Chapter 18: The Necromancer's Bargain
The echoes of the Rift Weaver's defeat still reverberated through the research facility. Kael, his mind occupied with the looming threat, meticulously studied the *Rift Sealing Device* blueprint.
As he worked, a faint chill permeated the air. Dr. Sharma turned towards the entrance.
"There's someone here," she whispered.
Kael, Anya, and Sir Gareth moved to the lab's entrance. A figure stood in the doorway, cloaked in shadows. As the figure stepped into the light, Kael recognized the description from the rumors. This was Valkyrie "Revenant" Petrova, the Rare Summoner.
Valkyrie was striking, her silver hair pulled back, her violet eyes piercing. Her pale skin and the faint scent of decay gave her an ethereal aura. She wore dark clothing adorned with bone talismans.
"I've heard whispers of your… exploits," Valkyrie said. "You faced the Rift Weaver."
Kael eyed her cautiously. "We did what was necessary. And you are…?"
"Valkyrie Petrova," she said. "A Summoner. I seek knowledge."
"Knowledge?" Kael asked.
"Knowledge of the rifts," Valkyrie replied. "And of… death."
Kael exchanged a look with Anya and Sir Gareth.
"What do you offer in return?" Kael asked.
"My services," Valkyrie replied. "My familiars can be a valuable asset."
"And what do you want?" Anya asked.
"Access to your research," Valkyrie said. "I seek to understand the balance between life and death."
Kael considered her offer. To gain their trust, Valkyrie extended her hand, and a translucent blue panel materialized beside her.
```
--------------------------------------------------
[Valkyrie "Revenant" Petrova]
[Age: 28]
[Class: Shadow Summoner (Necromancer)]
[Level: 6 (2000/3000 XP)]
[Strength: 12]
[Agility: 14]
[Vitality: 16]
[Intelligence: 18]
[Wisdom: 13]
[Skills:]
* Raise Dead (Level 1): Summons a deceased creature as a familiar. Capable of summoning up to 2 Rare or multiple Common creatures.
* Soul Bind (Level 1): Strengthens the connection between Valkyrie and her familiars.
* Necromantic Energy Blast (Level 1): Channels necromantic energy into a powerful blast.
* Shadow Manipulation (Level 1): Allows control and manipulation of shadows.
[Shadows (15):] <-- Click to expand
--------------------------------------------------
```
"This is my… information," Valkyrie said. "Transparency is key to trust."
Kael, Anya, and Sir Gareth studied the panel.
"We accept your offer," Kael said.
"Agreed," Valkyrie replied.
They discussed the terms.
"I can sense the energy of the rifts," Valkyrie said. "They are growing stronger."
"What does that mean?" Sir Gareth asked.
"It means that more creatures will cross over," Valkyrie replied. "And they will be more powerful."
Kael felt a chill.
"We need to strengthen our defenses," he said.
He turned to Valkyrie. "You said you have familiars," he said. "Can you summon them?"
Valkyrie nodded. She raised her hands, chanting. "Arise," she commanded.
From the shadows, three figures emerged. They were skeletal warriors, clad in ancient armor, their eyes glowing green.
**[Summoned: 3 Skeletal Warriors (Common - Death Realm - Level 5)]**
"These are my familiars," Valkyrie said. "My Shadows."
The Skeletal Warriors stood silently.
"They will be a valuable asset," Kael said.
As they discussed plans, the Rift Watch Tower's alarms blared.
**[Rift Activity Detected]**
**[Rift Energy Signature: High]**
"Another rift is opening," Anya said.
They rushed to the rift location. The rift was opening in a nearby forest.
As they approached, they saw monstrous creatures emerging.
**[Encountered: 5 Crimson Drakes (Rare - Fire Realm - Level 10)]**
"These are Crimson Drakes," Valkyrie said.
Kael knew this was going to be difficult.
"Let's attack," he said.
The battle began. The Ironclad warriors engaged the Crimson Drakes.
Valkyrie raised her hand. "Arise," she commanded.
From the bodies of two fallen Crimson Drakes, shadowy figures rose.
**[Crimson Drake (Fire Realm - Rare - Level 8) - Shadow Arisen]**
**[Crimson Drake (Fire Realm - Rare - Level 7) - Shadow Arisen]**
"My Shadow Drakes," Valkyrie said.
The Shadow Drakes joined the battle.
Kael, despite his lack of combat skills, contributed.
The battle raged. With Valkyrie's Shadow Drakes and skeletal warriors, the tide turned. Valkyrie, seeing the struggle, focused her power. "Arise," she commanded.
From the bodies of several smaller creatures (Common-rank beasts), shadowy figures rose. They were spectral wolves.
**[Summoned: 10 Spectral Wolves (Common - Various Realms - Level 3-4)]**
"More Shadows join us," Valkyrie said.
The Spectral Wolves swarmed the remaining Crimson Drakes.
One by one, the Crimson Drakes fell.
Finally, the battle was over.
**[5 Crimson Drakes (Rare - Fire Realm) Eliminated]**
**[XP +500]**
**[Acquired: 5 Crimson Drake Scales]**
**[Acquired: 2 Fire Cores]**
**[Kael Ardent]**
**[Class: Builder]**
**[Level: 7 (755/4000 XP)]**
--------------------------------------------------
[Valkyrie "Revenant" Petrova]
[Age: 28]
[Class: Shadow Summoner (Necromancer)]
[Level: 7 (3750/5000 XP)]
[Strength: 14]
[Agility: 16]
[Vitality: 18]
[Intelligence: 20]
[Wisdom: 15]
[Skills:]
* Raise Dead (Level 2): Summons a deceased creature as a familiar. Capable of summoning up to 2 Rare or multiple Common creatures.
* Soul Bind (Level 1): Strengthens the connection between Valkyrie and her familiars.
* Necromantic Energy Blast (Level 1): Channels necromantic energy into a powerful blast.
* Shadow Manipulation (Level 1): Allows control and manipulation of shadows.
[Shadows (15):] <-- Click to expand
--------------------------------------------------
---[Shadows Panel]--- <-- Opens when "Shadows (15)" is clicked
* 2 x Crimson Drake (Rare - Fire Realm - Level 8 & 7)
* 3 x Skeletal Warrior (Common - Death Realm - Level 5)
* 10 x Spectral Wolf (Common - Various Realms - Level 3-4)
---[End Shadows Panel]---