Chapter 11: The Eagle Watches
The wind howled gently over the small village nestled between forest and stone, where the trees whispered secrets to those who listened. Perched high atop the crooked roof of the family home, an eagle stared down with unblinking golden eyes. It was not ordinary. It was watching him.
Ray sat cross-legged on the old wooden floor of his attic room, lit by thin rays of morning sun sneaking through cracked windows. His hand rested on the warm fur of the wolf cub beside him, now a full month old—stronger, sharper, but still loyal. On the other side sat Bone, his first skeleton, patiently unmoving unless ordered.
> "System," Ray whispered, "What is that eagle?"
[SYSTEM 15: That? Surveillance construct. Minor. Low-tier. God's eye watching from above.]
Ray blinked. "A… god's eye?"
[SYSTEM 15: You think he gifted you this Domain and walked away? Ha. Cute. You're still under probation.]
He sighed. The eagle remained. Still. Waiting. Judging.
Ray stood and stretched. His bones cracked — still a child's body, but slowly growing into something more. Today wasn't about magic or training. Today, he decided, was about learning the world.
---
Village Walk
He walked down the narrow path leading to the village square. The morning mist was soft around his ankles, and villagers bustled around — cleaning, chopping wood, leading goats. He passed the blacksmith, who grunted a rare "morning" to him, and the baker's wife, who slipped him a warm sweet bun with a wink.
"Thank you," Ray said politely, already chewing.
He met Mila, a red-haired girl about his age, chasing chickens. She stopped when she saw him.
"You're the dead boy, right?"
Ray blinked.
"…Excuse me?"
"Dead boy. They say your eyes glow when no one's looking. That you whisper to bones and sleep with monsters."
Ray grinned. "They forgot to mention I eat little girls for breakfast."
She narrowed her eyes. "That's dumb."
He laughed. So did she.
A new friendship was born.
---
A Coin for Corpses
Later that day, after lunch with his siblings—Awen teasing him for still wearing old boots, and Kian poking at his wolf's nose—they had a quiet family dinner. His mother laughed more than usual. His father spoke little, eyes thoughtful.
After dinner, Ray approached his mother in the small herb garden.
"Mom, can I earn some coins? I want to buy something."
She raised an eyebrow. "You're five."
He smiled innocently. "I can help villagers. Pests, fetch water, carry things."
She studied him, then nodded. "Go to Old Ragan. He complains about mole-rats in his storage cellar. Maybe he'll pay."
---
First Quest (Unofficial)
Old Ragan did pay. A silver coin for cleaning out three wriggling mole-rats. Ray brought them back to the Domain, fed them to the Beast Tree, and watched — in awe — as a new seed pulsed into life.
> [SYSTEM 15: You earned this. Remember that feeling. It matters.]
The eagle flew away that night.
---Chapter 12: Seeds of the Dead
The soft soil of Ray's Domain trembled.
He knelt beside the Beast Tree, sweat on his brow, hands muddy from burying the still-warm mole-rat corpses. Beside him, Bone stood motionless. The wolf cub circled once, then lay beside a nearby glowing mushroom, yawning.
The newly formed seed pulsed in the dirt, its glow faint but growing.
> [SYSTEM 15: Congratulations. You've earned your first custom spawn. Beast-type Undead Variant. Weak. Ugly. Perfect for you.]
Ray grinned.
The soil split. A tiny, malformed creature emerged. It looked like a mole-rat, but its eyes were black voids, and its teeth had sharpened unnaturally. It hissed once, then rolled to its side like a sleepy cat.
Ray leaned in. "Name?"
> [SYSTEM 15: Name it? Please. You're not its mom. …But fine. Call it what you want.]
Ray looked at the wobbly, bone-skinned thing and whispered, "Munch."
It stood upright at the name, twitching excitedly.
---
Morning with Family
Back in the real world, Ray joined his family for breakfast. The sun streamed through the windows, bathing the kitchen in light. His mother had cooked eggs and fresh bread. Awen was already dressed, training sword slung across her back.
"You smell like dirt," she teased.
"I smell like victory," Ray said smugly, chewing loudly.
His father watched him with a curious glint in his eye. "You've been busy."
Ray met his gaze and said nothing.
Kian leaned close and whispered, "Can I have a skeleton, too?"
Ray smirked. "Maybe when you stop wetting the bed."
