Stormbreaker cut through calm seas, the sun rising over the horizon as Kael stood at the helm, Ylva beside him. The aftermath of Amazonis still lingered, frost and lightning crackling faintly along their auras. "We've handled queens and tricksters… but the sea isn't empty yet," Kael muttered. Fjorn circled, frost curling along his wings. "Master, new signatures approaching. Unusual… unlike anything we've tracked before."
From the mist ahead emerged a strange figure: a floating, obsidian pyramid, levitating silently above the waves. Runes glowed faintly on its faces, and ghostly, skeletal hands protruded from small openings along its edges, gesturing wildly. A hollow, booming voice echoed from within: "Behold! I am Necroptor, the Undying Conqueror! Tremble before my eternal might, for I shall rule the world!" The pyramid wobbled slightly as it floated, occasionally tipping forward as if fumbling in flight.
Kael raised an eyebrow. "World domination… huh? You don't look very competent." Loki sparked in amusement. "Master… this one's absurd. But the energy signature is strong—persistent. Likely an Awakened." Fjorn hissed, circling Ylva. "And lonely. Observe the aura—desperate for recognition."
Necroptor attempted to hover menacingly closer, skeletal hands flailing, runes blinking in frantic sequences. "I… will… conquer… the world!" he shouted, then tripped mid-hover, nearly smashing into the deck. Kael couldn't help but laugh. "I think you need a crew first."
Ylva stepped forward, frost curling around her fingers. "He's strong… but incompetent. He could be useful… if he learns to focus." Kael nodded. "Exactly. We need power and loyalty, not just ego. Let's test him."
Necroptor immediately launched a flurry of skeletal hands and energy blasts, aiming to overwhelm Kael. Lightning flared from Kael's sword, deflecting attacks as Loki subtly manipulated probabilities, ensuring nothing critical hit. Fjorn created frost barriers, while Ylva countered and directed attacks, forcing Necroptor to adjust. Within minutes, the floating pyramid's chaotic energy was entirely under Kael's control—his power recognition system assessing effort, strength, and potential.
Panting, Necroptor floated helplessly. "I… I am defeated… but my loyalty… eternal! Master Storm Dragon, allow me to serve you. Together, the world shall fall… eventually." Kael smirked, sheathing his sword. "You're coming aboard. But remember—effort counts, competence matters, and your failures… I'll tolerate them… for now."
Loki floated beside Kael, sparks flickering in amusement. "Master, his stats are ridiculous. Strength: 98, Agility: 25, Intelligence: 112, Charm: 45, Luck: 68. Skills: Skeletal Manipulation, Runic Blast, Flight (unstable), Chaos Aura, Overambitious Planning." Fjorn hissed, circling the pyramid. "Yet… the persistent nature of his aura shows loyalty potential. He will improve with guidance."
Necroptor's pyramid wobbled in excitement. "YES! I… belong! Finally! Master Storm Dragon will witness my glory!" Kael shook his head with a grin. "Welcome to the crew. Just… try not to destroy the ship while aiming for world domination."
Stormbreaker sailed onward, the crew now three strong: Kael, Ylva, and Necroptor—the latter already causing minor chaos on deck, flailing skeletal hands and humming runes, muttering about strategy to conquer the world. Kael laughed, lightning flickering faintly along his blade. "This is going to be interesting."
From the horizon, a massive crimson aura approached, larger than any Dajin they'd faced. Stormbreaker's first real sea trial as a crew—including their new, over-the-top recruit—was about to begin.