The Extra's Rise
Chapter 593 - 593: Bone Symbiote (8)

The integration with an Ancient consciousness was beyond anything I could have prepared for. As the Ancient Undead's essence flowed into my form, I felt my awareness expand not just in scope but in depth—suddenly able to perceive layers of reality that had been invisible to my enhanced Ascendant-rank senses.

The physical sensation was extraordinary. Unlike the mechanical armor creation that Erebus provided, Ancient Undead's integration felt organic, natural, as if my body had always been designed to accommodate this level of enhancement. The Abyssal Emperor bones merged with my skeleton, creating adaptive reinforcement that felt like a natural evolution rather than external augmentation. The Storm Titan matrices integrated with my nervous system, accelerating my thought processes to speeds that approached prescience. The enhanced Void Beast essence suffused my entire being, anchoring the enhanced capabilities with consciousness stability that prevented overload.

But it was the mental aspect that truly demonstrated the unprecedented nature of what we'd created. Ancient Undead's consciousness remained distinct from mine, but our thoughts flowed together with perfect synchronization. I could access centuries of accumulated tactical knowledge, benefit from prescient awareness that anticipated threats before they manifested, and draw upon adaptive capabilities that could respond to challenges I hadn't yet encountered.

"Remarkable," Dr. Thorne breathed, watching readouts that showed consciousness patterns she'd never seen before. "The integration depth exceeds our most optimistic projections. You're not just wearing Ancient enhancement—you're sharing consciousness with an entity that operates at levels we can barely measure."

I flexed my enhanced form, marveling at capabilities that seemed to transcend the normal limitations of physical existence. Ancient Undead's presence didn't just enhance my strength or speed—it enhanced my understanding of how to apply those capabilities optimally. Every movement felt perfectly coordinated, every response precisely calibrated to the situation at hand.

'The integration feels natural, Arthur,' came a voice in my mind that was distinctly different from Luna's—feminine, but carrying harmonics that spoke of Ancient wisdom and deep understanding. 'Our consciousness patterns are compatible in ways that suggest this partnership was meant to be.'

The realization hit me like a gentle wave. Unlike Erebus, whose mental communication was formal and somewhat distant, Ancient Undead's consciousness carried a warmth and intimacy that spoke of genuine partnership rather than mere alliance.

'I can speak with you as Luna does,' Ancient Undead said, her mental voice carrying undertones of satisfaction. 'Ancient consciousness enables direct communication rather than simple command structures. We are partners in the truest sense.'

To demonstrate the adaptive capabilities, I began moving through complex combat sequences without carrying actual weapons. Ancient Undead immediately responded by manifesting bone extensions that functioned as perfectly balanced implements, each one crafted specifically for the technique I was performing. When I shifted to defensive postures, additional armor appeared across vital areas, but with coverage that enhanced rather than hindered mobility.

'I can anticipate your needs before you're consciously aware of them,' Ancient Undead explained as the bone weapons flowed seamlessly between configurations. 'The consciousness integration allows me to read your intentions at the moment they form, creating responses that feel instinctive rather than reactive.'

"The adaptive response time is essentially prescient," Dr. Thorne observed. "The Ancient consciousness is anticipating Arthur's needs before he's consciously aware of them, creating enhancements that respond to threats that haven't yet manifested."

Jin watched from the observation area with obvious fascination. "Can you still separate at will, or does Ancient consciousness require different disconnection protocols?"

"Let's find out," I said, issuing the mental command for disconnection.

The separation process was as smooth as integration had been, but with an added dimension of mutual respect that hadn't existed with standard constructs. Ancient Undead's consciousness withdrew from my form gradually, ensuring that the transition didn't cause disorientation or capability loss. Within moments, we stood facing each other—two distinct entities with perfect understanding of our shared potential.

"Integration and separation protocols function optimally," Ancient Undead reported in her harmonically layered voice that carried both strength and surprising gentleness. "Physical enhancement capabilities exceed baseline parameters during merged state. Independent combat operations ready in separated configuration, with tactical capabilities enhanced by shared consciousness experience."

Her skeletal form was elegantly proportioned, with the Abyssal Emperor bones creating a frame that somehow managed to convey both deadly capability and graceful beauty. The Storm Titan matrices in her skull pulsed with controlled electrical energy that created patterns of light that were mesmerizing to observe. The enhanced Void Beast essence created an aura around her that seemed to bend space itself, giving her an otherworldly presence that spoke of power beyond normal comprehension.

