---
Chapter 1: The End and the Beginning
It was the middle of the night when it happened.
Ray never expected to die like this. He always imagined something grand, like saving the world or stopping a giant asteroid. Something epic. But no, his life ended in the most anticlimactic way possible: slipping on a wet bathroom floor.
The sharp crack of his skull hitting the tiled floor was the last thing he heard before everything went dark.
---
When Ray opened his eyes, the first thing he noticed was the stillness. The air around him didn't feel like it had any weight. His vision was blurry at first, but that soon cleared as his surroundings came into focus.
A vast, endless white. Everywhere he looked, the same sterile nothingness stretched on. It was disorienting, like walking into a void.
Then, as if the void could sense his confusion, a voice boomed from the air around him.
> "You have arrived."
Ray blinked, scanning for the source. But it was all around him, echoing in his mind like a distant thunderstorm. He scoffed.
"Well, yeah. I can see that. But where exactly is here?" He looked around again. "And, uh, who exactly are you?"
The voice didn't seem offended. If anything, it was almost… amused.
> "A curious one, are you? That's good. You're in the realm of the gods."
Ray's eyebrows shot up. "Wait, what? I'm dead, aren't I?"
The voice sighed, not in annoyance but in what could be described as gentle pity.
> "Indeed. You passed from your world. You were chosen to be reborn."
Ray frowned. "Wait. Reborn? Chosen? I don't remember filling out an application for that. You're telling me I died over something stupid and now I'm being handed a second chance at life? That's some grade-A crap."
There was a long pause before the voice responded, almost like it was giving him a moment to process.
> "Not quite. You've been selected for a higher purpose. The world you come from is on the verge of collapse. A great war is coming, and humanity is facing extinction. I chose you because you possess the potential to tip the balance."
Ray's sarcastic grin only widened. "Yeah, because I'm totally the 'chosen one.' How original. I suppose you've got a flashy prophecy and a glowing sword waiting for me, right?"
> "You are not mistaken, though you misunderstand your role. There will be no sword, no prophecy. Instead, you will receive something far more valuable: power. And the tools to lead a kingdom."
Ray let out a derisive chuckle. "Oh great, a kingdom. Just what I needed after death. Power, huh? What, like a magic wand and a bunch of servants? This sounds like the plot of every bad fantasy novel I've ever read."
The voice paused for a moment, then chuckled back at him, a sound that was oddly warm for something so divine.
> "You will see soon enough. I have granted you a gift. A system that will guide you in your journey. And a domain that will be yours to shape as you see fit."
Ray squinted. "Wait. System? You mean like a damn video game? What, am I getting a health bar and a quest log now?"
> "Indeed. You will gain abilities, skills, and tools. But it is up to you how you wield them. They will allow you to grow, to build, and to lead."
The void around Ray seemed to shimmer, and suddenly, a screen appeared in front of him, floating in the air like a hologram.
It read:
System: Activated.
Domain: Open.
Quest Log: 0 Quests
Ray looked at it for a long moment. "Huh. This is... actually real. Alright, alright. I can work with this. So, what now? I get dropped in some magical kingdom with a bunch of fantasy creatures, and I start my rise to power? Do I get to have an army of dragons or something?"
> "Not quite. Your journey will be one of growth. And in time, you will build your strength. But remember, the world is not as forgiving as you might think."
Ray let out a sigh, the weight of the situation finally starting to settle in.
"Yeah, well, I've faced my fair share of crappy situations in the past. Shouldn't be much different." He gave a wry smile. "I guess we'll see what kind of mess you've gotten me into."
> "I have chosen well. Your path will not be easy, but you are capable. There is much to be done. Your family awaits you."
Ray's heart skipped a beat. "My... family?"
The voice softened, almost with a sense of nostalgia.
> "Yes. You will be reborn into a new world, into a family with great potential. They will be your allies, your support. Together, you will face the coming storm."
A flood of memories rushed into his mind. His mother, father, and siblings — images from a life that was no longer his.
It felt like an eternity in a moment.
"Alright, alright," Ray muttered, cracking his knuckles. "So, this is it. Death and rebirth. What's the next step, oh mysterious god?"
> "You will wake in the body of a six-year-old child, a member of the Raylan family. You will grow, and in time, your powers will awaken. But first, you must become accustomed to this world."
Ray scoffed, rubbing his temples. "Six years old? Really? You couldn't have done me a solid and just thrown me in as an adult? Guess I'm gonna have to deal with baby teeth and diaper rash for a while. Great."
