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Chapter 31: The Path Ahead
The morning sun filtered through the canopy of Ray's Domain, its golden rays casting long shadows over the moss-covered ground. He stood in the center of a training yard, hands resting at his sides as he watched his family prepare for what was coming. The recent battles had opened his eyes to a harsh reality — they needed to be better, faster, stronger. The Tier 5 beasts would not wait for them to catch up.
Ray could feel the weight of the responsibility settling on his shoulders. His Domain had expanded beyond what he could've imagined, the underground chambers now housing rooms full of beasts, materials, and undead warriors that he commanded with ease. But something felt incomplete. A nagging feeling crawled beneath his skin. He needed more — more power, more control, more understanding of the world's true dangers.
He turned to his family, each of them engrossed in their training.
Elira, his younger sister, was practicing her twin daggers, her movements swift and precise. She had come a long way since the first time she'd held a blade. Now, she moved like a predator, each strike testing the air, honing the sharpness of her reflexes. She had grown faster, stronger — and Ray knew that one day, she'd be a force to reckon with, if not already.
Lukas, his younger brother, was at the far end of the training ground. The boy was still learning to control his Shepherd Class, the skills of manipulation and growth not easy to harness. But his connection to nature was undeniable. The plants and trees around them seemed to bend in response to his presence. Ray knew that one day, Lukas would have his own army of creatures, his own beasts to command. The thought made Ray smile—though he didn't say it, he was proud of his brother. Lukas had a gentleness that balanced Ray's more ruthless edge.
Father, meanwhile, was at the edge of the training yard, his massive form swinging a greatsword in the air. The warrior's strikes were brutal and relentless, but there was an elegance to his movements, a practiced rhythm that spoke of decades of experience. Ray had seen this before, his father's fierce commitment to protecting the family. With the blessings of System 15, his strength had grown exponentially. Each blow now carried an otherworldly weight, one that could cleave through entire armies. Ray couldn't help but admire the sheer power his father wielded.
The entire family had changed. Not just physically, but mentally. They were stronger, but they were also learning how to trust one another in ways they hadn't before. That, in itself, was the foundation Ray needed to build something truly formidable.
But as the day passed, Ray's mind wandered. He needed more. The Tier 5 Gate had unleashed things that would make their current strength seem like a mere stepping stone. And that wasn't even the worst of it. The world was changing, shifting. In the distance, Ray could feel the rumble of something terrible, a storm brewing. And he needed to be ready for it.
System 15's voice broke through his thoughts, its usual sarcastic tone cutting through the air.
System 15: "Feeling a little too serious today, Ray? You look like you're about to write a tragic poem about family growth. Come on, lighten up. Anyway, you've got some things to check out today. A few new upgrades, a couple of quests, and a surprise or two. You'll love it. Or not. Whatever."
Ray smirked. Despite the danger closing in, System 15's chaotic energy had a strange way of grounding him. He couldn't rely on it entirely, but it definitely kept things interesting.
Ray's mind shifted focus. "Alright, let's get to it then."
He strode toward the center of the training yard, where his family had gathered. His sister paused mid-swing, his brother stopped coaxing a plant into growing, and his father lowered his sword. The look on their faces was one of anticipation — they knew it was time for the next phase of their training.
"I've been thinking," Ray began, "It's time we get stronger. We're all improving, but we're not ready for what's coming. Not yet."
His sister, Elira, wiped the sweat from her brow, her voice playful but serious. "Are you finally going to admit that your undead army needs more proper training?"
Ray snorted. "As if I needed to. My army's already stronger than anything you can throw at it. But you? You could use a little help with those daggers. Maybe I'll give you a few pointers."
"Right," she shot back, rolling her eyes. "You're one to talk, Mr. 'I command an army of the dead'."
Ray chuckled. "Maybe I'll teach you some of my tricks."
But as they bantered, the mood shifted. Lukas stepped forward, his face full of determination.
"Ray… I've been thinking too," Lukas said. "We're still not prepared for what's out there. What if the Tier 5 Gate brings something worse than the beasts we've seen? What if… what if there's more to this whole world than we know?"
Ray's expression softened, his usual cocky grin replaced with something more thoughtful. Lukas was right. The unknowns were terrifying, but the only way forward was through.
"You're right, Lukas. We can't afford to be unprepared. But I think I have a plan." Ray's eyes glinted as he addressed the family. "Starting tomorrow, we train harder. We'll work on the things we've neglected. We'll focus on combat, tactics, and unlocking the full potential of our abilities."
His father nodded in agreement, a proud smile tugging at his lips. "We follow your lead, Ray."
With that, the training began anew. The family pushed themselves to their limits, each member striving to be better, stronger, more connected to their powers. Ray's mind constantly turned over new ideas, strategies, and goals. There was so much to learn, and time was running out.
---Chapter 32: The Dead Roar, the Living Tremble
The battlefield smelled of blood and rot.
Ray stood at the edge of a cliff, arms crossed, as the winds carried the sound of the advancing beasts. His expression was calm, too calm. Beneath him, the valley below churned like a pit of nightmares—hundreds of grotesque creatures scrambled through the trees, their cries echoing with primal hunger.
But Ray? He just yawned.
"System 15," he muttered, "any chance we can order pizza before this starts?"
[System 15: If you survive the next 30 minutes, I'll let you eat the soul of the guy who created pineapple on pizza.]
"Tempting."
He waved a hand—and the ground responded.
From the Domain's core, undead surged forward. Not the rotting, moaning zombies of horror tales. No. These were sharp. Clean. Deadly.
Ray's Army—First Formation:
Bone Panthers — Agile scouts, crafted from Panther Tree remains. Their bones were polished obsidian, muscles reanimated with black mist. They moved in silence, flanking enemies before they even noticed they were being hunted.
