The Phantom Gravecaller Wyvern soared above Greystone's rugged cliffs, its shadowy figure cutting through the crimson dawn. Wings like torn banners of darkness, scales that shimmered between solid bone and flickering illusion, and eyes burning with an otherworldly flame — it was a creature born of death and trickery.
Kaelen stood on the battlements, watching the wyvern circle. Beside him, Elara's face glowed faintly with arcane energy, the fusion bond between them humming in the air.
"This creature… it's beyond anything we've summoned before," Elara whispered, voice laced with awe and excitement.
Kaelen nodded. "It's our strongest ally now. With it, we can hold Greystone against the Pact's advance."
As the Phantom Gravecaller returned to its resting place within the summoning chamber, the system interface flickered before Kaelen's eyes, unveiling a new feature: Hybrid Summon Shop.
Hybrid Summons:
Costs SP + Special Materials from fusion quests.
Refund Rate: 200x (higher than normal summon).
Exploit Rule: Refund exploit allowed only once per week per hybrid summon.
Bonus: Grants 3 System Points per successful hybrid summon refund.
Resource Refund: Partial materials and rare items returned to the summoner's sister's inventory.
Kaelen's fingers danced over the menu, excitement bubbling inside him.
Available Hybrid Summons:
Phantom Gravecaller Wyvern – Active
Abyssal Deathstalker Golem
Mirage Revenant Hydra
Bonefire Colossus
SP Cost: 4000 each (except active summon)Materials: Rare Soul Shards, Essence Crystals, and Arcane Sigils
He glanced at the refund progress meter, which now displayed:
Current Refund Multiplier: 450xTotal SP: 1,250,000System Points: 18
The refund system wasn't just a passive benefit anymore — it was an active engine powering their rise.
For every gold spent on territory expansion, soldier training, and village infrastructure, they gained back an astronomical refund multiplied by their current rate. Every 100x refund accumulated converted to 1 System Point (SP) they could invest in stats or skills. This feedback loop was now their greatest weapon.
A New Quest Arrived
Quest Title: "The Phantom's Roar"Objective:
Defend Greystone against a Pact scouting force using the Phantom Gravecaller Wyvern.
Gain the favor of the village elders by proving your strength.
Unlock the "Ancestral Oath" Legacy Skill.
Reward:
300,000 Refund
3 System Points
Legacy Skill: Ancestral Oath (Passive)
Kaelen's lips curled into a determined smile.
"This is it. The real fight begins."
The council room was packed with the village elders and militia captains, all eyes fixed on Kaelen. His undead armor gleamed in the fading sunlight, and Elara stood proudly by his side.
One elder, a stooped man with cataracts, cleared his throat.
"Young lord… your rise has been swift, but these are dark times. The Crimson Pact does not negotiate. They conquer."
Kaelen nodded respectfully. "I understand. But this village will not fall under my watch."
Another elder, a sharp-eyed woman named Maris, added, "If the Pact attacks soon, we'll need every advantage."
Kaelen raised a hand, silencing murmurs.
"That's why I'm activating the Phantom Gravecaller tonight. We'll lure the scouts into a trap."
The room buzzed with a mixture of fear and hope.
Under the veil of darkness, the undead wyvern perched atop the hill, its phantom flames casting eerie light.
Kaelen and Elara stood at the ready, surrounded by skeletal archers and bone golems.
Suddenly, the enemy scouts emerged—twenty heavily armed soldiers, confident but cautious.
Kaelen whispered, "Now."
The Phantom Gravecaller let out a deafening roar, a blast of necrotic fire erupting across the field. The scouts scattered, but the undead horde advanced relentlessly.
Kaelen moved like a shadow, his necromancer powers flowing seamlessly as he commanded his summoned forces. Elara's illusions disoriented the enemy, striking from unexpected angles.
Together, they were unstoppable.
One scout tried to flank the defenders, but a skeletal reaver intercepted him with a bone-shattering strike.
Another soldier attempted to set fire to the wooden palisade, but Elara conjured a shimmering barrier, extinguishing the flames.
After an intense fight lasting nearly an hour, the Pact scouts were decimated. Only a handful escaped to spread word.
The village erupted in cheers. Kaelen and Elara were hailed as heroes.
The elders formally granted Kaelen the title of Guardian Lord of Greystone, solidifying his authority.
Kaelen felt a surge of pride, but he knew this was only the beginning.
System Notification
Quest Complete: "The Phantom's Roar"Rewards:– 300,000 Refund– 3 System Points– Legacy Skill Unlocked: Ancestral Oath (Passive)Legacy Skill Description:Boosts all summoned undead defense and health by 20%. Increases refund multiplier by 10% during battles.
Kaelen glanced over at Elara.
"We've grown stronger. Soon, the Lords' War will begin. And when it does, we'll be ready."
Elara smiled, eyes shining. "Together."