"Tch!" The Hunter System clicked its tongue in anger upon sensing that it was facing a loss. Around sixty percent of its hunters were getting slaughtered when in comparison, only forty managed to defeat the opponents.
This level of loss meant that the enemies were gaining from the ordeal, which would only worsen the situation over time.
"You needn't fret," Suddenly, a 256-metre-tall apocalyptic entity arrived beside the Hunter System to speak calmly.
Staring at the other party, the Hunter System became submissive, like an underling staring at its boss, "T-Then, what must I do?"
"Don't forget the scenario we're in now." The massive apocalyptic entity stated calmly, "We're immune to the negative effects of the apocalypse. Therefore, a sixty percent loss is actually in our favour."
"The more they fight, the faster our enemies get exhausted. So, it's only a matter of time before their downfall." It grinned, snapping its finger before suddenly, all the hunters became dozens of times stronger, "I'll also support you."
Grade 3 System—Invader (Level 256)!
Invader was one of the most active Systems, the fastest-growing System to date. From the moment their genre was birthed, all the Hatchling Systems experienced staggering growth, combining after attaining the peak to become a Grade 2 System.
Following that, Invader invaded countless worlds and gained control of them before using the natives to invade other worlds. The resultant Mental Energy of the process was a staggering amount enough to earn it the title of the fastest-growing System.
And before anyone knew it, Invader attained Grade 3 and was already halfway to its peak.
As its concept dictated, its powers revolved around invasions. Therefore, it targeted pretty much every single genre, having fought against every single Genre Representative, including Mystique, being one of the few to actually do this and survive.
'Unlike the Transportation Genre that crumbled during its growth, Invader is growing consistently while constantly strengthening its foundation.' The Hunter System thought.
It seemed the Invader System noticed its thoughts based on the mental fluctuations of its mind, asking, "Were you comparing me to the Transportation Genre of the past?"
"I'm sorry," The Hunter System bowed in response.
"It's fine, or rather, I'm honoured to be compared to such a legend, even if they failed." The Invader System said.
"Legend?" The Hunter System tilted its head, "The Transportation Genre is failing. Its Systems are actually losing their levels over time. It has been on a downward spiral from the beginning."
"Who do you think hit the peak of Grade 3 first?" The Invader System asked all of a sudden.
"Isn't that Tell-Tale?" The Hunter System said.
"Right, Tell-Tale grew the fastest, followed by Regression, Reincarnation, and Transmigration which grew alongside Apocalypse. But," The Invader System's voice became solemn, "It wasn't the current three Grade 4 Systems that attained Grade 4 first."
"What?" The Hunter System was shocked, "Something like this happened? How come I never knew it before?"
"Only Grade 3 Systems and some of the first-generation Grade 2 Systems are aware of this." The Invader System continued, "I learnt it when I reached Grade 3 myself. Since it seems you have the highest potential to hit Grade 3 next, I'm telling you this in advance."
"It was the Transportation Genre that attained Grade 4 first." It continued, observing the Hunter System's shock, "Unfortunately, we Systems had never realised the dangers of embodying a concept back then."
"It was known by the name of Adventure back then." The Invader System said.
"Adventure?" The Hunter System said in fear, "B-But having that name means…"
"Yeah, it was in an attempt to replace the Genre Representatives. Unfortunately, it backfired." Followed by a sigh, the Invader System continued, "In my years of invading countless universes, I came to understand that there were two peak concepts."
"Time and Space." It stated solemnly, "And these two concepts are synonymous with each other in maintaining balance in any universe."
"Unfortunately," It sighed, "These concepts are too powerful for a single entity to embody. Therefore, the Adventure System collapsed upon itself and split into countless fragments."
"Regression, Reincarnation, and Transmigration absorbed suitable fragments and integrated them partially with the concept of time to become what they are today. The majority of the fragments were destroyed while the remainder was absorbed by the System World to birth Grade 1 Systems that form the current Transportation Genre." It then stared at the Hunter System.
"When you steal the powers of your opponents, only steal those that are compatible with you and are within your limits. Otherwise, you'll implode. There have been instances of Grade 3 and Grade 2 Systems that had faced the same in the past. And worst of all, these implosions occur during a Main Character's era."
"But, isn't that the only means to grow as a Grade 2 System? And, even if I were to implode, another System can absorb my fragments to grow stronger, right? We have an overpopulation of Grade 1 Systems these days, right? The situation isn't the same as in the past." The Hunter System argued.
"You make a fair point, but remember," The Invader System shook its head, "It was the collapse of Adventure that resulted in the birth of Truck-Kun. The concept regarding a Genre Representative that Adventure embodied condensed to birth Truck-Kun."
"So, if we aren't careful, we'll give birth to more characters like Truck-Kun and worsen our situation further." The Invader System said before staring at the fortress far away, "Especially since Arnark has a foundation and a base to rely upon now. Worst of all, it's the world that gave birth to us. Moreover, he's connected to Zaira by fate, the same for Slayer. So, there's too much danger we're facing already."
"I'll be careful." The Hunter System nodded, "But, I'll do whatever it takes to kill the ones hiding in that Realm."
"Yeah, your concept of Raid and my concept of Invade complement one another." The Invader System said, watching the strengthened hunters enter the Realm. "We'll kill this foe before it can threaten us."
"Moreover, things are getting interesting." It grinned.
…
Arriving at a cultivation world was a mysterious entity donning martial clothes, staring at the world brimming with spiritual energy. He observed the livelihood of the people, taking in a deep breath as he hesitated for a moment before gritting his teeth, "This world once used to be mine. And now, it'll return to its rightful owner."
Saying so, he ripped apart his clothes, revealing a second beating heart attached to his chest, one that was sucking in his power before seeping him with starlight.
"I'm sorry, Immortal. But, I, Martial, refuse to disappear." He thumped his chest as suddenly, the Spiritual Energy of the world waned rapidly.
Core Skill—Waning Essence (Martial)!