Wolf Pack Elites — Drawn from the newly awakened Wolf Tree. Each stood tall like a dire wolf, built for close combat, with bone armor fused into their undead flesh. They worked in packs of seven, eyes glowing an eerie violet.
Undead Knights — Fifteen of them, armored in rusted black steel Ray had reforged from dungeon loot. These were once powerful beasts and warriors, now serving as frontline tanks. Shields as tall as men, swords that hummed with necrotic energy.
No-Bark Sentinels — Ah, yes. His favorite. Trees grown from the No-Bark Tree, silent watchers that could drain life from anything they rooted near. They were immobile, but Ray had planted them strategically across the field—hidden beneath illusion spells. Their roots would rise when blood was spilled.
Ray's domain now hosted seven Beast Trees:
1. Panther Tree – Speed and stealth summons
2. Wolf Tree – Group-based coordination units
3. Bear Tree – In-progress. Would provide heavy bruisers
4. No-Bark Tree – Life drain and silence field
5. Hawk Tree – Air scouts, recon
6. Serpent Tree – Venom-based undead
7. Stag Tree – Defensive constructs, shield bearers
And standing behind them all was Ray, wrapped in a cloak stitched from dungeon beasts and sarcasm.
The first wave of enemies struck.
A horde of Ironhide Gorillas—Level 4 beasts, muscle-bound and covered in natural plate armor—roared up the valley. Thirty of them, charging like a wall.
Ray raised a hand.
"Panthers. Go say hello."
Ten Bone Panthers shot forward like shadows given form. The gorillas didn't see them until their throats were gone. One leapt from the side, slicing through the beast's jaw. Another spun mid-air and severed a leg, using sheer speed and weight of bone.
"Clean. Next," Ray muttered.
System 15 popped in: [I give that first engagement an 8.5/10. A little more blood and I'd be emotionally satisfied.]
Then came the second wave: Tuskfang Boars. Level 3, fifty strong, in a stampede.
"Wolf units, tear their momentum."
The Wolf Pack Elites launched. They didn't fight head-on—they ran parallel, tripping and dragging boars by their legs. Some lured them into trenches filled with skeletal spikes. Others forced them toward the No-Bark Sentinels.
Roots burst from the soil.
Screams followed.
By the end of twenty minutes, Ray's army of 112 undead, led by beast-born tactics, had slaughtered over 300 beasts without losing a single soldier.
Then... came the boss.
A Level 6 Beast: Thunderclap Wyrm.
It slammed into the battlefield like a god's angry pet. Electricity sparked from its fangs, and one roar sent two Panthers into dust.
Ray narrowed his eyes.
"Knights. Hold it down."
Three Undead Knights charged, their shields meeting the beast's claw swipe with a sound like thunder on steel. One went flying. The others held.
Ray walked forward, hand out. From his storage ring, he drew Voidcaller—a spear made from the bones of a dungeon hydra and core of a Level 5 necrobat.
He leapt.
Teleport rune: active.
He vanished—and reappeared mid-air above the Wyrm's head.
"BAD DOG!"
The spear plunged deep into the skull. Lightning surged, grounding through Ray's armor—burning, cracking—until…
Silence.
The Wyrm twitched.
Then collapsed.
Ray dropped beside it, breathing heavy.
System 15: [Next time, let's ride it. That could've been fun.]
Ray grinned. "Only if we add rocket boosters."
---
By the end of the day, Ray's army had gained twenty new beast cores, over 100 new bones, and a Wyrm soul crystal.
He walked back to his Domain, eyes burning with ideas.
Next? He was going to build something terrifying.
A Bone Dragon.---
Chapter 32: Roots of War (Part 2)
Smoke curled from the scorched forest, where Ray's undead wolves formed a line in front of him, claws digging into burnt soil. The new Beast Trees pulsed within his Domain—Wolf Tree, Panther Tree, and the No-Bark Tree—each feeding him faint whispers of instincts, emotions, and dormant hunger.
System 15 yawned audibly in his mind. "You know, for an undead army, your squad feels like the tutorial level in a horror game. I'm just waiting for the 'Press X to bite' prompt."
Ray didn't respond. His eyes were fixed on the treeline ahead.
Three massive shapes crept from the foliage. Their fur shimmered with elemental energy—Tier 3 Thunderfang Panthers. Sleek, fast, and lethal.
He glanced behind him. Twenty-six undead—mostly wolves and stitched-up deer beasts. All Level 1 or 2. Two bears at Level 3 lumbered at the back like badly glued minotaurs.
He whispered, "We're gonna need to get clever."
He spread his arms. The Panther Tree shimmered, its bark gleaming obsidian, its leaves crackling faintly with dormant electricity. As the panthers charged, their howls slicing the air, Ray activated a small Domain pulse. His undead twitched—then repositioned, forming a semi-circle around him.
The first Panther leapt—faster than Ray could react.
But the No-Bark Tree's passive flared. The air around him shimmered. Silence Field: 5m radius.
The beast's roar was eaten by silence—its coordination faltered midair.
"Now," Ray whispered.
His Level 3 bear Bartholomew smashed upward like a semi with legs. Bone met muscle. The panther crashed sideways.
The second panther came from the left. Ray didn't dodge—his Panther Tree let out a small pulse, and Ray's undead wolves responded instinctively, their movement tighter, smoother. A cluster of four dove for its legs, another three aimed for the neck. The beast hissed as it tore two wolves apart, but the distraction gave Bartholomew a second chance.
The fight turned bloody fast.
Ray felt every death in his soul. Each undead pulled from his Domain like threads—some snapped, others unraveled slowly. Painful, dull, but present.
