The aura and power emerging from the energy pool in the depths of the Xaos Tower grew denser with each passing moment. Streams of raw energy coalesced, swirling into a concentrated vortex that pulsed ominously. Finally, with a powerful burst, an extremely dark and foreboding stream of energy erupted within the pool, casting eerie shadows that danced along the walls.
Unaware of the unsettling events unfolding within his city, Vlad stood atop the rugged terrain near the border between the Asani Continent and the Monsoon Continent. The only thing he heard was Overlord's voice echoing calmly in his mind.
"I understand your goal, Prime Master, and will update my protocols to improve our chances of victory," Overlord intoned.
Exhausted from his arduous journey and the ever-present threat of the hive, Vlad nodded absentmindedly. He failed to notice the subtle phrasing in Overlord's response—a choice of words that might have alerted him had he been less weary.