The moment she achieved independent form, I felt the necromantic binding snap into place automatically. There was no ceremony, no formal protocols—the magical framework that governed summoner-entity relationships simply recognized what had been created and established the connection that made Ancient Undead officially my second necromantic summon.

"Fascinating," Paul observed, studying readings that showed the binding formation. "The necromantic bond established itself the moment she achieved independent consciousness. There was no choice involved—the magical framework simply recognized her as Arthur's creation and implemented binding protocols automatically."

'I feel the connection,' Ancient Undead said through our mental link, her voice carrying curiosity rather than resentment. 'It's not constraining—it simply formalizes what already exists between us.'

"The magical signature is extraordinary," Dr. Thorne continued, studying her monitoring displays. "This isn't just a necromantic binding—it's a partnership bond that operates on multiple levels simultaneously. Consciousness sharing, tactical coordination, symbiotic integration—all managed through a single unified connection."

'It feels natural,' Ancient Undead confirmed. 'As if this connection was always meant to exist.'

"Because it was," I replied, understanding settling over me. "You were created specifically to be my partner. The binding isn't an imposition—it's the formal recognition of your purpose."

Jin appeared at the chamber window, his expression mixing awe with fascination. "How does it feel to have created something that was designed from the beginning to be your perfect ally?"

I considered the question carefully, looking at Ancient Undead whose Ancient wisdom was now permanently linked to my development, thinking about how different her creation had been from Erebus's more independent path.

"Like I've gained a partner who understands me at a fundamental level because she was shaped by my own consciousness," I said finally. "But also like I've accepted responsibility for an entity whose entire existence is tied to mine."

'The responsibility is mutual, Arthur,' Ancient Undead said through our mental connection, her voice carrying warmth that spoke of genuine affection alongside Ancient wisdom. 'I exist because you created me, but you are also changed by what we've become together. We are bound not by compulsion, but by shared purpose.'

"Successful creation and bonding confirmed," Paul announced with barely contained excitement. "Ancient consciousness stable, symbiotic protocols operational, automatic necromantic binding complete. Arthur, you've now created two Ancient Undead using revolutionary methods, establishing yourself as perhaps the foremost innovator in contemporary necromantic theory."

The weight of that achievement settled around me with a mixture of pride and responsibility. Creating Erebus had been an accidental breakthrough that I'd struggled to understand. Creating the Ancient Undead had been a deliberate application of refined theory that demonstrated genuine mastery of Ancient consciousness formation.

"The implications for your future development are extraordinary," Dr. Thorne added, studying the monitoring data with obvious fascination. "Having two Ancient entities as summons—one focused on magical support and coordination, the other designed for symbiotic enhancement—its incredible."

'There's something we should discuss,' she said, her mental voice carrying undertones of curiosity. 'Names carry power for Ancient consciousness. What would you call me, Arthur?'

I considered the question carefully.

Looking at her elegant skeletal form, with the controlled electrical patterns pulsing through her skull and the spatial distortions of her essence creating an otherworldly presence, I searched for something that captured both her strength and the warmth I felt through our connection.

"Valeria," I said aloud, so the research team could witness this moment of naming. "It means strength and shared valor in the old tongue—perfect for what you've become as my partner."

'Valeria,' she repeated through our mental connection, her voice carrying what sounded like satisfaction. 'I accept the name gladly. It feels... right for what we are together.'

"Then Valeria you shall be," I said formally, completing the recognition that would establish her individual identity within our partnership.

For the first time since her creation, my Ancient partner seemed to radiate satisfaction, though the expression was more sensed than seen in her crystalline-enhanced skeletal features.

'I am honored by the recognition, Arthur. I look forward to discovering what our partnership can achieve.'

'Well,' Luna observed with obvious fascination, 'you've certainly outdone yourself this time. An Ancient consciousness created specifically to be your symbiotic partner and can communicate as naturally as I do. The level of integration you've achieved is unprecedented.'

The formal recognition of our partnership felt like the completion of something that had begun years ago with Erebus's creation. I now had two Ancient allies whose capabilities complemented each other perfectly—Erebus for magical support and tactical coordination, Valeria for symbiotic enhancement and adaptive response.

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