Chapter 6: Roots of Ruin
The Hollow Fang Den no longer stank of rot and blood.
It stank of change.
Kael stood in the heart of the cave, staring at the swirling obsidian glyph now embedded in the floor. It pulsed like a second heart, connecting him to something vast—an abyss of power, distant and dark.
Domain Status: Hollow Fang Den
Level: 0
Territory Control: 1/100
Resources: 0
Growth Rate: +1 per hour
Features:
– Corruption Field (Weak): Slowly alters local flora and fauna
– Goblin Spawnpoint (Dormant): Reactivate with Soul Energy
Available Actions: [Summon Minions] [Construct] [Upgrade] [Expand]
Domain Trait Unlocked: "Will of the Wyrm" – Slightly enhances Kael's charisma and control over lesser demons
Kael exhaled, hands clenched. The energy in this place wasn't just magic. It was responsive. Alive.
He knelt beside the black glyph.
"What can I build?" he asked aloud.
System Response:
– Spire of Sight (10 Resources): Grants +5 Vision Radius in Domain
– Pit of Binding (25 Resources): Allows storage and corruption of captured enemies
– Shrine of Ash (30 Resources): Generates passive Soul Energy. Increases Domain Loyalty
– Den Core Upgrade (50 Resources): Advances Domain Level to 1, unlocking new buildings, minion types, and defensive options
"None of which I can afford," Kael muttered.
Tip: Begin by summoning basic minions. They will forage, kill, or convert wildlife into Resources.
He gritted his teeth. "Fine. Let's see what I can create."
Summon Menu – Available Units (F-Rank)
– Lesser Goblin (2 Resources): Weak, but loyal; harvests resources
– Dark Rat (3 Resources): Fast scavengers; spread Domain corruption
– Imp (5 Resources): Fragile, ranged caster with minor fire spells
– Wretchling (7 Resources): Feral demon hybrid; good in close combat
Soul Energy Required to Activate Spawnpoint: 10
Soul Energy Available: 11
Kael hesitated. The Imp was tempting. But right now, he needed a workforce.
"Activate Spawnpoint. Summon 2 Lesser Goblins."
Confirmed. Resources set to 0.
Goblin Minions Created: 2
Traits: Loyal, Basic Tool Use, Low Intelligence
Designation: Thralls of Kael
The earth split with a low moan. Two scrawny goblins emerged from black sludge, blinking in the dim light. They sniffed the air, turned to Kael, and dropped to one knee.
"Master," they rasped.
A sick thrill ran down his spine.
He didn't want to smile.
But he did.
Elsewhere, beneath the chapel, Vale finished etching a circle of light.
Holy runes burned into the stone.
He lit the final candle, voice low and steady. "Radiant Father. Let the flames of judgment reveal the festering evil in this land."
The circle glowed.
A pulse of divine energy spread outward, like a silent explosion.
Back in the den, the glyph under Kael flickered.
Alert: Divine Pulse Detected
Shielding Protocol Failed
Demon Signature Briefly Exposed
Kael's smile vanished.
"Oh no."