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...
A sudden throb pulsed through Noah's chest. An ancient, primordial force erupted from his form, radiating outward and stitching itself into the fabric of the surrounding reality.
The entirety of the Dominion of Maryam fell into an eerie silence, as though an invisible hand had struck a pause button. This stillness, however, was fleeting.
Moments later, rhythmic, drum-like vibrations thundered forth, rattling the very core of the Dominion’s foundation.
The First Soul recoiled instinctively. Her trailing leg began to lift, poised to step backward and meet the ground in retreat.
That motion was never completed.
She remained frozen, a divine sculpture intended for veneration, characterized by her ash-grey skin, vacant white eyes, and breathtaking features.
Six horns sat upon her head like a crown, thrusting toward the heavens in a display of defiance... a truly magnificent sight to behold.
Noah, however, was preoccupied. His violet gaze swept across the area, scanning his wives and his foes alike.
Every single one of them was suspended in time.
Realization dawned on him. Just as he prepared to speak, the voice of Providence echoed within his mind.
<The Primordial Ruler System has reached full activation.>
She spoke with a voice as sweet as musk and as delicate as a babe's skin, continuing her explanation smoothly.
<This System is a singular power of your own creation. You are its only master. It serves as your source of strength and your path toward ascension.>
Noah paid close attention, marveling at the System's capability to bring time to a standstill within this space.
He blinked several times, narrowing his focus.
"How do I go about ranking up?" he questioned.
<In the exact manner you were destined to.>
"Which means?"
<By acting as a ruler, Noah,> Providence replied, her tone suggesting the answer was self-evident. To be fair, it was.
<Your level increases through the act of ruling. However, not all sovereigns are created equal. Every ruler must begin at the bottom and diligently climb the hierarchy.>
<That is the path you now walk.>
Without pausing for Noah to process the information, she pressed on relentlessly.
<The progression stages are: Lord of Harmony, Duke of Cloud, Prince of Sky, King, and finally, Emperor.>
Noah’s eyebrow twitched upward; he recognized those titles as the Seeds bestowed upon him by the Records.
<Currently, your stage is: Lord of Harmony.>
A new interface panel shimmered into view right next to the first one.
<Stage: Lord of Harmony>
<Manifestation: Ring of Renown.>
<First Authority: Name of Renown— You possess the power to name yourself and those who serve under you. All names are bound to your existence. Exercise caution, for to grant a name is to bestow a destiny.>
<Unique Skill: Binder — You may bind any object or being to yourself. Once an existence is bound, a portion of their essence will dwell within you, stored in 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 presence naturally steers all things toward a state of equilibrium.>
As Providence finally fell silent, Noah felt a new 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, reminiscent of chilled steel.
The energy vanished like mist under the sun, revealing a ring of exquisite beauty on the Prince's finger.
The band was white, crowned by a magnificent crystal that glowed with a purple hue. Etched into the ring’s surface was a script in a foreign tongue.
Surprisingly, he was able to both read and articulate the words.
It was a language he had learned from Old Man Tree during his time in Gaia's realm.
However, despite being able to read the script, the deeper meaning eluded him.
"What exactly is this ring?" Noah asked, lifting his hand to inspect the jewelry more closely.
He attempted to slide it off, but it remained fixed. It felt like a literal extension of his body, and he could feel the pulse of their connection.
<That is the physical manifestation of your authority as a Lord. A true ruler requires regalia. This ring is the inaugural piece. More shall manifest as you ascend.>
<Furthermore, Noah,> she added, <You are required to select your Sigil and your Motto. That is the request the ring is making in the language of Gaia.>
The Gaia tongue... Noah’s mind briefly wandered to his third mother. Providence’s voice quickly reclaimed his attention.
<As a ruler, you must possess a legacy to be known by. Something that belongs solely to you.>
‘Fascinating!’ Noah mused with a grin. ‘I’m already fond of this system. But I won't choose just yet. I’ll wait to hear what my wives think about it.’
He reached a decision.
Nevertheless, a nagging curiosity remained at the back of his mind.
"How do I go about binding someone?"
<Binding necessitates the consent of the one being bound.>
Noah’s expression immediately soured.
<A true sovereign is one whom people follow by choice. You must become a figure for whom others would gladly trade their lives just for a glance. Such devotion is earned through loyalty and willing consent.>
<Subjugating the mind is a mere facade. It will only serve to diminish your strength.>
"Aren't you making this more difficult than necessary?"
<Great power always demands a price.>
Providence’s tone was icy, even while remaining soft and affectionate.
<The price you paid was small, and remains so, due to your system. However, there is always a concealed cost.>
"I can't argue with that," Noah sighed. "So, how do I advance?"
<To rise from Lord to Duke, you must claim a small territory and turn all within it into your followers. This territory could be a simple kingdom, a whole continent, or perhaps...>
Noah was certain he could hear a mischievous glint in Providence's voice.
<...even the Dominion of a Soul Ruler.>
Noah’s face stretched into a wide, predatory smile, baring his teeth.
"How very convenient," he muttered. "Did I not just gain someone's consent?"
<Indeed. But allow me to finish my explanation, darling.>
"My apologies, love. Do go on."
Providence let out a soft laugh.
<Yes. The First Soul has submitted to your authority. Thus, she has implicitly—but willingly—agreed to be bound to you. To your very will.> <You will receive immense power and enhancements from her. You can take any ability she possesses. The quantity of power you can draw is directly linked to the depth of her devotion to you.>
"Can I take a bloodline?" <Anything.>
"Her specific title?"
<Anything.>
"What about her actual 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 follow.>
The mechanics of the system were becoming clear to Noah. He saw the heavy influence of his previous system within it.
While the old way required the affection of women, this new path demanded the willing submission of beings to fuel his growth.
He was currently at the Lord of Harmony stage, but he was already curious about what the Duke of Cloud stage would entail.
A faint smile played on his lips as his ring emitted a captivating purple glow, reflecting his internal state.
"There is one thing I desire above all else right now," he said, turning his gaze toward his frozen wives. "I require a bloodline. One that is truly mine. I’ve lost the Elysiari bloodline—sacrificed it, never to return."
He let out a sharp breath through his nose, pushing down his frustration. "But first, I will speak with my mother before I bind her. Let us find a way through this current mess."
<As you wish, husband.>
The ring flared once more. This time, the light was intense enough to shatter the frozen time within the Dominion of Maryam.
‘Are you capable of doing this for the entire Spirit World?’ Noah inquired as he watched the others begin to move again.
<Only if every ruler and the Will itself submit to your reign.>
‘Understood,’ Noah replied flatly, shifting his focus to his bewildered mother.