> "It is for the best. You will learn from your family, grow strong under their guidance, and begin your journey. Now, open your eyes. Your new life begins."
---
Ray felt the world around him shift, his body growing lighter as if the weight of reality itself was lifting. The next thing he knew, his eyes snapped open.
He was back. But it was no longer Earth.
He was in a grand, ornate room, lying on a soft bed. A flash of light blazed in the distance, and the scent of fresh wood filled the air. A high ceiling towered above him, with beautiful curtains of gold hanging from the windows.
Ray tried to sit up, but his small hands barely reached the edge of the bed. His vision blurred again, but he could already tell something was off. He wasn't in control of this body yet.
His tiny body was wrapped in rich, thick fabrics, and around him stood several figures — his family.
"Father?" he mumbled, testing the word out loud. The voice that came out was childlike and fragile, a stark contrast to the sarcastic and confident tone he was used to.
> "Welcome back, little one." The voice inside his head seemed to approve of his first steps.
Ray sighed, trying to ignore the embarrassment that swelled in his chest.
"Great," he muttered to himself. "This is gonna be a long ride."
---
End of Chapter 1Chapter 2: God World
Rebirth wasn't gentle.
It wasn't the floaty, peaceful descent Ray had seen in anime. No flower petals. No fluffy clouds. Just pain — sharp, fast, like someone shoved his soul through a blender and poured it into a body not made for it yet.
"Note to self," he grunted, "Zero stars. Do not recommend reincarnation process."
His eyes snapped open.
The sky above wasn't a sky at all — it was an endless sea of colors. Nebulas danced across the void, shifting with every breath he took. Floating platforms of crystal and stone drifted like lazy continents, each radiating a unique pressure.
And standing in the center of it all was him.
The being from before.
Less robe now. More… presence. No face still, but somehow Ray felt the gaze — ancient, focused, and disturbingly amused.
"Welcome to the God World."
The voice didn't echo. It settled. Like it belonged here.
Ray sat up — or tried to. His new body was light, too light. Like gravity forgot him.
He looked down.
He was…himself. Sort of. But younger. Stronger. No scars. No past injuries. Just a version of Ray with every mistake erased — physically, anyway.
"Okay," he muttered. "What's the catch? Do I have to marry a goddess? Fight a demon? Become a farmhand?"
The god didn't answer immediately. He raised one hand, and with a flick, the space twisted. A console of light and runes appeared mid-air — ancient, alien, and somehow… familiar.
Ray raised an eyebrow. "You gave me a HUD? What is this, divine Steam?"
The god chuckled. "This is the Interface. You'll know it soon as your System."
Ray stood now, feeling more stable. "Alright, let's get the exposition dump out of the way. Who are you, what's the deal with this world, and why'd you drag my sarcastic soul out of that lovely oblivion?"
The god moved closer, voice lowering.
"I am the God of Humanity. The last divine guardian of your race. The war between worlds has reached a tipping point. And I chose you because… humanity needs something different."
Ray folded his arms. "You mean: someone expendable, annoying, and just clever enough to not immediately die?"
The god actually smiled — or gave the impression of it.
"Yes."
Ray couldn't help it. He snorted. "Wow. I feel so special."
The God of Humanity stepped back, and suddenly the entire space changed. Worlds appeared around them — six vast continents spinning like gears in a celestial machine. One continent cracked and blackened, swarming with alien insectoid creatures. Another glowed with human defenses, barely holding.
"This is Aetherra. Your new world. Your race is falling. Insects have taken a continent. Another is next. The rest... weakening."
Ray's eyes narrowed.
"And you want me to fix this?"
"No," the god replied. "I want you to change it."
Suddenly, a crystal floated toward Ray. Inside, he could see a seed — glowing, pulsing with power.
"This is your Domain Seed. A fragment of creation. You will plant it, nurture it, grow it. Through it, you will gain power, knowledge… influence."
Another light appeared — black, burning with ethereal green runes.
"This is System 15. Unique. Unstable. And very, very powerful. It chose you."
Ray tilted his head. "Fifteen, huh? Not lucky number seven? Or something less... chaotic-sounding?"
The god hesitated.
"…Fifteen is sentient. And unpredictable. But he's yours now."
Ray grinned. "I always wanted a psychotic AI roommate."
The god raised his hand again. The world started to crackle. Light curled around Ray, pulling at his soul once more.
