Story 623: The Blade of Domination

The dim, flickering lights of the Crimson Citadel’s lower chambers cast eerie shadows as General Viktor ‘Bloodfang’ Kruger stood over a cold steel table, his combat knife gleaming under the pale glow. His fingers ran along its serrated edge—this blade had spilled more blood than any gun in his arsenal. But tonight, it would serve a greater purpose.

Behind him, Dr. Sylvia ‘Plague Mistress’ Voss observed silently, her crimson-lipped smirk betraying amusement. “Is this ritual necessary, General? The undead obey you without theatrics.”

Kruger didn't look up. “Obedience is fleeting. Loyalty is eternal.”

He turned to the kneeling form before him—a freshly turned Sentient Undead Lieutenant, still wearing the tattered uniform of his former allegiance. His eyes, though clouded with death, burned with an unnatural intelligence.

“Do you remember your name, soldier?” Kruger asked, his tone smooth, almost mocking.

The undead’s jaw twitched. “C-Captain… Elias Vance…”