Silence.
No one moved.
The cold air itself seemed to freeze as the undead knight's words echoed across the Ancient Necropolis.
"...Whether you have come as his successor..."
"...or as his enemy."
Every soldier tightened their grip on their weapon.
Ben shifted half a step in front of Sam.
"If this is a trap..."
"We'll cut our way out."
Dennis gave a small nod.
"My men are ready."
Sam never took his eyes off the knight.
Inside his mind...
Rex spoke.
Commander...
No hostile intent detected.
Sam frowned.
"Can you be certain?"
Eighty-seven percent certainty.
Recommendation: Continue communication.
Sam slowly removed his hand from the hilt of his sword.
The undead knight watched him in silence.
"You still haven't told me your name."
For the first time...
The knight placed a fist against his chest.
"I am Aldric."
"First Marshal of the Ancient Necropolis."
"My duty..."
"...is to guard the gates until my King's command is fulfilled."
George whispered under his breath.
"So they even have ranks..."
Leon nodded.
"This really was a kingdom."
Sam looked past Aldric.
Beyond him...
Thousands of undead stood motionless between the dead trees.
Skeletons clad in ancient armor.
Zombie warriors carrying battered shields.
Ghostly mages with blue flames burning inside empty hoods.
Towering skeletal beasts that stood as tall as houses.
None of them moved.
None of them even looked away.
They were waiting.
Waiting for a single command.
Sam met Aldric's burning blue gaze.
"You said your King has been waiting for me."
"Why?"
Aldric remained silent for several moments.
Then he answered.
"Only the King may reveal that truth."
Another uneasy silence followed.
Ben leaned toward Sam.
"I don't like this."
"It feels too easy."
"I know," Sam replied.
"That's what worries me."
Aldric slowly turned.
"The King has extended his invitation."
"He will receive only the Commander."
"The rest shall remain under my protection."
The moment those words left his mouth...
Ben stepped forward.
"No."
"If the Commander goes..."
"We go."
Dennis nodded in agreement.
"I won't let an ally walk into the unknown alone."
A faint blue light flickered inside Aldric's helmet.
"The King's command is absolute."
"No army."
"No generals."
"No companions."
"He will meet only the one who commands death."
Those final words caused Rex to speak again.
Commander...
Analysis complete.
Sam's eyes narrowed.
"What is it?"
The title 'Commander of Death' does not exist within your current status.
However...
Multiple soul signatures within the Necropolis are reacting to your Necromancer Class.
Probability...
The Eternal King has sensed your Class since you entered his domain.
Sam's expression became serious.
"So..."
"He isn't waiting for the Commander of Base 101."
"He was waiting for a Necromancer."
Affirmative.
Sam looked back at his companions.
Ben's face was filled with concern.
Zora looked uneasy.
Kael rested his Frost Spear against his shoulder, ready to fight at a moment's notice.
George folded his arms.
"Whatever you decide..."
"We'll back you."
Sam smiled.
"I know."
He turned toward Aldric.
"I'll meet your King."
Ben immediately objected.
"Commander—"
Sam raised a hand.
"If something feels wrong..."
"You'll know what to do."
Ben clenched his jaw.
"...We'll come for you."
Aldric stepped aside.
The endless ranks of undead parted in perfect unison.
A road of ancient stone slowly revealed itself, stretching deep into the heart of the Ancient Necropolis.
At the end of that road...
Barely visible through the gray mist...
Stood a colossal black castle.
Its towering spires pierced the heavens.
Blue soul flames burned atop its walls.
It looked less like a fortress...
And more like the resting place of a forgotten king.
Aldric bowed once more.
"The Eternal King awaits."
Sam took his first step onto the ancient road.
Behind him...
Thousands of undead watched in complete silence.
Ahead...
A King waited.