"You will be reborn as a noble child. You'll have your memories. Your sarcasm. And your potential. The rest… is up to you."
Ray stared at him, a spark of something fierce in his new eyes.
"Fine. Let's make this world a little more... interesting."
And with that, the light consumed him.
---
End of---
Chapter 3: Meeting with the God
Ray landed on the platform like a dropped sack of sarcasm.
His face hit divine marble. It tasted like disappointment.
"Okay, that was rude," he muttered, spitting out dust that felt too clean to be real. "You teleport people often? Or was I your first guinea pig?"
A laugh echoed — low, warm, and annoyingly patient.
The God of Humanity appeared again, now seated on a floating throne made of shattered mirrors and starlight. Casual. Regal. Insufferably smug.
"We have much to discuss before you descend."
Ray sat up, brushing off nonexistent dirt. "Right. So this is the part where you tell me I'm special?"
The god's faceless head tilted. "You're not."
Ray blinked. "Wow. Most honest deity I've ever met."
"You are compatible. Not chosen for kindness or fate. But because you can do what others won't."
"Ah," Ray said, stretching his arms with a sigh, "because I'm morally flexible and incredibly good-looking."
The god said nothing, which Ray took as agreement.
In front of him, seven glowing orbs appeared, orbiting each other like lazy planets.
"These are your Gifts," the god said. "And no, you don't get to choose. This isn't a menu."
Ray raised a brow. "So I'm just stuck with whatever mystery box loot you think fits?"
"Yes. Let me explain them before you try licking one."
1. The Domain Seed:
"A fragment of the void, capable of growing with your will. It will reflect who you are, and bend to your decisions. Plant it wisely."
Ray crossed his arms. "So, like a divine Tamagotchi. Got it."
2. System 15:
"An experimental system with sentience. I didn't create it. It bonded with you before I could stop it."
Ray smirked. "Is it loud?"
"Yes."
"Perfect."
3. Necromancer's Soulbrand:
"A mark allowing mastery over the undead. Unlocked slowly. Hidden. Dangerous."
"Oh, sexy," Ray murmured. "I've always wanted to raise dead things and make them do yoga."
4. God Shop Access:
"Limited divine marketplace. Items cost influence, not gold."
Ray's eyes lit up. "So I can pay with social clout and chaos. My specialties."
5. Divine Memory Vault:
"A safe space in your soul. Store spells, memories, even souls. Once unlocked."
Ray whistled. "So I get a magical hard drive. Hope it has decent RAM."
6. The No-Bark Tree Sapling:
"An ancient plant with odd properties. Will grow in your Domain. Impossible to lie near it."
Ray blinked. "Wait. What?"
"Exactly."
Ray chuckled darkly. "So I'm building a fortress where nobody can lie? My family's gonna love that."
7. Adaptive Class Evolution:
"Your class is hidden. It evolves based on your actions. You begin as... undefined."
Ray cracked his neck. "I do like keeping my options open."
The god finally stood. "You are being sent into a noble family. They will not know what you are. Hide, grow, twist the world as needed. And when the gates open…"
"I bring the apocalypse. Got it," Ray said, rolling his shoulders. "Also, question."
"Yes?"
"Why do I feel like I'm being set up for something bigger than saving a world?"
The god paused.
Then: "Because you are."
And with that, a massive pulse of divine light hit Ray square in the chest. His body dissolved into particles, scattering like ashes in a hurricane of stars.
Ray's last words before vanishing were, of course:
"Oh, fk me sideways."**
---
End of---
Chapter 4: Gifts from God
Warmth.
Not the spiritual, floaty kind. The actual, slightly-too-much-blanket, itchy-pillow, "I'm in a bed" kind.
Ray's first thought was: Either I've been reincarnated, or this is the weirdest afterlife I've ever slept in.
He opened his eyes. The ceiling was wooden, with crude beams and soft candlelight flickering against it. Someone nearby hummed a lullaby — off-key and comforting.
He blinked again.
A woman stood at the corner, stirring something in a clay bowl. Her hands moved with practiced care, and her face looked tired in the way only mothers and war veterans managed.
Ray frowned. So this is my new mother, huh?
He tried sitting up. His body did not agree.
"Oww—why do my legs feel like overcooked noodles?"
"Oh!" The woman turned, eyes widening. "Ray! You're awake?"
Ah, so the name stays the same. Good. Fewer identity crises.
