[Third Person Pov]

Lucian sat calmly within the vast training chamber of his Midnight Castle, his posture relaxed despite the oppressive power that radiated from the space itself. The room was enormous, its edges barely visible even before the darkness began to move. Slowly, like a living tide, shadows spread outward from beneath him. They slithered across the floor, climbed the walls, and crawled over the ceiling until the entire chamber was swallowed whole, leaving Lucian seated at the center of absolute blackness.

“Now then…” Lucian murmured, crossing his legs beneath him as if settling in for meditation. A faint, eager smile tugged at his lips. “It’s time I experimented with a bit of [Shadow Merging] and [Shadow Sculpting]—especially with the new shadows I’ve acquired.”

At his silent command, the darkness before him stirred. Shadow soldiers rose from the floor as though being pulled from a bottomless abyss, their forms solidifying as they emerged. One by one, they knelt before Lucian in reverent submission, their presence heavy with power yet utterly loyal.

“Hmm…” Lucian hummed thoughtfully, resting his chin on his knuckles as his eyes traced each figure. “Who should I start with, I wonder…”

His gaze settled on one in particular.

“You,” Lucian said, lifting a finger and motioning forward. “The drakon.”

As the massive shadow serpent stirred, Lucian’s thoughts raced. ‘I have three others as well… perhaps I could merge all four together. A composite being—stronger, more refined.’ His lips curved into a contemplative grin. But then the real question becomes… ‘what should it look like? And what should I name it?’

The giant draconic serpent slithered forward, its immense body coiling and uncoiling with fluid grace. Moments later, three more serpentine shadows peeled themselves away from Lucian’s own darkness, appearing at his sides. Lucian extended a single hand outward, and the air between them warped violently. A swirling vortex of shadow formed, dragging all four serpents into its core as their essences began to fuse.

A pulsating crimson shadow orb emerged, dense and alive, representing the combined essence of the four beings. Lucian leaned forward slightly, eyes gleaming with focus as he began to work. With careful precision, he sculpted the orb, stretching and molding it into the shape of an eastern dragon. Shadow-forged blades formed along its spine, sharp and elegant, like obsidian fins designed for slaughter.

Lucian hummed softly as he worked, summoning delicate shadow tools that floated around his hands. He shaved edges, refined curves, and reinforced scales, treating the process less like forging a weapon and more like crafting art.

When he finally finished, Lucian found himself holding a small, perfectly detailed figurine—a sleeping bladed serpent curled in on itself. Satisfaction washed over his face. He smiled warmly, lifting it closer and pressing a gentle kiss to its head.

“I’ll name you… Ophis,” he whispered.

He released the figurine, letting it fall into the shadows beneath him. Silence followed. One second passed. Then another.

Suddenly, in the distance, sharp shadow blades burst from the floor before sinking back down again—only to reappear elsewhere. The movement was unmistakable, like a predator gliding beneath the surface of dark water.

With a thunderous surge, the creature reared its head upward. Towering well over five meters tall, its body extended far beyond that, disappearing into the shadows behind it. The bladed serpent lowered its massive head and affectionately rubbed against Lucian’s cheek.

“Massster~” it hissed joyfully, its voice echoing with devotion.

“Well, aren’t you adorable?” Lucian said with a pleased chuckle.

Ophis coiled around him possessively, and Lucian casually shifted his weight, sitting atop the serpent’s massive coils as though it were a living throne.

Lucian then flicked two fingers off to the left. “Minor. Major. You two are fine as you are—I have no intention of changing you.”

The two shadow bear brothers bowed deeply, their massive heads dipping in unison before their forms dissolved back into the darkness.

He made the same gesture to the right. “The same goes for you as well—Duke and Baron.”

The two demonic shadows bowed respectfully and faded into Lucian’s shadow alongside the others.

Lucian exhaled slowly and rested a hand on his chin, eyes drifting to the remaining figures. “Twelve giants, huh…” he mused. “I could feed them to Asura… but no.” He shook his head decisively. “I’ll split them in half and create new soldiers instead.”

Extending both hands, Lucian absorbed six giants into each palm. Their massive forms collapsed inward, compressing until two twin crimson shadow orbs hovered above his hands, pulsing with restrained might.

“Since I made the others into an Asura,” Lucian muttered, “I think I’ll shape these two in a similar nature.”

He concentrated deeply, sculpting their essence with meticulous care, ensuring every detail was flawless.

“I don’t know why,” he added with a chuckle, “but you two are Japanese now.”

“—Said god while creating humanity,” Lucian joked to himself before breaking into manic giggles. “Hehehe… man, I crack myself up.”

Still humming and whistling, Lucian completed his work. When he finally looked down at what rested in his palms, two figures stared back at him—newborn shadows shaped into Oni. One bore a single horn protruding from the center of its forehead, while the other possessed two, both radiating an ominous, refined power.