System 15 finally broke the silence.
"You're losing them fast, Ray. You sure you want to play chess with wooden pawns against sabertooths made of lightning?"
"I'm not playing chess," Ray muttered. "I'm planting trees."
He opened his Domain—only slightly, just enough.
Three new seeds formed: Frost Serpent Vine, Crawler Tree, and a Rootbind Tree.
From the ground beneath the panthers, thick, thorny roots erupted.
One beast shrieked as its legs were bound. Another leapt back—right into the waiting mouth of a reanimated deer-beast, its antlers sharpened by time.
Ray's body trembled. He wasn't strong yet. Every command drained him. His mana core was just a newborn ember in his chest.
But he wasn't trying to win by brute force.
He was trying to survive smart.
Minutes passed. The third panther fell with a gurgling hiss, its throat clamped by Bartholomew and four battered wolves.
Ray dropped to one knee.
Half his army was gone.
But three Tier 3 panthers now bled into his Domain soil.
And three new undead—rough, shaky, stitched together from fangs and shadows—rose silently.
System 15 whistled. "Okay, okay. Still not god-tier. But you're definitely a necromancer with an attitude. That's worth something."
Ray grinned, breath ragged. "Yeah. And I'm just getting started."
------
Chapter 33: Naming the Dead, Feeding the Trees
Ray stood among the broken battlefield, the stench of blood, beast fur, and burnt bark choking the air. His robes were torn, his mana was nearly drained, and half his army now lay in pieces or gooey puddles of failure.
System 15 gave a low whistle in his head. "So... casualties at 52%. Mana reserves at 9%. Pride reserves? Strangely intact."
Ray cracked his neck. "That's because I'm not stupid enough to rely on power I don't have."
He stepped forward. Three huge panther corpses lay twitching, their lightning cores dimming. One had its head half-missing; another looked like it had argued with a blender.
Ray's Domain pulsed.
The Panther Tree rustled, its shadow stretching unnaturally long, almost reaching the corpses.
[Would you like to sacrifice the corpses to grow the Panther Tree?]
"Yes," Ray whispered.
Roots burst from beneath the battlefield. They dragged the bodies into the earth like a hungry god devouring sacrifices. Leaves on the Panther Tree shimmered purple. The tree grew—not taller, but darker. Its bark gained jagged black streaks like bolts of lightning frozen in wood.
[Panther Tree has leveled up to Tier 2.]
Ray's Domain vibrated. A Tier 2 Summon option unlocked for the first time.
He opened the menu slowly, breath held.
[Choose Your First Tier 2 Beast]
Thundermaw Panther (Speed + Paralysis Bite)
Silent Claw Panther (Stealth + Critical Hit Boost)
Shade Prowler (Shadow Merge + Fear Aura)
Ray smirked. "Hello, Shade Prowler."
"Oh. We're picking edge-lord cats now," 15 muttered. "Are you going to name it 'Darkness' and write poetry about your trauma?"
"No," Ray said dryly. "I'm naming him Voidy."
"…I hate you."
Ray raised his hand.
Black mist oozed from the roots of the Panther Tree. It slithered through the air, wrapping around itself like a cocoon.
Then—it formed.
A panther, but made of living shadow, eyes glowing dull indigo. It walked without sound, its paws vanishing and reappearing every few steps. Around it, the other undead flinched. Even Bartholomew—the big bear brute—growled uneasily.
Ray smiled.
"Voidy," he said. "You're my good boy now. Try not to eat your siblings."
Voidy licked its spectral paw. Then disappeared.
Literally vanished into the shadows.
Ray blinked. "…I think I just adopted a demon cat."
---
Later in the Domain
Ray used the remains of fallen beasts to grow two new Beast Trees:
Wolf Tree (Tier 2) — Its bark looked like matted fur, and the air around it carried a faint growl. Every Level 1 wolf raised near it had Pack Tactics—they now moved like trained hunters, flanking enemies instinctively.
Crawler Tree — Thin, spiny, and shaped like a spider's leg. It grew fast, especially when fed with bug corpses. From it, Ray summoned Crawlerlings—small, fast undead spider-beasts that latched onto foes and exploded into bone shards.
System 15, watching the scene unfold, said flatly: "So your Domain is a haunted zoo now. What next, a tree that grows undead pigeons?"
"I'd kill for a pigeon army," Ray muttered. "Imagine the psychological damage."
---
Outside the Domain:
Back in the real world, Ray sat cross-legged behind his house, hidden from the villagers.
His mana had finally recovered to a usable amount.
He summoned his army. Slowly, one by one.
Undead Army Status (Visible Summons):
Voidy – Shade Prowler Panther (Tier 2)
Bartholomew – Undead Bear (Tier 3)
10 Wolfkin (Tier 1–2) – Fast, agile
6 Crawlerlings – Suicide bombers with legs
2 Deerbone Skirmishers – Long-range javelin throwers
1 No-Bark Wraith – Silent assassin with barkskin armor
They weren't strong. Not yet.
But they looked terrifying.
And with each corpse, each seed, Ray was growing stronger. Not in a "burn-the-world" way—no, that came later—but in the "I-will-survive-and-thrive-even-if-I-have-to-bury-you-all" kind of way.
System 15 finally said, "Hey… you don't look half-dead anymore. That's progress."
Ray smirked. "Give me another week. Then I'll start planning a minor genocide."
---
End of Chapter 33---
Chapter 34: Dungeon of Rotten Roots (Part 1)
"Welcome to your first real field trip, kiddies. Try not to die horribly." – System 15
The entrance yawned before them like a broken mouth in the earth, foul breath curling from the stone steps leading downward. Moss clung to every surface. The Dungeon was old—older than the village, older than most maps—and the land around it was twisted with warped trees and sunken stones.