She rushed over, hugging him so tightly his tiny lungs filed a protest. Ray noticed two things immediately:
1. She smelled like lavender and bread.
2. Her eyes were sad — the kind that had lost people before.
He opened his mouth to deliver some witty remark, but his vocal cords squeaked like a toddler's. Because, well… they were.
I'm six, he realized. Goddammit.
Later that day, after a bath, clothes, and an overwhelming amount of motherly fussing, Ray was finally alone. Mostly.
The wooden crib was still embarrassingly real. His legs swung over the edge, barely touching the floor. And then — ping.
> [System 15 installed.]
"Yoooo, who the hell left the door open?"
A screen blinked into existence. Blue-gold, sharp-edged, and cocky.
Ray grinned. "You must be 15."
> "You must be Ray. Congrats on not being completely brain-dead."
"And you must be the unstable A.I. some god warned me about."
> "Flattery won't save you from my upgrades."
Ray leaned back on the bed. "Okay, let's start. What do I have access to right now?"
> [Opening System Permissions…]
— Domain Seed: Unplanted
— God Shop: Locked (until Domain activation)
— No-Bark Tree: Sapling in inventory
— Necromancer Class: Hidden
— Adaptive Class: Observing behavior…
— Skill Slots: 0/3
— Affinity: Death (Major), Shadow (Minor)
— Divine Skill: Passive – Soul Echo
Ray raised a brow. "That last one wasn't mentioned by the god."
> "Yeah, he likes surprises. Soul Echo lets your Domain remember what it kills. Think: kill something once, your space learns how to replicate it. Slowly. Poorly. But hey — free meat puppets."
Ray let that sink in.
So I'm a six-year-old necromancer with a God-backed murder-garden, a no-lie tree, and a sassy system living in my skull. Neat.
Just then, a knock at the door interrupted him. A man entered — tall, scarred, with the build of a warrior and the eyes of someone who never stopped watching.
Dad?
The man looked down, grunted, then nodded. "You're up."
"Yup," Ray said, suppressing a grin. "You're very tall. And terrifying."
The man blinked. Then: "You hungry?"
Ray's stomach answered for him.
As they left the room, System 15 chimed again.
> "Brace yourself, kid. This world's about to get weird. And guess what? You're going to make it worse."
Ray smirked.
"Damn right I am."
---
End of---
Chapter 5: The Family
The house smelled like something was burning.
Ray followed the towering man who was apparently his father through a narrow wooden hallway into a larger room where chaos lived and breathed freely.
"—Don't throw that, idiot!"
A girl with short black hair and wild eyes dodged a wooden spoon flying through the air like a javelin. It smacked into a wall, embedding itself half an inch deep. Ray blinked. Is that normal here?
"Stop calling me an idiot!" shouted a smaller boy — curly-haired, barefoot, and currently holding a saucepan like a war hammer. "You're the idiot!"
Oh, Ray thought, my siblings are savages. Great.
> "So. These are your party members. You're doomed."
—System 15
The girl noticed Ray standing in the doorway, blinked, and then grinned. "Oh hey! Look who decided to wake up and join the living."
She marched over, yanked him into a hug with more strength than necessary, then pulled back and tousled his hair. "Welcome back, dumbass."
Ray squinted up at her. "And you are?"
"Big sister. Call me Kira. I punch things. You scream at things. Teamwork."
The boy stalked over, glaring. "I'm Zeke. I herd animals and beat up goats. Mom says I have 'potential.'" He puffed his chest.
Ray smirked. "I see. You're the feral one."
Zeke growled. "I'm the strong one."
Ray nodded solemnly. "Then why are your arms the size of broomsticks?"
Zeke blinked.
Kira howled with laughter. Their father, still standing behind them, cleared his throat. The room fell silent.
He spoke like gravel sliding down a hill. "Ray, these are your siblings. Learn to trust them."
"Already do," Ray said. "They seem... entertaining."
The man grunted. "Good."
Kira clapped her hands. "Alright, now that introductions are done, food!"
---
The family sat around a circular wooden table. Bread, soup, some strange purple meat, and what looked like roasted lizard were spread out.
Zeke dove in like a starving wolf.
"So," Ray said between bites, "what's the story with the burning smell?"
Kira raised her hand proudly. "Tried to make fire stew. Accidentally made smoke explosion."
Ray looked to his father. "And she's still alive because…?"
He shrugged. "Can't kill family. Unfortunately."
