The night air remained thick with residual energy, the echoes of Alexander's newfound power still humming through the construction site. Vasili stood before him, his new form a perfect embodiment of death's embrace—an assassin reborn in servitude to the Shadow Monarch. His once-human body was now a fusion of spectral darkness and solid armor, his silhouette slightly blurred at the edges as though he existed between two realms. The violet glow in his eyes pulsed with an eerie light, signifying his unwavering allegiance.
Alexander took a step forward, his boots crunching softly against the gravel. He studied Vasili, now more than just an adversary—he was a weapon, a force at his disposal. The knowledge that he could summon and command the dead left a lingering thrill in his chest. This was only the beginning.
A gust of wind carried the scent of steel and dust, rustling Alexander's coat as he turned his gaze toward the sprawling city below. The lights flickered like stars, a constellation of oblivious souls who had no idea that the shadows had begun to move.
He exhaled slowly, his breath misting in the cool night air. "Can you speak?" Alexander finally asked, breaking the silence.
Vasili, still kneeling, nodded once. "Yes, my king." His voice was different—deeper, colder, yet devoid of the arrogance and smugness he once possessed. It was as if his will had been entirely rewritten, molded by the abyss.
Alexander's eyes narrowed. "What do you remember?"
A brief pause. "I remember my skills, my training, my purpose." Vasili looked up, his glowing eyes piercing through the darkness. "But my past life… it no longer matters. Only you, my king, and your will."
A slow smirk formed on Alexander's lips. Absolute loyalty. The system had not lied. Vasili wasn't just a puppet; he was a sentient weapon. And he was the first of many.
Alexander turned back to the city. The world was vast, filled with those who thrived in darkness. Assassins, mercenaries, warlords—many who would one day fall before him. Each one a potential addition to his growing army.
But first, he needed to test Vasili. He needed to see the limits of this power.
"Stand," Alexander ordered.
Vasili obeyed instantly, rising in a smooth motion. His posture was rigid but fluid, every movement efficient, like a shadow in human form. The armor-like plating on his arms subtly shifted, adapting to his stance. He did not breathe, nor did his presence disturb the air—he was there, yet not there.
Alexander circled him, inspecting his creation. "Your speed, strength, and endurance—are they greater than before?"
Vasili inclined his head. "My body is no longer bound by human limitations. I am faster, stronger, and tireless. I exist only to serve you."
A calculating gleam flickered in Alexander's eyes. "Good. Then prove it."
He vanished in a blur of motion, testing Vasili's reflexes. The former assassin reacted instantly, his body twisting in perfect synchronization with Alexander's movement. A sharp clash echoed as Vasili blocked Alexander's sudden strike with the back of his forearm, absorbing the force without so much as a flinch.
The two stood locked for a moment, shadows swirling around them like an ominous storm. Then, Alexander grinned. "You're not bad."
Vasili did not respond—he simply awaited the next command.
Alexander stepped back, flexing his fingers. This was no ordinary minion. Vasili had retained all the instincts of a master assassin, yet now he moved beyond mortal constraints. This power… it was exhilarating.
"Follow," Alexander commanded before walking toward the building's edge. Vasili followed without hesitation, his presence silent but looming.
Alexander glanced at him and smirked. "Let's see what you can do."
With that, he leaped from the rooftop, descending toward the streets below.
Vasili followed effortlessly, his form melting into the night.
The world was about to learn what it meant to be ruled by shadows.
The Shadow Monarch had begun his reign.
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