## Chapter 13: The Darkblade Clan
His army halted as they reached what appeared to be a towering mountain. Aiden could sense a powerful magic shrouding the area, making it almost impenetrable. He raised his hand, signaling his undead to stay alert.
"We're here," Aiden murmured to himself. "The Darkblade Clan."
He stepped forward, his eyes scanning the rocky exterior. There was no visible entrance, no sign of life. Just the cold, harsh surface of the mountain. But Aiden knew better. He could feel the presence of many powerful beings within.
Suddenly, the air shimmered, and a doorway appeared before him. Aiden readied his scythe, prepared for anything. As he stepped through the magical barrier, he was met with a sight that took his breath away.
The interior of the mountain was a fortress. Massive stone walls and towers stood tall, protected by layers of defensive magic. The Darkblade Clan had created a base that was both a stronghold and a sanctuary, hidden away from the world.
A group of warriors clad in dark armor approached him, their weapons drawn. Aiden held up his hand, showing that he meant no harm.
The warriors exchanged glances before one of them stepped forward. "Follow us," he said gruffly.
Aiden was led deeper into the fortress, passing through corridors lined with ancient tapestries and glowing runes. The air was thick with the scent of magic and the faint echoes of distant chanting.
Finally, they reached a grand hall, where a figure sat on a throne of black stone. The leader of the Darkblade Clan was an imposing man with long, silver hair and piercing green eyes. He wore intricate armor that seemed to pulse with abyssal energy.
"Aiden, the necromancer," the leader said, his voice echoing through the hall. "I am Kael, Chief of the Darkblade Clan.
Aiden stepped forward, meeting Kael's gaze. "I seek to conquer the north and forge alliances to destroy the Holy Church," he replied. "I have heard of your clan and your power. I believe we share a common enemy."
Kael's eyes narrowed. "You are bold to come here with such a proposition. But we have no quarrel with you, necromancer. Our fight is with the Holy Church, the ones who drove us to this desolate place."
Aiden's curiosity grew. "Why do you hide here? With your strength, you could challenge the Church."
Kael sighed, a look of deep sorrow crossing his face. "We once lived in the Radiant Empire, the heart of the Holy Church's power. We are the only clan that can wield Abyssal Energy, a gift and a curse. The Church deemed us heretics and hunted us down. We were forced to flee, losing many of our kin in the process."
Aiden listened intently as Kael continued. "The Church's forces overwhelmed us. They were relentless, and we had no choice but to seek refuge in these hidden lands. Here, we have rebuilt our strength, but we remain trapped. The Night Dragon rules these lands, and any attempt to leave would result in heavy losses."
Aiden's mind raced. The Darkblade Clan had a tragic past, but their story mirrored his own. They both had suffered at the hands of the Holy Church, and their desire for revenge was a powerful bond.
"What if I help you?" Aiden asked. "What if I slay the Night Dragon? Will you ally with me?"
Kael's eyes widened in surprise. "You would do that? It is no small task. The Night Dragon is a fearsome beast, and many have perished trying to defeat it."
"I am not like others," Aiden replied confidently. "I have faced and conquered powerful foes. Let me prove my worth."
Kael studied him for a long moment, then nodded. "Very well. If you can slay the Night Dragon, we will join forces. But know this: the dragon is a formidable opponent. You will need all your strength and cunning to defeat it."
Aiden's determination only grew. "I understand. Tell me everything you know about the dragon and its lair."
Kael gestured for him to sit, and the two leaders began to strategize. The Darkblade Clan had valuable information about the dragon's habits, its weaknesses, and the layout of its lair. Aiden soaked in every detail, his mind already forming a plan.
---
Aiden's preparations took several days. He fortified his army, ensuring they were ready for the battle ahead. The undead beast kings were given special commands, and his most trusted minions were assigned to guard Lena's grave and his territory.
On the day of the battle, Aiden stood before his assembled army, his eyes burning with determination. He held the Grim Reaper's Scythe tightly in his hands, the dark metal gleaming in the dim light.
"We march to the lair of the Night Dragon," Aiden declared, his voice echoing through the ranks. "Today, we face a great challenge, but we will emerge victorious. For our fallen, for our future, we fight!"
