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Chapter 11: The Soulflame

CHAPTER 11: THE SOULFLAME

[SYSTEM MENU: CHARACTER SHEET]

Name: John Harper

Class: Necromancer – Path of the Deathcaller

Level: 5

Attributes:

* Strength: 5

* Dexterity: 4

* Intelligence: 12

* Charisma: 2

* Mana: 120

Skills:

* Death Lash (Level 0): Necrotic tendrils for direct damage.

* Gravebond (Level 1): Enhanced skeleton durability and speed.

* Tactical Spearplay (Level 0): Improved spear combat.

* Bone Armor (Level 0): Skeletal plating for defense.

* Mana Regen (Passive, Tier 1): +10% mana regeneration.

* Bone Wall (Level 0): Summon a temporary wall of bones to block enemies or shield allies.

* Soul Anchor (Level 0): Stabilize undead, preventing them from decaying over time.

* Minion Cap Expansion (Level 0): Increase active minion count by +5.

Available Skill Points: 3

Available Attribute Points: 2

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John scratched his chin, his eyes narrowing as he considered where to place his newly earned points.

“I need to be quicker... and sharper,” he muttered. With a flick of his mental command, he allocated his Attribute Points into Dexterity and Intelligence. A warm sensation rippled through his body, accompanied by the system’s acknowledgment.

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[ATTRIBUTE UPDATE]

* Dexterity: 4 → 5

* Intelligence: 12 → 13

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Next came the skills. The system chimed again, displaying a list of available upgrades and new abilities.

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[NEW SKILLS AVAILABLE]

1. Necrotic Barrage: Launch a flurry of necrotic projectiles, damaging multiple enemies.

2. Gravebind: Temporarily immobilize enemies by summoning skeletal hands from the ground.

3. Bone Sentinel: Summon a stationary skeleton imbued with defensive magic to guard an area.

4. Bone Armory: Skeletons are summoned with basic weapons and armor formed from bones. Equipment can be customized during summoning with focus.

5. Soul Infusion: Enhance an undead with a burst of power, granting it temporary combat superiority.

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[PREVIOUS SKILLS STILL AVAILABLE FOR SELECTION OR UPGRADE]

1. Death Lash: Upgrade to increase range, damage, or area of effect.

2. Gravebond: Upgrade to further enhance skeleton durability and speed.

3. Bone Wall: Upgrade to increase wall durability or add offensive spikes.

4. Tactical Spearplay: Upgrade for greater weapon versatility and tactical maneuvers.

5. Bone Armor: Upgrade to cover additional allies or provide elemental resistance.

6. Mana Regen (Tier 2): Further increase mana regeneration rate.

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John leaned back, weighing his options. His mind replayed the chaotic battle against the raiders, the moments where his skeletons’ lack of proper equipment or overwhelming numbers had cost them valuable ground.

“Bone Armory,” he decided aloud. “If my skeletons come pre-equipped, we’ll save time and resources, and they’ll hit harder from the start.”

The skill icon for Bone Armory glowed faintly as he made his choice. A rush of information flooded his mind, details about crafting skeletal weapons and armor directly during the summoning process.

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[SKILL UNLOCKED: BONE ARMORY]

Effect: Skeletons are summoned with basic weapons and armor formed from bones. Equipment can be customized during summoning with focus.

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Next, he turned his attention to Bone Sentinel. Memories of the breached eastern wall came to mind, where an extra defensive measure could have made all the difference.

“This will help hold the line,” he murmured, selecting the skill.

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[SKILL UNLOCKED: BONE SENTINEL]

Effect: Summon a stationary skeleton imbued with defensive magic to guard an area.

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Finally, his gaze lingered on Gravebind. The spectral hands could provide critical crowd control when overwhelmed, a lesson burned into his memory from the chaos of raiders flooding the gates.

“Crowd control... can’t afford to pass this up.” He selected Gravebind, feeling the system’s acknowledgment ripple through him.

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[SKILL UNLOCKED: GRAVEBIND]

Effect: Temporarily immobilize enemies by summoning skeletal hands from the ground.

