Darkness. That was all there was. Nothing more, nothing less. Skalf was nothing but a mere insect to this world. He had lost everyone he loved. Everything seemed pointless.
Until he felt a strange sensation and slowly opened his glowing eyes.
"What... the..."
As his view gradually became clear, he saw that he was in a deep black world, full of nothingness. He tried to move but found he couldn't.
"What the hell..."
As more questions filled his mind, a chill ran down his spine as a booming voice called out to him.
"Ah... the chosen one has finally awakened."
A huge skeleton with red glowing eyes and massive teeth stood before him, wearing a long king-sized red robe and a huge dark crown. Skalf's eyes widened in pure shock and horror.
"...ah.... you are...."
"King Zarius?!"
King Zarius, the strongest skeleton king and ruler of the eastern part of the darkness world, had suddenly died in a brutal battle against the forces of light. His reign was one of power and fear, and his death had left a void in the world of darkness.
King Zarius laughed, his dark chuckle echoing through the endless space. "Ha! I knew my children would not forget about me!"
Skalf stared in disbelief. The legendary king who had once united the dark lands under his rule stood before him. Zarius had been a symbol of strength and defiance, a beacon of hope for those who embraced the darkness. His death had been a devastating blow, and his sudden reappearance filled Skalf with a mix of awe and confusion.
"Why... why am I here?" Skalf managed to ask, his voice trembling.
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King Zarius's eyes gleamed with an intense light. "You have been chosen, Skalf. Chosen to carry on the legacy of darkness, to wield the power that once flowed through my bones. The world of light seeks to extinguish us, but with you, we can strike back."
Skalf felt a surge of energy coursing through him. "Chosen? But I'm just a soldier. I couldn't even protect my friends..."
"Strength is not measured by individual battles," Zarius interrupted, his voice firm. "It is measured by the will to continue, to fight on even when all seems lost. You have that will, Skalf. And now, you have my power."
Skalf felt an overwhelming mix of emotions—grief for his fallen comrades, fear of the unknown, and a burgeoning sense of purpose. He clenched his bony fists, the determination in his glowing eyes growing stronger.
"What must I do?" Skalf asked, his voice steadying.
"The sword that pierced your soul now carries my blood," Zarius said. "You will avenge me and everyone."
Skalf stood silent, this was quite the bland response coming from him. "T-that's it..?!"
Zarius stood silent and nodded. "It is, my child."
Skalf looked at the king with suspicion. "Why... why do I feel like you want more than that?"
Zarius chuckled and approached him, towering over him. "What makes you say that, child?"
Skalf narrowed his eyes, gathering his courage. "Because you are King Zarius, the legendary ruler who never acted without a grand plan. A mere act of vengeance seems too simplistic for someone like you. What else do you seek?"
King Zarius's laughter echoed through the void. "Clever, Skalf. You are indeed perceptive. Vengeance is only the beginning. To truly bring balance to our world, you must face and destroy the Seven Angel Kings. They are the ones who brought light into our realm, the ones who shattered our darkness."
"The Seven Angel Kings?" Skalf echoed, a shiver running through his bones.
"Yes," Zarius continued. "They are powerful beings who rule over the world of light. Each of them holds immense power, and their destruction is necessary to restore the darkness and free our people from their tyranny."
Skalf felt the weight of the task pressing down on him. "Where do I start?" he asked, determination in his voice.
"You must go to Bindwill first," Zarius instructed. "There, you will find the witch, Maure. She holds the knowledge and power you will need to begin your quest."
Skalf nodded, absorbing the information. "Bindwill Town and Maure... I'll find them."
Zarius's eyes gleamed with approval. "Good. Remember, Skalf...You are nothing if you are not the dominator...Take down everything in your path."
With those final words, the darkness around Skalf began to shift, and he felt himself being pulled back to the world of the living. The journey ahead was fraught with danger, but he was ready. The legacy of the Skeleton King rested on his shoulders, and he would not fail.