---
A Day in the Village
Ray spent the afternoon with Mila again. She showed him how to sneak apples from Old Henley's orchard without getting caught. He told her stories—half true, half made up—about a land where bones walked and wolves talked.
The villagers warmed to him. One even paid him two copper to scare off crows. He used Bone for that job, hiding him under a sheet. The crows never came back.
Later, he bought another Level 1 rat corpse from the local trapper for a silver coin and hurried home.
---
The Domain Grows
Back inside the Domain, he planted the new corpse, watered it with the glowing springwater from the stream inside the mystical land. The Beast Tree reacted faster this time—almost like it was hungry.
> [SYSTEM 15: Trees like this get smarter. Feed it often. It remembers. Learns. Evolves.]
Two more creatures were born by nightfall. Munch's siblings.
He now had three ratlike beastlings.
> [SYSTEM 15: Congrats, you have a platoon of the world's most useless army.]
Ray looked at his dirty hands, the softly breathing undead beasts, the wolf cub at his side, and smiled.
"It's a start."
------
Chapter 13: Wolf Beast Cub Is Born
The early days in Ray's new life were spent in the quiet of the village, where the whispers of the outside world barely reached the small stone houses nestled among the trees. His family, though exiled, lived comfortably in their humble dwelling, shielded by the protection of their noble blood. Despite this, Ray could sense a heavy burden hanging over them—a tension that his father often tried to mask with his gruff demeanor and his mother's quiet patience.
The day Ray turned five, something within him shifted. It wasn't just the usual flicker of new sensations or the stirrings of power that he had felt a few times before. It was something profound—an undeniable pulse of life within him. His Domain—that peaceful, beautiful land—stirred in response, as if it too had been waiting for this moment.
Ray's first task was simple, yet crucial: to nourish the Beast Tree he had planted with his first beast corpse—a creature that had been weak, but had provided the necessary nutrients to seed a future army. The process was not entirely new to him, but something about it felt different. As the Beast Tree's roots took hold and spread, Ray could feel the magic coursing through the soil, through his fingers, and into the heart of the seed.
In the next few days, the results began to show.
The first Wolf Beast Cub was born from the seed. A small, fragile creature with fur that shimmered under the moonlight, and eyes filled with intelligence far beyond its size. Ray, even at his young age, could feel the connection between them—the beast was his creation, an extension of his will. It wasn't just a beast; it was his companion, his first real step into his destiny.
System 15 chimed in, its voice dripping with the sarcasm Ray had come to expect. "Oh, a wolf cub. How original. You could've at least chosen something more exotic, like a fire-breathing lizard or a giant bear. But hey, it's your call."
Ray smiled faintly, even though he knew System 15 didn't really care about the aesthetic choices of his summons. It was an ally in its own way, a partner that would help him shape the world around him.
He spent the next few days training the Wolf Beast Cub, teaching it basic commands, familiarizing it with the surroundings of his Domain, and ensuring that the bond between them grew stronger. The little wolf followed him everywhere, growling at anyone who approached too close and protecting Ray with an instinctive ferocity that was both amusing and impressive.
The time spent with the cub allowed Ray to reflect on his family and the strange balance they maintained. His parents worked hard to support their family, their lives marked by the weight of exile. His twin siblings, though younger, were already showing signs of awakening their own latent abilities. Ray didn't know exactly what those abilities were yet, but he could feel the potential pulsing in the air whenever they were near.
As the days turned into weeks, Ray's training grew more intense. He didn't just focus on summoning and controlling his undead army. He also started working on his understanding of the magical systems and potions. His father's occasional grumbling about his forging and his mother's quiet focus on domestic tasks filled the house, but Ray knew his path would eventually lead to more than this peaceful life. This village, with its hidden secrets and quiet strength, could only shelter him for so long.
---
ReflectionChapter 14: A Family Dinner and Quiet Revelations
The air in the house was thick with the aroma of roasted meats and freshly baked bread. The simple pleasures of family life were something Ray had never fully appreciated in his previous life, but here, in this small, peaceful village, it was a rare comfort. The wooden table, aged but sturdy, was surrounded by his parents, his younger siblings, and occasionally, a distant relative or two. Tonight, however, the meal was particularly special.
As the sun set, casting long shadows across the stone walls of their humble abode, the atmosphere felt unusually warm. Ray sat at the table with his family—his father, the towering figure of strength, who wore a silent expression of contemplation, and his mother, who, despite her quiet demeanor, exuded a grace that seemed to calm the entire household. His siblings, though still young, were already showing the first signs of their latent potential. His little sister, Awen, was unusually quiet tonight, her curious eyes flicking toward Ray occasionally.
