Monarch's Awakening

The young man gasped, his body convulsing. His bandages darkened as veins of black spread across his exposed skin.

His mouth opened in a silent scream, his bound hands straining against the ropes.

The demons around him watched in awe.

The Grand Caster grinned.

Yes. It was working.

The energy in the room grew heavier, pressing down on them like an invisible force. A deep, resonant hum filled the air, a sound that seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere at once.

Then, a voice.

A voice that did not belong to the young man.

"Who dares... call upon me?"

The chamber trembled.

The temperature dropped, the torches flickering violently before some of them went out entirely.

The Grand Caster's grin widened.

It had been centuries since he had last heard that voice.

"Welcome back, my lord," he whispered. "The world has been waiting for your return."