Embrace of the void

Michael returned home, the weight of anticipation heavy on his shoulders. After a quick meal with Nyxar, he felt a sense of urgency wash over him. They had a dungeon to explore, a world filled with untold dangers and opportunities. Nyxar, now free from the confines of Michael's shadow thanks to his new ID card, stood beside him, eager to embark on their quest.

 "Are you ready?" Michael asked, his voice steady but filled with excitement.

 "Absolutely! Let's see what this dungeon has to offer," Nyxar replied, his eyes gleaming with enthusiasm.

After an hour of walking, they finally arrived at the entrance to the dungeon. The entrance appeared as a crack in the very fabric of space—a swirling rift that beckoned them to step into the unknown. The air crackled with energy, and a sense of foreboding hung heavy, but Michael felt a thrill pulsing through him.

As they approached, they noticed several Awakened standing guard, their expressions serious and vigilant. Michael approached one of the officials, his heart racing. "I'd like to request entrance for both me and my companion," he said, trying to sound confident.

The official raised an eyebrow, glancing at Michael's rank before sensing Nyxar's aura. The guard's demeanor shifted slightly, and he asked for the entrance fee. After Michael paid, the official waved them through, a hint of respect creeping into his voice. "Good luck in there."

As they stepped through the rift, Michael felt the world around them shift dramatically. They emerged in a dark forest, the air thick with the scent of damp earth and decay. Shadows danced around them, and the distant sounds of rustling leaves and eerie calls from unseen creatures echoed in the air.

 "Let's get started," Michael said, his voice firm. He activated his {Undead Summoning} skill, and a crack opened in the void as Vragoth and Morgoth emerged from it. Vragoth held a staff adorned with dark crystals {Eclipse Wand}, while Morgoth gripped dual axes, ready for battle.

 "I should get them some decent clothes," Michael muttered, eyeing their tattered garments. "Okay, we're in a dungeon now. Use your skills and take down any monsters you encounter. Stay close to me, and if you see any special raven monsters, bring them to me."

Both orcs nodded, their excitement palpable. Morgoth burst into laughter, the sound echoing eerily as lightning and wind enveloped him. He charged into the depths of the forest with reckless abandon. Vragoth, in contrast, maintained a calm demeanor, walking steadily into the shadows.

 "Am I imagining things, or do they seem smarter than before?" Michael pondered aloud.

Nyxar, moving at Michael's side, chimed in, "I forgot to mention, while you were resting, I spoke with them. They don't remember much from their previous lives, just flashes, but they seem to possess fragments of your memories."

Michael raised an eyebrow in surprise but pushed the thought aside. "What about you? What are you going to do now?" he asked.

"Of course, I'll hunt monsters. What about you?" Nyxar replied, a glint of mischief in his eyes.

 "I have an idea I want to try," Michael said, determination hardening in his voice.

 "Alright, if you need my help, just call," Nyxar said before slipping into the shadows, disappearing from sight.

A few moments later, the peaceful atmosphere of the forest was shattered by explosive sounds reverberating in the distance. Michael shook his head, focusing on his own plans. He took out the skill crystal Lucian had given him, along with some mana stones, and concentrated.

With a flick of his wrist, the mana stones and crystal floated into the air. He felt a slight pain in his soul as they disintegrated, but he pressed on, the sensation subsiding as quickly as it came.

Moments later, the crystal landed back in his hand, and Michael examined it closely. Something felt different, and with a deep breath, he activated it, channeling his mana into the crystal. It vanished, and a rush of information flooded his mind.

After a few minutes, Michael couldn't contain his excitement. "It worked! This is incredible! If I can develop my skills further, my innate ability will be unmatched in this world!"

He quickly checked his skill list:

{Skills: swordsmanship (Intermediate 15%), Archery (Beginner 25%)}

{Class Skills: Undead Revival (Beginner 25%), Undead Summoning (Beginner 25%), Void Manipulation (Beginner), Shadow Veil (Beginner 30%), Necrotic Rift (Beginner), Void Flame (Beginner 10%), Ethereal Link (Beginner)} 

{Summoning slots: 3/10}

Ethereal Link: Allows the user to share a deeper bond with their summons, enabling communication, sensing their conditions, and seeing through their eyes.

