When the game shut down, I took my skills with me.

Three consecutive global announcements, like three nuclear bombs dropped into a calm lake, stirred up a tidal wave in everyone's minds.

Outside the Ark Villa, Qin Shiyue, who had just been enveloped in golden light, was still trembling slightly. He looked down at the unique title of "Guardian of China" that had appeared in his system panel, along with the series of new permissions that came with it, and his breathing became hot.

[Order of Order], [Civilization Integration], [War Mobilization]...

Each of these words represents a power he never dared to imagine before.

This is no longer the power of mortals, this is... divine authority! It is the authority bestowed by the Administrator, the power to patrol on behalf of Heaven!

"So that's how it is... I see!" Qin Shiyue murmured to himself, his eyes gleaming with a mixture of understanding and fervor. "The Master... he didn't even bother to manage this world himself, so he created a 'proxy' specifically for this purpose!"

The more he thought about it, the more he felt that his reasoning was impeccable.

Mr. Lu's actions are remarkably similar to those of Dao Ancestor Hongjun, who, after preaching the Dao, established the Xuanmen (Mysterious Gate) and had his disciples manage the primordial world on his behalf!

This being's level far surpassed their imagination. He wasn't acting as a guardian deity; he was ushering in a new mythological era!

"I understand your intentions, sir!" Qin Shiyue suddenly looked up and bowed deeply again in the direction of the villa. "China will never let you down!"

Meanwhile, on the other side of the Pacific Ocean.

The flagship command center of the Divine Sword was deathly silent. Xiao Xue's usually icy face was now filled with shock.

She had just been heartbroken over the guild's huge losses in the "Pioneer Rift" incident, but now, those losses seemed insignificant.

"The Global Security Council...five permanent seats..."

Xiao Xue's business acumen grasped the key point instantly. A flame of ambition reignited in her eyes.

"The Ark is the foundation of the Master, naturally transcending everything else. The Chinese Dragon Shield Bureau has already secured the first seat. That means there are still... three left!"

This is the real test of the "Age of War"!

It's no longer just about leveling up by defeating monsters; it's a global competition for "godhood" that all forces must participate in!

"Pass on my orders!" Xiao Xue's voice regained its composure, yet carried an undeniable resolve. "Gather all troops still capable of operating. From this moment forward, all actions of the Divine Sword will prioritize earning world contribution points! We must secure a seat at all costs!"

Similar scenes are playing out repeatedly among the major survivor factions around the world.

In the command center of the North American "Beacon," the general, whose entire fleet had just been wiped out by a single attack from the "Centurion," slumped in his chair. But when the announcement rang out, he jumped to his feet, roaring as he issued a new order, demanding that the losses be recovered in terms of contribution points at all costs.

The Knights of the Round Table in Europe, the Red Bears of the Snow Country, and all the powerful forces that rose to prominence in the apocalypse understood.

A new world order, personally established by the administrator, has arrived.

Either you do everything in your power to climb onto the poker table and become the one who sets the rules.

Or, they will be completely eliminated in this torrent of time.

In an instant, the fear and despair brought about by the arrival of the "Centurion" were replaced by a more fanatical passion.

……

One hour later.

Above Ark 1, the weather was constantly changing.

All the residents and players inside the Ark looked up in astonishment at the sky.

Streams of data, visible to the naked eye, converged from all directions, creating a magnificent and indescribable scene thousands of meters above the ground.

It was a circular council hall made of pure light and data, surrounded by twelve towering pillars of light, filled with an aura of holiness and majesty.

At the deepest part of the hall, a throne, seemingly formed from the convergence of stars, slowly materialized.

Immediately afterwards, the figure that had appeared in the announcement—"Order"—appeared out of thin air on the throne.

He has no specific face, as if shrouded in an eternal mist, but all who see him will naturally feel awe, justice, and supreme superiority.

He is the rule, he is the law.

The next second, beams of light flashed below the rotunda.

Qin Shiyue, Xiao Xue, the acting president of North America's "Lamp TA," General Ivanov of the Snow Country... one after another, figures representing the world's top powers had their holographic projections forcibly transported here.

"This is..." Ivanov looked at his illusory palm, then at the unbearable figure on the throne, and felt an unprecedented pressure.

"In accordance with the will of the Supreme Administrator, the Global Security Council's first plenary session is now in session."

"Order" spoke.

His voice was devoid of any emotion, like an echo of the heavens, grand and indifferent, resonating directly in the depths of everyone's soul.

Everyone present, no matter how arrogant and powerful they had been before, instinctively straightened their bodies at this moment, like students listening to divine pronouncements.

"The sole purpose of the Council is to unite all the forces of the world during the 'Age of War' to resist the 'Reapers' and ensure the survival of civilization."

"The Council has five permanent seats, with global contributions as the sole criterion. These seats are not permanent; if a member's contribution falls out of the top five, their seat will be taken by a newer member."

"Permanent council members will be granted certain world management authority by the administrator, which will be used to maintain order, establish defenses, and guide civilizations."

The word "order" is simple and direct, yet it contains an unquestionable authority.

He extended a finger made of light and pointed it at Qin Shiyue.

"First Permanent Member: China Dragon Shield Bureau"

Then he glanced at the others.

"Four seats remain vacant. The competition begins immediately."

"To usher in the first phase of the 'Age of War,' the Council has issued its first global joint mission."

"Mission Objective: Clean up all remaining low-tier 'Reaper' units globally and repair the data-contaminated areas."

"Mission Rewards: World Contribution Points will be awarded based on the completion rate of each faction."

"The meeting is adjourned."

As soon as the words were spoken, without giving anyone a chance to ask questions or refute them, the magnificent parliament hall and the supreme throne slowly vanished like a phantom.

The holographic projections of all participants were instantly transported back to their original locations.

The sky returned to calm.

But everyone knows that the world has completely changed.

A global competition for the "divine throne" has officially begun.

……

In the living room of the villa.

Lu Yuan watched with satisfaction as the live stream projected by Xiao Ya ended, then slumped heavily back into the soft sofa.

"Phew, finally some peace and quiet."

He picked up a can of iced cola and sighed contentedly.

"Sir, according to preliminary calculations, stimulated by the 'Global Security Council,' the leveling and construction efficiency of players worldwide is expected to increase by 300%," Xiaoya's projection reported in a flat, emotionless voice.

"Fine, let them deal with it themselves." Lu Yuan waved his hand lazily. "Don't bother me anymore unless it's something truly earth-shattering. Leave everything with 'Order' regarding the council."

"clear."

"Damn! Brother Yuan! Your 'Order' avatar is so cool!" Fatty Wang suddenly appeared, his face full of envy. "It's way more imposing than you in real life!"

Lu Yuan glanced at him, too lazy to pay him any attention.

All he wants to do right now is get a good night's sleep.

It seems... to be quite an interesting thing for a mastermind to watch the "players" around the world engage in a frenzied "involution" under the rules they set.