The darkness lifted. Where once stood the collapsing rift and the dread Echo Lord, now only silence remained. Faint golden threads of energy danced in the air as the remnants of the ancient Trial faded.
Kael exhaled, falling to one knee. His mana reserves were dangerously low, and the toll of using Necrotic Wrath had left his limbs numb.
Nira landed beside him, her eyes still crackling with the remnants of her storm. "You're alive. Barely."
Kael managed a small smirk. "You too."
The chamber around them shimmered, and the architecture began to shift. Stone columns melted into air, revealing a narrow staircase leading downward—hidden until now.
[System Notification: Trial of Tharemon Completed]You have unlocked the Inner Sanctum.You may now claim the Legacy of the Supreme Lords.
Kael and Nira exchanged a look. He pulled himself to his feet, leaned heavily on his black-bone staff, and started toward the stairs. Nira helped steady him.
"Let's finish this," he muttered.
They descended.
The air grew warmer the deeper they went, and soon, they entered a circular chamber illuminated by pale blue flames. Floating in the center was a crystal sphere pulsing with immense energy. Around it, ancient banners of forgotten empires fluttered in unseen wind.
Kael's eyes widened.
"Is that...?"
[System Alert: Supreme Lord Core Detected]Accessing Core Memory...
Warning: This action will bind you irrevocably to the Supreme Path.Do you wish to proceed?
[YES][NO]
Kael did not hesitate.
"YES."
The moment he confirmed, the Core erupted in radiant black and gold light, blasting outward in a circular wave. Kael and Nira were suspended mid-air as the Core's will seeped into their minds.
Kael saw visions—millions of Lords before him, standing atop mountains of ash, cities built from bones and stardust, wars that shattered realms.
Then, he saw them: The Supreme Lords.
Twelve figures, draped in regal cloaks, sat on floating thrones high above the stars.
Their voices echoed into Kael's mind as one.
"You have proven worthy. The System has chosen you. Bear our Legacy, Lord Kael of the Black Sun."
[System Update: Supreme Path Initiated]Class Evolution: Lord Necromancer → Supreme Death WardenYou have gained access to the following:
New Skill: Domain of Eternal Reaping
Passive: Bone Sovereign's Command
Trait: Black Sun's Oath – Undead under your command now have +30% Loyalty and Growth.
Fusion Compatibility Expanded: You may now assist Nira in controlled fusions.
Kael's body convulsed as the Core poured energy into him. His skin glowed, black runes appearing along his arms and neck. The transformation wasn't just magical—it was evolutionary.
When he landed, his staff had transformed, gleaming with obsidian plating and humming with pure necromantic power. A new aura swirled around him—cold, sovereign, divine.
"Kael…" Nira whispered. "You're…"
"I know," he said, voice deeper, steadier. "I feel everything now. Every soul. Every death. Every possibility."
[System Alert: Companion Evolution – Nira]Affinity Bonus Achieved: Sibling Bond – Linked Soul Core DetectedNew Ability Unlocked: Elemental Fusion Boost – Tier Ascension PossibleWraith Zephyrs can now evolve into Stormbound Phantoms upon growth.
Suddenly, a small figure bolted into the chamber.
"Brother!"
Kael turned just in time to catch Nira's smaller form—his adopted little sister—leaping into his arms.
"You came back!" she cried, clutching him.
He ruffled her hair. "Of course I did. I promised, didn't I?"
[System Alert: Fusion Skill Activated!]User: Nira [Orphan – Adopted Kin of Lord Kael]Skill: [Elemental Fusion: Undeath + Earth]Resulting Entity: Gravebound Golem – Tier 1 Fusion ConstructStatus: Stable | Loyalty: 100% | Growth Potential: Adaptive
A massive stone-and-bone golem formed behind her, rising protectively with emerald flames in its sockets. It knelt beside her like a loyal pet.
"She's learning faster than I expected," Nira mused.
Kael's gaze lingered on his little sister.
"She's not just learning," he whispered. "She's evolving."
[System Alert: New Quest Available]Quest: Rise of the Lord of Ashes
Construct your first permanent outpost using Core Energy.
Recruit new troops from the Undead Nexus.
Begin preparation for the Supreme Lords' Council.
Defeat or ally with other Lords in your territory.
Rewards:
Territory Claim Token ×1
Soul-Fused Elite Undead Blueprint
Title: Lord of Ashes – Tier 1
Kael looked toward the upper chamber.
"I need to go back. The village... our people... they need protection. If the Supreme Lords are real, and the war is coming—we need to be ready."
Nira nodded. "Then we build. Together."
Kael placed a hand over his heart. "This world... it gave me a second chance. A sister. Power. A future. And I'll make sure no one takes it away."
The Core behind him began to dim as the final blessing echoed.
"Rise, Sovereign of Death. Your dominion begins now."