The undead army roared in response, their voices a chilling chorus that echoed through the Abyss. Aiden led them forward, his heart pounding with anticipation.
The journey to the dragon's lair was arduous, but Aiden's resolve never wavered. He used his necromantic powers to clear the path, ensuring his army remained strong and focused.
Finally, they reached the entrance of the dragon's lair. The air was thick with an oppressive energy, and the ground trembled beneath their feet. Aiden could feel the dragon's presence, a dark and ancient power that filled him with both fear and excitement.
He stepped forward, his scythe at the ready. "Night Dragon!" he called out, his voice strong and unwavering. "I am Aiden, the necromancer. I have come to end your reign over these lands."
A deafening roar echoed through the cavern, and the ground shook violently. The Night Dragon emerged from the shadows, its massive form towering over Aiden and his army. Its scales were as black as the night, and its eyes glowed with an eerie light.
Aiden felt a surge of adrenaline as the dragon advanced. He raised his scythe, his mind racing with strategies. "Attack!" he commanded, and his army surged forward.
The battle was intense and chaotic. The Night Dragon's breath was a torrent of dark fire that incinerated anything in its path. Aiden's undead fought valiantly, their bodies regenerating from the dragon's attacks, but the beast was relentless.
Aiden used every skill and spell at his disposal. He commanded his undead to flank the dragon, using their numbers to overwhelm it. He cast powerful necrotic spells, weakening the dragon and sapping its strength.
Despite their efforts, the dragon's power was immense. It swatted away undead minions with ease, its claws and teeth tearing through their ranks. Aiden himself engaged the beast, his scythe clashing with its scales in a shower of sparks.
The battle raged on, and Aiden felt his strength waning. The Night Dragon was a formidable opponent, and the fight was taking its toll. But Aiden refused to give up. He thought of his parents, of Lena, and of the Darkblade Clan. He had come too far to fail now.
With a final burst of determination, Aiden unleashed his most powerful spell. Dark energy surged from his body, enveloping the dragon in a vortex of necrotic power. The beast roared in pain and fury, its movements growing sluggish.
Aiden seized the opportunity. He charged forward, his scythe glowing with dark energy. With a powerful swing, he struck the dragon's neck, severing its head from its body.
The dragon's body crashed to the ground, lifeless. Aiden stood over the fallen beast, his breath coming in ragged gasps. He had done it. The Night Dragon was defeated.
A cheer erupted from his undead army, their voices echoing through the cavern. Aiden felt a surge of triumph as he absorbed the dragon's essence, binding it to his will.
---
The triumph over the Night Dragon echoed through the Abyss. Aiden stood amidst the fallen beast, feeling the surge of its powerful essence merging with his own. He turned to face the members of the Darkblade Clan, who had gathered to witness the climactic battle.
Kael stepped forward, his eyes filled with a mix of awe and respect. "You have done the impossible, Aiden. The Night Dragon is no more. We are in your debt."
Aiden nodded, feeling the weight of his accomplishment. "I have fulfilled my part of the bargain. Now, we must unite our forces and prepare for the true battle against the Holy Church."
Kael smiled grimly. "Indeed. We share a common enemy, and together, we will be unstoppable."
As the clan members began to organize their forces, Kael led Aiden to a secluded chamber within the fortress. The room was filled with ancient tomes and artifacts, the remnants of the clan's storied past.
"Here," Kael said, handing Aiden a worn, leather-bound book. "This contains the history of the Darkblade Clan. It is important that you understand our story."
Aiden took the book, feeling the weight of the ages in his hands. He sat down and began to read, absorbing the tragic tale of the clan's fall from grace.
---
The Darkblade Clan had once been a proud and powerful force within the Radiant Empire. Their mastery of Abyssal Energy set them apart, granting them abilities that were both feared and revered. They were the empire's hidden weapon, the guardians of the most dangerous and secretive missions.
However, their unique powers also made them a target. The Holy Church, ever vigilant against what they perceived as heresy, saw the clan's abilities as a threat to their divine authority. They began a campaign to eradicate the Darkblade Clan, branding them as heretics and launching a brutal inquisition.
