What makes those with Resonance undeniably unique?
Is it their power?
Their riches?
Or the superhuman abilities they wield with ease?
The truth is—what truly sets them apart is their ability to own a Domain.
A Domain is the extension of one's soul. It was something so deeply personal it cannot be replicated.
Only those who are truly Awakened are capable of manifesting one.
Even then, managing a Domain is no small feat. It is a task that breaks the weak and humbles the proud.
But not all who awaken are granted a Domain.
There are many unfortunate souls left behind.
These are simply known as the Awakened.
Those who are granted Domains?
They are the Blessed.
The difference between them is staggering.
A single Blessed can rival, no, they can overwhelm a hundred Awakened. Though, of course, everything depends on one's ability.
Still, strength in this world isn't bound by titles.
An Awakened can defeat a Blessed.
An Awakened can even manifest a Domain.
That is, if they're willing to bleed for it.
Nothing in this world is predetermined.
Nothing—except, perhaps, for those who still cling to fate.
And as for Domains?
They don't exist in the real world.
Or rather, not in this world.
Every Domain is born in a space outside our understanding—An ever-expanding void called the Endless Abyss.
The Battlefield of Gods, some call it.
A realm of both peril and promise.
You either die in your first week inside,
Or you survive long enough to thrive.
What truly sets these titles apart as mere "titles" is the benefits given to each of them.
A Blessed can fully access and command their Domain. Plus, they can even travel in mere minutes via teleportation.
They can view their status, summon units, and wage war across the abyss.
It's like a god-given command interface—one that appears at the mere whisper of a single word:
"Status."
The Awakened, however, are left with only fragments of this power.
They can access a partial Status Window.
Showing their stats and accumulated experience.
But no more.
…
So this is a domain…
I couldn't help but mumble, I'm astounded. I never would've imagined myself traversing through a realm—teleporting in this unfamiliar domain.
What greeted me was the blue, reigning sky, casting upon rays of warm light reflected from the sun we couldn't see. The smell of steel and sweat from the units as they prepare for war was carried by the whistling wind and rushed to me.
Other than that, huge stone walls encircling the city enticed my eyes. On top of each corner were battlements where the units of Lord Abel are situated, specifically, some archers and mages.
Not far was the smithery, standing tall just around the corner, with smoke gushing out of its roof. The hospital where the wounded and diseased are located beneath a humongous building with a sign saying,
"Trade Hub".
Just from these things, one can imagine the terror of Abel's name. His city had, if not fully, at least majorly replicated those buildings of the world.
So why hire mercenaries…?
I should be glad that such a thought didn't escape my lips. I'm in no power to question, even to speak. But it bothers me why they even want to hire mercenaries when they have such an amount of power at hand.
The vast expanse seemed to stretch infinitely, so did my thoughts.
Clouds hovering over the endless sky, I would've called it beautiful, if only did it not reflected so eerily.
Huff… Huff…
Only did I come into my senses when I felt my breathing turn ragged.
As expected, I'm not handling the teleportation very well, hell... why am I in the middle?
Daren explained it.
I even overheard some among the crowd talking about it, something they called "motion sickness".
Nothing fatal, but enough to cause weakness, especially for those first-time teleporters.
Only I and some of the cleaners' expressions turned grim.
Funnily, even the two I've followed felt sick on them.
I guess it's not surprising for them to see such expressions like the one I did… my body is trembling, eerily so, but not much to gather attention on me.
I'd better move to where the cleaners are before I get crushed here.
The combatants have already formed into five groups, many know each other, while some have enmity between them.
The noise grew stronger, with some laughing at those experiencing sickness. It was as if there was no impending war ahead.
Is it because of their experience…?
Everything happened in the blink of an eye.
We were just in the guild and then—Bam!
Daren merely crushed a stone, then suddenly, we are here amidst the Domain of Lord Abel.
Was I conscious when it happened?
Daren said that the name of the Domain was Abel. Land of Abel.
I honestly felt fascinated; I thought it was a name chosen without thought.
The residents inside the domain are various creatures, the humans being the most dominant population.
I guess it's a given because Representative Daren said that Lord Abel is of our species.
Then…
SHOOK.
The ground shook, and all of the watchful eyes turned to the stage.
There were knights. With crests proudly placed on their shoulder, swords at their waists, some wielding spears. Daren was also on the stage, contrary to those knights; he wore a dark corset and glasses, beside him, I assumed, was Lord Abel.
His eyes were hazel, reflecting the warmth that the sun didn't illuminate. The green robe he wore fluttered with the wind, like a masterpiece resonating that swept the ground. He was undeniably beautiful.
But more than that, he's strong.
His eyes tell the tale of his power, aloof yet domineering.
Swoosh.
At once, the noise halted.
A mere gaze silenced the group.
Only now did I realize why the territory had been named Abel.
It was power, a symbol of authority.
"My lord, the mercenaries we've hired are here. The total combatants are 275, the rest cleaners." Said Daren.
"Hmmm. Not bad. Have you explained the situation?" Lord Abel replied aloofly.
"Yes, My Lord," replied Daren, then his gaze turned to us, eyes grim, he pointed his fingers at five individuals, "You, you, you, you, and you—all of you will lead the group of 54 people."
The five individuals were astounded.
The group is composed of four boys and a girl. All of them are tailored mercenaries, with plenty of experience with war and strength to easily dominate weak lords.
"State thy name," said the lord.
The girl was the first one to take a step; her eyes were shining, with pointed ears and greenish hair that was too long to be unnoticed.
an elf, I thought.
"Seris Elune, Archer."
After her were the rest.
"Kael Voss, Berserker."
He was the one who tried to extort Daren…
"Damon Rhyl, Wizard."
A robe shining like stars…
"Lioren Maddox, Assassin."
So young… but I guess that age is but a number… an assassin…
"Thorne Galueric, Warrior."
His body is huge… Is he a human…?
Their introduction was brief, so short yet so powerful.
I quietly observed their persona while I stood where the majority of the cleaners are situated. Many were middle-aged, with average bodies, but a body surely honed more than mine. They are all astounding.
As for the combatants, only a few were noticeably outstanding; other than those who were called, the rest looked very average.
"I see." The one who spoke was one of the chosen, his voice was low yet so loud as if carried by the winds. It was Thorne, the warrior. "But how should we divide? What of them?" His eye turned to us, some trembled, even I felt conflicted.
"They will be put to good use." Lord Abel said, his lips turning wicked.
Then...
"M-me?"