ChrisLingayo

Lumberling, a 42-year-old civil engineer, grew numb to the monotonous rhythm of modern life. Hoping to rekindle his sense of wonder, he set out on a solitary nature trip, only to stumble upon an ancient, forgotten pyramid. A strange red light burst forth, killing him instantly… and binding itself to his soul.

Cast adrift in the void, his soul found no rest, until he awoke in the body of a young foot soldier, bleeding and broken on a war-torn battlefield in a world not his own.

Determined not to die again, Lumberling fights to survive in this brutal new realm where knights clash with monsters, kingdoms rise and fall, and mysterious powers shape the fate of nations.

Armed with a strange ability to devour the essence of those he slays, he begins to carve out a new path, one forged by blood, strength, and sheer will.

But power alone may not be enough. In a world where danger lurks in every shadow, and ancient forces stir in the dark, can a lost soul rise above fate… or will he be consumed by the very essence he seeks to control?

The Devouring Knight

The morning sun had barely breached the treetops when the village gathered near the eastern ridge. Mist clung to the earth like a soft farewell, and the scent of pine drifted on the breeze.

Lumberling stood at the head of his formation, armor polished, cloak clasped, spear slung across his back. Behind him, fifty-nine elite soldiers and three golden eagles stood in perfect discipline. Skitz, Aren, Rogar, Gorrak, Trask, all ready.

Across from them stood Krivex, his group equally prepared. Packs secured, weapons sheathed, determination in their eyes.

The air buzzed with quiet tension. The kind that only came before a long road.

Lumberling turned first to his family.

Uncle Drake stood tall, arms crossed, but his eyes were heavier than usual.

"You sure about this?" Drake asked.

Lumberling nodded. "We'll need eyes and ears in the empire. It starts here."

Chapter 86: The Legion Wears Black