CHAPTER 345: CHAPTER345-SHIFTING WORLD

The very moment Daniel appeared on the square of Winterhold Castle, a thunderous cheer erupted all around him.

Not only humans, but awakeners from countless other races had gathered in the square. At this moment, no matter their bloodline, no matter their race, the faces of all who saw Daniel were filled with feverish light, their voices bursting into wild cries of excitement.

"Lord Daniel, congratulations!"

"At last! We have waited so long, and finally the day has come for you to succeed the Human Emperor!"

"Great Lord Daniel, from today onward, you are no longer just Daniel—you are His Majesty Daniel!"

The flood of cheers rolled across the square like waves upon waves, and then, suddenly, balloons began drifting upward into the air. No one knew who had prepared them, but they filled the sky above the square, floating higher and higher. At the same time, bursts of fireworks erupted above Winterhold Castle, scattering brilliant flowers of light across the night sky.

The entire crowd—every person, every awakener, every guest from foreign races—was shouting, celebrating, rejoicing together.

Because truly, no one had looked forward to this day more than they. The day Daniel became Human Emperor was the day hope itself rose with him.

And through it all, Daniel’s face retained its calm, faint smile.

On the great ceremonial platform, the Emperors of past ages had all gathered, each one of them appearing in solemn dignity. Every one of these figures, the former sovereigns of humanity, turned their eyes toward Daniel. In their gaze shone deep respect, weighty recognition.

At last, the current Human Emperor, Odin, spoke aloud.

"Daniel, before I transfer the authority of the Human Emperor into your hands, there is still one final matter I must attend to."

The instant he finished speaking, a new notification appeared before Daniel’s eyes.

[Human Emperor Proclamation: Establishment of a Human Festival. From this day forth, this date shall forever be remembered as the day humanity celebrates Emperor Daniel’s ascension. From now on, this will be the most important festival of the Human Race.]

Daniel blinked at the words, a little stunned.

So his succession wasn’t just a ceremony—it was being enshrined as a festival?

But the more he thought about it, the more agreeable it seemed. It wasn’t such a bad thing after all.

He stepped forward, climbing the steps of the platform. With each step, the cheering grew louder, brighter, as though the crowd’s energy would ignite the very sky.

And then, above them all, a colossal tome appeared in the heavens. Its pages shimmered with golden light, and upon them began to inscribe the day’s events.

This was history itself, recording the moment. Today would forever be marked as one of the most important days in the chronicles of humankind.

...

Yet this day did not belong to humanity alone.

Even for the myriad races, Daniel’s ascension as Human Emperor was a matter of great weight. With Daniel elevated to the highest rank of humanity, the status of other races was also raised somewhat.

Their position could never equal that of the humans, of course, but at least they could expect fairer treatment and a more equal standing in conversation and negotiation.

Within Winterhold Castle, the celebrations had already transformed the place into an ocean of joy.

People of every race gathered together, without separation of species, without regard for rank, wealth, or class. Everyone stood side by side, holding free mugs of beer, toasting and laughing together, swept away in the thrill of the moment.

It was a night of unity.

Then Odin’s voice rang out once again, steady and solemn.

"Daniel, the future of humanity now lies with you. I place my trust in you to lead our people toward an even greater and more glorious tomorrow."

Daniel’s expression shifted, his smile replaced by firm seriousness. He bowed his head slightly, then nodded with grave weight.

"Do not worry. The future of humanity will rest safely with me."

And then another notification appeared before Daniel’s eyes.

[Human Emperor Authority: Transfer complete.]

At the same time, across the continent, every member of the human race received a new prompt.

[Human Emperor: Daniel has become the current sovereign of humanity.]

The cheers swelled again, deafening and jubilant.

And then Daniel, for the first time, spoke in the name of the Human Emperor. His first proclamation resounded across the world.

[Human Emperor’s Order: From this day forth, all who follow the Human Emperor—human and non-human alike—shall endure for all eternity, their prosperity everlasting.]

The announcement struck like lightning through the people.

Not only did every human erupt in ecstasy, but even the powerful figures of the myriad races were moved to tears. Their hearts trembled with excitement.

Every race revered strength, and Daniel had proven himself the strongest. But here was a sovereign not just claiming dominion, but extending kindness.

And this proclamation was no ordinary promise. It was issued under the authority of the Human Emperor. Such words were binding.

For a Human Emperor, to make such a proclamation was to swear an oath to the laws of the world itself. Should Daniel fail to keep it, he would face punishment from the rules of existence.

Even Odin, now the former Emperor, could not hide his shock.

His eyes widened, his breath caught. He had never imagined Daniel would declare something so bold, so vast in scope.

Yes, he thought, only the young could hold such daring ambition.

But then his eyes drifted over the square, to the countless faces shining with happiness and hope. Slowly, a smile curved his lips.

Perhaps this was the best path for humanity after all. Perhaps preserving this spirit of joy, of unity, was more valuable than anything else.

...

Far across the world, in the Storm Sea, countless powerful creatures lifted their gazes toward the direction of the Myriad Races Continent.

For even at that distance, they could feel it: an indescribable ripple of power spreading outward.

It carried with it a majesty that made them raise their heads in awe.

And it was not only in the Storm Sea. Across distant islands, in forgotten corners, all felt the surge of authority.

Many puzzled. How could such a terrible, overwhelming fluctuation arise from the Origin Lands?

Was it the descent of another god?

But surely the time was not yet right...

...

Meanwhile, Daniel opened his personal panel, scanning the updated details.

As expected, his attributes now included the title of Human Emperor.

He did not feel particularly surprised, nor overwhelmed. For him, it was natural, a step that felt almost inevitable, as if all his path had been leading here.

The ritual itself was long and complex, and the celebrations would continue into the night. But Daniel’s true self did not linger.

Time was too precious. He left a clone behind to join the revelry, while his true body once again stepped into the Star Upgrade Hall.

The Millennium Apocalypse was not yet over. Every second mattered, and he had to continue sharpening his power.

He was now level 200. His God Rank Skill Compendium had unlocked the 59th position.

And the skills ranked higher—those in the fifties and forties—were far more terrifying than the ones before.

His eyes fell on one in particular: [Shifting World].

The description was deceptively simple. A God Rank Skill that created an illusion, a false reality into which enemies would fall unknowingly.

But of course, such a basic effect would never warrant the title of a God Rank Skill, let alone one ranked so high.

The true horror of [Shifting World] was its endless layers.

Even if one realized they were trapped in an illusion and managed to break free, they would only find themselves stepping into the next layer.

And then another. And another.

A thousand stacked veils, a labyrinth without end.

An opponent might struggle free from the first, then the second, but eventually they would falter. Their will would weaken, their sense of self blur, until they were utterly lost in the infinite mirage.

That was the strength of [Shifting World].

Once ensnared within its endless dream, death was all but certain.