Hollow Ascension - Chapter 172: Magic Unbound

Lucas Arthur was nothing more than a weak and struggling C-rank hunter, barely getting by in a world where power dictated everything. Forced to participate in a risky raid in a Class B cell, he found himself abandoned by his comrades when a deadly ambush left one of them, Andre, mortally wounded.As Lucas stood beside his dying comrade, the impossible happened. A glowing blue screen appeared in front of him.[Congratulations! You have earned the unique skill: “System Maker (SSS Rank)”]Before he could realize the absurdity of it, another prompt followed.[You have met the requirements to grant Andre the System: Evolutionary System]Driven by instinct, Lucas agreed and watched in shock as Andre's wounds healed, his strength rose, and his eyes shone with new power.Then, with unwavering loyalty, he spoke:*“Your orders, sir?”*It was then that Lucas realized he had the power to create systems for the Hunters, growing stronger with each follower.Each follower and each hunter Lucas gave a system that could evolve and increase in level and powerBut as Lucas grants more systems, powerful enemies take notice—ones who would do anything to control or destroy a System MakerWith every hunter he empowers, Lucas steps closer to becoming an existence that defies the very rules of this world.

Themes: Black Market Trading, Global Crime Networks, Boundaries of Human Nature and Morality, The Struggle Between Truth and SurvivalStory Background:In a modern metropolis, the surface level of prosperity conceals the darkness and corruption lurking beneath. Ethan, a highly skilled detective, spends his life navigating the shadowy corners of the city, uncovering the hidden secrets buried beneath the mundane facade of everyday life. When he is drawn into what initially seems like a simple suicide case, he becomes entangled in a conspiracy involving the global black market, power struggles, and transnational crime.Main Characters:Ethan (Protagonist): A seasoned, calm, and intuitive detective who excels at finding the truth in complex cases. On the surface, he is a quiet, solitary man who prefers to avoid social interaction, but deep down, he is haunted by unresolved cases from his past. Faced with dark forces, he is both determined and full of doubt.Lila (Female Protagonist/Key Ally): Ethan's investigative partner, an intelligent and resourceful intelligence officer with a mysterious background. Her past is also shrouded in secrecy, and she seems to have an undisclosed connection to the “Black Angels” organization. She provides crucial assistance in Ethan's investigation, but her motives remain unclear, casting suspicion on her true intentions.Victor Saville (Antagonist/Main Adversary): A charismatic yet dangerous businessman, who appears to be a successful entrepreneur but is, in fact, one of the central figures of the global crime syndicate “The Black Angels.” Cold-hearted, clever, and ruthless, he controls a global black market network, overseeing arms trafficking, human trafficking, and drug smuggling. He is not only a key figure in Langley's death but also the biggest obstacle in Ethan's investigation.The Mysterious Woman (Key Character): An elusive woman who repeatedly appears during Ethan's investigation, warning him not to delve deeper into Saville and the “Black Angels” organization. Her identity is unclear, but it is evident that she holds vital secrets about Saville and his network. Her appearances leave Ethan bewildered—whether she is an enemy or his only ally remains uncertain.

This was a fragmented and disorganized world, this was a place that had been forgotten.

Mysterious gates appeared all around the world a few decades ago. Beings emerged from the gates and brought disaster upon humanity. Humanity called them Demon Spirits. It wasn’t until the advent of Demon Suits and Demon Suiters that humans stood a fighting chance.For some perplexing reason, the world’s number one Demon Suiter, Li “God” Xiu abandons his identity to start over again as a newbie trial-taker. He enters the gates to participate in all sorts of trials, in a bid to seek out the reason that enticed his best friend into becoming a trial-taker.These trials weren't the run-of-the-mill dungeons, ranging from game sports (soccer, basketball, baseball, etc) to athletics. Just as fortune favors the brave, what would Li Xiu obtain on his quest?“Are you telling me he’s a greenhorn?” the other trial-takers frustratingly ask while watching Li Xiu's feats that prove why he's the number one Demon Suiter.