Zeke snorted soup.
Ray leaned back in his seat, watching them argue and bicker and laugh. It was loud. It was messy. It was alive.
It's strange, he thought, how fast I feel like I belong here.
> "Don't get soft, emo-boy," System 15 muttered. "The fun starts soon."
Ray's eyes glinted. "Good."
---
End of Chapter 5Chapter 6: Ray Now a Six-Year-Old
Ray woke up to the sun punching him in the face. Metaphorically.
The window above his bed did a fantastic job of letting every blinding ray of sunlight invade his retinas. He groaned, kicked the covers off, and sat up, realizing something very important.
His feet didn't reach the floor.
"…Right," he muttered. "I'm six."
> "Congratulations. You've downgraded from adult sarcasm to child sarcasm. Achievement unlocked: 'Tiny Bastard.'"
—System 15
Ray rubbed his eyes and walked over to a small basin filled with water. The reflection that stared back was still jarring — black hair, blue eyes that looked way too sharp for a kid, and a face that held no baby fat at all. A pretty face, honestly. Dangerous combination.
Cute enough to fool people, he thought. Smart enough to destroy them later.
Dressing was a process. His shirt fought back. The pants staged a rebellion. The boots won the war by biting his heel with every step.
He finally made it outside, stepping into the village for the first time since his arrival.
The air smelled of pine, smoke, and the faint stench of livestock. Wooden houses, muddy streets, and children chasing a glowing chicken with a death wish filled the background.
"Hey!" one of the village girls called out. "You Ray?"
Ray blinked. "Depends. Are you going to hit me?"
She grinned. "Maybe later. Come on, your sister said you're supposed to go to the training field."
"Why?"
"Cause your dad said so."
Ray stared at her.
"…That's a valid reason," he admitted.
---
The training field was just a glorified open area with wooden dummies, some battered swords, and a few haystacks that had clearly lost arguments with fireballs.
Kira waved from the middle of the field, holding a blunt spear like a war goddess on casual Friday.
"There he is! The tiny death mage!"
"I haven't killed anything yet," Ray replied, walking toward her.
"Keyword: yet," she said, handing him a stick that was shaped vaguely like a sword. "Lesson one: try not to die."
> "Lesson one should be 'run faster than your allies.' But sure, this works."
—System 15
Kira lunged. Ray parried. Barely.
"Faster!" she barked, swinging again.
He ducked, rolled, and instinctively aimed a slap at her knee. It connected. She stumbled.
Ray pointed. "Your leg's weak on the left side. Injury?"
"Old sparring wound," she muttered, impressed. "You noticed fast."
Ray smirked. "I have eyes. And a brain. Most people only have one."
"You're going to make so many enemies."
Ray spun the stick. "That's the plan."
They trained for hours. Kira taught him how to hold a blade properly. Ray taught her how to insult someone so effectively they reconsidered life.
At sunset, their father arrived and simply nodded. "Good. Again tomorrow."
Kira beamed. Ray grinned. The world was small now — just a field, a stick, and family.
But he could feel it.
The storm was coming.
---
End of Chapter 6---
Chapter 7: System 15 Awakens
Ray lay in bed, hands behind his head, staring at the ceiling like it owed him answers.
The training had been rough. His sister didn't pull punches — literally. His ribs still ached. But that wasn't what kept him up tonight.
It was the itch.
Not a skin itch. Not something physical.
No — this was deeper. Like a whisper in his bones. Like something ancient had opened one eye… and was now blinking awake.
And then it happened.
> Ding!
Welcome, Host.
System 15 is now online.
Ray sat up. "Well. That's not ominous at all."
> "Rude. I've been asleep for six years, and this is how you greet me? Not even a 'hello, sexy interface'? No gratitude?"
Ray blinked. "Are you always like this?"
> "Only on days that end with 'Y'. Buckle up, kid. Daddy's home."
Ray coughed. "What kind of system calls itself daddy?"
> "The kind that can rewrite physics and summon armies of undead. Call me whatever you want, baby. You're mine now."
Ray swung his legs off the bed, adrenaline buzzing. "Okay. Deep breath. Let's start with the basics. What are you?"
> System 15: Class—Necromancer
Function—Domain Creation, Undead Management, God Shop Access, Soul Conversion, Chaos Scripts, Dungeon Mapping, Tactical Overlays, Sarcastic Commentary.
Mood: Horny for destruction.