Michael's heart raced at the thought of his new skill. He took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and concentrated on the links he had forged with Vragoth and Morgoth.

Suddenly, he felt a powerful connection surge through him. As he focused harder, he found himself seeing through Nyxar's eyes. The world transformed, and Michael could see Nyxar darting through the shadows, laughing maniacally as he dispatched monsters without hesitation.

 "Calm down, you idiot. The monsters won't escape you," Michael called out mentally.

Nyxar paused mid-strike, glancing around. "Did you succeed in your idea?" he asked, his voice echoing in Michael's mind.

 "Yes! I can see through your eyes now!" Michael replied, exhilaration bubbling within him.

 "This is fantastic! Once we add that raven to our ranks, I'll train you in stealth. We'll pull off a heist for one of my former clients," Nyxar laughed, the thrill of battle igniting his spirit.

Michael severed the connection and turned his attention to Morgoth. With a moment of concentration, he found himself viewing through Morgoth's perspective.

Morgoth was enveloped in crackling lightning and swirling winds, surrounded by a flurry of black ravens. He swung his axes with ferocity, cutting down any creature that dared approach him.

 "Damn, are all my summons going to be crazy?" Michael mused, amused yet slightly concerned.

Disconnecting from Morgoth, he shifted his focus to Vragoth.

As he concentrated, he found himself within a dark cave, where a massive black raven was bound by chains of black flame. Morgoth stood before it, staff in hand, staring at the creature with an expression of indifference.

 "How did you get to the boss room and catch it so quickly?" Michael asked in disbelief.

Startled, Vragoth replied, "Sir, I sensed an immense concentration of shadow and darkness mana here. When I approached, this creature attempted to attack me, so I subdued it."

Michael's excitement surged. "This must be the strongest monster in the dungeon! Can you feel the entire dungeon?" he pressed.

 "Yes, sir. The dungeon isn't large; its diameter is about one kilometer. I can sense everything within that range,"

 "Excellent work! Get rid of the monster and preserve its corpse, but don't damage it too much. Michael then cut off contact with Vragoth. and summon Nyxar and Morgoth," Michael commanded, pride swelling in his chest.

 "Did you hear that, my master thanked me! Hahaha!" Vragoth cackled.

 "don't be so sad, crow. Once you die, you will join us, and I'll treat you well," Vragoth added, grinning as he prepared for the confrontation.

With a swift motion, Vragoth conjured a needle of dark flame and launched it at the raven. The needle pierced its skull, and the creature fell lifelessly to the ground. Vragoth quickly used his Telekinesis skill to lift the body and bring it to Michael, who was gathering the others.

Once they were all together, Michael praised, "Well done, especially you, Vragoth. I'll make sure to reward you."

He attempted to return the orcs to the Void but was interrupted by Morgoth. "My Lord, can you let us stay in your shadow instead?" he asked eagerly.

 "Can you stay in my shadow too?" Michael asked, taken aback.

 "Yes, my Lord. Your shadow is connected to the Void. If you raise your summoning skill, we won't need to open a portal to return; we can enter and exit from your shadow," Vragoth explained.

Michael beamed at this revelation. "Why don't you want to stay in the Void now?"

 "The Void is empty and dull. There's nothing to experience. Here, in your shadow, we feel everything as if we're right beside you," Vragoth replied, his voice filled with longing.

 "Right," Nyxar chimed in. "It's much more interesting this way."

 "Okay, you can stay in my shadow," Michael declared, and the two orcs grinned widely, slipping into the depths of his shadow.

Feeling invigorated by their success and the strong bonds he was forming with his summons, Michael made his way back to the Society of the Awakened to meet with Lucian once more. The dungeon had been just the beginning, and as he stepped into the light, the possibilities ahead filled him with excitement and determination.