Ray stood at the entrance with his full undead cohort assembled behind him.
Voidy the panther crouched low in the shadows. Bartholomew cracked his spine with a bear-like snort. The wolfkin sniffed the air in formation. The crawlerlings clicked their legs eagerly.
Ray exhaled. "Alright. Formation seven. Crawlerlings scout, wolves flank, and Bartholomew… you just do bear things."
System 15 chuckled. "Look at you. Little commander in the woods. I'm getting emotional. Or maybe that's nausea."
"Keep the sarcasm on low today," Ray muttered. "I want to survive this one."
---
Inside the Dungeon
The descent was long and suffocating. The dungeon walls pulsed faintly—veins of rotting root tissue threading through stone. The air thickened with every step.
Ray's torchlight revealed the first wave of enemies.
[Dungeon Spawn: Rootbound Carrion Rats – Level 2]
Dozens of the overgrown, diseased rodents spilled from holes in the walls, their fur falling in clumps, glowing green fungus growing from their spines. Some had extra legs. One had three eyes.
Ray didn't flinch. "Wolves, dance."
The wolfkin lunged forward with eerie unity. They snapped, rolled, and tripped rats into kill-zones where crawlerlings leapt onto their backs and exploded in bone shrapnel.
It wasn't graceful.
But it was effective.
The rats screeched and bled, turning to rotting goo under undead claws. The few that reached Ray found themselves face-to-face with the No-Bark Wraith, who severed heads in silence.
"System," Ray whispered as he dodged a leaping rat, "Give me a tally."
"Three crawlerlings down. Eight wolfkin still active. Bartholomew hasn't moved."
Ray turned.
Bartholomew sat in the back, eating a rat like a popsicle. When he noticed Ray's glare, he blinked and raised a paw sheepishly.
"Idiot bear," Ray muttered. "Let's keep moving."
---
Deeper in the Dungeon – Chamber of Filth
They reached a clearing, a cavern lit by eerie blue fungi.
A new beast emerged.
[Rotting Thorn-Hog – Level 4 Elite]
It was massive. Its back bristled with thorny vines, tusks overgrown and glowing green. Its breath alone wilted the mushrooms.
Ray didn't wait.
"Voidy—blind it. Wolves—harass and bait. Bartholomew, flank. I'll nuke it from the rear."
System 15 let out a cheer. "Finally, you sound like a necromancer. Let's ruin its day."
Voidy blinked out of reality and reappeared on the boar's back, claws dragging shadow magic across its eyes. The creature roared, bucked, and tried to throw him off.
Ray summoned a Bone Spear, pumping mana into it until it hissed with dark light.
"Eat necrotic lunch, piggy."
He hurled it.
The spear pierced the boar's rear flank, exploding into a spray of bone shards and withered flesh. The wolves darted in, tearing at exposed veins. Crawlerlings dove into the open wounds and detonated with shrieks.
Bartholomew came last—full charge, bear-style, and rammed into the boar's ribs, snapping something important.
The Rotting Thorn-Hog squealed… and then collapsed, steam pouring from its mouth.
[Beast Defeated: Level 4 Elite – EXP + Loot Available]
Ray dropped to one knee. His breath fogged.
"That," he wheezed, "was not fun."
System 15, smug, said, "But it was sexy. Admit it."
Ray looked up. His undead army, reduced but victorious, stood around the corpse.
Voidy licked blood off its tail. The wolves howled. Even Bartholomew did a victory dance, which looked a lot like falling over and rolling.
Ray stood. "Let's loot the corpse. And then find this dungeon's core."
---
End---
Chapter 35: The Rotten Core and the Price of Power
"Every dungeon has a heart. Let's go stab it." – Ray
The chamber pulsed with a heartbeat that wasn't Ray's.
At the center stood a throne of rotting bark and tangled roots, half-swallowed by a black tree whose trunk bled sap that hissed as it touched the stone. Strange veins crawled across the floor, converging on the massive creature sleeping in the mossy throne.
[Dungeon Core Guardian: Rotroot Ent – Level 5 Mini-Boss]
Fungus bloomed across its shoulders. Its face was more bark than flesh, twisted with dozens of empty eye sockets. As Ray stepped in, those sockets opened—revealing wriggling red worms where eyes should have been.
"…Okay, ew," Ray muttered.
"Congratulations," System 15 chimed. "You've found something worse than your cooking."
Ray raised his hand. "Voidy—circle wide. Wolves, form a crescent. Bartholomew…"
The bear grunted.
"…you do bear things. Keep its attention. Just don't die."
The air shifted as magic thickened.
The Rotroot Ent stood. With every step, vines erupted from the ground. Bones of past adventurers were crushed under its weight. It let out a roar that shook loose dust and mushrooms from the ceiling.
[Warning: Necrotic-Spore Field Detected]
[All living units will take slow poison damage]
Ray didn't even blink.
"All my units are already dead."
---
The Battle
The fight started dirty and got worse from there.
The wolves darted forward, claws scraping against the thick bark. The panther blinked from shadow to shadow, swiping at its vine-like fingers. Crawlerlings swarmed the Ent's legs, detonating and leaving acidic wounds that hissed in the poison air.
The Ent retaliated.
It slammed the ground with a root-covered arm. A shockwave launched two wolfkin into the wall—one crumpled, twitching. The other burst into bone fragments. It opened its mouth and vomited a stream of fungal spores that tried to infect Voidy, but the panther vanished into shadow just in time.
Ray stood back, summoning three Bone Pillars to trap the Ent's left leg. At the same time, he activated a skill he rarely used.
[Necrotic Convergence] – Channel undead to fuel a power spell.
