Apocalypse: Rise of the SSS-Rank Sovereign

Chapter 3: Why did you save me

Silence fell over the plaza.

Elena’s eyes widened to the size of saucers. One hit. He killed a monster in a single, effortless strike.

Dominic’s face twisted in immediate rage and jealousy. He had planned to let the monster terrify Elena so she would beg for his salvation, and this random guy in cheap clothes had just ruined his display of power.

"Hey! Bastard!" Dominic snarled, stepping forward, his B-Rank Vanguard aura flaring to intimidate Lucian. "Who gave you permission to kill my prey? In this park, I make the rules! Hand over that steel pipe, and hand over the girl. She belongs to my camp now."

Dominic lunged forward, throwing a heavy, aura-infused punch directly at Lucian's face, fully intending to break his jaw in front of the crowd.

But Lucian wasn't a normal Level 1 human. He was a regressed warlord.

Before Dominic's fist could even connect, Lucian ducked under the clumsy swing. He drove the butt of the steel pipe directly into Dominic's kneecap, shattering the bone.

"Aaagh!" Dominic screamed, dropping to the floor in agony.

Lucian didn't stop. He placed his heavy boot squarely on Dominic’s chest, pinning the B-Rank awakened tyrant to the dirty pavement, pressing down until Dominic choked for air. Lucian leaned down, his eyes turning into twin pools of terrifying, abyssal darkness.

"Listen to me closely, little insect," Lucian whispered, his voice carrying a phantom pressure that made Dominic’s soul tremble with primal fear. "I have slaughtered gods and watched empires burn. If you ever look at her like that again, or if you ever breathe in my direction, I won't just break your leg. I will erase your entire lineage. Do you understand me?"

Dominic, completely terrified, whimpered and nodded frantically, all his arrogance entirely shattered. The surrounding survivors stared at Lucian in absolute, breathless awe. He had ruthlessly brought a tyrant to his knees without breaking a sweat.

Lucian turned back to Elena, the terrifying, dark aura vanishing instantly, replaced by that same gentle, captivating warmth. He extended a hand toward her.

"My name is Lucian Vance," he said softly. "I know the world has just turned upside down. But if you stay by my side, I will give you power, safety, and a place where you truly belong."

Elena stared at his outstretched hand. Her heart was hammering violently against her ribs, but it wasn't from fear anymore. It was a strange, intoxicating warmth. In a matter of minutes, she had seen men turn into cowardly beasts, but the man standing before her was different. He was fierce to his enemies, yet incredibly gentle to her. He didn't demand her submission; he offered her a choice.

"I'll go with you," Elena whispered, placing her hand firmly in his. His grip was strong, warm, and entirely reassuring. A flush of deep pink colored her cheeks as he pulled her up close to his side.

Right on cue, the ground in the center of the lawn tore open, revealing a swirling, purple dimensional rift. More growls echoed from within.

"Stay close to me, Elena," Lucian said, tightening his grip on the steel pipe as he walked toward the rift. "Watch how I fight. Soon, I will teach you how to hunt them yourself."

With Elena safely behind him, Lucian systematically cleared the incoming waves. Because he was fighting to protect her and secure his territory, every strike was an emotional display of dominant power. Within minutes, the rift guardian—a massive, armored Elite Goblin—roared and charged.

Lucian met it head-on, dodging a heavy club, leaping into the air, and driving the steel pipe straight through the monster's eye socket.

The beast crashed to the ground, dissolving into particles of black light.

[Ding! You have successfully cleared the first Dimensional Rift.]

[Quest Complete: Claim Baseline Domain.]

[Current Territory: Manhattan City Park (Rank: G)]

[You have unlocked the SSS-Rank Reward: 1x Mythical Hero Summoning Ticket.]

The blood-red sky above the park cleared slightly, a pillar of golden light marking the park as Lucian's absolute territory.

Lucian let out a slow breath and turned to Elena, who was still holding tightly to his arm, looking up at him with a beautiful mix of reverence, curiosity, and undeniable affection.

"Why did you save me?" she asked softly, her eyes locked onto his. "You don't even know me."

Lucian smiled, a genuine, deeply emotional smile. He reached up, gently brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear, making her breath hitch.

"Because I know exactly who you can become," Lucian said, his voice laced with absolute devotion. "And because I want people around me who choose to stand with me out of true loyalty, not empty words. If you stay, I will make sure you never regret it."

He extended his hand one more time. "Will you come with me, Elena? We have a kingdom to build."

Without a single shred of hesitation, Elena locked her fingers tightly with his. "Yes. Wherever you go, Lucian, I'm with you."