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His character sheet updated once again, the new skills glowing faintly in their respective slots.

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[UPDATED CHARACTER SHEET]

Level: 5

Attributes:

* Strength: 5

* Dexterity: 5

* Intelligence: 13

* Charisma: 2

* Mana: 130

Skills:

* Death Lash (Level 0)

* Gravebond (Level 1)

* Tactical Spearplay (Level 0)

* Bone Armor (Level 0)

* Mana Regen (Passive, Tier 1)

* Bone Wall (Level 0)

* Soul Anchor (Level 0)

* Minion Cap Expansion (Level 0)

* Bone Armory (Level 0)

* Bone Sentinel (Level 0)

* Gravebind (Level 0)

* Minion Cap: 10

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Satisfied but drained, John exhaled and slumped further into his chair. “That should give us an edge... if I can survive using it.”

The sound of footsteps outside his door snapped him back to reality. Freya’s voice called out, sharp and steady. “Bone Caller! You better not be napping in there. We’ve got work to do.”

John chuckled softly and stood, grabbing his spear. “Coming,” he replied, his resolve firm. As he stepped outside into the frosty night, his mind turned to the Soulflame, and the challenges that lay ahead.

The village center was alive with the buzz of activity as John, Freya, Eirik, and Bjorn stood in a small circle near the fire pit. Despite the icy wind biting through Frostholm, the warmth of their victory against the raiders lingered. Villagers passed by with tools and materials, working tirelessly to reinforce the walls and repair damaged huts.

Before them, the glowing system interface flickered, casting an otherworldly light on their faces. John gestured toward the options displayed within the Defensive Structure Bonus, explaining the choices to his companions.

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[QUEST REWARD: DEFENSIVE STRUCTURE UNLOCKED]

Options Available:

1. Undead Garrison: A fortified barracks constructed from enchanted bone. Includes a training ground for refining minions, 15 persistent skeletons armed and armored, and a Skeletal Guard Captain with full personality and tactical AI.

2. Bonewatch Towers: Defensive towers scattered around the village, manned by enhanced skeleton archers with increased range and precision.

3. Necrotic Ward: A magical shield that envelops the village, reducing damage from attacks by 15% and interfering with enemy spellcasting.

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Freya crossed her arms, her blue eyes narrowed as she studied the interface. “Bonewatch Towers would be useful. Keep the enemy at a distance, maybe even pick them off before they get close.”

Eirik, standing with his arms crossed, shook his head. “The towers are limited. If the raiders get through, they won’t help us on the ground. The Garrison gives us flexibility, more fighters and a centralized training area.”

John nodded thoughtfully. “And we’d gain a leader for the skeletons. A Skeletal Guard Captain could take some of the burden off me, especially when things get chaotic.”

Bjorn let out a deep chuckle, his breath visible in the cold air. “Training ground’s the smart choice. Having skeletons that can actually fight in formation? That’ll scare the boots off any raiders.”

Freya glanced at the Necrotic Ward. “The shield’s tempting, but it’s too passive. We can’t just sit behind walls and hope to outlast them.”

John tapped his chin, weighing the arguments. He imagined the battles yet to come, the chaos and bloodshed Frostholm would face. A fortified barracks, armed skeletons, and a commanding officer could turn the tide in their favor.

He nodded decisively. “The Garrison. Offense, defense, and flexibility, it’s the best choice.”

With a gesture, John confirmed his selection. The system chimed in acknowledgment, and the ground beneath them trembled faintly.

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[SELECTION MADE: UNDEAD GARRISON]

A fortress of calcified bone materializes in the heart of Frostholm, radiating necromantic energy. Spires of enchanted bone rise skyward, while the central barracks stands imposing and unyielding. Adjacent to the barracks is a training ground, its skeletal dummies and etched runes designed to refine undead tactics.

Skeletons Summoned: 15 persistent minions, fully armed and armored with equipment crafted through Bone Armory.

