Chapter 2: The Overlord’s Authority

Ezren Veyrion stood tall as the knights of the Dusk Legion pointed their weapons at him. The throne room, once his unchallenged domain, now felt like a battlefield.

"Who dares to impersonate our fallen lord?" The scarred knight, Commander Darius, tightened his grip on his enchanted sword. The others tensed, waiting for the order to strike.

Ezren smirked.

"They think I'm an impostor?"

He extended his armored hand. Power surged through his body—an overwhelming, familiar sensation.

"[Dominion's Wrath]."

A dark aura exploded from him, sending a crushing force through the air. The torches flickered wildly as the sheer weight of his presence settled over the room.

The knights staggered. Some gasped for breath, while others dropped to one knee, their instincts overriding their doubts.

Selene, still kneeling, smiled. "There is no doubt. This is our lord."

Commander Darius gritted his teeth, his sword trembling.

"This aura… it's impossible… only the Overlord could—"

Ezren took a slow step forward, his obsidian boots clanking against the marble floor.

"Darius, was it?" His voice was calm, but the power behind it sent chills through the knights. "Tell me… did you think I would stay dead forever?"

Darius hesitated. Then, he fell to one knee, lowering his sword.

"My lord… forgive me. I did not dare to hope."

One by one, the other knights knelt, pressing their fists to their chests in salute.

Ezren's smirk deepened.

"Good. They still remember who rules here."

The State of the Kingdom

Now that his authority was reestablished, Ezren needed answers.

"Selene. Explain what has happened in my absence."

The battle priestess nodded. "Much has changed, my lord. After… after your fall, the kingdom descended into chaos."

Ezren frowned. After my fall? But I wasn't supposed to die in this world…

Selene continued. "The other warlords turned on us. Our borders fell. The Citadel of Dusk is all that remains of your empire."

A flicker of rage burned in Ezren's chest.

"My empire… reduced to this?"

"And the other players?" he asked.

Selene hesitated. "Players…?"

Ezren narrowed his eyes. If this was still Eternal Kingdom, the term 'players' should be common. But Selene's confusion meant one thing—this world was no longer a game.

"Then the rules have changed. Fine. That just means I'll have to rebuild it myself."

The First Threat

A commotion erupted outside. The heavy doors burst open, and a wounded scout stumbled in, blood dripping from his armor.

"My lord!" he gasped, falling to his knees. "An army approaches! The Crimson Banner Legion marches on the Citadel!"

Ezren's eyes gleamed.

"So, my enemies think they can finish what they started?"

He turned to Darius. "How many soldiers do we have left?"

Darius clenched his fist. "Barely a thousand, my lord. The Crimson Banner has at least five times our numbers."

Ezren chuckled.

"Then this will be a perfect warm-up."

The knights stared at him in shock. Outnumbered five to one, and yet, their Overlord showed nothing but amusement.

Ezren stepped forward, his black cloak billowing behind him.

"Gather the troops. Man the walls." His crimson eyes burned with anticipation. "Tonight, we remind this world why the Overlord should never be challenged."

End of Chapter 2.