The twisted remains of a Carapace Scavenger collapsed to the ground, its chitinous body twitching as the last vestiges of life left it. I exhaled slowly, watching as the massive creature stilled. My blade was slick with dark ichor, the once-pristine steel now stained with the essence of dozens of these monsters.
I had been hunting for two weeks now, tracking and exterminating every Carapace Scavenger and Carapace Centurion I could find. These creatures were numerous, infesting The Forgotten Shores like a swarm of locusts. But to me, they were more than just threats—they were prey, fuel for my second core.
At first, I had been cautious. But as time passed, I felt it—my power growing. Every battle was a lesson, every kill a step toward my ultimate goal.
Back in Bright Castle, Nephis wasted no time in executing the plan. With Gunlaug and his former lieutenants now under her command, the transformation of the once oppressive fortress had begun. The once-feared guards were now training alongside the other survivors, forming an army strong enough to take on the Crimson Spire.
Cassie's visions helped them prepare. The survivors divided into teams, each led by a seasoned fighter, tasked with clearing out nightmare creatures and securing new supplies.
Effie took charge of the combat training, her boisterous energy driving the recruits forward. She was relentless, drilling them day and night. Sunny, on the other hand, was focused on himself, making himself stronger in solitude. He still got the help he needed to kill the Forsaken Knight.
Meanwhile, Kai disappeared into the skies, scouting the surrounding areas and ensuring that no unexpected threats would blindside them when the time came.
As for Gunlaug, the former tyrant had changed. No longer the Bright Lord, he had become something else—a warrior who fought alongside the very people he had once ruled with an iron fist.
While they prepared, I continued my hunt.
The Carapace Scavengers were numerous, their grotesque forms lurking amongst the crimson corals, lurking in the shadows, waiting to ambush unsuspecting prey. But they never saw me coming. My eyes allowed me to predict their movements, striking at their weak points with precision.
At first, the fights were brutal. Even with my strength, the Scavengers were numerous, moved unpredictably, their long, scythe-like limbs slashing through the air with terrifying speed. But I adapted. I learned to dance between their strikes, to use their momentum against them. Each battle was easier than the last.
Then came the Carapace Centurions.
These were different beasts entirely—larger, stronger, and far deadlier. Their jagged, bloodstained chitin was like an unbreakable fortress, their scythe-arms cleaving through stone as if it were paper. Unlike the scavengers, they weren't mindless—they fought with purpose, with strategy.
The first one surprised me. Its attacks were relentless, its movements precise. But I didn't back down. I studied it, memorized the way it moved, the way its weight shifted before a strike. And when the moment was right, I struck.
One kill turned into two. Then three. Then a dozen.
Each death of a Centurion brought me closer to my goal, the energy from their broken bodies pouring into my second core. I could feel it growing stronger, stabilizing, taking shape within me.
I hunted them all, leaving none behind.
And then, after three long months, I felt it—the final push, the last surge of essence flowing into my second core. A deep, overwhelming heat spread through me alongside agonizing pain, my body trembling as the transformation completed.
I opened my eyes, exhaling slowly.
I had done it.
My second core was finally filled. The forming of my third one came with an agonizing pain.
Name: Christopher
True Name: King of Men
Rank: Sleaper
Soul Core: Demon
Soul Fragments: [0/3000]
Memories: [Veil of the Sovereign's Sight],[Casket of Forgotten Threads],[Death trap],[Azure sword],[Azure Light armor]
Echoes: -
Attributes: [Mind-Body mastery], [Enhanced senses], [Master of the Chi-You]
Aspect: [Sovereign's Edict]
Aspect rank: Divine
Innate ability: [Sovereign's Tribute]
Aspect ability: [Heavenly Gaze]
Flaw: [Mirror Touch Synesthesia]
The journey back was uneventful. The Dark City was quieter now, the absence of nightmare creatures noticeable. Without them lurking in the shadows, the streets felt... different. Almost empty.
When I arrived at Bright Castle, I found it bustling with activity. The survivors had changed—they were no longer the frightened, desperate people I had left behind. They were warriors now, hardened by training, prepared for war.
As I approached the gates, I could feel Nephis standing at the top of the stairs, beside her stood Sunny, Effie, Cassie, and Kai, their gazes turning toward me.
Kai stepped forward with a serious expression. "I just finished scouting," he said. "No one came. Looks like this year's winter solstice didn't bring any new survivors."
A heavy silence settled over the group. A year had passed, and no one new had arrived.
Nephis exhaled softly, but she didn't let it shake her resolve. "Then we move forward," she said, her voice steady. "The siege begins soon."
I grinned, rolling my shoulders. "Good. I was getting bored anyway."
Effie let out a loud laugh, clapping me on the back. "You really are insane. Three months out there, hunting like a madman, and you come back like it was just a casual stroll."
Sunny snorted. "I still think he's making half of this up."
I just smirked. "Guess you'll never know."
Nephis stepped forward, her silver eyes meeting mine. "Are you ready?"
I met her gaze and nodded.
"Always."