The Adamantis II and Jax’s corvette cruised through a bustling sector of the galaxy. Merchant fleets, hauling ships, and mining vessels dotted the space around them, creating a vibrant and busy atmosphere. The presence of pirates was minimal, as larger factions seemed to have a firm grip on this region, maintaining order and safety.

Vermond: "This galaxy is lively. It’s a nice change from the chaos we’ve been through."

Kiah: "True. It’s almost peaceful, in a way."

Krisha: "Let’s enjoy it while we can. Who knows how long it will last?"

As they floated through space, Vermond decided it was time for them to take a break. They had been pushing hard, and a few hours of rest and relaxation would do them good.

Vermond: "Alright, everyone. Take a few hours to rest and do whatever you like. We’ve earned it."

Kiah and Krisha settled in the mess hall, enjoying some of their preserved food and sharing stories. Jax, in his corvette nearby, took the opportunity to get some much-needed sleep.

Meanwhile, Vermond found a quiet spot on the Adamantis II to practice his abilities. He focused on summoning the fighter ship, bringing it into existence and then dismissing it repeatedly. As he honed his skills, Darkness interrupted his thoughts.

Darkness: "Vermond, you should also try summoning ground allies. Visualize them in as much detail as you can."

Vermond took a deep breath and concentrated. He imagined a cute girl in an advanced combat suit, holding the glowing orb. He pictured every detail, from her facial features to the design of her armor. When he felt ready, he whispered the word.

Vermond: "Awaken."

In an instant, a cute, sexy girl in a combat suit appeared before him. Vermond's nose bled from the shock, and he stared in disbelief.

Vermond: "Darkness, can this... being think like a human?"

Darkness: "No, not in its current form. You need to refine your visualization. Focus on creating a true ally."

Vermond took Darkness’s advice to heart and tried several more times, each time improving his focus and clarity. Finally, after several attempts, he succeeded. The orb glowed intensely and then was absorbed into Vermond's body, merging with him. He felt a rush of power and a deep connection to the orb’s energy.

Vermond: "What just happened?"

Darkness: "The orb has successfully connected to your body. Now your power will grow stronger the more death you witness. The dead beings within your sight and feel will fuel your abilities."

Vermond nodded, understanding the gravity of this new development. His powers were evolving, and he knew he had to be careful with this newfound strength.

Vermond: "I know what I need to do now."

As the hours passed, the crew enjoyed their break. Kiah and Krisha finished their meal and shared a quiet moment, reflecting on their journey so far. Jax, well-rested, emerged from his corvette, ready to continue their mission.

Kiah: "Ready to get back to it?"

Krisha: "Definitely. We’ve got a lot ahead of us."

Jax: "Let’s make the most of this calm before the next."

Vermond: "Alright, everyone. Let’s get moving. We’ve got a long way to go."

The Adamantis II and Jax’s corvette set off once more, navigating the busy galaxy with precision and caution. Vermond's mind was filled with thoughts of their mission, their enemies, and the power he now held. He knew that with each passing day, he was getting closer to understanding and mastering his abilities. the Adamantis II journeyed through the vastness of space, Vermond focused on honing his newfound abilities. With each passing day, he grew more confident in his powers. He summoned two human-like beings clad in advanced combat armor, each holding a sleek, futuristic gun.

Darkness: "Your progress is remarkable, Vermond. These creations are formidable."

Vermond smiled, but his concentration was broken by Kiah and Krisha's startled shouts.

Kiah: "Who are they? How did they get on the ship?"

Krisha: "Are we under attack?"

Vermond quickly reassured them.

Vermond: "No, it’s alright. These are my creations. They’re here to help us."

The guards, though silent, responded to questions with simple human-like gestures. This calmed Kiah and Krisha, though they were still uneasy.

Days passed, and they finally arrived at a remote planet called Ramenn. A massive fleet and space station patrolled the planet. As their frigate descended, Vermond was awestruck by the sight of tall buildings, bustling streets, and a myriad of people and vehicles.

Vermond: "This place is incredible. I’ve never seen a city this big before."

Krisha: "Be careful, Vermond. The city is full of rich people, and that can mean trouble for us."

Determined to blend in and avoid unwanted attention, Vermond imagined a sleek, badass combat uniform for himself and his guards. He also provided similar uniforms for Kiah, Krisha, and Jax. They looked like they belonged to a powerful faction, but in reality, they were just salvagers. As they walked through the bustling streets, they drew curious glances, especially because of their imposing guards. The atmosphere was electric with the buzz of city life, but Vermond felt a strange unease.

