Forge Goddesses to Rule the World

016

The history of the Shaw family was a tapestry woven with threads of immense wealth, ancient political ties, and a single, shining star of martial brilliance that had eclipsed almost everything else. Long before Leo Shaw—the biological heir and the current source of his parents' mounting blood pressure—was even a thought in the minds of Sam Shaw and Joy Wong, there had been another.

When Sam Shaw was still a young tycoon navigating the early, volatile days of the Spirit Revival, he and his wife had come across an orphaned girl. She was barely three years old, found amidst the wreckage of a collapsed Quarantine Zone during a minor Beast Tide. They had adopted her on the spot, naming her Sia Shaw. From that moment on, she hadn't just been a member of the family; she had been its heart.

As Sia Shaw grew, she had become the definition of a protective elder sister. While Leo was a toddler, she was already showing signs of a temperament that was as fierce as it was loving. She had shielded him from every scraped knee and every playground bully, her devotion so absolute that it often bordered on the obsessive. For the Shaw parents, watching the two grow up together was like watching a match made in the heavens. As Sia blossomed into a woman of peerless beauty and lethal competence, Sam and Joy had come to a silent, mutual agreement: there was no way they were letting her marry into another family.

The motive wasn't just sentimental. In the world of The Grand Dominion, genetics and talent were the ultimate currency. When Sia reached the age of sixteen and underwent her Awakening Ceremony, she didn't just awaken a power; she triggered a national security alert. She was a Dual-S Rank (Double S) talent—a phenomenon so rare that there were fewer than twenty recorded cases in the entire history of the country.

A Double-S talent was more than just a strong fighter; she was a potential High Ascendant, a future Guardian Deity who could theoretically hold back an entire Beast Tide single-handedly. The moment her results were verified, the The Grand Dominion government had stepped in. Her records were classified as "State Secret - Alpha," and she was whisked away to the Azure Dragon Academy, the nation's most prestigious and heavily guarded institution for elites. There, she was provided with every Divine Artifact, every Precious Medicine, and every scrap of Spirit Air she could possibly require, all prioritized by the highest levels of the military.

Naturally, Sam Shaw and Joy Wong were ecstatic. Their daughter was a living goddess. But that only intensified their desire to keep her tethered to the Shaw name. If they could marry Leo to Sia, the family’s legacy would be immortalized. And the best part? Sia was already in favor of the idea. Her "sisterly love" for Leo had always carried an intensity that suggested she would rather burn down a city than see him in the arms of another woman.

However, over the past year, the parents' "Grand Plan" had hit a significant snag: Leo himself.

The "Old Leo"—the sickly, timid boy—had been easy to manage. But the "New Leo"? He was a hurricane. In less than twelve months, he had transformed into a world-class flirt, a "heartbreaker" who seemed determined to collect every beauty in Forest City. From the pure-hearted Yuna Lynch to the fiery May Lewis, and now the "leggy goddess" Monica Bailey, Leo was building a harem that threatened to eclipse even his father's wildest stories from his youth.

For Sam and Joy, this was a double-edged sword. On one hand, they were thrilled that their son had finally found his backbone and was demonstrating the kind of "dominance" expected of a Shaw. On the other hand, they were terrified that if Sia found out about his philandering, the Azure Dragon Academy might have to deal with a student going on a jealous rampage that would level half of Forest City.

This was why they had resorted to surveillance. Sam Shaw didn't just pay for Leo’s tuition; he paid for a network of eyes and ears that followed his son’s every move, especially when it came to his romantic entanglements.

The black sedan slowed as it approached the perimeter of the Shaw estate. Even in a city of billionaires, the Shaw mansion was a marvel. It sat on a sprawling cliffside, a masterpiece of modern architecture reinforced with Spirit Ore and protected by a Defense Matrix that hummed with a low, blue light. Two sentries in full tactical gear—members of the family's elite Deathsworn—stepped forward to scan the car’s biometrics. Recognizing the vehicle, they gave a crisp, synchronized salute as the massive, reinforced gates swung open.

Hank Zane pulled the car into the climate-controlled garage, which housed a collection of vehicles that could have funded a small nation's military for a year. Leo stepped out, smoothing his blazer. He could already feel the heavy, familiar weight of the mansion’s Spirit Energy—a rich, pressurized atmosphere maintained by the massive Spirit Stone arrays buried beneath the foundation.

He walked through the grand foyer, his footsteps echoing on the polished marble. The house was quiet, but it was the quiet of a predatory animal at rest. He passed through the automated oak doors into the main living room, and immediately, he saw them.

Sam Shaw and Joy Wong were seated on a pair of high-backed velvet chairs, looking for all the world like a king and queen holding court. Joy was wearing a custom-tailored Cheongsam made of iridescent Cloud-Silk Gown fabric, her dark hair pinned up with a jade ornament that pulsed with a faint, green light. Despite being thirty-eight, she possessed a timeless beauty that made it clear where Leo had gotten his looks. Sam, at forty, still looked like a man who could command an army—or a corporate boardroom—with a single glance.

