No! I don't want to be a Super Necromancer!

Damien stared up at the towering guardian beast, its massive, bone-armored body still radiating waves of intimidating necrotic energy.

Its form resembled a monstrous fusion of a dragon and a hound, with four thunderous legs, a long skeletal tail tipped with jagged blades, and two massive wings made not of flesh but of shadow-woven bone, flickering faintly with remnants of soulfire.

Crimson eyes flared brightly, looking down upon him with an air of immense pride and a wary suspicion.

Damien cleared his throat softly, projecting a calm confidence. "So, you're mine now?"

The beast snorted, dark smoke curling out of its massive, fanged jaws. Its voice echoed dramatically around the empty temple, deep and resonant. "Yours? Ha! Do you truly think a being as mighty as myself can be owned so easily? I merely acknowledge you as my caretaker… temporarily!"

Damien raised an eyebrow. "Caretaker?"

The beast nodded seriously, puffing out its broad chest proudly. "Indeed! I require top-tier accommodations, regular meals of purest death energy, and at least one hundred devoted worshippers daily chanting my name to keep my morale high! And let's talk vacations—I demand at least—"

"No," Damien interrupted flatly.

The guardian beast sputtered, eyes narrowing in exaggerated outrage. "No? Did you say no? To me? Have you forgotten who you speak to? I am an ancient guardian, destroyer of kingdoms, conqueror of armies—"

"Guardian of the temple?" Damien offered dryly.

The beast paused, deflating slightly. "I… well, yes, that too. But guardian sounds so much less impressive than conqueror, don't you think? Still, compensation is mandatory if you wish my cooperation! Freedom! Or at least generous rewards!"

Damien shook his head, hiding an amused smile. "No freedom. You're mine now, remember?"

The beast huffed theatrically, stomping one colossal claw. "Fine! Then I require tribute! Praise! Lavish compliments about my magnificent appearance, stunning power, irresistible charisma—"

Just then, Blackie and Rage Monkey approached cautiously from the shadows, pausing at the sight of the immense guardian. Blackie tilted her head warily, evaluating the beast. Rage Monkey, meanwhile, squinted at the newcomer, looking suspiciously interested.

The guardian beast's crimson eyes widened slightly as he noticed the newcomers. "Ah, guests! Admirers? Yes, please, step forward and behold my peerless grandeur!"

Rage Monkey raised an eyebrow, impressed. "Whoa… now that's a beast! Look at that armor, those mighty bones! You're clearly the real deal."

The beast swelled proudly. "Indeed! My power is unmatched, my wisdom profound, my magnificence unsurpassed—"

Blackie snorted softly, interrupting the grand boast. "Calm down, newcomer. If you think you'll take charge around here, you're mistaken."

The beast immediately turned toward her, flaring dramatically. "Excuse me? You dare question my authority? Allow me to educate you properly!"

Without further preamble, the guardian beast released a pulse of necrotic energy, so powerful it sent Blackie and Rage Monkey tumbling backwards with startled shouts. They quickly recovered, standing up and shaking themselves off, clearly startled by the sheer difference in strength.

Rage Monkey's eyes gleamed, instantly shifting into flattering mode. "Oh, esteemed great one! Clearly, you're the eldest brother among us, supreme, magnificent, and all-powerful! Allow this humble monkey to serve you loyally!"

The guardian beast immediately brightened, chest puffed out in triumph. "Ha! You have excellent judgment, little monkey! Very well, as your older brother, I shall protect and instruct you!"

Blackie, watching Rage Monkey grovel shamelessly, clicked her tongue in annoyance. "If you're Rage Monkey's older brother, then you have to call me Mom, you ridiculous oversized lizard."

The guardian beast's jaws fell open slightly, genuinely bewildered. "M-Mom? Impossible! I'm an ancient terror of necromantic legend, a slayer of kings—"

"And now," Blackie interrupted smoothly, "apparently my son."

The beast sputtered indignantly, "This… this is preposterous! I demand respect, not… not… familial obligations!"

Damien shook his head helplessly, sighing deeply. "Alright, enough. You three are giving me a headache."

He stepped toward the guardian beast, looking up with firm curiosity. "First things first. What's your name?"

The beast hesitated visibly, suddenly looking awkward. "My name? Well… my name is… hmm…" He coughed, shifting uneasily. "Why focus on names? Titles are far more magnificent! Yes, call me… call me Handsome! Perfectly fitting!"

Damien narrowed his eyes. "No, I want your real name. What did the Gravewalker call you?"

The beast shuffled his massive feet, avoiding eye contact. "I told you already. Handsome suits my unparalleled looks! No need for ancient titles."

Damien remained unimpressed, folding his arms patiently. "Real name, guardian beast."

Rage Monkey chimed in eagerly, "Yes, oldest brother, please tell us your true, awe-inspiring name!"

Blackie raised a delicate eyebrow, smirking knowingly. "Hesitation? It's probably something adorable, isn't it?"

The guardian beast flinched slightly, letting out an exaggerated sigh. "Fine! Fine! If you insist…" He cleared his throat, voice dropping dramatically. "The Gravewalker, in his infinite wisdom, saw fit to grant me a name befitting my immeasurable majesty and terrifying might!"

Damien and the others leaned in expectantly.

"He called me…" The guardian beast hesitated once more, embarrassment creeping into his tone. "…Fluffy."

There was stunned silence.

Rage Monkey blinked once, twice, then burst into uncontrollable laughter, rolling on the floor and clutching his stomach. "Fluffy? You? Ancient necromantic terror called Fluffy? Hahaha!"

Blackie's mouth twitched, barely containing a grin. "Ah, it suits you… son."

Damien tried valiantly to maintain a serious face but couldn't hide the amusement. "Fluffy, huh?"

The guardian beast puffed up indignantly, trying and failing to look imposing. "I'll have you know, Fluffy is an extremely fearsome and respectable name! It… It strikes fear into the hearts of my enemies, at least, it would, if they weren't all dead already!"

Rage Monkey wheezed through his laughter. "Oh, absolutely terrifying, eldest brother Fluffy! I bow before your cuddly terror!"

Damien shook his head, finally giving in to a chuckle. "Alright, Fluffy it is. Welcome to the team."

Fluffy raised his chin with exaggerated dignity. "Fine. But henceforth, I demand compensation for emotional damages! At least three compliments daily, premium necrotic essence meals, and frequent reassurances of my immense dignity!"

Damien sighed deeply once again, nodding wearily. "Agreed. Now, let's move forward."

Blackie leaned in toward Damien, whispering teasingly, "Congratulations, Damien—you now command Rage Monkey, Fluffy, and me. Truly an army that shall make all our foes tremble."

Damien rubbed his temples lightly, smiling wryly. "Indeed. Truly fearsome."

And with that, Damien turned back to Fluffy, eyes sharp once more, already planning their next step. "Now, Fluffy… tell me everything you know about this Cosmic Battlefield entrance and this mysterious first inheritor."

Fluffy sighed dramatically, clearly savoring his moment in the spotlight. "Very well! Listen closely, young Damien, as your mighty guardian regales you with secrets beyond mortal comprehension!"

Rage Monkey scrambled closer, starry-eyed, whispering eagerly, "Tell us, Fluffy, oh great and handsome older brother!"

Blackie merely rolled her eyes, quietly amused, as Damien braced himself patiently for another round of dramatic boasting from the overly enthusiastic, and strangely lovable, ancient guardian beast.