Kingdom Building Game: Starting Out With A Million Upgrade Points! - Chapter 129

Chapter 129: Wood Against Undead Part Two
The axe’s blade cleaved through the first mage’s ribcage, splitting it in two. Its tattered robes fluttered empty to the ground before its bones collapsed into dust.

Another raised its staff—Arkanos grabbed it with his free hand and ripped it from its grasp, snapping the ancient wood like a twig.

Then he drove his knee up into its chest.

CRACK!

The ribcage imploded, and the undead was sent hurtling backward, smashing against the dry, cracked fountain’s rim.

Two left.

They shrieked, retreating, frantically carving dark sigils in the air.

But Arkanos didn’t give them the chance.

He stomped.

BOOM!

A shockwave rippled from his foot, splintering the stone and calling forth roots from below.

The enchanted roots snaked up, coiling around the final two mages’ bony frames.

They struggled. Writhed. Screeched.

But Arkanos clenched his fist.

The vines tightened.

CRRRRK!

The skeletal forms collapsed inward, their bones crushed into dust as the vines squeezed the unholy life from them.

Silence fell for a moment.

Then—

A new presence emerged.

From the far side of the courtyard, past the wilted garden beds and fallen pillars, the mist stirred again.

A shadow loomed.

Heavy.

Massive.

And the ground trembled beneath its approach.

Meanwhile

In the grand chamber of the Sepulcher of the Forsaken…

A swirling emerald mist hovered, casting ghostly reflections against the obsidian walls. Seated upon a raised dais, Kamel reclined, his crimson eyes fixed upon the battlefield displayed within the fog’s depths.

There, in a tide of monstrous foes, Arkanos tore through them endlessly, each swing of his blade carving through flesh and bone with terrifying ease.

A slow smile spread across Kamel’s lips.

“Truly, a most magnificent display. Such prowess is to be expected of the vessel.”

Vakemore, draped in his tattered robes, bowed his head in agreement. “Indeed, my lord. His might is undeniable.”

Herald smirked. “It is rare to see such unwavering ferocity. Few men could match such skill in battle.”

Yet Kamel’s amusement dimmed, his eyes narrowing.

“And yet, I find this… unsatisfying.” His eyes displayed a look of mild irritation as Arkanos dispatched yet another wave of creatures with ease.

“He does not waver. He does not tire. This is no battle—it is but a mere exercise to him.”

Vakemore inclined his head. “He is formidable, but surely, even he must have limits.”

Kamel turned to him sharply. “Tell me, then. Are these truly the extent of the forces at our disposal? Is this the best we can muster?” He leaned forward. “Or do you yet possess greater instruments of war?”

Vakemore chuckled, the sound like the creaking of old wood. “But of course, my lord. There are always greater horrors to be unleashed.”

His bony fingers tapped against his staff. “Legends of bygone eras… warriors whose names once made kingdoms tremble. And among them, a dragon of old.”

Kamel’s laughter echoed through the chamber.

“A dragon, you say? And you let it slumber still?” He arched a brow. “Come now, Vakemore. If you possess such tools, I see no reason to delay their use.” His smirk deepened.

“Let us bring this charade to an end so we may return with his corpse and make the masters pleased.”

“You cowards!”

A sharp voice suddenly yelled from the shadows of the chamber.

The three turned, their gazes falling upon Kaela. Still bound, yet her blue eyes burned with rage. “Just look at all of you, hiding behind your pawns. Afraid to face him yourselves. Never in my life have I seen men act like utter children.”

Herald’s eyes darkened as he grew irritated. “You will hold your tongue, wretched woman!”

Kaela merely smirked. “What is the matter, Herald? Does your master lack the spine to—”

Her words cut off in an instant. That same unseen force gripped her throat, silencing her entirely.

Herald sighed, waving a hand dismissively. “Petulant creatures should know their place.”

Kamel, however, merely chuckled. “Herald, restrain yourself. There is little sport in damaging the prey before the hunt is complete.”

His gaze returned to the battlefield, his lips curling with cruel amusement.

“No, it would be far more fitting to break her before his very eyes.” He turned to Vakemore. “Set loose your champions. The dragon as well. And while they rend his flesh, I shall deepen the hold of my Vale’Deol spell, dulling his senses further.”

A wicked gleam shone in his eyes.

“And once he is brought to his knees, we shall strike the final blow—not with sword or spell, but with despair.” He gestured toward Kaela. “We shall end her life before him, shattering what little remains of his spirit.”

Vakemore bowed deeply. “A most exquisite strategy, my lord.”

Kamel let out a slow, mirthful laugh. But then—

A voice, cold as death itself, rang through the chamber.

“Fools eager to be sent to their graves.”

Silence fell. The mist swirled violently, as though disturbed by some unseen force.

Kamel’s amusement flickered—only for an instant. Then, his smirk returned, his gaze sharpening with interest.

“Oh?”

Arkanos had heard them, but it was unclear how, for this was scrying magic, not communication.

By that logic, he shouldn’t be able to hear them, let alone speak back.

Arkanos stood amidst the chaos, his emerald eyes gleaming with an unholy fire. His voice, cold and filled with absolute authority, echoed through the chamber.

“This I swear on my name….”

“Once I am done here, I’m coming for you, Herald—the fool who dared to betray me. I suggest you abandon any hope of a swift death because I will make sure your end is the most agonizing experience of your wretched existence.”

“As for the pathetic necromancer hiding behind his horde of rotting corpses, know this—your soul will find no rest, no afterlife, only an eternity of torment.”

“And as for the spineless wretch sitting there giving orders, you will be spared—only so you can crawl back to your masters and deliver a message. Tell them that Arkanos Bloodbane is coming for their heads.”

His words dripped with malice.

Meanwhile, Outside…

The earth trembled violently, deep fractures splitting across the battlefield as a deafening rumble filled the air. A moment later, an ancient colossus of stone and metal emerged, its form breaking free from the land itself. Towering into the sky, its sheer presence overshadowed the battlefield, its body layered with intricate golden runes that pulsed with boundless energy.

Arkanos stepped forward, his cape billowing from the surge of power in the air. He gazed up at the behemoth with an expression of grim satisfaction.

“Come forth, Sacred Eidolith—Emperor’s Avatar.”