[A Gathering Storm]
The night sky above Noxhaven was thick with black clouds, the pale glow of the moon barely visible through the ominous shroud. Damien sat upon his obsidian throne, his fingers lightly drumming against the armrest as he reviewed the battle reports before him.
The recent victory over the Holy Dominion had been decisive, but it was only the beginning.
With each passing moment, his necropolis grew stronger. The city's once-crumbling walls had been reinforced with necrotic energy, making them resilient against physical and magical assaults. His forces had doubled in size, thanks to the Baptism of the Forsaken, and the streets of Noxhaven now crawled with legions of undead warriors.
Yet, Damien knew this was merely the calm before the storm.
The Holy Dominion would not take this humiliation lightly.
They would return with a force far greater than before.
And he would be ready.
A system notification flickered before him.
Ding!
[New Quest: Defend Against the Grand Crusade]
The Holy Dominion has declared war on Noxhaven.
A massive army of crusaders, templars, and war priests is marching toward the city.
Survive the assault and prove your supremacy as the Deathlord.
Reward: ???
Damien's lips curled into a wicked smile. They come to cleanse me?
"Let them try."
---
[Holy Dominion's War Council]
Far from the darkness of Noxhaven, the Holy Dominion's grand cathedral burned with divine radiance. Within the Sanctum of Radiance, the highest-ranking figures of the church had gathered.
At the head of the room stood Archbishop Lucian, his golden robes glowing with sacred power. His sharp eyes swept over the assembled warriors—grandmasters of the Silver Templars, high-ranking inquisitors, and battle-hardened commanders.
A massive war table displayed a detailed map of Noxhaven, marked with red symbols.
Lucian's voice was calm, yet filled with divine authority.
"We have suffered a grave insult."
He gestured to the battlefield reports, his eyes narrowing.
"A Deathlord has risen from the ashes of that cursed city. He has slaughtered our knights, turned a high inquisitor into an undead puppet, and defiled our sacred mission."
His voice grew colder.
"This… abomination must be erased from existence."
A knight in shining silver armor stepped forward, his presence commanding. His golden eyes burned with unwavering faith, and an enormous greatsword rested on his back, radiating divine energy.
[Grand Marshal Aldric – Level 45]
[Class: Holy Crusader]
[Abilities: Divine Juggernaut (S), Radiant Execution (A), Holy Aegis (A)]
"The path is clear," Aldric said, his voice like thunder in the halls of judgment. "We gather our finest warriors and march upon Noxhaven. We will purge this Deathlord from existence and cleanse his filth from this world."
Lucian nodded.
"The Grand Crusade begins now."
He raised his scepter, and the cathedral's bells rang throughout the Holy Dominion.
---
[Preparations for War]
Back in Noxhaven, Damien stood at the highest tower of the Necropolis Hall, overlooking the growing strength of his army.
His forces had swelled into a truly terrifying legion:
500 Undead Knights – Elite warriors clad in cursed black armor.
300 Shadow Wraiths – Assassins that moved unseen in the darkness.
200 Necromancer Acolytes – Spellcasters trained in dark magic.
50 Death Priests – Twisted clerics who could reverse holy magic into necrotic power.
3 Death Lords – High-tier undead commanders capable of leading entire legions.
And the greatest addition to his arsenal…
[New Summon: Abyssal Dreadwyrm]
A colossal undead dragon, resurrected from the depths of the abyss.
Its breath attack unleashes necrotic flames that consume both flesh and spirit.
It can devour souls to grow stronger.
A deep rumble shook the air as the massive Dreadwyrm unfurled its bone wings, perching atop the ruins of a cathedral that once belonged to the Holy Dominion.
Damien watched with satisfaction.
"Let them come. I will break them upon my city's walls."
Then, another system notification appeared.
Ding!
[Territory Bonus Unlocked: Soulbound Walls]
The city walls now absorb the souls of fallen enemies to strengthen their durability.
Defensive structures can now regenerate over time.
Damien clenched his fist.
"Now, my fortress is truly impenetrable."
The Holy Dominion would waste countless lives trying to breach these walls.
And each death would only make him stronger.
---
[The Crusade Approaches]
One week later…
The ground trembled beneath the boots of ten thousand holy warriors.
The Holy Dominion's Grand Crusade had arrived.
From atop the highest tower of Noxhaven, Damien watched their approach with cold amusement.
Their forces stretched as far as the eye could see:
5,000 Silver Templar Knights, their gleaming armor reflecting the morning sun.
3,000 Holy Crusaders, battle-hardened warriors wielding divine weapons.
1,500 War Priests, chanting sacred hymns to empower their soldiers.
500 Exorcists, specialists trained to hunt and destroy undead.
And at the front, Grand Marshal Aldric himself, mounted on a holy warhorse, his radiant aura like a beacon of divine wrath.
The army halted before the walls of Noxhaven.
Aldric raised his golden greatsword, his voice booming.
"Damien Valerian!"
"You stand against the light of the Holy Dominion! You have defiled the natural order, twisted the souls of the innocent, and turned this land into a cursed pit of damnation!"
He pointed his blade toward the city.
"I offer you one chance—surrender and face divine judgment!"
Damien simply laughed.
His voice carried across the battlefield, filled with mockery and absolute confidence.
"Divine judgment?" he echoed. "You fools march to your own deaths."
His eyes glowed with violet fire, and a dark mist began to spread from the city, the air thick with death magic.
"You wish to purge me?" Damien raised his hand. "Then allow me to return the favor!"
The Necropolis trembled, and suddenly—
The Abyssal Dreadwyrm let out a deafening roar.
The battle for Noxhaven had begun.
---
[End of Chapter 6]