Ray's veins glowed black as he pulled strength from a fallen crawlerling.
Mana surged through him.
"Let's see how you like this—Soul Fracture Spear!"
The spear howled through the air and pierced the Ent's shoulder. It erupted in necrotic flames, searing the flesh and spreading decay across its trunk.
The Ent screamed.
It lashed out in rage, catching Bartholomew mid-charge. The bear hit the wall with a crunch.
Ray gasped. "Bear!"
System 15 whispered, "He's alive. Barely. But your army's bleeding numbers fast."
Ray wiped sweat from his brow. "Fine. Time for my last card."
He raised his arms.
[Summon: No-Bark Reaper]
The ghostly form of a hooded figure rose, wielding a scythe made from No-Bark wood. Silent, fast, and merciless—it dove into the Ent's side and carved deep into its chest.
The Ent stumbled, knees crashing into the stone.
Voidy used that moment.
From above, it dropped onto the Ent's face, claws glowing with necrotic essence. It slashed—and the worms in its eyes burst in a spray of rot.
Ray pointed and shouted, "Finish it!"
The army swarmed in.
Bones cracked. Vines snapped. One last spear flew from Ray's hand—this time landing squarely in the chest, right where the rot was deepest.
The Ent finally roared one last time and crumbled into mulch, bones, and black ash.
---
[Mini-Boss Defeated: EXP + Core Acquired + Dungeon Cleanse Initiated]
[Spoils: Rootstone Crystal, Dungeon Core Fragment, Ent Bark, Level 5 Beast Corpse (Partial)]
Ray collapsed onto one knee, breath ragged.
Bartholomew groaned from behind a rock. "Mrrmph."
Voidy licked its paw like nothing happened.
Ray glanced at the shattered throne. A glowing orb floated above it—a fragment of the dungeon's heart.
He reached out and grabbed it.
[Do you wish to offer the Dungeon Core Fragment to your Domain?]
[Y/N]
Ray grinned.
"Hell yes."
---
Back in the Domain – Moments Later
The Panther Tree shimmered. The Wolf Tree sprouted a new branch. The Crawler Nest vibrated.
In the center, a new Thorn-Hog Sapling emerged from the soil, and vines slithered outward to form new dens. The air felt thicker—stronger.
System 15 said in a hushed tone, "…You just gave your undead home steroids. I'm proud. Deeply concerned, but proud."
Ray lay back in the grass.
"Yeah. We need to do that again sometime."
---
End of Chapter 35Chapter 36: A Moment of Peace
The early morning sun filtered through the half-broken wooden blinds of Ray's room, casting lazy golden stripes across the dusty floor. A warm breeze stirred the curtains, and for once, there was no undead beast roaring or a system screaming sarcastically into his ears. It was… peace.
Ray blinked awake, still shirtless from yesterday's training. His lean frame ached slightly, a dull reminder of the 47 times he got thrown into the ground by an undead wolf during "friendly sparring." He stretched and groaned.
"System 15, status?" he mumbled sleepily.
> [System 15: Status? Bruh, you've got exactly 2 silver, a whole army of level 1 bone-bags, and a tree in your Domain that probably hates your guts.]
[System 15: But hey, your abs are looking tighter. Priorities, right?]
Ray smirked. "Sarcasm with a side of trauma. As expected."
He washed up and changed into a simple dark tunic and boots, tying the straps around his forearms. Today, he'd promised his mother he wouldn't run off into a dungeon or try to tame a bloodthirsty panther.
Time to be… a normal kid. Or whatever passed for normal here.
---
The Village Square
Laughter bubbled in the air like fresh stew. Children chased after tiny shadow rabbits Ray had summoned for fun, squealing with joy every time they phased through the critters. Ray sat on a crate near the bakery, chewing slowly on a hot meat bun while his sister Mira argued with an old merchant over fabric colors.
"Ray, you've been zoning out for ten minutes," she hissed, poking him with a needle she somehow always had. "Stop pretending to be mysterious."
"I'm not pretending. It's the brooding aura. Girls love it."
"Only undead girls."
Touché.
Behind them, Ray's junior brother, barely eight, was explaining to two village kids how to use a shepherd's whistle. His Pocket Domain had grown a little, and he now had two tiny sheep spirits following him like guards.
Ray smiled slightly. The kid was getting better—less shy, more confident. It showed in how the spirits responded, nuzzling against villagers and even scaring off a thief yesterday. Not bad for a shepherd-in-training.
---
Later, in the Fields
Ray joined his father to help repair the wooden fencing along the farmland. Normally, this was a job for workers, but Ray's father insisted on doing things the old way at least once a week.
"Not every problem needs magic, boy," his father said, hammering in a crooked nail with pure dad-energy. "Sometimes, you just need a strong back and a louder curse."
Ray nodded, holding the plank. "Makes sense. Next time a beast attacks, I'll shout louder and throw my back at it."
His father barked a laugh. "Smartass."
"Runs in the family."
---
Evening Feast
By sundown, the village smelled of grilled meat, herbs, and sweet potato stew. Everyone gathered in the central clearing. A feast, small and humble, but full of warmth. Ray sat cross-legged beside his sister and a quiet boy named Elior—one of the orphans they'd rescued during an earlier beast raid.
"You eat like you've never seen food," Ray said, watching Elior inhale his third bowl.
"I've never eaten this much food," the boy replied, eyes wide.
Ray gently ruffled his hair. "Stick with us. I've got a feeling we'll be feeding armies soon."
> [System 15: That's because you have an army. And they're always hungry. Mostly for bones. And occasionally a soul.]
Ray laughed quietly to himself.
For once, there were no battles, no monsters, no screaming quests or flashing red warnings.
Just food. Family. Laughter. The wind in the trees.
