My knight steps forward to meet me in front of my stage and falls to a knee. I want to rebuke him and tell him to be standing, but something about this feels right. Ceremonial, in a sense.

I don’t know why I saved him for last, actually. But I had a feeling it would be for the best.

Siegfried. You have done well. Let’s see you rewarded for your efforts.

Status

Name: Siegfried

Class: Animated Bulwark

Level: 16

Creature Type: Animated Mannequin

Skills:

Active:

Passive:

Summon Shield - Level 8

Iron Skin - Level 13

Vow of Protection - Level 7

A Knight’s Spirit - Level 5

Boss Promotion available.

A new skill, massively increased values. But that final line is what drives home the magnitude of his deeds.

Boss.

What does it entail?

I do not know.

It is a function that was unlocked at level 20. Evidently, it has to be important. I know with every fiber of my being that this promises power and, more importantly, responsibility.

The author's content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

I would not choose another to bear it.

Boss Promotion applied.

Status adjusted.

Special Evolution conditions fulfilled.

Special Evolution commencing.

Amidst the watchful eyes of most of my monsters that gathered in the stage hall, Siegfried is cocooned in light. The essence swirls around him, and an air of anticipation falls over the hall as another notification takes up my view.

Choose Animated Mannequin Template Evolution:

Animated Statue

Animated Armor

Wood Construct

Siegfrieds will is evident, and I have no reason to deny him.

Animated Armor Selected.

The quality and, for lack of other words, “taste” of the essence surrounding the form of Siegfried changes. There is another swirl, and another notification.

Choose Animated Bulwark Class Evolution:

Animated Iron Guard

Animated Bulwark Knight

Knight of the Curtain

I would love to take the time to really ponder these choices, but careful consideration matters little to the clear desire that emanates out from before me.

Fine, fine.

Of course we will pick it.

Knight of the Curtain Selected.

Once more, the cocoon changes, slimming down until it reaches a humanoid shape of roughly the same size as Porthos, until the light solidifies and then shatters into a myriad of solid fragments that quickly break down into motes before vanishing completely.

The remnants of the cocoon bleed away from reality to reveal a new Siegfried.

The same armor he once wore now shines with a silvery gleam. A red cape is draped across one shoulder, fastened to the pauldron and neckguard and falls down trailing his frame about halfway down, where it peters out into a golden trim reminiscent of the stage curtain he stands in front of.

Where before an almost metallic humanoid figure without detailed features would be inside the armor, it now floats empty, the darkness of the helmet's interior somewhat ominous as his head turns to take in his surroundings once again.

First Floor Boss appointed.

Siegfried, Grand Drape of the Curtain Knights