The village was silent now, save for the faint crackle of burning wood where the feral beasts had attacked. He stood at the center, skeletal warriors scattered around him, their bones glinting faintly with purple energy.
The Growth System pulsed again.
"Skill evolution opportunity detected. Select skill to evolve: Summon Skeleton, Shadow Manipulation, Bone Lance."
He thought for a moment. "Bone Lance… too situational. Shadow Manipulation… versatile, but summoning is the foundation of my strength."
He selected Summon Skeleton. Instantly, the system responded:
"Necromancer System Skill Evolved. Summon Skeleton – Level 3. Max summon count increased: 5 → 15. Passive effect unlocked: Shadow Bond – summon power amplified by your own life force."
A surge of power ran through him. The shadows around him writhed like living things, forming fifteen skeletal warriors—each larger, sharper, and more formidable than the last.
"This… is just the beginning," he murmured, observing the army he could now command with a mere thought.
Suddenly, a whisper reached his mind—a voice carried on the wind, faint but unmistakable.
"He has returned… the necromancer… stronger than ever…"
He froze. The voice wasn't human. It was cold, calculating, and dangerous.
The Growth System immediately flagged a notification:
"Unknown entity detected. Level approximation: High. Threat assessment: Severe."
A chill ran down his spine. His first real enemy had sensed his return—and this was no ordinary foe.
He turned to his undead soldiers. "Prepare yourselves. Shadows do not fall without a fight."
In the distance, atop a ridge overlooking the village, a figure stood cloaked in darkness. His eyes glimmered like molten gold, and a cruel smile curved his lips.
"So, the boy has returned," the figure murmured. "And this time… he has power beyond imagination. Let's see how far he can grow before I consume it all."
The necromancer didn't flinch. Instead, a new calm determination settled in him.
The Growth System chimed:
"Experience acquired: 200 XP. Skill point available: 1. Hidden Skill Unlock suggested: Soul Chain – bind enemy to your shadow, draining life over time."
His lips curved into a faint smile. "Interesting… I think it's time to test you."
As the sun dipped lower, shadows stretched long across the village. The battlefield of his reborn life was about to expand.
The world had grown dangerous, but so had he. And the Dual System Necromancer was ready to claim the power he had been denied in his previous life.
From the ridge, the cloaked figure's laughter echoed. But the necromancer's army was growing, his skills evolving, and his determination unbreakable.
The game had begun—and this time, he would win every round.