Evolution begins with an ant colony

Akun maintained a casual tone, his confidence unwavering, as he responded to Xalender's confusion. "Like I said earlier, Xalender, I am your master. I can summon you to my side anytime I want."

The God of Death, however, remained puzzled, tilting his skeletal head slightly. "Summon?" He sought further clarification from his mortal master.

With a sigh, Akun decided to demonstrate his power to Xalender. He walked away from the God of Death and then spoke clearly, "System, summon Xalender over here."

The system responded promptly, [Player, you can simply summon him by saying 'summon Xalender.' You don't have to always ask the system for this.]

Xalender observed, still trying to grasp the extent of Akun's abilities.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

Akun, unfazed by Xalender's internal turmoil, simply said, "Summon Xalender."

In an instant, Xalender found himself transported to Akun's side. He couldn't hide his surprise, and a tinge of anger welled up within him. He muttered to himself, "So I, Xalender, the God of Death, have become a mere summon for a mortal. What difference is there now between I and all those low-level monster summons?"

Akun's impatience was evident as he retorted, "I don't have time for this. I want you to bring back Phenor's soul so I can resurrect him."

Xalender, still grappling with his newfound role, replied with a hint of defiance, "So now I am an errand boy too? Stop pushing your luck. I know that you enslaved me, but I haven't exactly seen what the side effects would be if I were to betray you. As far as I know, they shouldn't work on me."

Akun's command echoed with an undeniable authority as he ordered, "This is an order, Xalender. Kneel."

Suddenly, Xalender felt an overwhelming force pushing him down to his knees. He struggled against it, his mind racing with confusion as he questioned the situation. What was this power? Why couldn't he resist?

Memorina, watching this extraordinary scene unfold, found herself caught between a whirlwind of emotions. She was confused, unsure if the skeletal figure before her was truly the God of Death. Anger burned within her, directed at Akun for taking Phenor's life. Surprise gripped her as the god, despite his claims, knelt before Akun.

And fear, deep and primal, struck at her heart as she contemplated the fate of their tribe, uncertain if even their god could save them now.

Akun crouched down in front of Xalender, his gaze steady as he addressed the god of death. He spoke with a hint of smug satisfaction, "You don't look so good. It seems it works on you after all, right?" His words carried a sense of triumph, having successfully asserted his control over Xalender.

Xalender, though reluctantly, spoke up, "You have made your point."

Akun's grin widened, a hint of satisfaction in his tone. "Glad we're on the same page."

As the pressure that held Xalender down subsided, he rose to his feet, gripping his scythe. He questioned Akun, "Why do you intend to resurrect Phenor?"

Akun's response was stern, "That is for me to decide, and for you to follow your orders." His determination was evident, making it clear that he wasn't going to tolerate any defiance from Xalender.

The realization weighed heavily on Xalender. "I can't believe that I, Xalender, have now become a mere errand boy," he muttered with a tinge of sadness in his voice, his form slowly fading from the mortal world.

Akun's gaze then shifted to Memorina, and an unsettling feeling washed over her as he locked eyes with her. She quickly averted her gaze, fearing how Akun might react to her presence.

Within the depths of his mind, Akun heard Xalender's voice, "Akun, I have Phenor's—"

Your journey continues at empire

But Akun interrupted with conviction, "That is 'master' to you, Xalender."

Xalender let out a sigh, relenting to the title. "Master, I have Phenor's soul in my hand. How should I bring it over?"

Akun's response was succinct, "Summon Xalender." In an instant, Xalender reappeared in the mortal world, holding something akin to a blue flame in his hand. He gestured this ethereal fire toward Phenor's mouth, and it flowed in, as if being drawn into Phenor's body through his breath.

Memorina watched in awe as the ethereal flame flowed into her husband, Phenor. Her heart raced with hope, praying for the best outcome as her eyes remained fixated on the miraculous scene.

Xalender, still holding the metaphysical flame, turned his attention back to Akun. His voice held a note of urgency as he advised, "You have to begin healing now. Technically, his body is in a very bad state after I used it. If his body remains too weak, his soul may return to the underworld once more."

In the midst of this, Ember's voice rang out, cutting through the tension. "Boss, we've gathered all the remaining Kingins. They're standing in front of the castle—wounded warriors, regular mothers, fathers, and children."

Akun turned his gaze towards Ember and the other guardians, nodding with determination. "Good. Allow me to finish here, and then I will attend to them." With a swift gesture, he extended his hand toward Phenor and invoked a spell, uttering the words "Greater Heal."

Phenor's body began to glow brilliantly, bathing everyone present in its divine radiance. Gasps of awe and wonder escaped the onlookers. Oliver, one of Akun's loyal guardians, couldn't help but express his admiration. "That's our boss for you," he said with pride.

Gedion chimed in, adding to the praise, "Simply amazing."

As the light subsided and Phenor slowly sat up, he couldn't help but complain, "My head hurts." He raised his gaze and looked at both Akun and Xalender, the God of Death. With a hint of condescension, he addressed them, "Lord Xalender and... insect."

Xalender bristled a little when Phenor ignored him, especially since Phenor wasn't exactly someone he respected. Xalender couldn't help but wonder, if Akun was being called an insect now, what did that make him? He snapped back at Phenor to correct him. "That is 'Lord Akun' to you, Phenor."

Phenor's jaw dropped. "Lord what?!" he stammered, completely confused. His wide eyes showed he was struggling to understand Xalender's unexpected remark.