"You're late," Sam Shaw said, his voice a deep, resonant boom that vibrated in Leo’s chest. He didn't look up from the digital tablet he was holding, but the air around him felt heavy with patriarchal authority.

"Networking takes time, Dad," Leo replied, sauntering over to the opposite sofa and dropping into it with a casual, unbothered grace. He kicked his feet up on the mahogany coffee table, earning a sharp look from his mother.

"Networking? Is that what we're calling it now?" Sam snapped, finally putting the tablet down. He leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. "Leo, by my count—and the count of my security teams—that makes three. Three 'Goddesses' in a single year. First the Lynch girl, then your professor—don't think I didn't find out about the office renovation, by the way—and now this Monica Bailey. Are you trying to set a world record for the most complicated social life in The Grand Dominion?"

Leo shrugged, a lazy smirk on his lips. "I’m just a social creature, Dad. People are drawn to excellence. Can I help it if I’m excellent?"

"You're a menace!" Sam shouted, slapping the table. "Do you have any idea what you're doing? You’re playing with fire. These aren't just girls; they're high-tier talents! The Zane Family, the Lynch Family... these are names that carry weight. If you keep collecting hearts like they’re trading cards, you’re going to end up in a conflict that even my bank account can’t fix."

Joy Wong sighed, her voice soft and full of a maternal disappointment that felt far more cutting than her husband's shouting. "Little Leo... we raised you to be a gentleman. A man of the Shaw family should be devoted. One heart, one life. That is the path of a true High Ascendant. By spreading yourself so thin, you are not only hurting these girls, you are hurting yourself. You are losing your focus."

She leaned in, her eyes searching his face. "And what about your sister? What about Sia? She’s coming home for the Awakening Ceremony tomorrow. Have you even considered how she’s going to react when she hears that her 'precious little brother' is the most notorious flirt in the district? She has a Double-S rank, Leo. If she decides to 'discipline' you, I don't think the mansion's Defense Matrix will be enough to save you."

Leo felt a brief, involuntary chill at the mention of Sia Shaw. He remembered her "hugs" from when they were younger—hugs that usually ended with him gasping for air and his ribs nearly cracking. She was a force of nature, a woman who didn't understand the concept of "moderation" when it came to her affection for him.

But he wasn't the "Old Leo" anymore. He had a system, an SSS-tier ability, and a Spirit-Forged Body that was rapidly becoming indestructible. He wasn't afraid of a little family drama.

"Look," Leo said, standing up and straightening his blazer. He looked at his parents, his expression suddenly shifting from playful to intense. "I know what you want. You want me to play it safe. You want me to tether myself to Sia and ensure the family bloodline is 'pure' and 'powerful.' Well, I have a better idea."

He paced the room, his voice gaining a baritone resonance that made Sam and Joy exchange a surprised glance. "I’m not going to choose between them. I don’t have to. In a world where might makes right, I’m going to be the 'might.' I’ll keep the Lynch girl, I’ll keep the professor, and yes, I’ll keep the Bailey girl."

He stopped and looked directly at his father. "And as for Sia? You don't need to worry about her finding out or getting angry. Because the moment she steps through those doors tomorrow, I’m going to 'take her down' myself. I’ll win her over, not as a brother, but as a man she can finally respect. I promise you, by the end of the Awakening Ceremony, she won't be looking at me as a little boy to be protected. She’ll be looking at me as her king."

The room fell into a stunned, absolute silence. Sam Shaw stared at his son as if he were seeing him for the first time. The arrogance, the absolute, unshakable confidence—it was a mirror image of the legendary founder of the Shaw Clan. It was the kind of declaration that would have been laughable coming from the Leo of a year ago, but from this version? It sounded like a prophecy.

Suddenly, Sam’s face broke into a wide, booming laugh. He stood up and slammed a hand onto Leo’s shoulder, the weight of the blow enough to shatter a normal man’s collarbone. But Leo didn't even budge.

"Ha! That’s my boy!" Sam roared, his previous anger vanishing like smoke. "Now that is the Shaw spirit! A king! My son wants to be a king! Joy, did you hear that? He’s not just going to marry her; he’s going to conquer her!"

Joy Wong’s eyes sparkled with a mixture of amusement and pride. She stood up, smoothing her Cheongsam. "Well... if you can truly handle Sia, then I suppose we can overlook your little 'adventures' in the night market. But remember, Leo: a king must be able to defend his throne. Tomorrow is the Awakening Ceremony. If you walk onto that stage and produce a C-rank talent after talking like this, I will personally hand you over to your sister for 'training'."

"Don't worry, Mom," Leo said, a dangerous light dancing in his eyes. "I think the results tomorrow are going to surprise everyone. Including you."