Skeletal Guard Captain Summoned: A professional commander with a distinct personality and tactical expertise.

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Bones erupted from the earth, spiraling and weaving together into a fortress-like structure. At the forefront of the garrison, a figure emerged. Unlike the skeletal minions, the Skeletal Guard Captain was taller, with pristine white bones polished to a sheen and clad in ornate black armor etched with glowing runes. A long, tattered cape hung from his shoulders, and in one hand, he held a halberd with intricate bonework along its shaft.

The Captain stepped forward, his movements deliberate and precise. His hollow eyes glowed faintly blue as he saluted sharply, his voice a deep and resonant baritone.

“Skeletal Guard Captain Magnus reporting for duty. Tactical capabilities: exceptional. Personalities: optimized. Jokes: under development.”

Freya blinked, her brow furrowed. “Did he just say jokes?”

Magnus turned his head toward her, the movement almost too smooth. “Yes, ma’am. Humor is an important element of morale. I have precisely three preloaded jokes, all necromancy-themed. Would you like to hear one?”

Bjorn barked a laugh. “Go on, then. Let’s hear it.”

Magnus straightened further, as if delivering a critical battle report. “Why don’t skeletons fight in wars?”

Freya sighed. “Do we really need…”

Magnus interrupted, his tone perfectly serious. “Because they don’t have the guts.”

There was a beat of silence before Bjorn burst into hearty laughter. Freya groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose. “Great. He’s got dad jokes.”

Eirik smirked faintly. “At least he’s... professional?”

John grinned. “Magnus, your primary directive is to oversee the garrison’s defenses and train the skeletons. You’ll also assist with tactical planning when we’re under attack.”

Magnus saluted again. “Understood. Training will commence immediately. Skeletons will be honed to peak undead efficiency. Jokes will remain secondary, as per mission priority.”

As Magnus turned to inspect the newly formed training ground, Bjorn watched him with amusement. “Now that’s a proper officer. Stiff as a plank, but I like him.”

John turned back to the group, the glow of the new garrison illuminating the village center in an eerie but reassuring light. “This is a good step forward, but it’s just the beginning. We’ll need every advantage we can get.”

Bjorn nodded, his tone turning more serious. “Aye. And it’s not just you who’s growing stronger. The villagers have been leveling up, too.”

Freya raised an eyebrow. “Leveling up?”

Bjorn grunted in affirmation. “The system’s been rewarding them for every raid they’ve fought off, every wall they’ve repaired. Even small things like tending the wounded have turned into quests. The average level here has shot up since you arrived, John.”

John glanced at the villagers bustling around them, their movements more confident and coordinated than before. Many carried weapons with the familiarity of seasoned fighters, their gazes sharp and purposeful. “That explains why they’re holding up so well. The system’s pushing them to adapt.”

Bjorn smiled faintly. “It’s not just the system. You’ve been the spark, lad. Gave them something to fight for.”

As he spoke, Bjorn glanced at Freya, his expression softening. “And speaking of fighting, I’ve been meaning to tell you something. I thought you already knew, but…” He scratched the back of his neck, looking slightly sheepish. “Freya’s my daughter.”

John blinked, the words taking a moment to register. “Wait, what? Freya’s your… But she doesn’t call you…”

Freya cut in with a shrug, her tone nonchalant. “I don’t call him ‘Father’ because I’m not a child. It’s just Bjorn to me.”

Bjorn chuckled, shaking his head. “That, and she’s stubborn as a mule. Always has been. But she’s got my fire, and I couldn’t be prouder of her.”

Freya’s cheeks flushed faintly, though she maintained her smirk. “You’re just saying that because I didn’t let you get killed last night.”

John looked between them, still processing. “You really didn’t think it was worth mentioning?”

Bjorn shrugged again, his tone casual. “Didn’t come up. Besides, it’s not important who her father is. What’s important is that she’s a damn good fighter and a damn good leader.”

Freya crossed her arms, smirking at John. “Doesn’t change anything, Bone Caller. I’m still in charge when you’re being an idiot.”