Lucian smiled.

Lucian stared back and forth between the two Onis for several long moments, his expression thoughtful as he searched for a name that felt suitably grand. Ideas came and went, none of them quite sticking. Eventually, he sighed, his shoulders lifting in a small shrug as he abandoned the effort entirely.

“Yeah… I’ve got nothing,” he admitted aloud.

His gaze settled on the one-horned Oni first. “Alright then. Your name is Oni,” he said simply, before shifting his attention to the other. “And your brother will be named Ogre.”

Once the decision was made, Lucian wasted no more time. He released both miniature figurines into the shadows at his feet, watching as they vanished beneath the inky surface. Moments later, the darkness rippled violently, and two towering forms rose from within, their bodies reforged and reborn.

They knelt before him in unison—but even in that simple act, their differences were clear.

Oni was the calmer of the two, lowering himself with deliberate grace, his movements smooth and refined, almost ceremonial. His presence radiated control and composure.

Ogre, on the other hand, knelt with force, his posture rigid and domineering, his aura heavy with aggression and raw intimidation.

The contrast between them was striking.

Lucian’s eyes gleamed with interest.

‘They’re quite attractive…’ he mused privately. ‘Both of them. Different, but each has their own charm.’ A pleased smile tugged at his lips. ‘Yeah. I like them.’

“From now on,” Lucian said aloud, his tone carrying quiet authority, “the two of you are brothers. I created you at the same time, with the same intent. It’s only logical.”

“If it is by your will, Your Grace,” Oni replied smoothly, bowing his head with elegant precision.

“If His Lordship wishes it,” Ogre added with a huff, his voice rougher, though no less loyal.

Lucian chuckled as he rose from atop Ophis’ coiled body, stepping forward to stand directly before his newest creations. “You know,” he said lightly, “I don’t know why, but I really like the two of you.”

He extended a hand, and at his gesture the shadows beside him stirred. Weapons emerged from the darkness, slowly rising as if being offered by the abyss itself. Toward Ogre drifted a massive double-headed axe, its edges wicked and cruel. Toward Oni floated an Odachi, its long blade radiating an ominous, restrained hunger.

“You two strike me as weapon users,” Lucian said, studying them closely. “Not the type to rely solely on your fists.”

A small smile crossed his face. “These are cursed weapons—creations from my experiments in blacksmithing.”

Lucian turned his attention to Oni first. “The Odachi is cursed to steal life-force. It doesn’t discriminate—enemy or wielder, it will drain whoever it cuts.”

He smirked faintly. “Since you’re a shadow soldier and possess no life-force of your own, it’s the perfect weapon for you.”

“May I?” Oni asked politely, his eyes fixed on the blade with unmistakable fascination.

Lucian nodded.

Oni accepted the Odachi, its weight settling naturally into his clawed grip as if the sword had been forged specifically for him. He drew it from its scabbard in a smooth motion, inspecting the blade with methodical care before returning it with a soft, respectful click.

“I will dedicate my sword to you and your cause, my lord,” Oni said solemnly. “Point, and I will cut down any obstacle that dares stand in your way.”

He presented the weapon toward Lucian and bowed deeply.

“I accept your pledge,” Lucian replied, nodding with sincerity—though inwardly, excitement bubbled uncontrollably. ‘Man… this is awesome.’

“Tch. Kiss-ass,” Ogre muttered under his breath.

Oni’s brow twitched briefly, but he said nothing. Lucian only laughed, turning his attention to Ogre.

“Your weapon works similarly,” Lucian explained, gesturing toward the massive axe. “Except instead of life-force, it consumes blood. And again—since you don’t possess any, it’s a perfect match.”

Ogre grinned widely as he gripped the axe with both hands. He slammed the pommel into the ground with a resounding thud and bowed.

“Your enemies are my enemies,” he declared. “I will let them taste the edge of your gift if any dare show you disrespect!”

Lucian chuckled and patted Ogre on the shoulder. “Thank you. Your words are kind.”

Ogre puffed his chest out proudly.

“Who’s the one kissing ass now?” Oni muttered quietly.

“My lord,” Ogre said, his grin twisting into something sharp and unpleasant, warping his handsome features into something almost monstrous. “If you allow it, let me show this new brother of mine his place.”

“Maybe another time,” Lucian laughed, waving it off as his gaze shifted toward the remaining shadows—the snake women and Charybdis lingering nearby.

“Hmmm…” Lucian murmured thoughtfully.

‘As much as I prefer quality over quantity,’ he considered, ‘I can’t deny the usefulness of numbers.’ His eyes narrowed slightly.

‘If I start merging the snake women, my overall forces will shrink…’

After a moment, he nodded to himself. “I’m honestly quite satisfied with these three for now,” Lucian decided. “I’ll stop here today and continue this another time.”

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