The moment the eye appeared within the portal, a formless oppressive force erupted within the bodies of all Invaders within the meeting room.
There was nervousness in their behaviour, but most of all, was reverence, akin to a native staring at their world's manifestation.
After all, they were all birthed from the power of this entity, the God of their creation.
Grade 3 System—Invader (Level 256)!
"It better be something important." A voice full of authority resounded within the meeting room, causing even Lord Wannul to become nervous and respectful.
"We found a great world for your taking." Lord Wannul said and unleashed a Mental Energy stream full of all the details that they had compiled from their invasions over the years.
The Invader System didn't seem all that interested at the start before observing the power system of the place and their innate resistance towards the abilities of the Invaders, "Interesting…"
It didn't even finish the sentence when the last bit of the data flowed into its mind, showing the battle between Lord Brunnul and Compass Carburettor. "…fuck!"
Upon seeing it swear in frustration, even Lord Wannul was surprised, "You know the Contained Villain?"
The Invader System was about to rebuke Lord Wannul when suddenly, its eyes curled up into a smile, "Contained Villain, Genesis Hero…I see, it makes sense now."
"So, they now have a home. Perfect!" The Invader System grinned, "Making a visit uninvited is the essence of being an Invader. This time, they wouldn't be able to escape, unless they wish to see their home destroyed."
It then commanded Lord Wannul, "Stall the invasion plans on all other worlds. Focus on the 24 Rings with the highest priority. The rewards upon success for this world will be the highest."
A command resounded in the minds of all the Five Star Invaders in the Gunmetal Gold World, alerting them all as they focused on the 24 Rings.
Following that, the Invader System continued, "I'm currently in the process of taking over a world. I'll be done in two months. We'll invade the 24 Rings with full force."
Saying so, it vanished, focusing on the task at hand as it was in the process of taking over a world. It was a technological world that was resisting the changes by causing the people there to awaken to special powers to counter it.
But it was failing grandly as the natives influenced by the Invader System's power transformed into grotesque monsters with insect characteristics before eventually becoming part of a massive Swarm.
Normally, a Grade 3 System consumed anywhere from a couple of hours to a few centuries to take over a world. The current target world wasn't anything special. It was just a means for the Invader System to gather power in preparations to tackle its next target, a technological world with a never-ending universe, home to thousands of planets, with all supporting life and with each world sporting a different power system.
It was finally getting ready to target Technocraft's worlds at full-scale. But now that it chanced upon Compass Carburettor, it had to push back that plan for a while and focus on him first.
'If I devour them, I'll be able to attain Grade 4 and cause all the Systems to evolve further. It's a necessity to face our enemies.' It thought, recalling the past war, 'Too many Systems had appeared back then, preventing us from using our worlds to fight in fear of a mutual clash in powers. But if I'm alone, I can pour all my worlds into the fight, for my powers are perfectly geared towards that.'
The Invader System specialised in invasions. In the previous war, it had to fight by itself, unable to use its powers properly.
The other Grade 3 Systems too were in the same boat. If they used too much of their powers, they would hinder the attacks of the other Grade 3 Systems. And since Apocalypse had unleashed its Core Skill Representation, they had to battle as apocalyptic creatures.
They had some advantages as compared to their enemies, but none were able to unleash their peak strength—Core Skill Manifestation.
But now, the Invader System would be able to funnel the power of all the worlds under it to this fight and unleash its Core Skill Manifestation too. This way, it would be countless times stronger than before.
Moreover, it wouldn't have to hold back in fear of harming its peers, for all the armies under it were birthed from its powers. Meaning, it could amplify them harmoniously. 'Last time, there were too many enemies, allowing you to take advantage of the three-way war, Compass. But this time, you're the defender while I'm the invader.'
"You're a threat that I'm unwilling to see grow." Muttering as such, the Invader System connected to the Astral Network, intending to inform the other Grade 3 Systems just in case. But, it noticed that they were all occupied.
Many were furiously taking over the Cultivation Worlds that didn't have its defender while the Genre Representatives too fought against that. There wasn't a chance for them to put off from all that and help it.
The Invader System wasn't counting on them anyway. But just in case, it didn't inform them, fearing the fluctuation in fate might alert Arnark, who was very sensitive towards it. 'If he interferers, I'll be devoured instead.'
Left with no other choice, the Invader System intended to just inform the System World, "I've found Compass and Stencil."
"Leave!" A shout resounded from the other side as the Invader System gazed at the manifestation of Zaira in the System World grunting in pain as she rolled around on the mud.
"W-What happened?" Just as the Invader System intended to cancel its plans and return to the System World, Zaira recovered and spoke calmly.
"I was purifying myself." She said, "Mystique had corrupted me. I've been trying all methods but am unable to shed away this human body. If I just destroy this, the System World will be affected. So, it's troublesome."
She then stared at it through the Astral Network, "What happened that you contacted me so urgently?"
"I found Compass and Stencil. I'm planning to use all my strength to devour them. The chances are greater than everyone jumping into the mix. As long as it's just me, Slayer and Arnark wouldn't be able to find out too. I came to inform you of that."
"Just in case," The Invader System continued, "Be prepared to send in another Grade 3 System if I were to fail."