"Ray," his father began, breaking the peaceful silence. His voice was gravelly, worn from years of both internal and external battles. "How's the training going?"
Ray smiled faintly, leaning forward with an easy confidence. "The Wolf Beast Cub is doing fine. Stronger than I thought it would be for its size." He glanced toward the corner of the room, where the cub was curled up on a rug, gnawing lazily on a bone. "It's more than just a beast. It's like it's connected to me in some way."
His father nodded, his gaze hardening for a moment as if lost in thought. "There's power in connections, Ray. But don't mistake a bond for true strength. Strength comes from hardship, from battle. Connections are useful, but don't rely solely on them."
Ray's mother smiled softly at his father's words, the tension between them clear but unspoken. Their relationship, forged in their noble lineage, had weathered many storms. It wasn't the easiest of unions, but they remained together for the family. Ray could feel the distance between them, though. His father often buried his emotions beneath layers of pride and disdain, while his mother, the calm and patient force of the family, quietly endured.
Awen, as always, was the wild card of the group. The eldest of his younger siblings, her presence was both enigmatic and charming. There was a certain air of mystery about her—one that intrigued Ray as much as it confused him. Though she rarely spoke, she always seemed to be watching, listening. She wasn't like the others.
"So," Ray continued, eager to steer the conversation away from the ever-present tension, "how's your work going, Father? I know it's been difficult with the village."
His father's eyes flicked toward his mother, and for a moment, Ray thought he might have crossed a line. But then his father sighed, as if surrendering to the inevitability of their circumstances. "The village is small. People are good. But they won't last forever. We need to grow stronger if we want to survive whatever's coming."
Ray's mind wandered briefly to the larger world outside the village. He felt the pull of it, the sense that something was stirring, something that would eventually bring them all into conflict. His father's words rang true. They had to grow stronger. And Ray, with his System and Domain, was the key to that strength.
The rest of the meal passed in comfortable silence, broken only by the occasional clink of utensils against the plates and the sound of laughter from the younger children. Ray's mind wasn't fully on the conversation. He found himself thinking more and more about the mysterious power that lay beyond his home, the strange events that had already begun to stir in the distance.
---
After Dinner: Quiet Conversations and Hidden Plans
The night stretched on, and as the dinner table was cleared, Ray found himself alone with his father in the sitting room. The fire crackled softly in the hearth, casting long shadows on the walls. It was a moment of rare solitude, a time when the weight of their family's unspoken burdens seemed to rest heavily in the air.
"Ray," his father's voice was quieter now, lacking the usual authority. "There's something you need to understand."
Ray looked up from the fire, his curiosity piqued. "What is it, Father?"
His father's gaze shifted toward the window, where the distant hills were barely visible under the moonlight. "The world isn't as it seems. The lands outside, the ones we've been trying to shield you from… there's something coming, something that could destroy us all. Your mother and I… we've been working to prepare you for that. It's not just the village or the monsters roaming the forests. It's something far worse."
Ray leaned forward, his interest now fully captured. "What are you talking about? Is it the other world? The one where those creatures come from?"
His father nodded grimly. "Yes. There are things beyond our control. Things that your mother and I… we've been trying to keep from you, from all of you. There are forces that we can't even begin to understand. And your mother and I are trying to prepare you for that. But you need to be strong, Ray. Not just for us, but for the world."
The weight of his father's words hit Ray like a cold gust of wind. Something beyond the beasts, beyond the monsters in the woods, was coming. Something that had been waiting in the shadows.
As the fire crackled and the night deepened, Ray realized that his life, and the lives of those around him, were about to change. His System, his growing powers, and the Wolf Beast Cub were just the beginning. There was a larger purpose at play—a purpose that he had yet to fully comprehend.
And whatever it was, Ray knew it would take everything he had to survive.
---
Reflection andChapter 15: The Awakening
Days passed in a blur, with Ray steadily growing stronger under the watchful eyes of his parents. His father, though distant, had continued to push him in ways that made him question the limits of his abilities. His mother, more gentle in her approach, focused on cultivating his internal strength, teaching him how to center his mind amidst the chaos that seemed to pulse just beyond the horizon.
But even with the rigorous training, Ray couldn't shake the feeling that time was running out.
