The Draconic System: Rise of To Ascendance

Raizen moved between the towering shelves, scanning the numerous data drives, ancient manuals, and sealed relics locked behind reinforced cases. The Inner Vault wasn't just a hidden armory—it was a repository of forbidden knowledge, secrets stolen from noble houses, corporations, and even off-world sources.

His fingers hovered over a black metal box etched with strange glyphs, unlike anything he had ever seen before. The air around it seemed heavier, almost pulsing with an invisible energy. Before he could reach for it, the bald merchant chuckled from behind him.

"You've got an eye for danger," the man mused. "That one's not for the faint-hearted."

Raizen glanced back. "What is it?"

The merchant folded his arms. "Something old. Something that didn't come from this world."

Raizen's heartbeat quickened. Off-world tech? A relic from another civilization? That could mean an edge no one else had.

He placed his palm against the case, and the Draconic Ascendancy System reacted immediately.

[Warning: Unknown Artifact Detected]

[Analysis Required: Potentially High-Risk, High-Reward Item]

The merchant smirked. "You want it? It'll cost more than credits."

Raizen narrowed his eyes. "What's the price?"

The merchant leaned in slightly. "A job. One that requires someone competent, discreet, and willing to break a few rules."

Raizen didn't hesitate. "Tell me."

The merchant pulled up a small holo-projector, displaying an encrypted data contract. "There's a shipment coming into the academy in three days. Highly classified. We don't need the whole thing, just one specific package."

Raizen studied the information. The shipment was coming from House Valen. A slow smirk crept across his face. Stealing from his enemies? That was just a bonus.

The system chimed.

[New Quest: The Heist]

Objective: Infiltrate the House Valen storage facility and extract the target package.

Reward: Unknown Artifact Unlocked.

Raizen extended his hand. "You've got a deal."

The merchant clasped his wrist with a grin. "Then welcome to the real game, kid."