Volume 2: Rise of the Vessel
Chapter 7: The Weakest Vessel?
The night was calm, the stars like tiny lanterns scattered across the dark sky. A soft breeze rustled the leaves. Lee Hwan sat cross-legged in front of a small fire, staring at the flickering flame, his system window still open in front of him.
His eyes were sharp, serious.
Level: 41
He clenched his fists.
"System," he muttered, "this can't be right, can it? Am I really this far behind?"
As if answering his doubt, the system responded with a cold notification.
[Notice]
Current Vessels Detected: 9
Lowest Vessel Level (excluding user): 178
User Rank: Last among Monarch Vessels
Warning: You are being monitored.
Lee Hwan exhaled slowly, eyes narrowing as he read the message again.
"The weakest of them is level 178... and I'm just level 41." He gritted his teeth. "That's not a gap… that's a canyon."
His thoughts spiraled. Just what kind of monsters were the other vessels?
How strong were their Monarchs?
What kind of powers had they unlocked at level 100, 150, or 170?
And yet, something inside him remained calm—something burning hotter than fear. He remembered the Dragon Monarch's voice deep inside him, like a second pulse in his veins.
"Strength is not just about level. It's about growth potential. And you… you were chosen for a reason."
Lee looked up at the stars.
"The system is warning me... but it's not telling me to stop."
He stood up slowly, stretching his body. His two dragons—Pyron and Nerok—watched him silently, their presence a reminder of just how far he'd already come in such little time.
"In fifteen days I went from level 26 to 41. I survived a floor meant to break me. My skills evolved. I can see one kilometer with perfect clarity. My aura can affect metal, stone, and shadows."
He raised his hand, letting his dragon aura spread. Even the flames of the campfire bent to his will.
"Those vessels may be stronger... but they're not me."
He smirked.
"Let them be level 178. Let them think they're untouchable."
He walked forward, towards the edge of the cliff overlooking the vast forest of the 5th floor.
"I'm not going to close this system page," he muttered. "I'll keep it open. As a reminder."
He turned, flames flickering in his golden eyes.
"Because one day, this weakest vessel… will be the only Monarch left standing."