John laughed, shaking his head. “Fair enough. But for the record, you two make a good team.”

Bjorn clapped a heavy hand on John’s shoulder. “We all do, lad. And that’s what’s going to keep this village standing.”

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As the group dispersed, John lingered near the newly formed garrison, its calcified spires rising like silent sentinels against the frosted horizon. A soft chime echoed in his mind, and the system interface expanded, revealing new details about the settlement’s growth.

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SETTLEMENT SCREEN: FROSTHOLM

POPULATION AND RESOURCES:

* Population: 112 (87 villagers, including 18 children and 25 non-combatants)

* Clan Fighters: 25 trained (Level range: 2–5, equipped with basic weapons and light armor)

* Resources:

* Bones: 1,370 units (plentiful)

* Wood: 120 units (moderate)

* Stone: 70 units (low)

* Iron: 20 units (scarce)

* Mana Reservoir: 0 (can be manually infused)

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KEY BUILDINGS:

1. Longhouse (Central Command)

* Communal hub for strategy meetings, feasts, and village gatherings.

* Status: Fully operational.

2. Wooden Walls (Basic Defense)

* Encircles the village; reinforced after the recent battle.

* Includes watch platforms for archers.

* Upgrades Available:

* Stone Walls: Reinforce with stone for increased durability (Cost: 300 stone, 100 wood, 2 system points).

3. Small Dock

* Modest structure for fishing and trade when ice clears.

* Upgrades Available:

* Reinforced Dock: Larger capacity and durability against weather (Cost: 50 wood, 20 stone, 1 system point).

4. Smithy

* Produces weapons, tools, and armor.

* Managed by Bjorn, recently upgraded using spoils from raiders.

5. Healing Hut

* Basic medical facility staffed by two villagers with herbal knowledge.

6. Bone Garrison (Undead Barracks)

* Fortified barracks built from calcified bone.

* Houses 15 skeleton guards and Magnus, the Skeletal Guard Captain.

* Training Ground: Basic facility to refine undead tactics.

* Upgrades Available:

* Reinforced Defenses: 200 bones, 50 stone, 100 mana infusion, 1 system point.

* Expanded Training Grounds: 150 bones, 30 iron, 2 system points.

* Increased Capacity: 300 bones, 100 wood, 2 system points.

* Necrotic Beacon: 250 bones, 150 mana infusion, 3 system points (requires Soulbind Orb).

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VILLAGE STATUS:

* Morale: High (recent victory, leveling up across the population)

* Threat Level: Moderate (raiders and the Warden’s forces remain a looming danger)

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John studied the menu carefully, his mind spinning with possibilities.

Stolen story; please report.

The Necrotic Beacon upgrade intrigued John, but its requirement caught his eye: the Soulbind Orb. A brief system tooltip explained the mysterious artifact.

[SOULBIND ORB]

A rare necromantic relic capable of amplifying the bond between the living and the undead. It enhances the coordination and efficiency of summoned forces while unlocking advanced defensive applications.

The tooltip continued, revealing its location: “Soulbind Orb: Location Unknown. System Quest: Available.”

John frowned. This wasn’t just an upgrade, it was a challenge. The orb’s power would be invaluable, but acquiring it would require venturing into the unknown. Another mission for another day.

“There’s a lot we could do here,” he muttered, swiping to the Upgrade Menu.

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SETTLEMENT UPGRADE MENU

CURRENT RESOURCES:

* Bones: 1,370

* Wood: 120

* Stone: 70

* Iron: 20

* Mana Reservoir: 0

AVAILABLE UPGRADES:

1. Reinforced Defenses (Bone Garrison)

* Cost: 200 bones, 50 stone, 100 mana infusion, 1 system point.

* Adds reinforced plating to the garrison, increasing durability.

2. Expanded Training Grounds (Bone Garrison)

* Cost: 150 bones, 30 iron, 2 system points.

* Allows specialized training for skeletons, unlocking advanced tactics.