---
In the Domain
Later that night, Ray stood at the edge of his Domain. The No-Bark Tree rustled gently behind him. Its black branches glowed faintly, a new sigil carved into its trunk: one of unity.
Beside it, new additions rose—the Panther Tree, slick with shadowy vines, gave off an aura of speed and agility. The Wolf Tree, larger, held fierce loyalty and pack strength in its roots. Both were sleeping now… but their summons would soon be ready.
His undead army stood in silent formation beyond the trees. Fifty undead: some humanoid, some beastly, most still early stage. But they were real. Growing.
And tomorrow, he'd train them again.
---
Ray exhaled.
He wasn't strong. Not yet.
But he was building something.
Brick by brick. Bone by bone.
And for tonight, that was enough.
---Chapter 37: Whisper of the Tier 5 Gate
The night cracked.
Not thunder. Not beast roar. Not even a dramatic system notification.
It was the sound of silence breaking.
Ray sat cross-legged inside his Domain, a half-eaten apple in hand, eyes closed as he reached through the threads that connected him to his undead. The Panther Tree purred lowly behind him, its dark fruits glowing with latent speed. The Wolf Tree growled once, its roots expanding inch by inch into the soil of his growing army grounds.
System 15 floated lazily above his head like an invisible cloud of sarcasm waiting to rain.
> [System 15: You know… if you keep sitting like this, someone's going to mistake you for a monk. A very emotionally unstable one.]
"Shhh," Ray whispered, not because he cared, but because he felt something.
A twinge.
A ripple.
Like a far-off scream muffled by distance and power.
The No-Bark Tree's bark cracked sharply. A falling leaf turned to ash midair.
Ray's eyes snapped open.
Something had passed through the outer edge of his Domain. Something… scouting.
---
Outside the Domain
He rushed through the village, moving swiftly over stones and patches of dirt road still warm from the day. The night air was heavy, and animals were unusually silent. His steps slowed when he reached the far edge of the southern forest, near where his Domain roots had begun creeping.
It stood there.
A creature… part shadow, part beast.
Long, scythe-like arms. Insectoid back legs. A Tier 5 Beast Scout.
"System?" Ray asked.
> [System 15: It's ugly, fast, and probably here to sniff your underwear drawer.]
[System 15: Classification: Insect World Scout. Tier 5. Agile, semi-intelligent. Immune to base-level undead distractions.]
Ray exhaled.
"Guess I should have worn something fancier."
---
The Battle
He summoned.
Fast.
From his Domain, two Panther Undead blinked into existence—low, sleek, Level 3s, both with crimson eyes and shadow-step. From behind them came a Wolfbeast—Level 2, but physically strong, and newly outfitted with bone-armor reinforced by his sister's crude enchantments.
Ray raised his hand.
"Disrupt. Circle. I want it boxed in."
The Panther Undead darted to the left and right like shadows splitting. The Wolf lunged, fangs bared. The Scout shrieked, a sound like tearing silk and crunching bones.
And it moved.
So fast Ray barely registered it before the Wolf was thrown back, half its skull crushed in. The Panthers leapt—one was swatted midair, the other managed to dig its claws into the Scout's flank.
"Domain Anchor," Ray whispered.
A pulse of dark energy lashed out from his body—his Domain twisted the terrain slightly, slowing the creature just enough.
Ray threw his hand forward. "Chainbind."
Thorned spectral chains burst from the ground and lashed around the creature's legs. It screeched, cutting through the binds with razor limbs.
But that second was all he needed.
Ray summoned his Shadow Fang, a curved dagger imbued with Wolf Tree essence, and dashed in.
He wasn't fast. Not really.
But his Panthers were buying seconds. His Domain was slowing the terrain. And the creature, while powerful, had never expected a human boy to fight like this.
He slashed across its chest—once, twice. Then again, deeper.
It retaliated, slicing across his shoulder. Pain flared—hot, sharp, real.
> [System 15: Wow. First real blood. I'm proud of you. You look like a poorly painted adventurer now.]
"Thanks. I'll bleed more for your amusement later."
The Scout screeched and tried to leap into the forest—but Ray wasn't done.
"Feast."
The No-Bark Tree surged through the ground beneath the creature—its roots wrapped around its legs and yanked it down with unnatural force. It shrieked once more, this time weaker, pained…
Then still.
The Undead Wolf rose again. Damaged, limping, but still loyal.
The two Panthers dragged the Scout's corpse toward Ray.
Ray stood there, breathing hard. Shoulder bleeding. Clothes torn.
Grinning.
> [System 15: So… bedtime? Or dramatic monologue while covered in monster goo?]
"Neither," Ray said. "We need to prepare. If scouts are here…"
He looked to the horizon.
A flicker. A shimmer.
Something was coming.
> [System 15: Tier 5 Gate. Soon. You'll need more than Panthers and Wolves. Time to grow up, Bone Boy.]
---
In the Distance
Far beyond the forest, hidden by shadow and layered veils of beast magic, the Gate pulsed. An eye opened. Then another.
And then…Chapter 38: The Edge of Darkness
Ray wiped the blood from his brow, letting out a long exhale as he surveyed the broken body of the Scout. It wasn't the first battle he'd fought, but it was the first time he'd felt a true cut to his body. The deep gash on his shoulder burned like fire.
> [System 15: You're bleeding. That's cute.]
[System 15: You really want me to heal you? You look kind of charming with all that blood.]
"Shut up, 15," Ray muttered, his voice hoarse but sharp. The pain wasn't enough to make him waver, but it was a reminder of how weak his current strength really was.
His undead had grown stronger, yes. But compared to the beastly force he knew would soon descend upon the world? He was barely scratching the surface.
