Chapter 4 – The Price of Power
Aurelius wiped his brow, feeling a cold sensation spreading through his body. It wasn’t exhaustion. No, it was something else—his growing connection to death.
He had leveled up, yet instead of excitement, he felt a strange heaviness in his soul. The Soul Drain ability had absorbed part of the hellhound’s essence, leaving behind a whispering hunger in the depths of his mind.
His undead stood around him in eerie silence, awaiting his command. Their presence was stronger than before, like extensions of himself. He instinctively reached out and counted:
4 Skeleton Warriors – Agile but fragile. Basic foot soldiers.
3 Zombies – Slow but resilient. Their bodies could withstand multiple hits.
2 Ghouls – More intelligent and far deadlier. Fast, strong, and ruthless.
1 Grave Guardian – A hulking undead knight wielding a cleaver, his strongest summon so far.
Even though he had improved, his current limit was 10 undead at a time.
Frowning, he flicked his hand to summon his Status Screen.
---
[Status]
Name: Aurelius Vorn
Level: 5
EXP: 37 / 150
Health: 140/140
Mana: 120/150
This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
Strength: 24
Intelligence: 30
Charisma: 12
Necromancy Proficiency: 60%
Undead Control: 70% (Max Limit: 10 undead)
Undead Enhancement: 25%
Undead Tier Available: Tier 1 (Skeletons, Zombies, Ghouls, Grave Guardians)
---
37 EXP. Not enough to level up.
His mana had recovered slightly to 120/150, but summoning undead drained him quickly. The fastest way to restore it was through Soul Drain, consuming the energy of fallen enemies.
For now, he had to test his strength.
---
The Hunt Begins
The dense forest stretched endlessly, its towering trees casting eerie shadows over the land. Aurelius advanced with his undead army. The ghouls scouted ahead, moving like silent predators. The zombies and skeletons stayed in formation behind him.
Then, a deep snarl echoed through the trees.
Aurelius stopped. His sharp gaze scanned the area. In the shadows, red eyes gleamed.
One.
Two.
Three.
Dire Wolves.
Larger than normal wolves, their bodies radiated unnatural strength. Not as strong as the hellhound, but much faster.
Aurelius smirked. Perfect prey.
"Engage," he commanded.
His undead charged.
The first dire wolf lunged, crushing a skeleton’s skull in its jaws. CRACK! Bones scattered across the ground.
The second charged straight for Aurelius. He barely dodged as its claws tore into the earth where he had been standing. His mana surged—Soul Shackles!
Dark chains erupted from the ground, binding the wolf’s legs. It struggled violently, but the spell held.
The Grave Guardian stepped forward, raising its massive cleaver.
WHOOSH!
A powerful downward slash split the wolf in half.
---
[EXP Gain]
Dire Wolf (Level 4)
Base EXP: 40
Soul Drain Bonus: 12
Total EXP Gained: 52
---
Aurelius felt power surge through him.
His mana partially recovered—now at 135/150.
The remaining wolves hesitated. They had seen what happened.
Good. Let them fear.
"Surround them," he ordered.
The ghouls flanked the wolves, their claws gleaming under the dim light. One leapt at a dire wolf, tearing through its throat. Blood sprayed as the beast collapsed.
The Grave Guardian finished it off, crushing its skull with a brutal swing.
---
[EXP Gain]
Dire Wolf (Level 4)
Base EXP: 40
Soul Drain Bonus: 12
Total EXP Gained: 52
---
The final wolf turned to flee.
Aurelius wouldn’t allow it.
His undead rushed forward. The ghouls tackled the beast, ripping into its flesh. It let out one final whimper before going still.
---
[EXP Gain]
Dire Wolf (Level 4)
Base EXP: 40
Soul Drain Bonus: 12
Total EXP Gained: 52
---
156 EXP.
---
[Level Up!]
Level: 6
EXP: 7 / 200
Health: 160/160
Mana: 140/160
Strength: 26 (+2)
Intelligence: 34 (+4)
Charisma: 14 (+2)
Necromancy Proficiency: 70% (+10)
Undead Control: 80% (Max Limit: 12 undead)
Undead Tier Available: Tier 1 (Skeletons, Zombies, Ghouls, Grave Guardians)
---
A Moment of Silence
The battlefield reeked of blood and rot.
Aurelius took a deep breath. The dire wolves had been formidable.
But he had won.
His strength was increasing. Slowly but surely.
He turned to his undead, his mind racing.
This world would not be kind to him. If he wanted to survive—if he wanted to rule—he had to keep pushing forward.
Aurelius stepped forward. His undead followed, silent as death itself.
The hunt would continue.