3. Increased Capacity (Bone Garrison)

* Cost: 300 bones, 100 wood, 2 system points.

* Adds space for 10 more skeletons, increasing undead force.

4. Stone Walls (Village Defense)

* Cost: 300 stone, 100 wood, 2 system points.

* Reinforces wooden walls with stone, increasing durability and defense.

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As John reviewed the resource list, the “Mana Reservoir: 0” stood out. A system note appeared when he hovered over it.

[MANA RESERVOIR INFORMATION]

The Mana Reservoir is a resource pool used to power advanced upgrades and defensive capabilities within Frostholm. To fill the reservoir, the following actions can be performed:

* Manual Infusion: John can channel his personal mana into the reservoir, converting it into a stored resource.

* Environmental Rituals: Specific rituals performed in areas of necromantic energy can draw mana into the reservoir.

* Artifact Contributions: Artifacts like the Heartstone may generate or store mana over time when placed within the reservoir’s range.

The idea of funneling his own mana into the reservoir left a sour taste. With limited reserves already, the cost of such infusions could leave him vulnerable during an attack. “Looks like we’ll need to figure out these rituals,” he muttered.

Freya’s voice broke his concentration. “So, what’s it going to be, Bone Caller? Another wall, more skeletons, or something else entirely?”

John grinned, closing the interface for now. “We’ll decide soon. For now, let’s keep building on what we’ve got.”

As he gazed out at Frostholm, bustling with renewed vigor, John felt a quiet pride. They had come far, but the battle ahead would require more than strength, it would demand strategy, unity, and resilience.

John lingered near the garrison as the group dispersed, letting his thoughts wander. The bone spires of the barracks stood tall and imposing, a testament to how far they had come since the first desperate skirmishes against the raiders. The system interface still glowed faintly in his mind, a reminder of the path ahead.

Frostholm was stronger now, there was no denying that. The villagers were more resilient, their confidence bolstered by their leveling and newfound sense of purpose. The wooden walls were patched and reinforced, and the addition of the Bone Garrison had shifted the balance of their defenses.

Still, their strengths came with weaknesses. The villagers had gained experience, but many were still inexperienced in prolonged combat. Supplies like iron and stone were critically low, limiting their ability to upgrade or expand further. And while their skeleton forces were formidable, they were heavily reliant on John’s mana and direction. If the Warden’s forces attacked in overwhelming numbers, it could still stretch their defenses to the breaking point.

John exhaled slowly, watching as Magnus drilled the skeleton guard. The sharp clang of bone against bone echoed in the crisp air, accompanied by Magnus’s booming commands. It was a start, but there was so much more to do.

He glanced toward the horizon, where the frozen wilderness stretched endlessly. Somewhere out there, the Warden’s influence continued to grow. The Soulflame was their next goal, but even with that artifact, John knew the fight would only escalate.

Turning back to the garrison, John clenched his fist. “We’re not there yet,” he muttered, his breath forming a cloud in the cold air. “But we will be. One step at a time.”

The air was biting cold as John, Freya, and Eirik gathered near the outskirts of Frostholm. A thin layer of frost coated the ground, crunching softly under their boots. The morning sun cast long shadows over the snow, its light diffused through thick, gray clouds.

Near the Bone Garrison, Magnus, the Skeletal Guard Captain, stood at attention, his halberd resting against his shoulder. “A shame I cannot join you, sir,” he said, his voice a mix of regret and professionalism. “I would undoubtedly make an excellent guide through treacherous terrain.”

John smirked. “We’ll manage, Magnus. Just make sure the village is still here when we get back.”

Magnus saluted crisply. “Consider it done, sir. The Bone Sentinels you’ve placed on the walls will bolster our defenses, and I will oversee their effectiveness personally.”

John turned to glance at the sentinels he had summoned. Five towering skeletal constructs now stood rooted at key positions along the village walls, their forms encased in thick, jagged plating. Each was armed with a massive bone spear, etched with faint necromantic runes that radiated a soft glow. Their presence was unnerving, yet undeniably reassuring. The sentinels’ immobility belied their utility, they were designed to intercept and repel enemies attempting to breach the walls.

