Hajin stepped into the socket nexus beneath the central keep while ten ash-wrapped figures circled the mana cistern.
Ten identical figures wrapped in swirling grey ash stood in a wide circle around the central mana cistern.
Every single shadow carried a jagged two-handed greatsword formed entirely from dark clouds of compressed domain mist.
"You broke my vanguard at the river crossing, but inside this nexus, I am absolute law!" Commander Dreth barked from ten throats at once.
"Every breath of air in this cavern belongs to my domain, and every stone answers to my sovereign will!"
"You made ten copies of yourself just to hide how much your knees are trembling," Hajin replied, tightening his right glove.
"A real commander wouldn't need nine puppets to face a single intruder standing on his threshold."
"Arrogant dog from the northern snows, let us see if your tongue remains sharp when your lungs fill with ash!"
