Chapter 21: The Rise of Shadows & Preparing for Battle (Updated)

Suddenly, my shadow expands, stretching in front of me as three figures emerge, kneeling before me.

I look at them, excitement surging through me. Igris, Iron, and Tusk—my first shadows.

For a moment, I get lost in the sheer awe of their presence, barely holding in my emotions. But before I can fully revel in it, Jarvis pulls me back to reality.

"Sir, please name them."

"What do you mean? They were already named in the manga."

"Sir, these shadows are not the same ones from the original. They were created by the system for you. The names used in the purchase were only reference points for their appearance and personality."

Understanding dawns.

"Oh, okay… give me a moment."

I glance at Igris, standing tall in the center, Iron to his right, and Tusk to his left.

Igris is too iconic—his presence demands that his name remains untouched.

But Iron and Tusk? No. Their new loyalty requires new names—something worthy of them.

"Iron will be called Gara."

"Tusk will be called Merlin."

With their names set, I place my hand on Igris' shoulder first.

Drinking a mana potion, I restore my full mana, then pour all 2,000 points of it into him, activating {Name Bestowing}.

"Your name will be Igris."

Shadows rise from beneath him, dark hands emerging, wrapping around his body like living energy. The transformation begins.

I move to Gara, drink another mana potion, and repeat the process.

Lastly, Merlin—one final surge of mana as shadows engulf him.

I step back, watching them undergo evolution, their energy shifting as their forms strengthen.

[Name Bestowed: Igris → Evolved to P.Legendary Realm] [Name Bestowed: Gara → Evolved to P.Legendary Realm] [Name Bestowed: Merlin → Evolved to P.Legendary Realm]

Their bodies solidify, energy stabilizing, and then—they speak in unison:

"We thank the Emperor for his kindness and generosity. We swear absolute loyalty and devotion to him and will always answer his call, serving and protecting him for eternity."

A wide smile spreads across my face—and the Creator mirrors it.

"You chose well for your first shadows, boy," he says. "Now, anything else you need? You have 30 seconds before you're sent to the dungeon."

I quickly assess my final preparations.

I don't need health potions—I can heal myself with mana.

My shadows require mana to remain active, so mana potions are a must.

A Dragon Slayer sword is crucial—without the right weapon, this battle is already lost.

"Jarvis, use all available WP to buy me a Dragon Slayer Sword, and with whatever remains, get me 20 mana potions."

"Right away, sir."

[Deducing 4,000 WP for Dragon Slayer Sword (Dragon's Crusader – Immortal Realm).] [Deducing 800 WP for 20 High Mana Potions.]

Equipping the Dragon's Crusader, its empowering aura surges through me, strengthening my stats.

I turn to the Creator, grinning, then face my shadows.

"Let's go slay a dragon."