Freya studied the sentinels with a mix of unease and approval. “Creepy, but effective. They’ll hold the walls better than most villagers.”

John sighed softly. “They better. I had to unsummon five skeletons from my regular forces to make room for them.”

Magnus gave a slow, approving nod. “An excellent decision, sir. Stationary defenders are ideal for maintaining a secure perimeter. I will ensure they operate at peak efficiency.”

John turned back to his group, refocusing on the mission. Behind him stood four of his skeletal soldiers, their bone armor glinting faintly in the morning light, and the skeletal champion, a towering figure wielding an enormous greatsword. The champion’s polished, rune-etched plating and glowing blue eyes gave it a commanding presence.

“We’ll need them where we’re going,” John said, motioning toward the forest path ahead. “Let’s move.”

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The journey began in silence, the crunch of snow underfoot and the occasional groan of skeletal joints the only sounds breaking the stillness. As they pressed deeper into the forest, the trees thinned, giving way to an open expanse of desolation.

The battlefield stretched before them, a frozen wasteland littered with shattered weapons, broken shields, and skeletal remains half-buried in snow. The air here felt heavier, laden with an oppressive stillness that gnawed at their nerves.

Freya stopped abruptly, her breath visible in the icy air. “This place… it’s wrong. You feel that?”

John nodded, sensing the faint hum of necromantic energy vibrating at the edges of his awareness. “This isn’t just a battlefield, it’s a graveyard for something ancient.”

Eirik’s sharp eyes scanned the horizon. “The flame’s ahead. You can see it, just barely.”

In the distance, a faint flicker of blue fire danced atop a towering pyre of bones. It cast long, eerie shadows over the frozen expanse, its light unnervingly steady despite the cold wind that swept the field.

Freya hefted her axe. “Doesn’t look like much.”

John tightened his grip on his spear. “That flame’s been burning for centuries. Whatever’s guarding it isn’t going to let us just walk up and take it.”

As if on cue, a low, mournful wail rose from the battlefield, sending a chill down their spines. The snow around the pyre shifted, and skeletal remains began to stir. Shattered armor clinked against bone as the dead rose, spectral energy flickering in their hollow eyes.

Freya let out a low whistle. “Well, that answers that.”

Eirik nocked an arrow, his voice calm but firm. “We hold formation. Don’t let them surround us.”

John raised his spear, channeling his necromantic energy. The runes along its shaft glowed faintly. His four skeletons moved to flank him, forming a protective perimeter, while the champion stepped forward to take point. Its massive frame cut an imposing figure as it raised its greatsword, the frost-coated blade gleaming ominously.

John glanced at Freya and Eirik. “Let’s do this carefully. The champion’s tough, but it’s not invincible. We stick together.”

Freya smirked, her grip tightening on her axe. “Good thing I didn’t come here for invincible. I came here for a fight.”

Eirik sighed. “You’ll get one.”

The group advanced cautiously across the desolate battlefield, the flickering Soulflame casting eerie shadows that stretched across the frost-covered ground. As they drew closer to the towering pyre, a bone-chilling wind swept through, carrying the sound of clattering bones.

Suddenly, skeletal warriors began to emerge from the frozen ground, their glowing green eyes fixed on the intruders. Each carried weapons fashioned from bone or rusted iron, their movements unnervingly coordinated.

Freya hefted her axe, her muscles tensed. “Of course it had to be skeletons.”

Eirik drew an arrow, his voice steady despite the tension. “At least a dozen… No, more. They’re still coming.”

John tightened his grip on his spear, his mind racing as the skeletal soldiers formed a defensive line around the pyre. “They’re bound to the Soulflame,” he said grimly. “We’ll have to break through them to get to it.”

The skeletal warriors emitted an eerie, hollow wail before charging.

