The Systems Challenge - Chapter 10: My Gem

Cultivating his power by slaying demons and taming countless beasts, the emperor solidified his throne as the world's ruler. But not once in his life had he expected that his disciples would use research on demonology to sap the world tree's power and push the world to destruction.Trying to fix his mistake, he opted to use all of his cultivated power to cure the world tree and block anyone from sapping its power ever again. But in exchange, he was to lose all of his power.But...the worst had happened, his wife... had betrayed him.

Ben, a postgraduate chemistry student, envisions a future where science unlocks the secrets of the universe. But fate has other plans. In a sudden twist, Ben dies and awakens in a strange new world, reborn as a five-year-old boy named Damian Sunblade.Damian's joy at being part of a noble family is short-lived. His family, valuing gold over blood, sells him off to another noble house to be groomed as a homemaker husband, a mere pawn in their political games. Struggling with his new reality and the remnants of his past life’s knowledge, Damian refuses to succumb to his fate.In his new household, Damian discovers that this world is governed by magic circles, Runic symbols wielding immense power. Driven by his scientific curiosity, Damian begins to experiment. Applying the laws of physics to the Rune symbols, he deciphers their secrets and invents his own unique form of magic.However, The family that bought him has their own plans for him, seeing Damian as a valuable tool to enhance their power. But Damian, ever the independent spirit, has dreams beyond servitude. He longs for freedom, a place to call his own—a life where he can use his talents without restraint.And so Damian devises a daring plan to escape. His journey is fraught with danger and intrigue, as he navigates a world filled with mystical creatures, powerful adversaries, and ancient secrets. Along the way, he forges alliances and battles enemies, all while refining his magical and scientific skills.In “The Runic Alchemist,” follow Damian Sunblade’s epic quest for independence and self-discovery. Witness his transformation from a forsaken child to a formidable Alchemist, determined to carve out an extraordinary future for himself in a world teeming with infinite possibilities.

WSA 2025 ENTRYIn the Grand Land of Baltalaha, the Awakening Ceremony is the most anticipated event of the year, where 15-year-olds from across the kingdoms discover their innate powers. Morvane, an orphan raised by a healer grandmother, eagerly joins the celebration with his best friends, Luna and Esmael, each dreaming of the abilities that will shape their destinies.As rulers from the six kingdoms display their awe-inspiring powers, the arena buzzes with excitement and wonder. One by one, children receive marks signifying their newfound abilities, the crowd erupting in cheers with each display of elemental magic, healing, and unique gifts.However, when it’s Morvane’s turn, silence falls over the arena. No mark appears on his shoulder. Confusion ripples through the crowd, and Morvane’s heart sinks. In a moment meant to define his future, he faces an unimaginable question: What does it mean to have no power in a world where everyone else awakens?Unbeknownst to all, Morvane’s fate is tied to a mystery that could reshape the balance of Baltalaha forever.

[Character Deleted.]I deleted the character I had been raising for over 5 years.To finally defeat the final boss of Demon Fantasy—the one I could never quite beat.For the sake of defeating ‘Baal’.“…I can just start over. I can do it.”And then…[Special reward has been granted!]“What? A mythic-tier trait?”The perfect opportunity had arrived.“This time, for sure!”I’ll raise the strongest mage and take down Baal!At least, that’s what I thought when—[Welcome to Demon Fantasy.]I found myself inside a world teeming with 666 kinds of demons.And I had the ‘special reward’ I just received!“…Fine. Let’s see who wins this.”I was confident.After all, I’ve been a veteran of this game for 10 years.