The more Michael's undead advanced to Rank 3, the more he found himself relying on them.
In sparring, in studying, and even in the moments when he sat alone to cultivate his law, their presence shaped his growth.
He had not noticed it at first.
But as the weeks passed, a clear pattern appeared.
He was not only using them more.
He was beginning to understand them.
Their instincts.
Their quirks.
Their personalities.
Every undead that reached Rank 3 developed a more defined sense of self.
Lucky became greedier with tasting grass.
Prince grew increasingly obsessed with studying souls, acting as if he intended to surpass Michael as a necromancer.
Ghost became quieter but was a fitness lover as Beginning, and the two were often together.
Lily was just a glutton.
And Fade…
Fade had changed in his own way.
He had originally been a mantis, a pure assassin with no thoughts beyond killing and obeying.