Darkness: "The orb inside you is consuming a lot of souls in this area. It seems they are coming from the underground."

Vermond felt a chill run down his spine. He quickly informed his friends.

Vermond: "We need to be ready. There’s something going on underground. Prepare your weapons."

The group made their way to an entrance leading below the city, Vermond's two guards flanking them. The deeper they went, the heavier the air felt. Vermond sensed an overwhelming presence of suffering and death.

They stumbled upon a horrific scene, countless slaves, chained and broken, toiling away in dark squalid conditions. Vermond's heart ached at the sight.

Vermond: "This is cruel. We have to do something."

Suddenly, they were surrounded by a group of armed men. A sinister figure stepped forward, smirking.

Man: "My boss won’t be happy to see a big faction poking around here. Kill them."

As the men raised their weapons, Vermond shouted with resolve.

Vermond: "Awaken!"

In an instant, twenty soldiers materialized around Vermond, each clad in advanced combat suits and armed with powerful weapons. Bullets and energy blasts rained down on them, but the soldiers shield activated that blocked every bullets and energy blasts going trough them, causing their attackers to panic.

Vermond: "Take them down."

His units moved with lethal precision, cutting through the attackers with ease. The underground lair was filled with screams and chaos as Vermond's creations annihilated their enemies. The brutality of the scene was a stark reminder of the cruelty of their world, but Vermond felt a grim satisfaction in freeing the slaves and vanquishing their captors.

As the dust settled, Vermond turned to his friends.

Vermond: "We’ve got to get these people out of here and figure out what’s really going on. This city holds more secrets than we thought."

Vermond and his team stood in the underground cavern, surrounded by liberated slaves and his twenty-two ground units. As they emerged from the depths, they were met by a formidable sight, rows of city soldiers, guns trained on them. The tension in the air was palpable.

Vermond: "Seems like we're not welcomed."

Without warning, the soldiers opened fire. However, Vermond's troops activated their shields, absorbing the barrage effortlessly. As a military corvette approached, Krisha's voice broke through the chaos.

Krisha: "How are we supposed to get out of here? And the slaves..."

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

Vermond struggled to find a solution. Desperation gnawed at him until Darkness's voice echoed in his mind.

Darkness: "Vermond, you cannot let anyone see your power. You must refrain from using it."

Vermond: "Then what are we going to do? Should we just surrender here?"

In a flash of inspiration, Vermond formulated a daring plan. He turned inward, communicating with Darkness.

Vermond: "What do you look like?"

Darkness hesitated, then reluctantly described his form. Vermond closed his eyes, imagining a colossal metallic humanoid machine, drawing on every detail Darkness had provided.

Darkness: "Vermond, don't! Summoning such a thing could cost you your life!"

But it was too late. Vermond had already spoken the word of power.

Vermond: "Awaken."

The ground beneath them trembled violently. Panic swept through the city as a colossal metallic humanoid machine appeared in the sky, towering above everything. The planet's fleet launched a furious attack, but their weapons were useless against the giant. Chaos reigned as people fled in terror.

Vermond's vision blurred, his body weakening. The strain was too much. He collapsed, fainting as Krisha and the others watched in horror.

Days passed before Vermond woke up in his frigate, surrounded by Krisha, Kiah, and Jax. They sighed in relief, seeing him regain consciousness.

Vermond: "What happened?"

Krisha: "After you summoned that colossal giant, everything went crazy. The planet's defenses were no match. When we left the planet, the giant vanished."

Vermond tried to move but felt an overwhelming fatigue. Darkness's voice returned, filled with a grave seriousness.

Darkness: "You almost didn’t make it, Vermond. You survived by sheer luck."

Vermond: "What happened to the slaves we were trying to save?"

A heavy silence followed before Darkness responded.

Darkness: "They did not make it."

Vermond's heart sank. Anger and sorrow mingled within him, a storm of emotions brewing.

Vermond: "Humanity is even crueler than I thought."

His words hung in the air, a somber reminder of the harsh reality they faced. Despite their powers and intentions, they were not invincible. The world was a brutal place, and their journey was fraught with peril. But Vermond knew they couldn’t give up. They had to keep fighting, not just for survival, but for a chance to make a difference.

Days passed, and Vermond remained immobilized. Frustration gnawed at him, and he called out to Darkness for advice.