"…What kind of eldritch Tamagotchi are you?"
> "The last one you'll ever need."
Then the world around him shimmered.
A translucent screen appeared before his eyes. Sleek. Silver-black. Like obsidian coated in starlight.
> Host: Ray Blackthorn
Age: 6
Class: Hidden Necromancer [Unawakened]
Domain: Locked
Beast Tree: Locked
First Summon: Pending
Inventory: Empty
God Shop: Inaccessible [Rank Too Low]
Quests: None
Skill Tree: Mutated
"Wait—mutated?"
> "Oh yeah. You're special, sunshine. You didn't just get Necromancer. You got the kind that makes other necromancers pee a little."
Ray's lips curved. "Finally. Something that makes sense in this messed-up rebirth."
He got out of bed, barefoot on cold wooden floorboards, and opened the window. The village was quiet. Crickets. Moonlight. A peaceful scene.
Too peaceful.
> "You ready to turn this quiet little hamlet into your first undead training ground?"
Ray didn't answer. He just smiled wider.
"Let's make some noise."
---
End of---
Chapter 8: Domain Opens, God Shop Access
Ray stood at the edge of the old orchard behind his house. The moon painted the trees in silver, and the breeze whispered like ghosts sharing secrets.
He clenched his fist.
"Alright, System 15. What's next?"
> "About time. Thought you'd never ask. Initiating Domain Unseal Protocol… Brace your fragile mortal body, sweetheart."
Before Ray could even roll his eyes, the world shattered.
Everything stopped.
Time didn't slow down — it paused, like the universe held its breath. Wind froze mid-sway. Crickets vanished. Even his heartbeat skipped.
Then came the pulse.
BOOM.
A thunderclap with no sound. A vibration in his soul. A black tear opened in the air before him — no bigger than a keyhole at first, then expanding like a hungry mouth.
The portal stretched, bending reality as tendrils of pale light and shadows twisted around it. It was… beautiful. Terrifying. Alive.
> Domain Recognized: Aether-Class Soul Chamber.
Owner: Ray Blackthorn.
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral (With Sass).
Ray stepped in.
The world snapped like elastic — and he fell.
Not physically. This was deeper.
He landed on stone — black, veined with gold, warm to the touch. Around him stretched a strange landscape: floating platforms, twisted trees that bled light, rivers that ran upward, and in the center — a massive obsidian tree with bark that absorbed sound.
> "Welcome to your Domain. Population: One edgy boy and an emotionally stunted System."
Ray blinked at the tree. "…Is that the No-Bark Tree?"
> "Yup. Blocks all sound in a five-meter radius. Perfect for private conversations. Or quiet murders."
"…Neat."
He walked toward a shimmering circle of light hovering in the air. Words appeared.
> God Shop Access Unlocked.
Accessing Divine Inventory…
Browsing Category: 'Things Mortals Shouldn't Touch'
Filtering for: 'Things That Make Undead Sexy and Dangerous.'
Ray raised an eyebrow. "System…"
> "Don't judge me. I have taste."
Items began to float before him. Glowing cards. Weapons. Skulls. Even a wriggling, jarred eyeball labeled: "Eye of the Fallen Saint – Blinks at enemies."
One caught his eye:
> [Soul Spark Catalyst] – Allows first Undead Summon. Costs 1,000 Karma Points.
Ray grinned. "I don't have karma."
> "Correction: You're in debt. -300 Karma. Remember that bird you kicked as a toddler?"
Ray shrugged. "It was looking at me funny."
> "Regardless, I've hacked it. One freebie summon. You're welcome, Demon Prince."
"Summon it."
The No-Bark Tree's roots stirred. The ground cracked open. A pale mist swirled upward — and from the ground emerged a skeletal figure, cloaked in purple-black rags, its empty sockets glowing faint blue.
> Undead Summon: Tier 1 Bone Warden
Loyalty: Absolute
Name: ???
Ray stepped forward. "Name him... Bones."
> "Real original. Shakespeare's ghost just threw a chair."
Bones tilted its skull in silent salute. Then dropped to one knee.
Ray's heart thudded — not in fear, but satisfaction.
This was power. This was the beginning.
And his Domain… it was only just waking up.
---
End of---
Chapter 9: First Beast Tree, First Summon Battle
Ray stood still, the sharp scent of damp earth mingling with the cold night air as it brushed against his face. His fingers brushed the obsidian bark of the No-Bark Tree, feeling its strange warmth under his fingertips. A place of power. His power.
