Chapter 5 – The Gathering Storm
Aurelius walked through the dense forest, his undead trailing behind him like shadows of death. The battle against the dire wolves had given him valuable experience, both in combat and in understanding the limits of his necromantic abilities.
He could now control up to 12 undead, but he knew that raw numbers alone wouldn't be enough. Stronger enemies awaited him.
He opened his Status Screen.
---
[Status]
Name: Aurelius Vorn
Level: 6
EXP: 7 / 200
Health: 160/160
Mana: 140/160
Strength: 26
Intelligence: 34
Charisma: 14
Necromancy Proficiency: 70%
Undead Control: 80% (Max Limit: 12 undead)
Undead Tier Available: Tier 1 (Skeletons, Zombies, Ghouls, Grave Guardians)
---
His fingers clenched into a fist. Tier 1 summons were useful but limited.
“If I want to stand at the top, I need stronger minions.”
A new goal formed in his mind—evolve his necromantic abilities to summon Tier 2 undead. But to do that, he needed two things:
1. More EXP – The leveling system was clear. Stronger enemies meant more rewards.
2. Stronger Souls – His current undead were basic because he had only reanimated weak creatures. If he wanted Tier 2, he needed stronger corpses.
He needed a battlefield.
You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.
And he knew exactly where to find one.
---
The Ruins of Eldrin
Aurelius continued deeper into the forest, guided by a vague pull in his chest—a dark energy calling to him.
Hours passed. The trees thinned, revealing ancient ruins buried beneath vines and decay. Massive stone pillars stood like broken teeth, remnants of a forgotten civilization.
But what truly caught his attention was the presence lurking within.
Shadows moved.
Figures stirred in the distance, emerging from the depths of the ruins.
Bandits.
A group of six, each armed with crude weapons. They hadn’t noticed him yet.
Aurelius grinned.
Perfect.
---
The Ambush
He raised his hand, giving silent commands to his undead.
The ghouls disappeared into the shadows, their claws poised for the kill.
The skeletons and zombies formed a loose perimeter.
The Grave Guardian stood at his side, waiting for orders.
He stepped forward, making just enough noise.
"Who's there?" One of the bandits spun around, gripping a rusted sword.
Another, a burly man with a crossbow, narrowed his eyes. "Looks like a lost traveler. A pretty boy, too." He grinned. "Easy pickings, boys."
Aurelius smiled.
He raised his hand.
“Kill them.”
---
The Slaughter
The ghouls struck first.
Two bandits never even saw it coming. Their throats were torn open before they could scream.
The remaining four panicked, backing away, weapons raised.
“What the fuck—?!”
A zombie lunged, sinking its teeth into one’s arm. The bandit screamed, trying to shake it off, but the undead wouldn’t let go.
The Grave Guardian moved next, bringing its cleaver down.
SPLAT!
A headless corpse hit the ground.
---
[EXP Gain]
Bandit (Level 4)
Base EXP: 35
Soul Drain Bonus: 10
Total EXP Gained: 45
Bandit (Level 5)
Base EXP: 50
Soul Drain Bonus: 15
Total EXP Gained: 65
EXP: 117 / 200
---
The remaining two bandits turned to run.
Aurelius lifted his hand. Dark chains erupted from the ground—Soul Shackles!
The fleeing bandits collapsed, their bodies bound by necrotic energy.
He approached them slowly.
Their eyes were filled with terror.
"P-Please," one begged.
Aurelius knelt beside him, pressing a finger to his forehead.
"You’re more useful dead."
A surge of black energy flowed from the bandit's body into Aurelius' palm.
The man convulsed before going limp—his soul ripped from his body.
---
[EXP Gain]
Bandit (Level 5)
Base EXP: 50
Soul Drain Bonus: 15
Total EXP Gained: 65
Bandit (Level 4)
Base EXP: 35
Soul Drain Bonus: 10
Total EXP Gained: 45
---
EXP: 227 / 200
---
[Level Up!]
Level: 7
EXP: 27 / 250
Health: 180/180
Mana: 160/180
Strength: 28 (+2)
Intelligence: 38 (+4)
Charisma: 16 (+2)
Necromancy Proficiency: 80% (+10)
Undead Control: 90% (Max Limit: 14 undead)
Undead Tier Available: Tier 1 (Skeletons, Zombies, Ghouls, Grave Guardians)
---
A New Experiment
Aurelius studied the fresh corpses. The bandits had been weak, but their souls held more potential than beasts.
He decided to test something.
Extending his mana, he channeled his necromantic energy into one of the fallen bandits.
The corpse twitched.
Then it rose.
Its body was still human-like, but the eyes burned with blue necrotic fire. Its movements were more fluid than a normal zombie.
A Revenant.
A new kind of undead—more intelligent, stronger, and faster.
Aurelius smirked.
The pieces were coming together.
His power was growing.
And soon, this world would tremble before him.
