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

The day dawned gray and overcast, as if even the skies sensed the tension rippling throughout the Black Dragon territories. Damien stood atop a shadowed outcrop, overlooking the massive, ancient structure known simply as the Temple Gate. Its towering obsidian pillars were etched with faintly glowing runes that pulsed rhythmically, resonating with a deep hum of energy.

Blackie stood silently at his side, violet eyes narrowed in thought. Rage Monkey sat cross-legged near the edge, chewing quietly on a banana, while Fluffy paced impatiently, twirling his immense new sword with exaggerated pride.

A crowd had gathered in front of the gate.

Elite dragons, their retainers, and a handful of fighting prisoners carefully selected by the Matriarch. Yet despite the gathering's size, whispers of dissatisfaction rippled among those at the periphery.

"The Matriarch's announcement came barely three hours ago," a young dragon lord grumbled loudly. "This temple opens once every century, and we barely get enough notice to assemble."

Blackie's eyes darkened slightly, her voice tinged with bitterness. "Short notice…for most of us, yes. But the Matriarch's favorites? They would have known weeks or months ahead, preparing themselves in secrecy."

Damien glanced sideways at her, noting the shadows that crossed her delicate features. "Favoritism?"

"Always," she replied quietly, the bitterness fading into icy determination. "My life was defined by it. Those who kissed her feet gained everything. Those who didn't… were discarded."

Damien's lips curled slightly. "Good thing you're no longer part of that world."

Blackie's expression shifted, her eyes warming slightly as she met Damien's gaze. "I'm your elite-ranked general now. The past no longer binds me."

Fluffy snorted loudly, interrupting their quiet exchange. "Pathetic worms. Favoritism or not, they're still inferior. Just let me clear the path, and I'll demonstrate the gap."

Rage Monkey, still munching on his banana, raised an eyebrow. "Easy there, brother Fluffy. Those dragons look strong."

"Strong?" Fluffy scoffed. "Perhaps to your eyes. But against the divine might of Fluffy and my new toy…" He swung the Celestial Fang proudly, his eyes glinting with anticipation. "They're nothing but pests."

Damien watched the dragons below carefully as they began filing into the portal, its shimmering surface rippling with mysterious energy. The Matriarch herself stood majestically near the gate, watching carefully. Finally, the last of the lower-ranked dragons passed through, leaving only her most powerful forces behind.

A hush settled over the crowd as the twelve Apostles stepped forward, each surrounded by their elite retinue. Their auras were tangible, darkness radiating from them like a shroud, suffocatingly oppressive.

Fluffy's arrogant grin faded slightly. He stared down with a rare seriousness. "Those twelve… they're not ordinary. If they combined their power, they might even force me to a draw."

Damien chuckled softly, genuinely intrigued. "Just how strong are you, Fluffy?"

Fluffy smiled mysteriously, his expression turning dangerously playful. "Much higher than you think. Especially now, with this magnificent sword of mine." He caressed the blade gently, eyes sparkling.

Damien simply nodded. "Then let's test it. You clear the way, just make sure the Matriarch doesn't interfere."

Fluffy laughed confidently, swinging his massive weapon over his shoulder as he leapt off the ledge. "Leave it to me! They'll regret standing in our path!"

Damien, Blackie, and Rage Monkey swiftly followed, descending toward the gate. Their approach didn't go unnoticed. Immediately, alarmed shouts rang out, guards scrambling to confront them.

But Fluffy moved faster.

With a tremendous roar, he swung the Celestial Fang downward. A massive crescent of death-infused shadow erupted from the blade, cleaving through the startled guards like a scythe through wheat. The power of the strike shook the very ground, causing the gate's pillars to tremble violently.

"Out of the way, peasants!" Fluffy bellowed grandly. "The majestic Fluffy demands passage!"

The Matriarch's eyes flashed dangerously, and she stepped forward with effortless grace. Shadows coalesced around her, darker than night, infused with something deeper and far more dangerous.

"You're bold, guardian beast," she said softly, her voice dripping venom. "But boldness alone won't help you here."

Fluffy laughed, eyes gleaming fiercely. "Let's see if your arrogance can match my blade!"

He swung again, unleashing a ferocious wave of energy powerful enough to split mountains—but as it approached, the Matriarch simply raised a single claw, releasing a shimmering barrier of blackness interwoven with spatial distortions.

Fluffy's immense attack struck—and froze, suspended midair. His eyes widened, astonished.

"What—?" he began.

Before he could finish, the Matriarch flicked her claw, sending Fluffy's own attack hurtling back at him, knocking him momentarily off balance.

"Space-infused darkness!" Blackie shouted in warning. "She's mastered law integration!"

The Matriarch smiled coldly as her Apostles, who had vanished moments before, stepped out of the shadows again, encircling Damien and his team.

"I knew you would come," she purred, eyes fixed directly on Damien. "Killing my son. Slaying my Black Talon elites. You've caused me a lot of trouble, little human."

Damien frowned deeply, evaluating the Apostles carefully. Twelve immensely powerful dragons surrounded them, their eyes glowing dangerously, radiating intense pressure.

Fluffy regained his footing quickly, but his playful arrogance had vanished entirely. He held his sword defensively, realizing the seriousness of their position. Rage Monkey and Blackie readied themselves instinctively, shifting to Damien's side, battle stances firm.

The Matriarch's smile widened into something truly sinister. "You've walked into your grave willingly. My Apostles have been eager to meet you."

Fluffy growled deeply, angry but cautious. "Master, I'll clear a path for you—"

"Wait," Damien interrupted softly, his voice clear but calm. He stared at the Matriarch, unflinching. "This was a trap from the beginning."

The Matriarch inclined her head slightly, mockingly. "A necessary precaution. After all, the inheritor said you were dangerous. He warned me you would attempt entry today."

Damien's eyes sharpened instantly. "The inheritor?"

"Oh yes," the Matriarch purred, clearly enjoying his reaction. "A powerful human, crimson-haired and ruthless. He advised me precisely how to lure you here. And it seems he was right. You're exactly where I want you."

Damien took a slow, controlled breath, adjusting his stance carefully. "You think your Apostles can hold us?"

"They can," the Matriarch said softly. "And they will."

Fluffy snarled furiously, stepping protectively in front of Damien. "Your Apostles might be strong, but don't underestimate us, dragon!"

But the Matriarch merely laughed softly. "They won't fight alone."