You can intercept rival factions’ transport caravans carrying condensed Origin Energy cores. You can sabotage heavily guarded enemy extraction sites."

"These methods can provide massive bursts of Origin Energy, but they are also considerably more dangerous. People will come to you and fight you for it. That energy is worth more than life in this world."

Sylvia leaned forward with interest.

"Are there any other sources?"

Glaciana nodded slowly.

"There are special locations scattered throughout the Origin Expanse that contain enormous concentrations of Origin Energy. However, finding them is extremely difficult."

She began pacing across the frozen floor.

"The Tier 2 world can also produce Origin Energy through certain events. And the arrival of the darkspawns can sometimes generate enormous opportunities to obtain it."

She stopped and turned to face them directly.

"Origin Energy is necessary for everything here. The more you have, the easier it becomes to strengthen yourself and develop your territory."

"You will initially enter the Emperor-Rank region of the Origin Expanse." Glaciana explained. "It is commonly known as the Tier 1 Expanse."

Her expression grew stern.

"I must warn you. The Origin Expanse contains far too many powerful individuals and factions. You should avoid drawing unnecessary attention to yourselves."

She looked at Caelus directly.

"Your strength may have been impressive in your previous world, but there are countless powerful beings here who would crush you without effort."

Caelus nodded in understanding.

"We’ll be careful."

"Good." Glaciana’s tone softened slightly. "You can also obtain Origin Energy by completing missions issued by the Star King Administration. The organization provides generous rewards to those capable enough to complete difficult missions."

She reached into her robes and pulled out a crystalline tablet.

"Use this."

She handed the tablet to Caelus. The moment he touched it, a detailed map projected into the air above its surface.

"This displays the currently known Origin Energy nodes within the Tier 1 Expanse. If you manage to conquer one of the available nodes, establishing yourselves will become considerably easier."

Caelus studied the map intently.

Dozens of glowing points dotted the projection, each one representing a potential source of power. Some were marked red, indicating they were already claimed. Others glowed green, suggesting they were either contested or unclaimed.

"I appreciate it," he said sincerely.

Glaciana nodded.

"Very well. You can leave now."

Caelus and Sylvia rose from their seats and bowed respectfully.

"Thank you for everything, Lady Glaciana."

"Do not thank me." Her lips curved into a faint smile. "Prove that my investment was worthwhile."

WHOOSH!

They departed from her territory and flew back toward Genesis Kingdom.

The journey took several hours, giving Caelus time to study the map more closely. He memorized the locations of every node, noting which ones were closest to their territory.

Once they reunited with the others, Caelus gathered everyone together.

Gorn, Lucian, Valerica, Ayame, Seraphin Lin, Freya, and Candy all stood before him.

He projected the map into the air for everyone to see.

"Looks like we’re entering the Origin Expanse tonight."

Sylvia nodded beside him.

The group studied the map with varying expressions of excitement and nervousness.

Before departing, Caelus took a moment to examine his newly unlocked ability.

Chaos Magic allowed him to convert compatible powers into bodily abilities that required little to no mana. Unfortunately, none of the powers he currently possessed met the requirements.

At present, he had access to Prime Mind Manipulation and Star Magic.

Star Magic gave him access to an enormous variety of star-based techniques. The possibilities seemed almost endless.

Caelus grew increasingly curious about just how many abilities would become available once he properly reached the Star King Domain.

He put those thoughts aside for now.

During the remaining time, he traveled throughout the kingdom. He checked for anything unusual and made sure the players understood the changes taking place.

Mason was handling logistics efficiently.

Elder Sterling had organized the citizens and calmed their fears.

The NPCs were adapting surprisingly well to their new environment.

From this point onward, their priorities would be different.

Their primary objective was now to acquire Origin Energy and establish themselves within the Origin Expanse.

Eventually, night fell across the Star King World.

The three moons rose into the sky, casting silver light across the land.

Caelus gathered his team at the kingdom’s edge.

"Everyone ready?"

A chorus of affirmations answered him.

"Let’s go."

WHOOSH!

Their bodies turned illusory as they entered the Origin Expanse.

The moment they crossed the boundary, everyone noticed the difference immediately.

The world was vastly larger than anything they had previously experienced. The horizon seemed almost endless, stretching far beyond what the eye could comprehend.

Enormous landmasses spread into the distance, each one large enough to contain entire countries. Mountains pierced the clouds, and forests stretched for thousands of miles.

The entire environment felt richer with energy.

Even the air contained a dense concentration of Origin Energy. Each breath filled their lungs with power, making their bodies hum with vitality.

The world felt fundamentally different from anything they had experienced before.

Gorn let out a low whistle.

"This place is massive."

Lucian adjusted his gold chains nervously.

"I feel like an ant."

Valerica’s eyes swept across the landscape.

"The energy density here is incredible. No wonder factions fight over nodes."

Caelus looked around before turning toward his companions.

"Let’s follow the map. We should be close to a node."

The group followed the projected path through the vast expanse.

They flew over mountains and valleys, crossed rivers of pure energy, and passed through clouds that shimmered with Origin power.

After traveling for several hours, they finally reached the indicated location.

WHOOSH!

They descended toward the ground.

A massive pillar stood in the middle of the region.

It rose hundreds of feet into the air, made of pure crystallized Origin Energy. The surface pulsed with light, and streams of energy leaked from its core.

The leaked energy spread throughout the surrounding area, forming a distinct zone of concentrated power. Plants grew larger here, and the air felt thick with potential.

This was an Origin Energy Node.

However, his expression quickly became complicated.

There were already plenty of people gathered around it.

Tents and temporary structures dotted the landscape surrounding the pillar. Armed guards patrolled the perimeter, and banners bearing an unfamiliar emblem flew from multiple poles.

The node they intended to claim was clearly not unoccupied.

Sylvia moved closer to Caelus.

"Looks like someone got here first."

Gorn cracked his knuckles.

"So we take it from them. Simple."

Lucian looked nervous.

"Maybe we should find a different node?"

Caelus studied the encampment carefully.

His eyes scanned the guards, the structures, and the overall setup. He counted roughly fifty people visible, but there were likely more inside the tents.

"Let’s observe for now," he said. "We need to know what we’re dealing with."

The group landed on a nearby hilltop, hidden from view by a cluster of massive trees.

Caelus activated his perception abilities and focused on the encampment below.

What he sensed made his eyes narrow.

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