The arena fell silent. Only the crackling embers from the scorched earth remained, and the stench of sulfur and decay lingered as the undead army bowed before Paul. Abaddon, the towering skeletal general, knelt and uttered in a guttural tone, "We await your command, Master of the Gate."
Paul stared, trembling—not from fear, but from disbelief. "Did I really summon this…?"
Luna's voice echoed through the arena. "Impressive, Paul. Perhaps even more than I expected." She appeared again, descending like a shadow draped in moonlight. Her smile widened. "You've unlocked the seal of forgotten magics. Not even I knew you could command a legion."
Paul lowered his hand, still warm from the fire spell. "I didn't ask for this kind of power."
"No," she said, walking closer, "but power comes with your desire. And your desire burns brighter than most." Her voice turned cold. "Do not forget our pact. Your family's souls are caught between this world and the next. You fail me—and they vanish forever."
Paul's fists clenched. "Then tell me what I need to do."
"Excellent," she purred. "There are five kingdoms in this world. Each holds a fragment of the Seal of Light—the only thing capable of reversing death without divine intervention. I want those fragments. Bring them to me, and your wife and child will return. As they were."
Paul stared at her, heart pounding. "And if I refuse?"
She waved her hand. A small glowing orb emerged, shimmering with familiar warmth. Inside, he saw the image of his wife gently brushing their child's hair, smiling. But then, it twisted into ash.
"No!" Paul shouted, reaching out. But the vision disappeared.
Luna's eyes narrowed. "You've tasted the loss. I offer redemption. But the road will be soaked in blood, both yours and theirs."
Paul nodded slowly. "I'll do it. Even if I have to tear this world apart."
"Good," Luna said, stepping back into the shadows. "Your first destination… the Kingdom of Ardentia. Home of the Sun Blades. Be warned, their light magic burns away corruption—and you reek of darkness."
Suddenly, Paul felt his legs weaken. The exhaustion hit. His powers, while incredible, drained something vital inside him.
"Before you go," Luna said, "take this." She handed him a blackened ring. "It binds your soul to mine. It will protect you... but also remind you: you are no longer free."
Paul stared at the ring, then slid it on his finger. "Then I guess I'm not Paul anymore."
Luna smirked. "No, you are The Revenant now."