The Extra's Rise
Chapter 581 - 581: Ebony Tower (1)

The first semester of my final year at Mythos Academy had come to a close. One more neatly boxed chapter in a long academic saga. I was still Rank 1, still ahead of Lucifer, and still handling the weight of expectations with the quiet steadiness people had come to expect from me. I'd finished every assignment, attended every evaluation, and still carved out time for the people who mattered—Clara, the girls, and Lucifer himself. It was, all things considered, a successful term.

And yet, the countdown had begun.

Just one semester left. After that, I would step out of the artificial structure of Mythos and into something much less forgiving.

But before that—winter break.

A misnomer, really. There would be no break, no rest. This winter, I was headed west.

To the Ebony Tower.

A place cloaked in reputation and legend, one of the great bastions of magical research in the Western Continent. For most, it was an institution. For me, it was a promise—and an opportunity that could reshape the entire necromantic landscape.

"Ebony Tower... I'm surprised," Jin said as he leaned back in the plush leather seat of his family's private aircraft. The Ashbluff royal crest was subtly embroidered into the headrest behind him, and he looked perfectly at home in the luxurious cabin. He always carried himself with more natural authority when surrounded by the trappings of his heritage. "You're actually going through with it?"

"I made a commitment to Paul Lucrian," I said. "I promised him a paper."

"A paper?" Jin asked, though I could see the curiosity building behind his eyes.

"On how I formed an Ancient Undead," I clarified, "without a Gift of Deepdark."

The words settled between us like a dropped stone in still water.

Jin blinked, then blinked again. "You're serious."

I nodded.

He leaned forward now, the aircraft's gentle hum providing a backdrop to our conversation as his princely composure cracked slightly. "That's not just a paper, Arthur. That's a heresy in bone and rune. You're talking about overturning a millennium of necromantic doctrine."

I simply shrugged. "Sometimes doctrine needs overturning."

Forming an Ancient Undead without a Gift of Deepdark had been considered impossible. Not difficult—impossible. The prevailing belief was that only those born with the Gift could handle the formation rituals, the mental strain, and the cost in life-force. The belief had become a law. The law had become a wall.

The Wall of Talent.

And I'd found a way through it.

"Paul Lucrian's no fool," Jin continued, his voice dropping to something more serious. "He reached high Immortal-rank. He's the Deputy Tower Master now. If he validates your method and successfully replicates it, the current Tower Master won't be able to hold his seat for long. You're essentially handing him a revolution."

"I'm aware," I replied calmly. "But I'm not doing it for free."

Jin raised an eyebrow. "What's your price?"

"Two things. First, he helps me with my second necromantic summon. A higher-order construct. Something that goes beyond current theoretical frameworks—I want to create something that bridges the gap between traditional necromancy and my integrated approach."

"And the second?"

"A full partnership between Vakrt and the Western necromantic research network."

Jin's eyebrows climbed higher. "Rose's company?"

I nodded. "Vakrt is positioned well in the Slatemark Empire. Strong roots, flexible growth potential. But we lack influence in the West. If Paul agrees to this partnership, Vakrt's reach will spread through both continents. The necromantic economy will tilt in our direction permanently."

Jin considered this, his sharp mind working through the implications as he gazed out the aircraft's window at the clouds below. He wasn't the type to praise easily, but when he spoke, his words carried genuine respect.

"Smart. Vakrt is already Ouroboros-aligned. If you secure this, you'll turn the Slatemark necromantic market into a sealed loop while gaining access to Western innovations."

"The Western market is larger and more volatile," I agreed. "But Slatemark's is small enough to control completely. And we've already done most of the groundwork there."

"This partnership will finish it."

I didn't say anything. I didn't need to.

It would.

"But if you formed your Lich as an Ancient Undead three years ago, why are you submitting the paper now?" Jin asked, genuine curiosity in his voice.

"I didn't understand the theory behind it then," I admitted, scratching my cheek. "I got lucky."

"Lucky?" Jin blinked, his composure finally cracking entirely. The idea of classifying the greatest discovery in the field of Deepdark and necromancy as 'luck' was clearly doing damage to his princely sensibilities.

"But now I understand it completely since the limiter on my Lich was removed when I advanced," I explained. "I can now properly theorize and replicate the process."

Jin shook his head slowly, a mixture of disbelief and admiration on his face as the aircraft began its descent toward the Western Continent. Then, as if remembering something important, his expression shifted to something more formal.

"Actually, Arthur, that brings me to something else." He reached toward a secured compartment built into the aircraft's wall, withdrawing an ornate document sealed with the royal crest of the Western Continent. "My father prepared this for you."

I took the document, feeling the weight of high-quality parchment and the subtle magical protections woven into the seal. "King Valen isn't meeting with me directly?"

"He determined that you no longer need to be tested," Jin said, his voice taking on the measured tone he used when speaking officially. "This is the same contract he offered you before—the one contingent on proving your worthiness. But now..." He gestured toward the document. "He's concluded that your recent advancement and achievements speak for themselves."

I broke the seal carefully, unfolding the document to reveal dense legal text written in both Common and the formal script of the Western Continent. As I read, recognition dawned—this was indeed the same contract from before, but now offered without conditions.

"The same terms as before," I said finally.

Jin nodded. "Father doesn't change his offers lightly. What you're seeing there are the same complete operating rights for Ouroboros in the Western Continent he proposed before—but now given freely, without the need for you to prove yourself through trials."

I scanned the key provisions again, making sure I understood correctly. "Preferential access to all royal research facilities, including restricted archives. Licensing for experimental necromancy that would normally require years of approval. And..."

"The right to recruit top necromancers from any Western institution," Jin finished. "Including the Ebony Tower itself, if you can convince them to join."

The implications were staggering. This wasn't just a business agreement—it was essentially a carte blanche to reshape the Western necromantic landscape according to my vision. And now it was being offered without the trials and tests that had originally been attached.

"The previous conditions?" I asked.

"Waived," Jin said simply. "Father believes your actions have already demonstrated everything the tests were designed to measure."

"Why now?" I asked directly. "Before, he wanted me to prove myself worthy of this level of support. What changed?"

Jin's expression grew thoughtful. "Your advancement to Ascendant-rank through methods no one thought possible. Your revolutionary approaches to both magic and politics. Your consistent ability to exceed every expectation." He paused, looking out the aircraft window. "Father originally designed tests to see if you had the capability to handle this level of responsibility. But watching your recent achievements, he's concluded that you've already provided all the proof necessary."

I folded the document carefully, my mind already working through the possibilities this opened up. With royal backing, my visit to the Ebony Tower would be more than just an academic exchange—it would be the first step in establishing an empire that spanned continents.

"There are conditions, of course," Jin added.

"Of course."

"Ouroboros activities in the West must align with royal interests. Any major experiments or developments that could affect continental stability must be cleared through royal channels. And..." he paused, his expression growing more personal, "you're expected to maintain the relationship that brought this opportunity about."

I looked at him questioningly as the aircraft's engines shifted tone, indicating our approach to the Western Continent.

"Your friendship with me," he clarified with a slight smile. "Father values having a direct line to someone of your capabilities. Don't make him regret extending this trust."

"I wouldn't dream of it," I replied, and meant it. Jin had proven himself invaluable as both ally and friend. This agreement only strengthened the bonds that were already there.

"So," Jin said, leaning back in his chair again, "ready to revolutionize Western necromancy?"

I tucked the royal agreement into my own spatial storage, feeling the weight of new possibilities settling around me like a familiar cloak.

"Let's find out."

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