With the battlefield cleared and Wave 2 defeated, the Bone Bastion settled into a humming quiet—alive with the low murmurs of patrol schedules and the sound of reforged bone.
Iden stood alone beneath the glowing Arcane Conflux Nexus. Before him hovered two glowing icons.
[Summon Evolution Available]
▣ Bladeguard Warrior – Level 10▣ Juggernaut – Level 10
Their bones crackled faintly, eager to adapt.
Bladeguard Warrior❖ Option 1: Bone Duelist – Specializes in single-target combat, swift and reactive, high evasion❖ Option 2: Shield Revenant – Gains a spectral tower shield, incredible defense and ally coverage
Iden's mind raced, calculating formation dynamics.Then—click.
Evolution Chosen: Shield Revenant
Gains: "Fortress Posture" (Reduces damage to nearby allies)Passive: +20% DefenseWields: Towerbone Shield + Reinforced Blade
The evolution surged. The skeleton's form bulked with layered ribs forming a shield on its arm. A phantom veil shimmered across its skull.
Juggernaut❖ Option 1: Skullbreaker – Heavy damage-dealer with crushing momentum and armor penetration❖ Option 2: Bone Guardian – Immovable tank that gains aggro and blocks enemy advance
Evolution Chosen: Skullbreaker
Gains: "Bone Crush" – Impact skill that breaks defensesPassive: +15% Damage to armored enemiesWeapon Upgrade: Iron-core Bone Maul
The Juggernaut evolved violently—bones cracking, reshaping into thicker limbs. A glowing rune seared into its back: weight and destruction incarnate.
Quest: The Six-Seal Challenge (4 Days Left)Phase 1: Raid begins with the first two small mini-dungeons
Iden stared at the map. The sunken pit east, and the collapsed ruins north-east.Time was precious. Speed was vital.
"We split."
Team Alpha – Commander: Iden
Specialized in aggression, burst damage, and anti-armor.
Iden (Summoner)
Skullbreaker (Juggernaut Evolution)
Shield Revenant (Bladeguard Evolution)
Mage Skeleton A (Arcane Fanburst)
Scout Skeleton B (Long-range)
Flamesoul Caster (Flame-element spellcaster)
"We'll hit the sunken ruins. Quick, high-impact. Burn and break."
Team Beta – Commanders: Nyra & Rael
Balanced formation with control, healing, and area denial.
Nyra (Tactician, Trap Master)
Rael (Support & Regeneration)
Juggernaut B (Standard)
Mage Skeleton B (Bonebolt + Arcane Pull)
Scout Skeleton A (Flanker)
Bone Architect (Secondary defense and terrain support)
"We'll hit the collapsed pit—likely trap-heavy. I'll read the terrain," Nyra said."I'll keep the mages healthy," Rael added, calmly glowing with Sanctum Bloom.
Iden updated both command schedules with split control layers.
"Linking schedules. Team Alpha – live sync with Nexus Core. Team Beta – offline sync, Rael relay authorized."
He took a final breath, then turned to his now-evolved summons.
"Today we don't just raid. We lead."
At dawn, two squads moved through different paths of the forest—skulls gleaming beneath morning light, weapons ready, runes pulsing with undeath.
And far ahead, the first dungeon door hissed open in the fog, ancient and hungry.
END OF CHAPTER 24