Ronnel muttered, analyzing the situation with a calm yet sharp gaze.
"But it's not just about hiding my cards—I've prepared for this moment."
A confident smirk tugged at the corners of his lips.
"This battle was decided a long time ago."
Ronnel wasn't the type to venture into unknown territory unprepared.
"Humans below," rumbled Overlord, his hollow voice echoing with a chilling resonance, "you two are strong, but the gap between us is as vast as the heavens and the earth. Even with your companion's vows and restrictions granting them immense power, it's futile. Nothing can stop my reign!"
The skeletal figure spread his bony arms wide, as though embracing the very sky, and proclaimed,
"Submit to me! Pledge your loyalty now, and I will grant you positions of power—Marshal and Prime Minister of the Bone Spirit Empire!"
Overlord spoke with absolute confidence, as though the outcome was already set in stone.
Despite his overwhelming power, he had expended more than half of his forces during this battle. Emerging into the world beyond would leave his strength diminished for some time. He needed human guides—someone familiar with the outside world—to hasten his conquest.
Among the humans before him, Ronnel stood out: calm, composed, and exuding potential.
"So, you're trying to recruit me?" Ronnel asked, an amused smile spreading across his face.
"There's nothing amusing about it," Overlord replied, his voice measured. "The weak submit to the strong—it's the natural order of this world. You seem intelligent enough to understand that."
"I do understand," Ronnel admitted with a shrug.
"Then—"
"But," Ronnel interrupted, his expression turning sharp, "I don't see myself as weak. And I certainly don't see you as strong."
Overlord's fiery blue eyes blazed with a momentary flicker of disbelief before he burst into cold laughter.
"Ha! I thought you were a wise human. Turns out, you're just another fool who doesn't understand their place. You humans know nothing of true power!"
"Know nothing?" Ronnel tilted his head mockingly. "I'll give you this—you're strong. But compared to the power my companion just unleashed, you're... underwhelming."
Overlord's skeletal frame trembled slightly, though he said nothing.
His fiery eyes narrowed as a realization struck him: Ronnel's relaxed demeanor wasn't feigned. Unlike the usual humans Overlord encountered, who either cowered or plotted futile counterattacks in fear, Ronnel's composure suggested he had something else up his sleeve.
The Bone King's silence deepened as he scrutinized his opponent.
Ronnel broke the tension by stepping forward, his steady gait drawing attention from the silent bystanders hidden among the bone-strewn mountains.
"What are you doing?" Overlord's cold voice took on a more dangerous edge. "Human, you're playing with fire."
Ronnel ignored him, his smirk widening.
"It's noisy," he muttered dismissively. "Also, I've been meaning to say—shouldn't a king like you refer to yourself as 'this king'? Calling yourself 'I' feels a bit... cheap."
Overlord froze in disbelief.
"That's what you're focusing on?!"
Without breaking stride, Ronnel waved off the retort.
"Since you dare provoke me like this," Overlord growled, the flames in his eyes flaring, "prepare to face the consequences of your arrogance!"
The Bone King cast a glance at his surviving kin, their forms trembling in the shadows of the mountains. The air thickened with an almost tangible tension as the undead braced for the battle to come.
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