The clan fought valiantly, using their abyssal magic to defend themselves. But the Holy Church's forces were relentless, bolstered by divine magic and sheer numbers. The Darkblade Clan was slowly pushed back, their members hunted down and executed.
In a desperate bid for survival, the clan fled to the northern reaches of the forest, seeking refuge in the Abyss. There, they found the perfect hiding place—a mountain shrouded in powerful magic, impenetrable and secluded. They began to rebuild, their numbers slowly growing as they took in other outcasts and those who shared their hatred for the Holy Church.
Despite their strength, they remained trapped, unable to leave their sanctuary due to the presence of the Night Dragon. The beast ruled the northern lands with an iron grip, its dark fire consuming any who dared to challenge it. The clan had no choice but to stay hidden, biding their time and waiting for the right moment to strike back.
---
Aiden closed the book, feeling a deep sense of empathy for the Darkblade Clan. Their story was one of resilience and defiance, mirroring his own struggle against the forces that had taken everything from him.
Kael watched him closely. "Now you understand why we stayed hidden. The Night Dragon was not just a barrier—it was a symbol of our captivity."
Aiden nodded. "But now, with the dragon defeated, we can take the fight to the Holy Church. Together, we will avenge our fallen and reclaim what is rightfully ours."
Kael's eyes gleamed with determination. "Agreed. But before we can leave, we must solidify our alliance and prepare for the journey. The Holy Church is powerful, and we cannot afford to underestimate them."
Aiden stood, his resolve unwavering. "I will do whatever it takes to see them fall. Let us begin our preparations."
---
The following days were a whirlwind of activity. The Darkblade Clan and Aiden's undead army worked together, forging weapons, preparing supplies, and strategizing for the upcoming battle. The fortress buzzed with a sense of purpose and camaraderie, a stark contrast to the desolation that had previously filled the Abyss.
Kael introduced Aiden to the clan's key leaders, each one a master of their craft. There was Lira, the chief strategist, whose keen mind had kept the clan safe for decades. Varik, the blacksmith, whose enchanted weapons were second to none. And Seraph, the healer, who used her abyssal magic to mend wounds and bolster their warriors.
Aiden also spent time training with the clan's warriors, learning their techniques and sharing his own knowledge of necromancy. The bond between them grew stronger, united by their common goal.
As the final preparations were made, Kael called a meeting in the grand hall. The clan members and Aiden's undead army gathered, their faces set with determination.
Kael addressed them, his voice filled with conviction. "We have suffered much at the hands of the Holy Church. But no more starting today."
--
### New Skill
- **Abyssal Command:** (New) Allows the user to command abyssal energy, enhancing control over undead and dark magic.
- **Dragon's Roar:** (New) Emits a powerful roar that intimidates enemies and boosts allies' morale.
#### New Summons:
- **Treant (Undead):**
- **Strength:** 50
- **Dexterity:** 10
- **Health:** 100/100
- **Abilities:**
- **Entangle:** Uses roots and vines to immobilize enemies.
- **Forest's Wrath:** Summons the power of the forest to deal massive damage.
- **Count:** 1
- **Drake (Undead):**
- **Strength:** 60
- **Dexterity:** 30
- **Health:** 100/100
- **Abilities:**
- **Flame Breath:** Breathes fire in a wide cone, dealing massive damage.
- **Tail Swipe:** Swings its tail with great force, knocking back and damaging enemies.
- **Count:** 1
- **Magical Beast King (Undead):**
- **Strength:** 70
- **Dexterity:** 35
- **Health:** 120/120
- **Abilities:**
- **King's Roar:** Intimidates and weakens enemies.
- **Regeneration:** Heals over time, restoring lost health.
- **Count:** 1
- **Night Dragon (Undead):**
- **Strength:** 100
- **Dexterity:** 50
- **Health:** 200/200
- **Abilities:**
- **Dark Flame Breath:** Breathes a stream of dark fire, causing massive area damage.
- **Shadow Flight:** Can move silently and swiftly through shadows.
- **Abyssal Aura:** Emits an aura of fear and weakness around enemies.
- **Count:** 1