The desert sky bled crimson as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the dunes in shadows. Kael stood atop the skeletal watchtower, watching the shifting sands to the east. Dust plumes twisted upward in the distance — a sign of movement.
Varnis, the Plague Harbinger, was approaching.
Behind Kael, his summoned undead readied their weapons. The Bone Wall shimmered faintly with necrotic energy. A fresh line of skeletal archers stood watch atop the barricade, eyes glowing with violet flame.
Global Lord System Notification:Incoming Hostile Lord Detected – Range: 1.2kmAuto-Defense Protocol EngagedPrepare for Engagement
Kael narrowed his eyes and opened his palm. The Codex of Forgotten Kings glowed as it projected new spell schematics.
Active Skill Unlocked: [Soulflame Chain]Effect: Chains a target in soulfire for 6 seconds, reducing defense by 30% and causing 10% HP damage per second.Cooldown: 25s
Lina approached with the Galebone Hunter at her side, the desert wind curling through her hair.
"He's close. I can feel his mana—it's… diseased," she said, her expression tight.
Kael placed a hand on her head. "Stay behind the front lines. Command your fusion from there."
She nodded, then drew a small undead from her satchel — a fused snake with sand magic imbued. It slithered into position.
Lina's Fusion Activated: Sand Serpent WraithType: Mid-tier RareSkill: Sand Veil – Cloaks an area, reducing enemy accuracy by 20%
The ground quaked. A monstrous beetle-like war beast crawled over a dune, armored in chitin and bubbling with plague rot. Upon it stood Varnis — a tall figure draped in mold-green robes, his face hidden by a bone mask.
His voice was rasped and venomous.
"So… you're the one awakening the Tomb. Let me offer a trade. Your land… for your corpse."
Kael smirked. "Here's a better trade: Your arrogance... for your bones."
System Alert: PVP Lord Encounter Triggered!Battlefield Locked – Radius: 1kmVictory Conditions: Eliminate Enemy Lord or Force Retreat
Kael raised his staff.
"Arise!"
Skill Activated: [Mass Grave Raiser]Ten new undead summoned: Sandwalker Skirmishers x6, Bone Archers x4
Varnis responded with his own summoning circle. Foul mists oozed from the sands, birthing plague rats and bloated corpses wielding clubs.
"Advance," Kael commanded.
Undead clashed. Bones shattered. Arrows flew. Sand exploded from magical impacts.
Kael pointed his staff.
Skill Activated: [Soulflame Chain] – Target: Plague BruteEffect: Defense Down 30%, Burning for 10% HP/sec
The brute screamed as violet chains erupted from the ground, burning it alive. A Sandwalker stabbed it through the throat.
Kael then flicked his wrist.
Skill Activated: [Dark Pulse]AoE Damage: ModerateTargets Hit: 7Enemy Troops Eliminated: 4
Lina's Sand Serpent slithered in and activated its skill.
Sand Veil Deployed!Enemy Accuracy Reduced – 20%
Kael moved with military precision. His undead were enhanced not only by skills, but by raw strategy. The enemy began to falter.
"Now, strike their core!" Kael yelled.
Active Passive Triggered: [Efficient Necromancy] → 15% bonus duration and damage for all undead spells during coordinated attacks.
The Galebone Hunter unleashed a triple-shot wind arrow, piercing two plague rats and staggering a mage.
Varnis growled.
"You think this is over? I'll corrupt your land! I'll rot your—"
An arrow pierced his thigh.
He fell backward, barely clutching the reins of his plague beast.
System Alert: Enemy Lord Severely Injured – Health < 30%System Decision: Lord Varnis Retreating...Retreat Successful
Kael exhaled slowly. The battlefield calmed. His undead reclaimed the perimeter.
System Notification: PVP Defense VictoryRewards Gained:
EXP: +2000
New Unit Summon Ticket x1
Harem Affection +1 (Lina)
Reputation: +30 (Neutral Region)
Kael leveled up once more.
Level Up!Level 5 → Level 6Stat Points +5 | Skill Points +3
He turned to Lina, who smiled softly.
"Did we win?"
Kael nodded. "And it won't be the last time."