Chapter Thirty-Three

  "The deepest constraints are those your mind places on itself." – E.B.

  Earth

  Level Five

  Morgrax

  < Warning - You have 12 hours to complete the mission before failure >

  Morgrax saw the notification flash onto his screen and mentally dismissed it. He was well aware of the mission constraints and the limits he and his party were pushing.

  "A natural leader," the President remarked, looking at Trent sitting in the presidential chair within the Oval Office. "It's almost as if you have a calling for command. Are you sure you don’t see democracy in your future? I feel we may need a Champion sitting in this office one day soon."

  Trent smirked. "No, sir. I have other ambitions." He let out a small chuckle. "I just want what's best for the world. Leadership, yes. Presidency? I'm not so sure that would work out."

  "Based on everything you and your team are doing with recruiting and training, I see a title in your near future. Heck, you're already playing a role close to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff with the forces you're building."

  "Now that could be a path forward," Trent said with a smile. He then shifted the subject, "I'm afraid our time is limited, and I need to go check back with my team before the System pulls us away."

  "We knew the day would come. The two months have flown by. I guess that’s what nearly losing your life will do. But go, go! You can trust in us and the people you have recruited. Trust in America," the President said as he said his goodbyes.

  "I know. We will. But please remember my words. There are those within the Games who are not who they claim to be. This new world enables talents that stretch and shift minds. Those Weavers we discussed were weakened, distant invaders. Beings now exist that morph the very existence of those creatures. Let those we've trained ensure Earth's future is safe. Trust no one."

  The President saluted as Trent departed toward a hole centered within the office. "As I command, so shall it be. Thank you. On behalf of the United States and as a representative of Earth, may you continue to grow in strength for the sake of our people."

  Trent returned the salute and took flight, using minute metal fragments swirling around his feet to provide airflow to his updraft as he lifted from the room into the sky.

  "Vorg, Kann. Shut down operations. Meet back at our rendezvous point in 20 minutes," Trent's voice shifted back to Morgrax's.

  Two months had passed since Morgrax and his team found the President and his advisors within the bunker. The unique and perfect scenario almost made Morgrax question why the System had supported such a level for his team. The Astral Dominion had integrated within the Games under the watchful eyes of the System, but he did not doubt that even after the first level, his ties remained unknown. No, the System always has a reason, often giving only the most essential missions to those discovered to be AD or other foreign entities. It was no matter. The AD had trained for these events since early childhood, and the awakening of the planets turned those of his people into a playground of effortless champions.

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  Once Morgrax and the two other AD Champions joined forces with the President and his closest advisors, the plan swiftly began to take shape. Throughout the history of the Games, the Dominion had learned straightforward strategies for taking over another planet. While some strategies relied on hostile takeovers, most involved influencing those at the top of power in new worlds. Almost all planets followed a similar pattern, having leadership willing to partner with top Champions. Power begets power, but it’s much easier to assume authority under an existing umbrella. Uprisings would undoubtedly arise, but controlling the militaries might simplify things and enable the extraction of more viable resources to other AD planets. For this reason, each group of integrated Champions ensured the presence of some form of Talent focused on influence.

  Vorg had been recognized as an "influence" talent from a young age. While Metal affinities and Morphist Talents held core leadership roles, the Dominion also nurtured and developed supportive positions. Although his Talent had not yet awakened due to his age, Vorg was educated early on about military strategy, energy composition, and reaction dynamics involving every known Talent throughout the Cosmos.

  Once his Talent and affinities began to manifest, his learning path shifted toward developing his newly discovered and coveted Cerebral Talent. This rare Talent endowed him with an exceptional understanding of the inner workings of systems and devices and the intricate dynamics of intelligences throughout the Cosmos. He possessed a unique ability to influence and accelerate beliefs.

  Learning without fully awakened power was a challenging journey, but Vorg could soon discuss the complexities of the human brain with experts who had dedicated their lives to understanding intelligence. His Talent did not operate like those accelerating emotions or taking over neural systems. Instead, Vorg's Cerebral Talent worked by embedding interconnected topics and opinions, aligning thoughts while eliminating divergences.

  On Earth, Vorg quickly identified individuals such as "Flat-Earthers" and found amusement in the current influencers among Earth's populations. By exploiting groupthink and hidden biases, he established a network of embedded leaders without secondary influences, yet undetectable through energy manipulation or corrective measures. Vorg's profound understanding of cognitive processes enabled him to subtly influence and guide collective thought, fostering unwavering loyalty while preserving the illusion of free thought.

  Rapidly ascending within his support class, Vorg was partnered with the young prince of the Dominion, ensuring the swift success of their mission. Alongside other strength and military power in Kann, Morgrax and Vorg collaborated to form a society where Dominion leadership could flourish.

  "Report," Morgrax said as the three stood at Manassas, a discreet park 30 miles west of the Capital.

  "Five primary Warlords have been established and tested, each surpassing level four," Vorg began, noting Morgrax's nodding head as a cue to continue. "There are ten Battle Commanders who have each cleared Level 3, and now we have 200 Captain positions filled by those who have passed the first two levels."

  "Good, and the lowest?"

  "2103, my Prince. Warriors who either departed or passed Level One in the Games. Kann has been overseeing this group with his… tactics."

  “Kann, report.”

  “The Warriors' count now stands at 1,433,” Kann started with a grunt but received no reaction from Morgrax. He continued, “There's no point in training cowards. Surviving warriors are seeing accelerated gains through Nexabot intelligence transfers, combat trials, and survival empowerment. I see no more than 50 advancing to Captain roles, but that rate is expected. We are limited by the uniqueness of Talents on this planet, with many possessing non-combat-oriented skillsets adjusted for battle.”

  “As expected. Life without predators leads to a more unique distribution of Talent," Morgrax said, seeming to process the information. “What about influencing those in charge?" Morgrax asked, turning to Vorg.

  “All leadership roles have undergone integration and commitment dialogues. Given the time constraints, my top priority has been ensuring loyalty and punishing those who diverge.”

  “As it should be. Any challenges?”

  Vorg and Kann exchanged glances before Kann spoke, “Most individuals on this planet fit our modeling criteria, but there is a significant portion with relentless perseverance. While I trust those integrated with Vorg, our broader efforts face risks due to the many natural leaders among these populations.”

  “I concur with Kann. These humans may rely on the thoughts of others, but their unyielding determination to cling to original ideas could pose a challenge.”

  "I’ve seen." Morgrax let out a morbid chuckle. "Make sure our leaders keep fostering the growth we have started—growth in their strength and in others. Let those within the Government incite internal conflict, but be the dagger that sees it through."

  “It will be done, my Prince,” Kann and Vorg affirmed in unison.

  “You have two hours, after which I will finish our mission and eliminate that final pathetic invader. Excel in the Level 6 trials, and you will continue to reap rewards. Let this Galaxy witness the unique strength and power of the Astral Dominion.”