Without another word, Alix reaches into his satchel and retrieves three books — each one radiating a faint, golden aura. The air around them seems to ripple, as if the power within threatens to spill out. The covers are marked with intricate glyphs, each one far more complex than the Tier 4 or Tier 5 markings the Umbral have ever seen.
The moment the books are revealed, Grell’s eyes widen, his usual calm shattering. Even Tarven — still seething minutes ago — freezes in place, his gaze locked on the books.
"A... Tier 6 skill book?" Grell mutters in disbelief.
"Three Tier 6 skill books," Tarven corrects, his voice quieter than anyone expects. His earlier rage is gone, replaced by something far more dangerous — hunger.
Even Berko, still standing to Alix’s side, struggles to hide his shock. "His Majesty... really does have them..." Berko thinks, his mind racing. "Three Tier 6 skill books... impossible..."
In all three kingdoms, not once has a Tier 6 skill book been seen — only rumors whispered about in awe. Yet here they are, tangible and undeniable, resting in Alix’s hands.
Vyrin swallows hard, his eyes flicking from the books to Alix. Even the air feels heavier now, as if the power radiating from those pages is pressing down on him.
"The Umbral…" Grell murmurs, still fixated on the glowing texts. "Our people… we’ve never…"
"We will never reached Tier 6 because our growth stalls at Tier 4 without the tier 5 skill books," Tarven says firmly. "Even reaching Tier 5 is rare — and only two of us have managed it."
Alix gaze sharpens as he glances between Tarven and Grell. "I’m offering you a chance to change that."
For once, Tarven doesn’t sneer. His expression hardens, but his eyes betray his desire.
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"You’re saying... you’ll give us those books?" Grell asks slowly, his voice cautious.
"Not for free," Alix replies. "Serve me — properly — and you’ll earn them." He lifts one of the books slightly. "I don’t hand out power to anyone who doesn’t deserve it."
stare at the glowing tomes like starving wolves eyeing fresh meat. Even Tarven’s pride seems to waver beneath the weight of what’s being offered.
"Think carefully," Alix warns, voice low and commanding. "This isn’t charity — it’s opportunity. And if you refuse..." He pauses, gaze cold. "I’ll find someone else to replace you."
A long, tense silence follows. Tarven’s breathing is heavy, his muscles still straining against the glowing chains. Grell’s gaze flickers back and forth between Alix and the books, conflict clear in his eyes. Even now, the stubborn pride of their kind claws at him, urging him to refuse.
But the hunger in their eyes betrays them. The hunger for power.
Finally, Grell exhales sharply, lowering his head. "I’ll do it," he says, voice low yet firm. "For the sake of my tribe... I will follow you."
Tarven grits his teeth, still trembling with rage. "You’re just going to surrender?" he growls. "Bow your head to some outsider?"
Grell’s head lifts slightly, his eyes narrowing. "And what would you have us do?" His voice hardens. "Die clinging to pride?" He gestures to the crimson chains still wrapped around Tarven’s limbs. "We’ve already lost this fight. You know that."
Tarven’s snarl falters. His pride wars with reason — but the weight of the chains and the reality of their defeat are undeniable. His gaze shifts to the books again, lingering on the faint golden glow.
With a slow, deliberate breath, Tarven lowers his head. His voice is strained, his words sharp like broken glass.
"I... will serve you," he mutters. "But know this — I follow no fool. If you prove weak... I’ll kill you myself." Experience tales at freewebnovel
Alix steps closer, standing over both kneeling warriors. "If you think you’re capable," he says coldly, "you’re welcome to try."
The tension lingers, but both Umbral now bow their heads in submission.
"Swear it properly," Alix demands.
Grell clenches his fists, then places his palm flat on the ground before him. "I, Grell of the Umbral, swear loyalty to Alix, King of the Surface. I will fight, bleed, and die under his command... so long as he holds strength worthy of our service."
Tarven grits his teeth, forcing himself to mimic the gesture. "I, Tarven of the Umbral, make the same oath."
Alix stares down at them for a moment, satisfied. "Good," he says.
He steps back, lifting his hand. The crimson runes dim, and the glowing chains unravel from their limbs. Grell and Tarven stagger slightly as their strength returns, but they remain kneeling.
"Now get up," Alix says firmly. "We have work to do."
Grell and Tarven rise slowly, still feeling the lingering weight of the Shacklebind Cuffs. Their gazes flick briefly to the Tier 6 books before Grell clears his throat.
"If you’re serious about this," Grell says, "then you’ll need to meet our chieftain. Follow us — but stay close. Our territory doesn’t take kindly to outsiders."
"Lead the way, " Alix replies.
The group moves in silence for a while, winding deeper into the twisted forest. The air grows colder, the shadows thicker. The faint whispers that once drifted through the trees now seem louder, more insistent — as if the forest itself is murmuring warnings.
Grell stops near a jagged outcropping of stone, its base covered in tangled roots. He kneels, pressing his palm against a seemingly ordinary patch of bark. The roots pulse faintly with dark energy before twisting aside, revealing a narrow stone passage hidden beneath.
"This way," Grell says, stepping through.
Berko pauses beside Alix, his expression uneasy. "Your Majesty... are you sure about this?"
"They know better than to try anything," Alix replies quietly. "If they don’t… well, they’ve already seen what happens."
The passage is narrow and damp, the air stale and cold. The only light comes from faint markings along the walls — crude carvings that glow with faint purple hues, like veins pulsing in stone. The deeper they go, the more twisted the markings become, spiraling and branching like spiderwebs.
"These wards," Alix mutters, running his fingers near one of the symbols. "They’re layered — protection and illusion magic combined."
Grell glances back. "Our tribe has had to rely on deception to survive. After all, there’s a lot of powerful beast here. Few know how to navigate these paths."