Vermond: "Darkness, how can I regain my strength?"

Darkness: "You need a lot of souls to absorb."

Hours turned into days. Krisha was the one helping Vermond eat and drink, her care unwavering. Jax followed closely in his corvette, and Kiah operated the Adamantis II, ensuring their journey continued smoothly.

Despite their efforts, Vermond's condition showed no improvement. Desperation drove him to seek another solution. One day, he called upon Darkness again.

Vermond: "Darkness, is it possible for me to absorb souls even if their bodies are gone?"

Darkness: "Yes, you can. The essence of a soul lingers long after the physical body has perished. If you can find a place saturated with lingering souls, you could absorb them to regain your strength."

With hope, Vermond called Kiah and explained the plan.

Vermond: "Kiah, we need to go to the site of the old Galactic War. There should be plenty of lingering souls there."

Kiah nodded and set their course to the designated location. As they approached the war-torn remnants of the battlefield, Vermond's orb began to react. The closer they got, the heavier the sensation grew.

Vermond: "Darkness, I can feel it. The orb inside me is reacting more strongly than ever."

Darkness: "Good. The energy of countless souls lies here, waiting to be absorbed. Let the orb do its work."

The Adamantis II descended into the heart of the ancient battlefield. The debris of countless ships and the remnants of once-mighty fleets littered the area, a grim testament to the carnage that had unfolded here.

As the orb inside Vermond began to absorb the lingering souls, he felt a powerful surge coursing through his body. It was as if a dam had broken, flooding him with raw energy. His body began to change, evolving with each soul absorbed. The sensation was overwhelming, a mix of pain and euphoria.

Darkness: "Your body is adapting. Embrace the power, Vermond. Let it transform you."

Vermond felt his strength returning, his limbs regaining their mobility. The orb within him pulsed with an intense glow, radiating a powerful aura. He stood up, feeling more powerful than ever before.

Vermond: "I can move again. I feel... incredible."

Krisha, Kiah, and Jax watched in awe as Vermond's transformation completed. He looked different, stronger, more resilient, his presence exuding an air of formidable power.

Krisha: "Vermond, you’re... you’re back."

Kiah: "And you look stronger than ever. What happened?"

Vermond: "I absorbed the souls from this battlefield. It’s given me the strength I needed."

Krisha: "Then we should use this power wisely. The galaxy is still a dangerous place."

Vermond nodded, determination burning in his eyes.

Vermond: "We will. This power isn't just for us. It's for those we need to protect and those who can't protect themselves."

Vermond and his crew decided to stay at the ancient battlefield for a while longer, giving Vermond time to absorb as many souls as he could. Kiah ventured over to Jax's corvette, planning to explore the old wrecks for any salvageable resources. Meanwhile, Krisha kept a watchful eye on Vermond as he continued the absorption process, standing guard and ensuring nothing disturbed him.

Darkness: "You’re doing well, Vermond. But remember, fresher souls hold more power."

Vermond: "I'm using this power to protect, Darkness, not to harm."

Hours passed as Vermond absorbed the souls, feeling his strength grow with each one. Once he finished, Darkness revealed the next phase of Vermond's abilities.

Darkness: "You now have the power to transform your ship according to your imagination. But be cautious. Creating something too large too quickly could harm you, as it did on the planet."

Vermond recalled the tales his father used to tell him about grand battleships. He focused his mind, picturing every detail of a formidable warship.

Vermond: "Awaken."

The Adamantis II began to glow, its structure shifting and expanding. When the light faded, it had transformed into a massive battleship, capable of docking both corvettes and fighters. Just as the transformation completed, Jax and Kiah returned from their salvage mission.

Kiah: "What in the galaxy...?"

Jax: "Is that... our frigate?"

Krisha: "Vermond, what did you do?"

Vermond: "I transformed our ship. We’re now the proud owners of a battleship."

Excitement filled the air as they explored their new vessel. Darkness's voice echoed in Vermond's mind, a rare tone of approval evident.

Darkness: "Well done, Vermond. But remember, you need a capable crew to run this ship."

Vermond closed his eyes and imagined a crew skilled in every necessary field, a crew that could protect and operate the battleship efficiently.

Vermond: "Awaken."

In an instant, six figures appeared before them, two engineers, one for the weapon system, one navigator, and two guards. They looked human but bore a subtle, otherworldly aura.

Engineer 1: "What are your orders, Captain?"

Engineer 2: "The ship is in optimal condition."