The desolate battlefield echoed with the clatter of bones as John and his companions fought their way toward the pyre. The Soulflame burned atop the mound of bones, its eerie glow illuminating the swarm of skeletal warriors rising from the frozen ground. The fight was chaotic, every swing of Freya’s axe and every shot from Eirik’s bow carving through the relentless tide of undead.

“Stay sharp!” John shouted, commanding his skeletons to form a defensive line. His skeletal champion led the charge, its greatsword cleaving through the attackers with calculated precision.

Freya decimated an approaching group of skeletal soldiers, her axe smashing through their brittle forms with sheer force. Eirik stayed back, loosing arrows into the thick of the horde, each shot finding its mark. John activated Gravebind, skeletal hands erupting from the ground to immobilize several enemies, buying them precious time.

The group was holding their ground, inching closer to the pyre when the air grew unnaturally cold. A shadow fell over the battlefield, and a menacing presence seemed to seep into the air.

From the darkness beyond the pyre, a figure emerged. Its form was barely human, cloaked in writhing shadows that coiled like living smoke. Its glowing red eyes fixed on John, a malevolent intelligence burning within.

“That’s no skeleton,” Freya said, her voice low and tense.

The shadowy figure raised a gnarled hand, dark energy swirling around it. Without warning, it unleashed a wave of force that sent one of John’s skeletons flying into a nearby boulder, shattering it to pieces.

John felt his heart seize as the figure turned its gaze to him. It moved with terrifying speed, closing the distance in a heartbeat. He raised his spear to defend himself, but the shadowy figure’s power overwhelmed him. A tendril of dark energy lashed out, striking him square in the chest and knocking him to the ground. His breath left him in a painful gasp as the world spun.

“John!” Freya’s voice cut through the chaos, but she was too far to intervene.

The shadow loomed over John, its hand raised for a killing blow. He scrambled to raise his spear again, but his movements were sluggish, his body weighed down by the oppressive energy radiating from the figure.

Before the shadow could strike, a blur of motion entered John’s vision. Eirik, his bow abandoned, threw himself between John and the shadow. The tendril meant for John slammed into Eirik, the force of the blow sending him sprawling.

“No!” John shouted, his voice raw with panic.

The shadow’s energy began to coil around Eirik, consuming him like black fire. He gritted his teeth, his face twisted in pain, but his voice remained steady. “John… protect the village. Don’t stop fighting.”

Freya screamed in rage, her axe carving a path through the remaining skeletal soldiers as she fought her way to Eirik. “No, damn it! Hold on, Eirik!”

But the shadow’s corruption moved too quickly. Eirik’s body convulsed, the dark energy seeping into his skin. His form became translucent, his features twisting into a faint, spectral image of the man he had been. With one final, shuddering breath, he collapsed, his body crumbling into ash that scattered on the wind.

Freya’s scream of fury echoed across the battlefield. She reached the shadowy figure just as it turned its attention back to John, her axe swinging with devastating power. The shadow recoiled, Freya’s weapon cleaving through its smoky form. With every swing, she drove it back, her movements fueled by grief and rage.

“Get the Soulflame!” she shouted at John, her voice hoarse. “I’ll hold it off!”

John forced himself to his feet, his chest still aching from the shadow’s earlier attack. His skeletal champion stood at his side, shielding him from a group of skeletal warriors attempting to flank him. With renewed determination, he directed his remaining skeletons to keep the path to the pyre clear.

Freya delivered a final, ferocious blow to the shadowy figure, driving it back into the darkness. It dissolved into nothingness, leaving only the eerie glow of the Soulflame in its wake. She fell to her knees, gripping her axe tightly as the weight of Eirik’s sacrifice crashed over her.

The battlefield fell silent, the last of the skeletal soldiers crumbling into heaps of bones. John reached the pyre, its flames flickering as if mourning the loss of their companion. The Soulflame’s light dimmed, its once-brilliant glow now muted and somber.

He turned to Freya, his voice heavy with guilt. “Eirik… I couldn’t…”

“Don’t,” she snapped, her voice trembling. “Don’t you dare blame yourself. He knew what he was doing. He saved you, and now you have to make it worth it.”

