1.
A strange and mystical world, suffused with a swirling teal aura, stretched infinitely into the distance. Amidst this surreal landscape floated a single, imposing structure: the Dark Castle.
Once a seat of power, the Dark Castle now drifted aimlessly through the Netherworld, long abandoned by its master. Within the grand halls of this desolate fortress, a lone entity sat upon the throne, silently observing the world beyond.
Suddenly, the entity coughed violently, blood spilling from its lips.
-Cough.
A memory surged into its mind—an echo of the past. Or perhaps, a past that had never truly existed. It was a memory conjured by a spell the entity had long ago set in motion.
Through the haze of pain, the entity revisited the fleeting image of its former master—a figure of unparalleled brilliance and clarity.
-I miss you.
The master had been extraordinary, swiftly discerning the entity's nature as both a falsehood and a fabrication. Even the reproaches and admonishments of this great master had been cherished.
-I wish to see you again, Lord.
The longing for its departed master was unbearable. Yet, that master was no longer of this world.
The entity had resigned itself to oblivion, allowing time to erode its existence. But within the recent memory, it saw not only its master but also the master’s successor—a being of incredible power and undeniable worthiness to claim the throne.
The entity rose from the throne, blood dripping from its lips, and made its decision.
-He is coming.
The successor, whom it had previously refused to acknowledge, was on his way to the Dark Castle. To the entity itself.
It was time to prepare.
For the new master.
2. Main Quest: 『To the Dark Castle』
→ 《Main Quest》
→ The entrance to the Dark Castle has been discovered, now revealed to be located in the Netherworld.
Your task is to journey to the Dark Castle, meet 『Noctrynnium』—the current master and sole resident—and uncover its secrets.
→ Exclusive Overlord quest.
→ Rewards: 『Dark Castle』, Overlord-exclusive item, Overlord-exclusive skill unlock.
Seong reviewed the newly unlocked main quest. The description was concise, offering little detail.
While he was tempted to test his newly acquired skills before embarking, the promise of another skill as a quest reward swayed him.
"Might as well clear this first and test everything later."
Moreover, the Dark Castle itself seemed akin to Helena’s Garden in its nature.
"Come to think of it... wasn’t Helena’s Garden originally part of the Dark Castle?"
If he obtained the Dark Castle, would the two locations be unified? Either way, it was a question for later.
Without hesitation, Seong activated the Netherworld portal leading to the Dark Castle.
[You can open a portal to the Dark Castle in the Netherworld instead of summoning a familiar.]
[Yes / No]
His response was obvious.
The teal portal crackled with energy as it formed, displaying a different appearance from his usual summoning portals. This one offered a glimpse of its destination—a majestic yet melancholic castle floating in solitude.
Seong stepped into the portal, his surroundings shifting as he emerged inside the Dark Castle.
The air was cold and still, devoid of any warmth or sound save for the echo of his footsteps.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
Having been here once before, he navigated its corridors with ease, eventually reaching the grand throne room at the castle’s center.
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There, standing before the throne, was the familiar figure he had glimpsed in the past: Noctrynnium.
This being defied classification, appearing simultaneously as an old man and a young youth, a man and a woman. Noctrynnium exuded an ethereal, otherworldly presence, entirely unique to the Dark Castle’s essence.
As Seong approached, Noctrynnium stepped forward and bowed deeply.
-Welcome.
The tone was formal and reverent, starkly contrasting with the defiant tone of the letter Seong had received earlier through Fiora.
"Hmm?"
Noctrynnium continued with its introduction:
-As you may know, I am Noctrynnium, the master of this castle, its sole resident, and its spirit.
"The spirit of the castle?"
Seong’s surprise was genuine. Though he had known Noctrynnium's name and abilities, he hadn’t realized the entity was the castle itself.
Noctrynnium bowed again, speaking with humility:
-I must apologize for daring to test my master. I overstepped my bounds.
Seong dismissed the apology casually, deciding to drop the formal tone. His summons, whether Valtar, Fiora, or Barfur, had all expressed a preference for casual speech.
Noctrynnium seemed pleased by the gesture, smiling faintly.
Then, Seong remembered something important—the letter Helena had entrusted him with for Noctrynnium.
"Ah, right."
Retrieving the letter from his inventory, Seong handed it over.
"Here. It’s from Helena. She asked me to give it to you."
-From... the Lord?
Noctrynnium accepted the letter hesitantly, its ethereal hands trembling as it unfolded the parchment.
The elegant, flowing script brought an air of nostalgia as Noctrynnium read the words of its former master.