He turned to leave, heading toward the grand staircase. He had reached the first step when he stopped and looked back at his father. Sam Shaw was currently whispering something sweet into Joy’s ear, the picture of a devoted, "one-woman" husband.

"Oh, and Dad?" Leo called out, his voice dripping with a sudden, mischievous sarcasm.

Sam looked up, his arm around his wife’s waist. "Yes, son?"

"Last Sunday," Leo began, a slow grin spreading across his face. "I happened to be passing by the 'Golden Lotus' hotel in the commercial district. I could have sworn I saw you escorting Auntie May into the lobby. She looked a bit 'unwell,' so I assume you were just being a good friend and helping her to a room for some rest?"

Sam Shaw froze. The blood drained from his face so fast he looked like he was about to faint.

"And the week before that," Leo continued, his voice rising just enough to ensure his mother heard every word. "I saw you at that exclusive French bistro on the waterfront. You and Auntie Bailey—Monica's aunt, ironically—seemed to be having a very intense 'business meeting.' You were even sharing a dessert. It’s good to see you’re so dedicated to the family’s 'networking' efforts."

The temperature in the living room dropped by twenty degrees. Leo didn't need to stay to see the aftermath. He could feel the Spirit Energy around his mother beginning to crackle and pop, a sure sign that her hidden S-rank talent was being triggered by a sudden surge of murderous intent.

"SAM... SHAW..." Joy Wong’s voice was no longer soft. It was a low, vibrating growl that sounded like a predator cornering its prey.

"No! Joy! Sweetheart! It’s not what it looks like!" Sam’s voice rose to a frantic, terrified pitch. "The hotel... it was a conference! Auntie May just had a migraine! And the bistro? We were discussing the Spirit Ore futures! I swear! Leo, you little brat, come back here and tell her the truth!"

Leo ignored his father’s desperate pleas and the sound of a very expensive vase shattering against the wall. He bolted up the stairs, his movements a blur of speed as he ducked into his private suite on the second floor. He slammed the door shut, locking the biometric bolt and activating his room’s localized Energy Screen.

He leaned against the door, a genuine, hearty laugh escaping his lips.

What a family, he thought, shaking his head.

The Shaw mansion was more than just a house; it was a theater of power, secrets, and high-tier drama. And he was finally the one directing the play.

He walked over to his massive, king-sized bed, which was covered in silk sheets imported from the Capital City. In the center of the room, a holographic display flickered to life, showing his current system status.

[Host: Leo Shaw]

[Level: Unawakened (Awakening in 10 hours)]

[Passive Talents: Spirit-Forged Body, Sorrow of Thunder]

[Inventory: Source of Spirit Stones (Integrating), Dragon-Phoenix Ring, Mysterious Gift Box (Unopened), 0.1% Discount Coupon]

[Points: 260]

Leo sat down cross-legged on the bed. He could feel the Source of Spirit Stones deep within his core, a tiny, sun-like orb of pure energy that was slowly merging with his nervous system. Every breath he took felt like he was inhaling liquid gold. His veins were beginning to pulse with a faint, violet light, and the air around him was starting to hum with the resonance of the Nihility Divine Thunder.

System, Leo thought, his eyes fixed on the unopened box. Open the Mysterious Gift Box I earned from Monica. Let’s see what a 100% affection rating from a 'Leggy Goddess' is worth.

[Opening Mysterious Gift Box...]

The room was suddenly filled with a blinding, iridescent light. It wasn't the violent red of fire or the muddy brown of earth. it was a shimmering, translucent silver that seemed to warp the very space around his bed.

[Congratulations! You have obtained a Supreme-Tier Divine Artifact: The Dragon-Phoenix Ring (Awakened Form)!]

[Description: This is no longer a simple storage device. In its awakened form, the ring provides a permanent Celestial Spirit Aegis that automatically triggers when the Host is in danger. Furthermore, it allows the Host to perform a short-range Void Step, bypassing physical obstacles and Formation Arrays.]

[Congratulations! You have obtained a High-Tier Secret Technique: Nine Forms of Judgment (Complete Set)!]

[Description: A combat style used by the First Emperor of The Grand Dominion. It utilizes the Host’s lightning affinity to deliver strikes that ignore 50% of an opponent’s physical and spiritual defense.]

Leo looked at the silver ring now shimmering on his finger. He felt a sense of absolute, crushing power. Between his father’s money, his mother’s hidden influence, his sister’s Double-S talent, and his own SSS-tier system rewards... the world of The Grand Dominion was about to face a storm it wasn't prepared for.

He closed his eyes, letting the energy of the Source of Spirit Stones wash over him. Tomorrow was the Awakening Ceremony. Tomorrow, he would step out of the shadows and show the world—and his sister—exactly what kind of "king" had been born into the Shaw family.

Outside his door, the muffled sounds of his father’s frantic explanations and his mother’s "disciplinary action" continued to echo through the mansion. Leo just smiled, a single bolt of violet lightning dancing between his fingertips.

The game was finally getting good.