---
The Battle Aftermath
Ray spent a few moments collecting the beast's body. The Scout's corpse would be useful—its venomous barbs could be reworked into something more practical for his undead, and its bones could be fashioned into powerful armor for future summons.
His Panthers, though wounded, looked pleased. Their bloodlust satisfied. The Wolfbeast had been damaged but had stood strong to the very end, its loyalty unshaken.
Ray let out a long breath, casting one last look toward the horizon. The subtle glow of the Tier 5 Gate was still visible. Its presence was like a pulse, undulating with power, warning him of the greater storm approaching.
"System," he said quietly, "I need more."
> [System 15: You're really going to go on a rampage now, huh? Sure. Why not?]
Ray turned, his eyes now cold, focused.
"I can't let this world burn because I'm underpowered."
---
Expansion of the Domain
With a thought, Ray stretched his senses further, reaching into his Domain. He could feel its limits. Feel the barriers at the edges of his influence. The Panther Tree's roots had already sprawled deep, but the Wolf Tree… it wasn't enough. He needed more.
> [System 15: What, are we going to do a Tree Hugging Ritual now? Wait, are we starting a forest now?]
"Funny," Ray muttered. "I need new Beast Trees."
He reached into the depths of his Domain and summoned one. He focused—pulling from the depths of his necromancy and essence. And then, slowly, a new form began to take shape.
The Viper Tree.
With roots that spread like serpents, its towering form twisted, growing rapidly. Its leaves were sharp like daggers, each glinting with the potential to strike at any who dared approach. Vines of venomous sap hung from its branches like deadly tendrils.
The Viper Tree was born of his need for power—sharp, deadly, and fast.
> [System 15: Oh, this is rich. What? You're going to just make a whole damn forest of super-deadly trees now? What's next? A killer shrubbery?]
"Focus, 15," Ray muttered, eyes flicking to the new addition in his Domain. He could feel the pull of its power, a dark and venomous pulse that made his undead feel more solid, more dangerous. The Viper Tree was something new—something that would help strengthen the offensive capabilities of his army.
Next came another tree. A beast.
The Dire Oak.
A twisted, gnarled beast tree whose roots dug deep into the earth like claws, its branches long and heavy with jagged bark and thorns. The Dire Oak would bring with it the power of immense endurance. Its massive branches could crush anything that stood in its way.
"Perfect," Ray muttered as he felt the new trees settle into the land. His undead, now stronger, pulsed with newfound energy, their loyalty to him unshakable.
> [System 15: Oh, look at you, building your little army. Keep it up, kid. You're almost as dangerous as the real threat.]
---
A Visit to the Hidden Ruins
Ray's next move was simple but necessary. With the Tier 5 Gate growing ever closer to opening, he needed to prepare even further.
He gathered his undead around him, setting off towards an old ruin just beyond the village. It was said to be a long-forgotten site, lost to time, where creatures and artifacts could be found in abundance. Of course, the villagers had no idea it existed—Ray had learned about it through his training and some older maps buried in his family's library.
The air grew colder as they neared the ruins, the trees growing denser with every step. Ray's undead were alert, the tension thick in the air as they walked deeper into the woods.
The ruin was buried deep beneath the roots of ancient trees, their roots wrapping around columns of stone, keeping the structure half-submerged in the earth. The stones themselves were etched with runes that Ray could barely read, though their meaning was clear to him. This place held power—power he needed.
His undead started digging, clawing at the earth, unearthing relics that had been buried for centuries. It wasn't long before Ray found what he was looking for—a stone pedestal, atop which rested an artifact.
A Fragment of the Soulstone.
The stone was cracked but still radiated immense power. With it, Ray could enhance his undead, give them an essence that could help them evolve into more powerful forms.
> [System 15: Oh, look at that. You're starting to build an empire of dead things. I guess we'll see how long it lasts before something really nasty shows up.]
Ray smiled grimly, wrapping the Fragment in cloth and securing it to his belt. He knew the stakes. He knew the danger. But he also knew one thing: he wasn't going to lose.
The Tier 5 Gate would be opening soon. And when it did, Ray would be ready.
---
Back at the Village
Ray returned, the Fragment safely tucked away. His mind was already spinning with plans. The trees in his Domain were growing rapidly, and with the power of the Viper Tree and the Dire Oak, his army's strength would increase tenfold.
He looked around at his family as they prepared for the coming battle. His father, no longer recovering from his injury, was in the process of forging weapons. His mother trained, keeping a sharp eye on the village's defenses. His sister practiced with her enchanted blade, the one Ray had helped improve.
Even his younger brother, despite still learning to control his Shepherd Class, showed promise. It wasn't much, but it was enough.
Ray clenched his fists. He wouldn't let them fall.
---
The Gathering Storm
The calm before the storm was eerily quiet. But Ray could feel the weight of it. The pressure. The impending danger. The Tier 5 Gate was still growing, but its power had already begun to leak into the world, sending ripples through the fabric of reality.
Ray knew one thing: everything was about to change.
---Chapter 39: The Final Preparations
The tension in the air was palpable. Ray could feel it in his bones—something was coming. He wasn't sure exactly what it was, but the world was shifting, and the Tier 5 Gate was opening, like the slow unwinding of a clock's gears, counting down to something catastrophic.
Ray was no longer the scared six-year-old he had been when he first arrived in this world. Now, he was a young man of sixteen, a leader in the making, with an army growing at his command. But there were still gaps in his strength—he wasn't foolish enough to believe he could conquer everything with just the undead and a few trees. His army wasn't invincible—not yet.