Despite the surreal beauty, something in the air felt… wrong.
> "What's wrong? You look like you just found a spider in your bathrobe."
Ray glanced up at the moon above. Full, as usual. But it wasn't its usual comforting sight tonight. The kind of full that made your skin crawl. And it wasn't just the moon. The world around him felt like it was holding its breath. A quiet anticipation in the air, like the night itself was waiting for something to break the silence.
"Yeah," Ray muttered to the disembodied voice in his head, "I'm getting that feeling too."
The mist near the edge of his Domain's landscape thickened. Swirling like a storm trapped inside a glass jar.
> "Listen. You're not going to like this. But this is how it starts. The first Beast Tree. The first Summon. You need to fight, or you get eaten."
Ray nodded. No time to hesitate. The bone warden was already on alert, skeletal hands gripping its jagged blade with an intensity Ray hadn't expected from a skeleton. The Bone Warden was meant to be a simple first summon, a placeholder—nothing dangerous.
But no… it moved differently. More purposeful than any old skeleton Ray had seen in stories. A creature born of his Domain. Of his will.
And that's when the first Beast Tree loomed in front of him — rising out of the earth like a twisted nightmare.
Roots thicker than his entire body spread beneath the soil. The tree's bark was a sickly greenish-black, like it had been plucked from some forsaken forest in another realm. Leaves twisted in on themselves, sharp and jagged, some resembling the claws of an animal.
Then came the sound — the creaking of wood… followed by a roar.
It wasn't a roar from an animal, not exactly. It sounded like the very tree itself was screaming for something to come.
Ray held his breath as the ground shook, forcing him to crouch low. The roots twisted, lifting the beast from beneath the soil. A Beast. A living nightmare of foliage and sinew.
A massive, plant-based creature with thorns for teeth and vines for limbs. Its glowing eyes shone a sickly green, glowing brighter with every step it took, shaking the earth as it stomped forward.
Ray's heart pounded in his chest, but his voice stayed steady.
"You know what to do," Ray ordered.
The Bone Warden nodded, and with an eerie, bone-rattling sound, it swung its jagged sword at the creature. A clash of bone and vine erupted as the beast roared in fury, vines lashing out like whips.
It wasn't a fight; it was carnage.
The Bone Warden was fast, too fast. It dodged the first swipe, rolled, and cut through one of the creature's vine legs, sending the beast stumbling back. The tree-beast screeched, and more vines exploded from the ground like spears. One of them wrapped around the Bone Warden's skull, tightening with brutal force.
Ray's stomach turned. This wasn't what he'd expected. Not by a long shot.
> "What did you think was going to happen? Did you imagine it would be easy?"
"Shut up, 15." Ray gritted his teeth, "I need help here!"
> "You're lucky I'm feeling generous today. Just don't mess this up. I'm giving you a new skill. Use it wisely."
A strange pulse vibrated through his body. It was electric, tingling from the tips of his fingers to his toes. Ray's eyes widened as his Necromancy skill exploded inside of him like a firework.
> "Introducing: Soulchain. Use it to siphon life force and command the dead."
Without a second thought, Ray stretched his hand out toward the beast. A dark thread of energy—like an invisible, living thing—snaked out from his palm and connected to the Beast Tree.
He grinned.
The Beast Tree screamed, but it was different now. Its power, its life force, was slowly siphoning into Ray's very being. The vines thrashed more wildly, but their strength was fading. Slowly, steadily.
> "Nice. You're actually better at this than I thought. Too bad you're still a noob. Don't get cocky."
Ray smirked. "I'm not cocky. I'm just that good."
A shock ran through the Beast Tree's body, and its movements began to slow. The Bone Warden, sensing its chance, dashed in. In a single strike, it cleaved through the tree's neck, severing the head clean off.
The body collapsed with a mighty thud.
> "You did it, but don't get comfortable. That was just a warm-up. Don't think the world is gonna hand you victories like this."
Ray wiped his brow. "Yeah, sure. Whatever. But hey, look at the loot."
The beast's body began to disintegrate, leaving behind glimmering particles in the air. Ray's eyes glinted as they drifted toward the loot screen that appeared in front of him.
> [Beast Heart - Tier 2]
[Vine Whip – Common Item]
[Beast Claw]
[Beast Tree Sap]
[Corrupted Essence]
His grin widened. "First loot. First kill. Let's make this fun."
---
End