His System, 15, had been oddly quiet in recent days, as if it too was waiting for something. The strange feeling of impending change gnawed at him, and no amount of training or family time seemed to calm the unease that settled in the pit of his stomach.
One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Ray found himself alone in the small clearing outside their house, his thoughts drifting. The Wolf Beast Cub, now significantly larger, padded over and sat at his feet, its tail wagging slowly. Ray absentmindedly scratched the creature's head, lost in thought.
"You feel it too, don't you?" Ray muttered, though he knew the creature couldn't respond. It was just like him—caught in the pull of something greater than both of them.
Just then, his System buzzed to life in his mind, the familiar, sarcastic voice of 15 breaking through his introspection.
"Well, well, look who finally decided to pay attention. You've been brooding long enough, Ray. Are you ready to take the next step?"
Ray straightened up, a jolt of adrenaline coursing through his veins. "What do you mean? What next step?"
"You've been training long enough. It's time to awaken your true potential. You've been avoiding it, but the moment is now."
Ray's pulse quickened as he stood. The words felt… final. He didn't understand why, but something deep inside him knew that this was it—the moment when everything would change. His connection with 15 was growing stronger, and whatever awaited him on the other side of this "awakening" would push him beyond his current limitations.
Without another word, Ray closed his eyes, focusing on the strange connection that had been growing within him since the moment of his rebirth. A surge of energy filled his body, almost suffocating him in its intensity. The air around him seemed to thrum with power as the ground beneath his feet trembled.
His vision blurred, and for a moment, it felt like he was falling into a void.
Then, as quickly as it had begun, the sensation stopped. Ray opened his eyes and found himself standing in a place unlike any he had seen before.
It was vast—an endless field that stretched far beyond the horizon. The sky above was a swirling mix of vibrant colors, hues of purple, blue, and gold that seemed to shift and dance like living entities. The air was thick with magic, every breath he took filling him with power. He could feel the pulse of the world beneath his feet, a deep, resonating beat that matched the rhythm of his own heart.
"This is… my Domain?" Ray whispered in awe, his voice barely a whisper against the overwhelming beauty of the place.
"Indeed. Welcome to your true awakening, Ray. This is where you will grow, where you will forge your destiny."
Ray glanced down at his hands, feeling the energy coursing through him. His System had always been a mystery, but this place—it felt like home. He could sense every inch of his Domain, the vast space that was now his to command. He could see the structures, though they were still in the early stages of formation. His Wolf Beast Cub appeared beside him, now a towering, majestic creature that exuded power and loyalty.
In this space, Ray knew, he could do anything.
But something else lingered on the edge of his consciousness, an almost haunting presence that he couldn't shake. He wasn't alone in this vast, strange world. Something—or someone—was watching him.
"15… what is this place really? What am I supposed to do here?" Ray asked, his voice filled with uncertainty.
"Ah, you still have so much to learn. This is where you will build your power, forge your armies, and master your abilities. But there's more to it than just that."
Ray's brow furrowed. "More? What do you mean?"
"This Domain, your connection to it—it's not just for you. It's for the world. And the moment you awaken fully, the trials will begin. The System will not allow a weak master to exist in the grand scheme of things. This world… and the other one you've yet to visit… are both at risk. And it will be up to you to decide what happens next."
Ray's heart pounded in his chest. His System had always been cryptic, but now it was clear—his role was far more important than he had ever realized. The battles ahead were not just about surviving. They were about determining the fate of the world, both his own and the ones beyond.
For a moment, Ray stood still, taking it all in. His Wolf Beast Cub nuzzled his side, and Ray smiled faintly, the connection between them growing deeper with each passing second.
But deep within, Ray knew he wasn't ready. Not yet.
---
The New Challenges
When Ray awoke from the strange trance, he found himself back in the clearing outside his house, the familiar world of his village slowly coming back into focus. His body felt different—stronger, more attuned to the pulse of magic that had filled his Domain. It was as if the very fabric of reality had shifted, and now, he stood on the precipice of something greater.
The Wolf Beast Cub was still by his side, its eyes now gleaming with a strange intelligence, almost as if it, too, had undergone some kind of transformation.
As the night wore on, Ray knew that this was only the beginning. The journey ahead would not be easy. There were forces beyond his understanding, beyond the veil of the worlds he had once thought of as separate. He was no longer just a boy trying to survive—he was a player in a game that spanned realms, a game where the stakes were nothing short of world-shattering.
And it was up to him to shape the outcome.
---
Reflection