The 72 Elite Baltzer shadows erupted from Lucian's tattooed skin, not as fully formed figures, but as swirling streams of crimson reptilian energy. They converged violently onto the kneeling Knight Baltzer.
"ROOOAR!"
The original Baltzer roared, its form convulsing as the massive influx of shadow essence poured into it.
Its body began to glow intensely, shifting, growing larger, scales hardening, muscles bulging beneath. The crimson aura intensified, swirling with sparks of innate lightning energy drawn from the fused essences.
The Knight-rank insignia in its status flickered rapidly, shattering and reforming into something grander.
[Rank Evolution Successful!]
[Blood Shadow Rank Increased: Knight → King!]
The light subsided, revealing the new Baltzer. He stood taller, nearly three meters now, scales shimmering like dark jade infused with blood.
