[You will now compete for dominance among countless chaotic races!]

  [As a human lord, you have ignited the Flame of Dominion!]

  [Daily check-ins at the Flame grant resources and a slim chance of rare rewards.]

  [Additionally, the Flame includes features such as Market, Chat, and Trading functions.]

  [This vast Chaos Continent is filled with endless opportunities and formidable challenges!]

  [Embark on your journey to power, uncover ancient secrets, and strive for immortality!]

  "Tinder?"

  "Lord?"

  "Ten thousand races fighting for dominance?"

  Jason Carter opened his eyes and found himself in a modest wooden hut. In the center stood a stone platform, upon which floated a small cluster of ethereal blue flames.

  Stepping outside, Jason surveyed his surroundings beneath a dreary sky. Beside his hut stood two small thatched cottages, each housing several motionless figures. Three simple dwellings perched atop a modest hill, encircled by a dense, foreboding forest. Within the woods echoed the distant calls of wildlife, a palpable sense of danger lingering.

  Looking further back, Jason caught a glimpse of expansive waters, uncertain if it was a lake or a vast ocean.

  Taking a deep breath, he contemplated his predicament.

  Race for dominance, indeed. He'd be competing not just against alien races, but also fellow human lords. War, violence, and death were inevitable.

  Just about to graduate from college, Jason had expected to face society—not this merciless new world. It took him a while to accept reality.

  A sudden voice echoed clearly in his mind.

  [Due to humanity's low racial value, your territory has a seven-day protection period!]

  This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

  [During this time, no external beings can enter your domain.]

  [After seven days, you and your territory will face the trials of Chaos Continent!]

  [Failure means losing your lordship, or even death!]

  A mere week to establish himself before threats emerged. Jason felt urgency tighten his chest.

  Returning inside, he scrutinized the flickering blue flame—the core of his territory. If extinguished, he'd perish along with it.

  "Wait, what's this?" Jason noticed several holographic panels around the flame.

  Focusing carefully, various interfaces became clear: [Lord Information], [Chaos Market], [World Chat], [Trading Platform], [Friends List]. Each responded intuitively to his thoughts.

  At the top, a pulsing red button flashed persistently: [Check-In].

  Recalling earlier instructions, Jason mentally clicked it. The button dimmed, and the flame shivered precariously before steadying again.

  [Congratulations, Lord! You've obtained a Discount Artifact.]

  [Discount Artifact integrated with the Chaos Market—daily discounted products now available!]

  Intrigued, Jason mentally accessed the Chaos Market. A myriad of goods sprawled before him, graded from Common up to Mythical and Perfect. Population, materials, food, occupation scrolls, skill manuals, potions, and architectural blueprints—it was overwhelming.

  Quickly, Jason checked his own status:

  [Lord: Jason Carter]

  [Level: 1]

  [Flame Level: 1 (Adds 1 new citizen daily)]

  [Next upgrade: 100 Soul Crystals, 1000 units of wood, 500 units of stone]

  [Territory: Carter Village (100x100m)]

  [Population: 10 common villagers (LV1)]

  [Soul Crystals: 10]

  [Equipment: None]

  Considering briefly, Jason renamed his territory "Universe"—partly due to his surname and partly from ambitious dreams.

  Glancing again at his meager inventory, he sighed deeply.

  Ten soul crystals. Poverty was undeniable.

  Returning hopefully to the Discount Artifact section, Jason browsed numerous discounted products:

  [Excellent Berserker Occupation Scroll, 10% off, discounted price: 2,000 Soul Crystals...]

  Can't afford it. Next!

  [Random 100 villagers, 30% off, discounted price: 300 Soul Crystals...]

  Still out of reach. Next!

  [Legendary Weapon "Blade of Judgment," 0.001% off! Only 600,000 Soul Crystals!]

  Jason bitterly moved on.

  After what felt like forever, reality hit hard. Discounts were incredible but still beyond his grasp.

  Resigned, Jason settled on purchasing discounted basic equipment—five simple longbows, each just 2 Soul Crystals, arrows included.

  About to finalize his choice, a luxurious purple-gold frame caught his eye:

  [Extraordinary Grade Architectural Blueprint: Spartan Training Camp]

  [0.00001% off—originally 1,800,000 Soul Crystals, now only 1.8 Soul Crystals!]

  Stunned, Jason rubbed his eyes vigorously, pinched his thigh painfully, and stared again.

  It was real. An extraordinary-grade blueprint for less than two Soul Crystals!

  Joy surged through him, his eyes blazing with excitement.

  "Discount Artifact indeed," Jason grinned widely. "I'm finally getting somewhere!"