Navigator: "Course plotted and ready, sir."

Weapons Specialist: "All systems green and functional."

Guard 1: "Security detail in place."

Guard 2: "Awaiting further instructions."

Krisha, Kiah, and Jax were stunned. Darkness explained the significance of Vermond's new ability.

Darkness: "The more souls you absorb, the more powerful you become. Use this power wisely, Vermond."

Vermond: "We have the power, the ship, and the crew. Let’s use them to make a difference."

The newly transformed battleship glided through space with an elegance that belied its formidable power. Vermond stood on the bridge, feeling a profound sense of accomplishment and responsibility. He was now the captain of a vessel that surpassed even his father's wildest dreams. The crew, though newly summoned, operated the ship with the precision and skill of seasoned veterans.

Vermond: "Set a course for the Kepler Expanse. We've heard rumors of valuable resources there."

Navigator: "Aye, Captain. Course plotted. Estimated time of arrival: six hours."

Vermond nodded, turning to his crew. Each member was busy at their stations, ensuring the smooth operation of the battleship. Kiah and Krisha were discussing potential trading opportunities and strategies, while Jax was in his corvette, maintaining a close formation with the Adamantis II.

As the journey progressed, Vermond found moments of solitude to practice his powers. He summoned and dismissed small objects, working on his precision and control. Darkness watched with a critical eye, offering guidance and insights when necessary.

One evening, as the ship hummed with the quiet efficiency of a well-oiled machine, Darkness decided to share a story with Vermond. A tale from a time long forgotten, about the previous owner of the power Vermond now wielded.

Darkness: "Vermond, it's time you learned about the one who came before you. His name was Vorath, and his story is a dark chapter in the annals of the universe."

Vermond settled into his chair, listening intently as Darkness began to weave the tale.

Vorath was a man of humble beginnings, born on a backwater planet where survival was a daily struggle. Orphaned at a young age, he learned to fend for himself in the harshest of conditions. Despite his circumstances, he possessed an unyielding determination and a thirst for knowledge.

One fateful day, while scavenging in the ruins of an ancient city, Vorath stumbled upon an artifact much like the orb Vermond now carried. The moment he touched it, his life was irrevocably changed. Darkness, the entity now bound to Vermond, offered Vorath the same power and the same warning.

Vorath embraced the power eagerly, seeing it as a means to rise above his lot in life. He imagined grand fortresses, powerful weapons, and armies of loyal soldiers. His creations were fearsome, but his heart grew darker with each soul he absorbed. Power corrupted his once noble intentions.

Vorath's rise was swift and brutal. He became a warlord, his name feared across galaxies. But with great power came great enemies. The more he wielded his abilities, the more his humanity slipped away. He became obsessed with dominance, willing to sacrifice anything and anyone for more power.

In the final days of his reign, Vorath's stronghold was besieged by a coalition of those he had wronged. Desperate and cornered, he unleashed his full might, summoning colossal machines of war and monstrous beings. The battle was fierce, but even his immense power could not save him.

In a tragic twist, Vorath's final act was an attempt to summon a weapon of unimaginable destruction. As he spoke the words to awaken it, his body, weakened by countless battles and the toll of his power, failed him. The weapon turned on him, and in a catastrophic explosion, his fortress was obliterated, taking countless lives with it.

Darkness absorbed the souls of the fallen, including Vorath's, and lay dormant, waiting for the next worthy wielder.

Vermond sat in stunned silence as Darkness concluded the tale. The weight of his power felt heavier than ever.

Vermond: "Vorath... did he truly lose everything?"

Darkness: "Yes, Vermond. He lost himself to the power he sought to control. His story is a cautionary tale. Use your power wisely, for the line between protector and tyrant is thin."

Vermond felt a mix of emotions, anger at Vorath's cruelty, sadness for his downfall, and a renewed determination to forge his own path. He would not let the power consume him. He would honor the lives lost by using his abilities to protect and uplift.

The battleship continued its journey through the stars in the vast expanse of space. Vermond, with the lessons of the past guiding him, vowed to lead with wisdom and compassion, ensuring that his legacy would be one of light, not darkness.

Krisha: "Vermond, we're approaching the Kepler Expanse. Shall we prepare for descent?"

Vermond: "Yes, prepare the ship. Let's see what this new world has to offer."

The battleship began its descent, the crew ready for whatever awaited them in the Kepler Expanse. Vermond stood at the helm, a captain forged by the trials of the past and the promise of the future.