Chapter 5: Throne of Shadows

The Fallen King towered over Zihad, his skeletal armor etched with runes of death and ancient power. Every step the King took echoed through the vast throne room, sending shivers even down the digital spine of the Phantom Reaper. Yet Zihad stood still—calm, unflinching. This was his game, his creation, and he would claim its first true victory.

Boss Battle Initiated: Fallen King Alzareth

Level: ???

HP: ?????????

Status: Undead Monarch of Forgotten Thrones

The king raised a massive blade that looked like it was forged from the spines of ancient dragons. His first swing created a shockwave that shattered the stone tiles at Zihad's feet. The Bone Legion immediately moved to intercept.

"Circle formation! Absorb the first strike! Reapers, flanks!" Zihad commanded.

His skeletal army obeyed without hesitation. Shield-bearing skeletons closed ranks while nimble Reaper-class summons darted toward the sides of the throne room, looking for an opening. Zihad remained at the rear, his staff glowing with obsidian energy as he summoned necrotic chains from the ground.

Skill Activated: Chains of Mourning

The chains launched forward, wrapping around the Fallen King's legs. For a moment, the massive undead monarch halted—enough for the Reapers to leap into action. Blades sliced across darkened armor, leaving trails of green light as the enchanted metal tore into him.

But Alzareth roared, snapping the chains like they were twigs.

System Alert: King's Rage activated. All enemy summons suffer 20% debuff.

Zihad narrowed his eyes. "Not enough. I need more."

He reached into his inventory and pulled out a single, hidden relic: The Tear of Lost Gods. A rare item no player was supposed to find until a month into the game. But Zihad had given himself no advantages—he earned this.

Item Used: Tear of Lost Gods

Effect: For 90 seconds, all undead under your command gain 50% attack speed and 75% damage reduction.

The Bone Legion shimmered with dark light. Their bones hardened, their weapons pulsed with necrotic fire.

They attacked in full force.

The throne room erupted in chaos. Magic clashed with steel. The Fallen King spun, swinging his massive blade in wide arcs, but the Bone Legion held firm. Every loss was replenished instantly, Zihad raising new warriors from the floor beneath the king's feet.

Zihad himself entered the fray, his Phantom Reaper blade slicing into the King's side. One strike, two, then a third—each weaving between the boss's heavy swings.

HP of Fallen King Alzareth: 14%

Alzareth bellowed, shattering the air.

Final Phase Initiated: Soul Detonation

Zihad's eyes sharpened. This was it.

"Now!" he shouted.

His entire army rushed forward, dozens of undead converging on the king like a tidal wave. Zihad leapt high into the air, activating his ultimate skill.

Skill: Phantom Requiem

Effect: Unleashes stored soul energy in a focused blast. Consumes all minions.

The explosion lit up the throne room like a sun being born.

And then, silence.

Smoke drifted through the chamber.

The massive form of the Fallen King dropped to its knees… then collapsed entirely.

Boss Defeated: Fallen King Alzareth

Title Unlocked: King Slayer

Unique Skill Obtained: Death's Embrace

Zihad stood amidst the remains of his army, breathing heavily.

System Notice: You are now ranked #1 globally.

He let the moment settle. His heart pounded—not with fear, but satisfaction.

He turned from the throne.

"This is only the beginning."

Then he logged out.

Back in his room, the world was quiet. The hum of the pod slowed to a halt as the visor lifted.

Zihad stepped out into the dimly lit room, his thoughts still halfway inside the game.

But tomorrow… tomorrow, the real world would change too.

And Zihad—still unknown to the world—was right at the center of it all.

End of Chapter 5