The Genesis Of A Necromancer - Chapter 80

Chapter 80: Arising storm
The tension in the air was palpable, thick enough to suffocate. Jack’s thoughts spiraled as the weight of their situation pressed down on him like an iron vice. His years—precious, fleeting years—had been cut short. And by a lot.

‘It’s like everything is being fast-forwarded. How did it all come to this in so little time?’ Jack’s fists clenched, his nails biting into his palms. Cold sweat dripped down his face, tracing the sharp lines of his jaw. ‘Could just a few tweaks in time change this much? If I don’t grow stronger—quickly—what chance do I have against the likes of Haraus? If I can’t even stand against Alogra now, then Haraus… no, that thing isn’t an angel. He’s a demon. The book made it clear enough.’

Jack swallowed hard, his mouth dry as bone. The memory of Asriel’s final words floated back to him, unbidden.

‘A beautiful demon.’ The description of Haraus was vivid in his mind, a chilling echo from the pages he had once read. Jack didn’t need to see him to feel the terror that name carried. He already knew.

‘No,’ Jack thought, shaking his head in defiance. ‘I can’t afford to die again. A second death… it’s not an option. Not even slightly.’

Fear coiled tightly in his chest, but beneath it, a fierce determination began to burn. He couldn’t fail. He wouldn’t. ‘I have to try. I have to become stronger. With everything I have.’

The thought was both a mantra and a prayer as he wiped his hands on his cloak, trying to rid them of the sweat. His azure eyes burned with resolve, though the fear lurking in their depths was impossible to miss.

In the oppressive silence of the cavern, Gale’s voice broke through, strained and weary. “I’ve bought us some time,” he said, his breath labored. The golden ichor that dripped from his side was a stark contrast to the dark, damp walls around them. It had painted the floor and walls long before Jack arrived.

“I don’t know how long it will last,” Gale continued, his voice tinged with an edge of desperation. “I took the keys to the second gate of the heavens. Hubris won’t come in five years as planned—perhaps longer. But Haraus will be searching for me. And the moment he finds me…” He let the unspoken truth linger in the air. It was a grim reality they could all feel. “Within this window, we must prepare for the worst.”

The angel’s majestic form seemed smaller now, his radiant wings drooping with exhaustion. Jack took in the sight, the dried streaks of golden blood, the tremble in Gale’s once steady voice, and the faint sheen of sweat on his brow. The reality of Gale’s impending demise was undeniable.

‘It doesn’t seem like he’ll survive this,’ Jack thought coldly, his logical mind already weighing their options.

Alisha’s voice, filled with worry, cut through his thoughts. “But Lord Gale, how can you possibly search for the *Chapters of Time* in this state? You’re barely holding on. If the ruler of this realm finds you—no, if anyone senses your presence—you’ll never escape. They won’t let your soul rest. You’ll be hunted to the ends of the planes.”

Gale nodded, his golden eyes dull with acceptance. “True. My time is running out. The wound Haraus inflicted… it is beyond my ability to heal. But even so, I will not falter. My death is inevitable, but I will do what I can while I still breathe.” He paused, glancing at the blood that continued to seep from his side. “When I die, my soul will disperse. Whether it returns to Lord Olion is… uncertain.”

The admission hung in the air, heavy with unspoken fears.

Jack stepped forward, his measured movements drawing the attention of everyone in the room. His expression was calm, but his mind was anything but. Ideas churned, strategies formed, and one thought came to the forefront.

“Gale,” Jack called, his voice steady and commanding, a stark contrast to the chaos of his thoughts. All eyes turned to him. His azure gaze burned like a storm, and though his tone was calm, it carried an edge that demanded attention. “I have a proposal. A request, if you will.”

Gale’s head tilted slightly, the faintest flicker of curiosity in his golden eyes. “What is it you ask of me, Lord’s incarnate?”

Jack paused, letting the weight of his words sink in before speaking. A slow, deliberate grin spread across his face, one that was equal parts daring and ruthless.

“Can you die for me?”

The cavern erupted in chaos.

“Such insolence!” Nephris hissed, her glowing form buzzing with fury. “You dare mock Lord Gale?!”

Alisha’s runes flared to life, casting an eerie glow as her power surged. “How dare you! You’re no better than the demons you claim to despise!” Her voice was sharp, cutting through the cavern’s stillness like a blade.

But Jack stood firm, his grin unwavering. “I’m not asking,” he said, his voice low but brimming with conviction. “He has to do it.”

Gale remained silent, his face unreadable as he studied Jack.

Jack’s eyes hardened, his voice rising to cut through the tension. “You won’t survive a week. You know that as well as I do. And even if you die, your warnings will mean nothing. The humans will fall. None of them stand a chance against Haraus—not without help. But if you give me your soul, I can change that.”

Alisha gasped. “What nonsense are you spouting?!” Her hands clenched into fists, sparks of energy crackling around her. “You dare suggest he—”

“Enough!” Gale’s voice, though weak, carried an authority that silenced them all. His golden eyes bore into Jack, weighing his words. “You speak boldly, incarnate. Tell me… how would my soul aid you?”

Jack met his gaze unflinchingly. “Because I’m the incarnate of the Lord of the Dead. You know what that means. With your soul, I can harness more of his power. I’m not a full demon, and unlike them, I’ll use that power to protect humanity. You said it yourself—you’re running out of time. This is your best chance to ensure the humans survive.”

Gale’s expression didn’t waver, but the weight of Jack’s argument was undeniable. Silence stretched between them as Gale considered his words.

Nephris hovered closer, her voice trembling. “Lord Gale, you can’t possibly—”

“Quiet, Nephris,” Gale interrupted, his tone soft but firm. He turned his gaze back to Jack. “If I were to agree… how can I trust that you’ll keep your word? That you won’t use my power for your own gain?”

Jack’s grin widened, a glint of dark amusement in his eyes. “Trust? In case you haven’t noticed, we’re not exactly in a position to bargain over trust. Either we take this chance, or we prepare to die.”

Gale closed his eyes, exhaling slowly. When he opened them again, there was a calm resolve in his gaze. “Very well. Do as you must.”

“Lord Gale!” Alisha’s voice cracked with desperation, her runes dimming as she sank to her knees.

Nephris hovered silently, her light dim, her form trembling.

Jack stepped forward, his heart pounding in his chest as the system’s notification flared before him.

[First Order Angel Detected]

[Soul Essence: 100,000,000]

[System Bonus: ????]

The numbers danced before his eyes, each zero a tantalizing promise of power. Jack’s grin widened. ‘So many zeroes…’

Gale’s voice echoed softly in divine tongue, his final words meant only for Nephris. ~If he falters, unleash your command

Jack didn’t care for their secret exchange. He had one focus. One goal. Power. And he was going to take it.

But after much consideration, there was a bit change in his plans.

With a wicked gleam in his eye, he uttered the command.

“Corruption!”