John nodded, his throat tight. He reached out and touched the Soulflame, its energy coursing through him. The flames whispered promises of power, but the cost of their victory lingered like a shadow over his soul.

The battlefield was silent except for the faint crackle of the Soulflame atop the pyre. John stood still, the weight of Eirik’s sacrifice pressing heavily on his chest. Around him, the skeletal remains of their enemies lay shattered, their fight finally over. Freya knelt beside the pile of ash that had been Eirik, her grip tight around the haft of her axe.

A familiar chime echoed in John’s mind, followed by the system interface flashing into view.

[QUEST COMPLETE: RETRIEVE THE SOULFLAME]

Objectives Completed:

* Reach the Pyre of the Soulflame ✔

* Defeat the Skeletal Guardians ✔

* Retrieve the Soulflame ✔

Rewards:

* Experience Gained: +2,200 XP

* Soulflame Acquired

* Rare Item: Shadow-Steel Dagger

* Rare Resource: Ethereal Ash (5 units)

Total Experience Gained: ….

Another chime followed, signaling an announcement John had grown to anticipate.

[LEVEL UP!]

Level: 5 → 6

Skill Points Gained: +3

Attribute Points Gained: +2

The rush of leveling filled John with a surge of strength, though it was bittersweet. He swiped the interface aside, his mind barely processing the rewards. He reached down, retrieving the Shadow-Steel Dagger from the pile of bones near the pyre. The blade was pitch black, its surface shimmering faintly as if reflecting unseen shadows. Its weight was balanced, its edge impossibly sharp.

Freya glanced at the dagger in his hands but said nothing, her face etched with grief and anger. John approached her cautiously, offering the blade. “He would have wanted you to have this.”

Freya stared at it for a long moment before finally accepting. “It’s fitting,” she muttered, her voice rough. She slid the blade into her belt alongside her axe.

Next, John turned to the pyre. The Soulflame pulsed faintly, its once-brilliant glow dimmed by the loss that had secured its retrieval. As he reached out, the flame shifted toward him, drawn to his presence. Its energy washed over him, seeping into his skin with a warmth that felt both comforting and alien.

The system acknowledged the artifact’s integration:

[SOULFLAME ACQUIRED]

Description: A primordial flame bound to the souls of the fallen. Grants the user enhanced necromantic power and the ability to channel the Soulflame into undead creations.

Special Ability Unlocked: Soulfire Infusion

* Imbue your minions with Soulfire, enhancing their combat prowess and granting immunity to standard purification spells.

Charges: 3 (Recharges after resting).

John let out a breath, his resolve hardening. The power of the Soulflame would be invaluable, but it came at an unimaginable price.

Loot and Preparations

John and Freya worked silently to gather what they could from the battlefield. Among the skeletal remains, they found additional spoils:

* Shadow-Steel Fragments (10 units): Lightweight but strong material, excellent for crafting.

* Bone Remnants (120 units): Salvaged from the skeletal soldiers, useful for future summons and upgrades.

* Tarnished Medallion: An ancient artifact etched with unfamiliar runes, faintly pulsing with dark energy.

Freya turned the medallion over in her hands. “Looks important,” she muttered. “Might be worth showing Bjorn when we get back.”

John nodded, storing the items in his pack. He unsummoned his remaining skeletons to conserve his mana, leaving only the skeletal champion to accompany them on the return journey. The champion stood vigilantly at his side, its glowing eyes scanning the horizon for any remaining threats.

“Let’s head back,” John said, his voice heavy with fatigue. “The village needs to know what happened here.”

Freya hesitated, her gaze lingering on the ash where Eirik had fallen. Finally, she stood, gripping her axe tightly. “He died protecting Frostholm. We’ll make sure his sacrifice wasn’t in vain.”

The two of them turned toward the distant silhouette of the village, the skeletal champion trailing silently behind. The flicker of the Soulflame in John’s grasp cast long shadows across the battlefield, a faint reminder of the power they had gained, and the cost it had exacted.