『Hello, Noctrynnium of the Future.』
The opening line of the letter bore the unmistakable tone of Helena.
Noctrynnium smiled faintly as it read the first words, though the smile was tinged with sorrow and longing.
It was the handwriting of its beloved master, whose memory it had clung to so desperately. Slowly, carefully, it continued reading the letter, savoring every word.
**『I’ve heard what has become of me in the future.
I’m sorry for everything.
I’m sure my future self felt the same. But you know, that’s who I am.
I can’t begin to imagine the pain and sorrow you must have endured, but I believe you’ve grown strong enough to overcome it.
Some of you have upheld my will.
Some of you have drowned in sorrow and retreated to memories of the past.
And perhaps, some of you have lost yourselves entirely to despair.
But I believe in you.
You are my children, and I am proud of you.』**
As Noctrynnium reached the final lines, thick tears streamed down its face.
It had known. Deep down, it had always known it was possible to overcome the grief and loss.
But it hadn’t tried.
It didn’t want to offer excuses or blame its inaction on the lack of an opportunity. The truth was simple: Helena’s absence had left an unfillable void, one so vast that merely drifting along had seemed like the only option.
The arrival of a new Overlord, however, had sparked something within Noctrynnium—a new reason to act, to move forward.
Still, it had resisted accepting this successor, reluctant to believe anyone could surpass Helena.
And yet, it seemed Helena had anticipated these very thoughts.
**『By the way, Seong is far more talented than I ever was.
He might even reach the “pinnacle” I once dreamed of.
So take care of him, will you?』**
The letter, with its familiar handwriting and profound faith, filled Noctrynnium with a mix of emotions—grief, nostalgia, and finally, acceptance.
Memories of the past flooded back:
The first time Helena had arrived at the castle.
The moment she had granted it sentience, transforming it into a spirit bound to the Dark Castle.
The birth of Fiora.
The bustling days filled with disciples, laughter, and joy within the castle walls.
Those days had been happy ones, but they were gone.
It was time to let go.
Noctrynnium closed its eyes, resolved to move forward. For its new master. For the memories and happiness yet to be created.
Noctrynnium turned to Seong, bowing deeply.
"It is a long story, but after the passing of our former Lord, we were lost."
Seong nodded silently, empathizing with the spirit’s confession.
"Our Lord’s final wish was for us to serve any future successor. Some of us followed that will and founded the organization known as Overpalace. Others, like myself, were consumed by grief and wandered aimlessly."
Seong listened intently, sensing the weight of the story.
"Even here, I can feel the presence of some of my former comrades. Lost, mad with sorrow, they have become something less than themselves."
[You have obtained a clue for a new main quest.]
Noctrynnium continued:
"I, too, remained here in solitude, clinging to my regrets. But no longer. I now pledge my loyalty to you, the new Overlord."
With that, Noctrynnium knelt on one knee, lowering its head in submission.
"I offer everything I have to you, my new master."
Though slightly flustered, Seong approached the throne with steady steps. His footsteps echoed throughout the hall, filling the vast space with their rhythmic sound.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
Reaching the throne, he ascended the steps and took his seat. It felt like the natural conclusion to the quest.
The moment he sat down, a brilliant light radiated from Noctrynnium, transforming its form. The ambiguous, chaotic features resolved into those of a youthful man—a clear sign that the succession was complete.
Simultaneously, the Dark Castle began to shift and transform.
Crash! Rumble! Crack!
The castle shed its somber, worn exterior, as if shaking off the weight of its long-abandoned past. The grim, shadowy structure took on a new, polished appearance—a majestic fortress exuding an air of elegance and power.
The oppressive darkness gave way to an awe-inspiring jet-black hue, refined and dignified.
Seong observed the transformation with a mixture of awe and nostalgia, sensing the castle's past being left behind to embrace its new era.
Before he could fully process the change, a series of reward messages appeared, akin to an ending credit sequence.
[You have cleared the main quest, 『To the Dark Castle』.]
[Main quest rewards are being granted.]
[You are now the master of 『Dark Castle, Noctrynnium』.]
[Summonable entity 『Noctrynnium』 will grow in accordance with the Overlord’s level.]
[You can now access 『Dark Castle』 at will.]
[Helena’s remaining power within the Dark Castle has been fully transferred to you.]
[The power of the past Overlord has been inherited.]
[You have received the following rewards:]
[Class-exclusive Almighty-grade skill, 『Fallen Thorn of Midnight』.]
[Class-exclusive Almighty-grade item, 『The Overlord’s Codex』.]