Ten years.
The founding of the Bipolar Alliance in the 23rd year of the Initial Era marked the first generation’s triumph over chaos.
Admittedly, part of that decade was spent exploring this unfamiliar world. Yet reshaping the global order in merely ten years? Krishis was undeniably a man of formidable cunning.
Ming Yi suddenly felt a sharp curiosity toward this near-mythical figure.
What kind of man could earn such deep reverence from Meryl, an S Class Corruptor?
“Ending the turmoil so swiftly relied not only on Lord Krishis’s power and political acumen,” a clear voice rang out, “but also on the Liberation Syndicate’s overwhelming strength.”
Kailuo continued, “Strictly speaking, the Syndicate functions as a guild-like alliance of Shatterborn. They stay neutral in territorial disputes—but with so many high-level Shatterborn under its banner, its strength is unquestionably world-leading.”
“Shatterborn who join gain protection for themselves and their loved ones. And the name ‘Liberation Syndicate’ alone makes any faction think twice.”
“Still,” he added with a light chuckle, “it’s not open to just anyone.”
“Minimum requirement? Class C Shatterborn.”
“But according to Bailian’s account,” Meryl pressed, her large eyes locked firmly on Ming Yi, “young man—didn’t you instinctively use a Corruption Artifact while fleeing that Ravager?”
“That Ravager chasing you? At least Class A!”
Ming Yi froze under her gaze.
*Did I use a Corruption Artifact?*
No memory at all.
He lowered his head, thinking hard—then it hit him.
As the Ravager’s claw lunged toward his face, he’d crossed his arms over his chest.
No impact. Only a solid *thud*.
*Could I have unconsciously summoned my Artifact to block it?*
Too terrified then—he’d squeezed his eyes shut.
“Then…” Ming Yi hesitated, “how do I confirm if I’ve awakened one?”
“Simple. Like this.” Meryl set the bloodied dagger on the table. “When a Shatterborn’s blood meets air, the sensation of controlling it at will grows clear. A shape forms in your mind—follow it, let the blood flow, and your Artifact takes form.”
“Anyone curious? Just offer a few drops.”
Ming Yi stared at the blade, courage faltering.
Truth was, the feeling he’d felt while bleeding didn’t quite match her description.
Yes, he’d sensed blood-shaping control—but—
“Can I go first?” Xiao Chengcheng suddenly spoke up behind him.
Everyone turned in surprise.
He scratched his head with a grin. “Don’t stare! I haven’t bled since arriving. What if I awaken some legendary Artifact? Instant upgrade—from side character to main protagonist!”
Without waiting, he strode to the table and nicked his finger.
Blood welled slowly. Xiao Chengcheng shuddered.
His playful smirk vanished. Eyes closed, brow furrowed in rare solemnity.
Before their eyes, the blood boiled, churned, rose—swelling into a thin crimson mist nearly his height.
“It’s true! He actually awakened one!” Dandan gasped, hand flying to her mouth.
The mist writhed, contracted, solidified into a staff—a meter long, cold gleam, hard as forged iron.
Meryl glanced at Akiko, whose eye now hovered before a tiny floating lens. “How is it?”
“Guaranteed Class A. Likely Class S.” Akiko’s face was pure astonishment.
Meryl stole another look at the usually unserious man. Her calm was shaken. She knew how vanishingly rare Class S potential was.
“How’s it feel?” Old Lei asked eagerly.
“Incredible… Like this staff weighs nothing. Total control!” Xiao Chengcheng’s eyes lit up. “Something’s surfacing… *Hundredfold Forged Staff*…”
He frowned. “Still fuzzy. Feels immensely powerful… but details are unclear.”
“Normal,” Meryl explained. “Awakening an Artifact doesn’t make you a true Shatterborn. Mastery requires study, refinement. High-level Shatterborn must deeply understand their Artifact, wield it wisely, unlock its full combat potential.”
Xiao Chengcheng nodded with a vague “Oh.”
Old Lei rubbed his palms. “My turn.”
Minutes later, he flourished a seven-foot saber gleaming with cold light.
“Also guaranteed Class A! Likely Class S!” Akiko’s eyes widened. Meryl shot her a calming look.
Bailian watched the group, a complex glint in her eyes.
Senior Alice nicked her finger. The instant blood surfaced, Akiko covered her mouth.
“What is it?” Bailian frowned.
“…Class SS…” Akiko swallowed hard. “And… an intensely terrifying killing intent.”
“This Artifact must be devastatingly lethal!”
Even Meryl and Bailian lost composure. They exchanged a stunned glance.
Worldwide, fewer than a dozen SS-rank Breakers existed—each a faction’s apex figure. Meryl knew one: chief of the Liberation Syndicate’s East Asia Branch—a petite girl whose power sent chills down spines.
*Could this breathtaking girl become like her? Or… surpass her?*
Unaware of the Loki Squad’s shock behind her, Alice twirled the newly formed daggers.
“*Extinction Blades*… I think that’s the name.”
She wrinkled her cute nose. “Heavy gloom aura… Not my style.”
Meryl was utterly speechless.
