Chapter 317: Dark Lich
’Is that little undeads...’ Dhruv couldn’t help but chuckle as he saw a little cute being made out of a skeleton rising from the ground. He could even see some ghosts rising.
Before any of them could cause trouble, though, the aura suppressor did its work and the undead and ghosts began to disappear.
Dhruv didn’t understand what was the source of all this energy, as no matter how much the suppressor suppressed them, they would just reappear after a few minutes or so.
After keeping an eye on the egg for a few more minutes, Dhruv got bored. Looking at Aurora, he muttered, "Shall we practice then? I’m quite eager to check how much I’ve evolved."
"I will be happy to do so, Master." With a smile, she led him to a dueling area.
***
A dark skeleton rose from the ground within a realm devoid of any life.
There wasn’t even a hint of light, as even the heavens inside the realm were solely illuminated by darkness. Death crept through every corner.
The empty sockets of the undead’s eyes lit with darkness as he looked into the void. The darkness flickered once again as a throne made out of bones appeared.
Sitting on the throne, Azarex looked around, trying to notice any changes in the darkness. He sighed after realizing there weren’t many changes. As he had expected, there was just an increase in intensity.
’Let’s see what options I got this time...’ With a bit of expectation, he opened his status.
...
[You have reached the maximum level of your species.
These are the options available to you. All these options are from the species Asteri:
- Cursed Wraith (Special)
- Necrotic Sentinel (Special)
- Dark Lich (Rare)
- Death Knight (Rare)
- Eternal Greater Lich (Epic)]
...
A smile appeared on Azarux’s skull as he looked at the last option. All the pain he suffered in the end proved to be worth it as there was an epic rank evolution for him to choose.
Azarex wanted to directly click on it to know what it had to offer but he controlled himself. He would save the best for last.
With a smile, he clicked on the Cursed Wraith.
...
[Cursed Wraith (Special): After this evolution, you will become a shadowy, incorporeal being with the ability to phase through walls and become invisible in the darkness.
You will have great mastery over stealth, learn how to create a fear-inducing presence and gain a bit of shadow manipulation.
+30 in Magical Power, +25 in Agility, and +25 in Stamina, along with the organ [Wraith Heart], will be provided as a reward for taking this evolution.]
...
’So it’s exactly like Master has said; there is no skill reward,’ Azarex thought as he scanned through the options. Nodding his head, he began reading the description with interest.
’It seems wraiths are another evolution line for undeads...’ Azarex thought, looking at the option. With a bit of curiosity, he clicked on the name of the organ.
[Wraith Heart - Wraith Heart is an organ located in the right chest of a wraith. It helps in increasing stealth abilities and allows for temporary intangibility.]
"It certainly is a good option... but just not for me," Azarex muttered, knowing the option was pretty good... it’s just that he loves his skeleton much more. Closing the window, he clicked on the next option.
...
[Necrotic Sentinel (Special): Having this evolution transforms you into a powerful guardian of the undead realms, gaining increased durability and strength.
With this evolution, you will begin to walk the path of darkness. Wherever you move, a necrotic aura that weakens living beings follows you. You will have improved combat prowess as well as the ability to summon lesser undead minions.
+30 in Strength Power, +25 in Magic Power, and +20 in Stamina, along with the organ [Sentinel’s Core], will be provided as a reward for taking this evolution.
...
’This evolution seems to focus on both aspects... magic and physical might,’ he thought, reading the description. Before making any final judgment, he clicked on the organ.
[Sentinel’s Core: Boosts physical resilience and enhances the necrotic aura that weakens living beings.]
"Another core... just how many cores Cosmos wants me to have..." Azarex blurred out, reading the description. In the end, the option just didn’t excite him enough. Without any hesitation, he clicked on the next one.
...
Dark Lich (Rare): With this evolution, you will attain the form of a lich, mastering dark magic and gaining near-immortality by binding your soul to a phylactery.
You will gain a great mastery over necromancy. You will begin to understand the soul phylactery, which helps in resurrection. The portal to powerful dark spells also opens.
+80 in Magical Power, +30 in Stamina, and +25 in Strength, along with the organ [Phylactery of Souls], will be provided as a reward for taking this evolution.
...
"Nice... now we’re talking." The moment Azarex read the description, a smile appeared on his face. This is exactly what he was expecting from an evolution.
’It gives a good boost in death magic... strangely enough, it also gives me some sort of immortality... I mean, how will that work when I’m already dead?’
Azarex thought, trying to find an answer on his own. When he couldn’t do so, he clicked on the organ.
[Phylactery of Souls: A small tube will be fitted right beside your core. With the help of this organ, you can collect souls which can later help you resurrect.]
As he read the description, Azarex understood what being immortal meant. It means he will not suffer a true death... not until he has enough souls, that is.
"So the organ will automatically collect the soul... and then I can use it to resurrect myself. Can I use it to resurrect others?" A burning question appeared in his head as he thought about it.
If the answer were yes, then he would choose this option without any hesitation. Being a guardian with the ability to resurrect someone is the greatest wish he could have.
But alas, nothing was certain.