---
The Gathering of Forces
Ray's first priority was to increase his numbers. While his undead were still on the weaker side—level 1s and 2s, with a handful of level 3s—he needed more to stand a chance against whatever the Tier 5 Gate would unleash. It wasn't just about strength, either. He needed diversity. He needed soldiers who could handle the unknown threats beyond the gate, creatures more powerful than anything his domain had seen so far.
He set off early one morning, a few of his most trusted undead following at a distance. Ray didn't need an entourage. He preferred solitude, silence, and the clear, fresh air of the world around him. But the danger of the unknown was too great to ignore.
Today, Ray was going to gather more beasts—stronger ones, ones capable of filling the gaps in his army. He had a specific target in mind.
The Beast Hunt: The Direwolves of the Northern Forest
The Northern Forest was known for its dangerous inhabitants, especially the Direwolves. These beasts were a class above most, with thick fur that could withstand the blades of most swords, and claws that could tear through steel. They were known to be intelligent, ruthless hunters—creatures that respected power, but only understood the language of dominance.
Ray knew what he had to do.
---
The Hunt
Ray moved through the dense trees, his footsteps light as he followed the scent trails left by the Direwolves. He could feel the forest closing in around him, the ever-watchful eyes of the beasts tracking his every move. Ray wasn't alone, not really. His undead, though still weak, were scattered through the woods, blending into the shadows, ready to move when needed.
As the day wore on, the forest grew eerily quiet. The sounds of birds and insects stopped, leaving only the rustling of leaves in the wind and the occasional snap of a twig underfoot. Ray's instincts told him that they were close. Very close.
Then, a growl echoed through the trees.
Ray froze, his senses sharpening. The Direwolves were here.
---
The Ambush
Without warning, four Direwolves emerged from the trees, their glowing eyes fixed on Ray. They were massive, with fur that looked like it could blend into the night, and fangs that gleamed in the low light. The biggest one stepped forward, its snarl low and menacing.
"You think you can hunt me?" the Alpha of the pack growled, its voice deep and guttural.
Ray's eyes narrowed. "I'm not here to hunt you. I'm here to recruit."
The wolves circled him, their movements smooth, practiced. Ray's undead remained hidden, waiting for the signal to attack. But Ray wasn't going to make this easy. Not yet.
The Alpha stepped closer, its fur rippling as it lowered its body, preparing to strike. Ray didn't move. He could feel the beast's power—its raw, untamed strength. This was no ordinary wolf. This was a beast of the highest order.
"I'll give you one chance," Ray said, his voice steady. "Join me, and I'll spare your lives. Refuse, and I'll make you regret it."
The wolves paused, their gazes flickering between each other. The Alpha seemed to be contemplating Ray's words. Ray could sense its hesitation. He knew that wolves like this respected strength—but they also respected cunning. And Ray was no fool. He wouldn't just charge in blindly.
The Alpha lunged, faster than Ray could react. In a blur of motion, the beast's claws raked across his side, tearing through his cloak and drawing blood. Pain erupted in his body, but Ray gritted his teeth, forcing himself to stay focused. The wound wasn't fatal—but it was a reminder of how much he still had to grow.
"Not bad," Ray said, his voice full of sardonic amusement. "But it's not enough."
In an instant, he called forth his undead—a few of his Panthers emerged from the shadows, their claws slashing at the wolves' legs, disrupting their movements. The Direwolves howled, shifting their focus to the new threat. Ray took the opportunity to summon his Viper Tree.
Roots shot out of the ground, wrapping around the Alpha's limbs, ensnaring it in a web of venomous tendrils. The Direwolf struggled, snarling and snapping its jaws, but the tree's poison seeped into its skin, weakening it rapidly.
---
The Battle Rages
The other wolves fought furiously, their teeth and claws striking at Ray's undead with deadly precision. But the undead, though still weak, held their ground. Ray had learned much about their weaknesses and strengths. His Panthers were fast and vicious, using their agility to avoid the wolves' strikes and tear at their flesh. The Direwolves, though powerful, couldn't match the relentless pressure.
Ray's focus shifted as the Alpha, now fully ensnared by the Viper Tree, let out a deafening roar. Its fury was palpable, its power unmatched.
He didn't give the Alpha any more time. Reaching deep into his reserves, Ray summoned all of his remaining strength and unleashed a Necromantic Wave, a surge of dark energy that rippled through the battlefield. The wave slammed into the Direwolves, sending them sprawling backward.
The Alpha snarled in pain but refused to yield. It wasn't a simple beast—it was a warrior at heart, and it respected Ray's strength. As it struggled against the roots, Ray could see the gleam of respect in its eyes.
"You're strong," the Alpha growled. "Maybe… we'll join you."
---
Victory
The battle slowed, the last of the Direwolves falling back into the forest. Ray watched as the Alpha, wounded but standing, faced him.
Ray stepped forward, his undead still circling the Alpha. "You'll serve me now," Ray said, his voice colder than before. "But you'll respect me. You'll fight under my banner, and you'll never question my command."
The Alpha hesitated but finally dipped its head. It was a reluctant submission—but it was submission nonetheless.
Ray nodded, his voice calm. "Good."
---
The Aftermath
Ray's army had grown again, and with it, so had his strength. The Direwolves, now part of his undead army, would provide an unmatched force. But this was only one battle. The opening of the Tier 5 Gate loomed on the horizon, and Ray knew that it was only the beginning.
He returned to his family, the Alpha Direwolf walking alongside him, its pack behind him. His sister gave him an amused look, while his father raised an eyebrow at the new additions.
"Did you have to bring them all back?" his sister asked, rolling her eyes as the Direwolves trotted past.
Ray smirked. "You can never have too many loyal soldiers."
And as he looked at his growing army, Ray couldn't help but feel that he was getting closer to being ready. Whatever the Tier 5 Gate threw at him, he would be ready to face it.
---