The skies above Greystone were still cloaked in grey, clouds hanging heavy as if the heavens mourned all that had transpired.
Lucas opened his eyes to the familiar, wooden ceiling of the castle infirmary. A warm breeze drifted in through the open window, carrying with it the scent of ash, rain, and healing herbs. He blinked slowly, the sensation of waking after three days of unconsciousness grounding him back into his body.
"You're awake," came a familiar voice.
It was Elira, seated beside his bed, her long hair tied back, bandages around her arms. She looked exhausted, but a soft smile formed as soon as she saw him.
"How long...?" Lucas asked, his voice hoarse.
"Three days," she answered. "You've been out since the battle. Your body went into a recovery stasis. Using that final skill nearly cost you your life."
Lucas sat up slowly, his muscles aching. Kaela entered the room next, a bowl of steaming broth in her hands.
"Good. You didn't die," she said, setting the bowl down. "Would've been a shame to explain to my people how our new Alpha dropped dead after winning."
Lucas chuckled weakly. "Thanks for the concern."
A familiar DINGechoed in his mind.
[System Update Complete. Status Screen Unlocked. Displaying current stats and a recap of progress.]
[Name]: Lucas Carter
Race: Human (Royal Bloodline of Human Race)
Class: Beast Emperor (Locked)
Level: 3 (Post-Skill Penalty; Max Level Re-lock for 10 days)
Skills:
Beast Fusion
Telepathy (Passive)
Identify (Advanced)
Aegis of the Emperor (AOE Invulnerability & Heal, 30 seconds, 12h cooldown)
Emperor's Command (Hidden Skill - Massive Damage, Sacrifice Levels)
Bonded Beasts:
Umbra – Shadow Lion
Level: 28
Skills: Shadow Prowl, Eclipse Claw, Night Howl (Stun), Royal Fangs
Zephyra – Windstorm Drake
Level: 28
Skills: Gale Shot, Wind Step, Cyclone Barrier, Dragon's Resonance
Party Members:
Elira Vale
Class: Arcane Archer
Level: 28
Skills: Wind Pierce, Elemental Volley, Lunar Step, Lunar Rain, Rapid Regen
Beast Companion: Luna (Moonlight Lynx) - Level: 28
Kaela Stormfang
Class: Beastkin Warrior
Level: 28
Skills: Thunder Crash, War Cry, Lightning Step, Beastheart Resolve
Beast Companion: Thunderfang (Saber Cat) - Level: 28
Notable Events & Skill Unlocks (Ch. 1-23 Recap):
- Discovered Lost Tomb of Valtanir Kings.
- Unlocked Beast Fusion & Telepathy.
- Gained the trust of Elira Vale and bonded her to his party.
- Fought and survived against the Tide Ape Scouts.
- Fused with Zephyra and Umbra in combat.
- Rescued poisoned Elira and fortified Greystone.
- Accepted Stormfang Beastkin into Greystone under Kaela.
- Defeated Kaela in single combat to gain her loyalty.
- Survived first full Tide assault, defeating Inferna and Whiteclaw.
War Report: Defense of Greystone
- Status: Victory, though at heavy cost.
- Time of Battle: 2 days.
- Total Enemy Killed: ~300+
- Generals Slain: 3 (Kong, Inferna, Whiteclaw)
- Friendly Casualties:
Deceased: 15 militia, 2 beastkin
Injured: 20 (healing ongoing via Aegis Skill and medical support)
Damage to Infrastructure:
Eastern Wall: Destroyed (~60 meters breached)
Watchtower Delta: Collapsed
Field Traps: 70% consumed or destroyed
System Update Rewards Pending:
3x Defensive Trap Schematics (Lightning Pillar, Frost Net, Void Mine)
Blueprint: Watchtower (Advanced Tier)
Leadership Title Upgrade Pending Review
Lucas closed the status screen and leaned back into his pillows.
"That's a lot," he muttered.
Kaela grinned, arms crossed. "You're not done yet, Emperor."
Elira chuckled softly. "The world knows about Greystone now. And about you."
Lucas looked toward the window, beyond which the battered town still stood tall, still healing.
"Let them come," he said.