Whispers of A Dead Empire

Chapter 45

 A few weeks later

I cleared my throat and sat down the last book I wrote for the domain on top of a wooden barrel. I was standing on the docks, right next to my domain's exit. The fog was thicker here and far more tangible and ran through my fingers through it only to have it cling to my fingers like syrup.

Would you like to exit your domain?

The words danced across my vision, teasing me. I wasn't strong enough to leave, and even if I could leave, it's not something that I felt comfortable with. I had no idea what existed outside this realm, and I wasn't too keen on discovering it. Maybe once I learned more of this world, I would, but this was my home for now. I glanced back down at the book bathed in the soft white light of the lantern that floated above it, gave it a soft tap, accessed my menu, and set this book to respawn after a set amount of time.

I cleared the menu and cast Kharon a glance. He was standing in a longboat at its helm. A long paddle was clasped firmly in his hand as he waited for me. "There, I think everything is done. I have spread some treasure chests around the domain, scattered out various lore pieces, and whatnot. Respawn rates have been set, and item drop rates are good to go." I rattled off my mental list as I crossed the docks.

"Everything seems to be in order now. All the troops have been deployed and are now situated in key locations. The ferals have also been repopulated. The last thing that you have to do is just name your domain." His eyes brightened up once more under his hood, giving him a stunning appearance.

I sat down on the boat and crossed my legs as I brought up my menu. "Thank you Kharon, you can start the journey now while I work on that." The sound of the paddle breaking water was the only noise around us. The water was still and only reflected the faint moonlight and the air heavy and oppressive. It was odd, really. I kept expecting to hear waves as they moved, yet all that came was just the sound of silence. I tore my gaze from the lake and instead chose to focus on my menu. I haven't really looked through it lately, so there were many things to catch up on.

I brought up my weapon proficiencies to the middle of the novice level and even added in a few more, like pole-arm, staffs, two-handed weapons, and dual-wielding. It only required hours upon hours of non-stop training to get everything there, so hopefully, when I get to my first milestone, it will be worth it. I looked over the character sheet and saw that all my stats had grown considerably. In fact, it was almost inhuman how quickly I was growing. Though I suppose it has a lot to do with the fact that I didn't need sleep in my domain. It took me a bit, but I learned how to cancel the urge to sleep and instead just focused on training for hours at a time. Though a large part o that had to do with each upgrade to my stats. My stamina became more robust and allowed me to push myself to greater heights.

I wasn't even sure if I was still human anymore at this point. With my Ki core hitting the next stage of evolution and turning into a condensed core, my bones became stronger, and my stamina was through the roof. Each passing day I felt my humanity slip, and with all my companions being undead, I wasn't sure how to feel. Hopefully, once the adventures arrive, I could feel again, but for now, I was trapped, surrounded by an army of the undead.

I dismissed the screen and took some time to think.

I stared out across the lake as Kharon took us across. It was quiet, and for once, I didn't have to do anything. All I had to do was sit there and relax for a while. I did everything else there was to do. I worked on respawn rates with Kharon; I hid treasure chests, mob placements, drop rates, and whatever else in between, all while training and building up lore, at least for this area.

With a quiet sigh, I watched the water as it rippled from each impact of Kharons paddle, and the distant outline of the far shore broke through the deep fog. This was a peaceful, brief trip, one that I enjoyed a lot. I opened up my menu and went to my domain screen and towards the entrance settings. All I had to do was name this place, and it would be ready. As I expand the domain a bit more, I would have to add more things like this. Yet I was also afraid to, the moment the domain opened, would be the moment adventures could come and slay my people. Yet, I knew I could do nothing to stop it. It was the only way for them to grow stronger. As much as it tore me apart, I had come to terms with it. They would fight, and they would die in my name, and I would have to let them. It was the only way I could make it out alive. I typed in Asteria and confirmed my choice with a heavy heart. I still had a few hours left before we opened up, but I might as well get it out of the way.