Chapter 1 001

“You call this a report? It’s garbage!”

The folder slammed into Korvian Draethor’s chest. The entire conference room fell into heavy silence.

Everyone in the sovereign nation of Elyria knew the Draethor name — one of the most ancient and merciless conglomerates in the realm. Korvian was the firstborn son of the family patriarch.

Yet to the world, he was nothing but the family’s deepest shame.

While his half-brother, Sylthar Draethor, had risen to Vice Chairman at just 26, Korvian was stuck as a lowly account manager in an insignificant subsidiary. Most people believed the patriarch, Valthor Draethor, only tolerated his existence out of bare obligation.

“Do you want me to send this straight to your father?” Riven Karthus, the regional director, sneered with crossed arms.

“N-No, sir. Please…” Korvian’s voice shook as he lowered his head, hands trembling.

Everyone knew what would happen if Valthor heard that his “worthless” eldest son was causing trouble again. He would be erased from the family without hesitation.

“I’ve been working overtime every night… I must have mixed up the figures,” Korvian muttered weakly.

Riven laughed coldly. “Look at your brother Sylthar. Same age, yet he closes nine-figure deals while you can’t even file a simple report correctly. Utterly pathetic.”

Korvian stayed silent, jaw clenched tight. No one noticed the sharp, dangerous glint that flashed across his eyes for a brief moment.

“Get out,” Riven spat, shoving him toward the door. “You’re suspended indefinitely. Don’t bother coming back tomorrow.”

Korvian picked himself up and walked out under the mocking gazes of his colleagues.

In the lobby, Sylthar appeared as if he had been waiting, dressed in an impeccable suit with a perfect mask of concern.

“Korvian? You’re leaving early. Is everything alright?” Sylthar asked, voice dripping with false worry. “If you’re in any kind of trouble, just tell me. I’ll take care of it.”

Anyone else would have been fooled. Korvian wasn’t. He had learned every fake expression his half-brother wore over the years. The sabotaged report had Sylthar written all over it.

Korvian forced a tired smile. “Thank you, brother. I’ll handle it myself.”

Sylthar patted his shoulder. “Anytime.”

The moment Korvian turned away, Sylthar’s face went ice-cold. Enjoy these final days of peace.

Korvian rode his battered old scooter back to a modest apartment on the outskirts of Velkaryn City.

His wife, Mirelle Vaelith, wasn’t home yet. She worked as a mid-level executive at her family’s entertainment empire. Their marriage had been arranged three years ago — a calculated insult from Valthor to show how little value he placed on his eldest son. Mirelle was the daughter of a mistress, while Sylthar had married the eldest daughter of a powerful political dynasty.

Korvian kicked off his shoes and opened the fridge, freezing at what he saw.

A beautifully decorated cake sat on the middle shelf with the words “Happy 25th Birthday, Korvian” written in elegant silver script.

He had completely forgotten.

A faint smile touched his lips for the first time that day. He stared at the cake, lost in thought.

If the voice from that time was real… it should awaken today.

Ding!

A translucent obsidian window materialized in front of him.

[System Host Confirmed]

[Condition: Maintain a Worthless Image for 10 Years — Completed]

[The Primordial Covenant System has awakened!]

[Host: Korvian Draethor]

Level: 1 (2,500 points to next level)

Essence Points: 1,200

Destiny Shards: 1,800

Shop: Locked (Unlocks at Level 2)

Essence and Shards earned through Trials issued by the Primordial Gods.

Korvian’s eyes lit up with cold, burning excitement.

[The God of Eternal Moments applauds your patience.]

[The Goddess of Boundless Prosperity has chosen to sponsor you.]

[The Twin Sovereigns of Retribution have answered your silent vow.]

Power surged through his body.

[Goddess of Prosperity grants you: The Void Card (Unlimited Access)]

A sleek matte-black card with shifting silver runes appeared in his palm. No limit. No trace.

[God of Eternal Moments bestows: Foresight Glimpse (Grade F)]

See up to 10 minutes into the future.

Cost: 120 Destiny Shards per use.

Limit: Once per day.

[Twin Sovereigns of Retribution grant: Wrathforged Hands (Grade D)]

Massively increases striking power and pain inflicted for 60 minutes.

Cost: 450 Shards per use.

Limit: 4 times daily.

He finally had the weapons he had waited a decade for.

First Trial Issued by the Goddess of Prosperity:

Spend 150,000 Elyrian Dollars before midnight.

Reward: 300 Essence Points

Penalty: None

Korvian stared at the Void Card, a slow, dangerous smile forming on his lips.

“Ten years of hell ends today.”

He whispered into t

he empty apartment:

“Starting now… everyone who destroyed my mother and trampled on me will pay dearly.”