“The core is often considered the heart of any living plant or creature, though the core resides within the heart and is not the heart itself. Some creatures have more than one core and heart, making actions like this a bit more challenging. By removing the core, the rest of the body becomes practically useless unless its core is returned. If you destroy the body while removing its core, then it has nothing to command, thereby allowing one full control over it provided you have the skill,” the Masked One explained.

Athar was stunned. “So, what you’re saying is that the core is what controls the body? Is it not the brain of the creature that does that?” he asked. “In essence, the brain performs the bodily functions needed for things like eating, speech, and movement. The core is what commands the brain to perform those actions. A body cannot function without its core, but the core has its own properties that allow it to exist autonomously,” the Masked One answered.

“I think I’m beginning to understand, my lord,” Athar said, still trying to wrap his head around the concept. “But, what purpose does a core have without a body to make use of its commands?” he asked. His master chuckled malevolently. “Observe,” he stated as he outstretched the hand holding what he had taken from his slave, and began to meld it into the ochelon’s core.

The two spheres collided, exchanging mana in a beautifully colorized dance. The result produced a purple aura around the core. I can’t believe my eyes. What is this feeling? I… his train of thought was interrupted by his master. “What do you feel?” the Masked One asked. “I-I wish I could explain it, my lord. I can feel a part of me is present, like a familiar doppelganger of sorts, but one that does not belong to me anymore,” Athar attempted to explain.

“That is because it doesn't. Not anymore, at least. Remember, the core and the body are separate from each other. What I have done is taken a piece of your core - a few of your memories, to be exact -  and infused it with the creature’s,” the Masked One began. “You see, there are various forms of magic and mana in this world, many of which I do not have the time nor patience to explain right now. Those fools in their castles think there is only the kind that the synners have. However, I am going to show them what true power is as the herald of my master’s second coming,” he said.

His master? A second coming? When was the first? Athar thought. “You look confused,” the Masked One said, tilting his head slightly. “I am indeed, my lord,” he replied. “This is precisely why I needed you to see this. You’re going to help me, as you are one of the catalysts needed for it to happen,” he said with a dark tone. Athar swallowed hard, and nodded his head. “That’s why you took a piece of my core - my memories,” the young man said, finally understanding.

“Originally, I did not think you would have much more involvement in this matter, but your past is going to play a vital role. I was commanded, and now so are you. You don’t have a choice anymore, Athar,” the Masked One said, looking him dead in the eye.

“If you did, I’m certain you wouldn’t remain here in the north, serving someone you loathe,” he continued. Athar could say nothing in return. “I own you, as I have since the day you arrived here in Valdis. But, now, we both serve a much higher purpose, and an even darker power,” the Masked one said in an unusual tone. Athar felt a chill go up his spine, and it made the hairs on the back of his neck stand up.

The Masked One turned away from the young man, facing the claw that still held the purple orb. He brought the claw close, and after taking a deep breath, plunged the claw into his own chest. The orb was absorbed into his body, and the effect was immediate. Mana began to flow throughout his body, as he spread his arms wide, allowing it to envelop him entirely. His old robes and scratched mask were rejuvenated, and he grew about a palm taller.

Athar stepped back with eyes opened wide, watching his master contort while his physical structure changed in front of him. The Masked One’s fingers began to turn a light shade of gray, and his nails began to look more like the beast’s claws. The young man could barely believe his eyes. How is this possible? he wondered.

A few seconds later, the Masked One regained his composure, and admired his newfound look. He noticed Athar had stepped a little further away, and rightfully so, as the sight he had just beheld was terrifying to say the least. An elongated and satisfied sigh resounded throughout the massive room. The Masked One looked at his hands, now modified from the ochelon’s core.

He stretched his arms, and grew accustomed to their new weight and overall appearance. He moved his fingers about, feeling their newfound strength, and nodded with satisfaction. “Whatever core you decide to internalize, you gain some of the original host’s attributes,” he explained, his voice a little deeper than it was before. “The attributes received are generally randomized, but all in all contain the essence of the creature. This…” he paused, turning his hand into a fist.

This is how it begins.

Athar recoiled a little further. He was already terrifying before, but now, just being in his presence is something else entirely. “What is our next step, my lord?” he asked, still growing accustomed to his master’s new visage. The Masked One turned to face his subordinate. “Many of these creatures are territorial by nature, and often get into brawls if left unchecked. However, that is not to say they cannot be controlled, as you saw with the ochelon,” he began. “I’m sure that, by now, you’ve noticed the summoning circle beneath our feet,” he stated. “I have. Although I’m not entirely sure what you’re going to do with it, my lord.” Athar replied shakily. “Stand back,” his master ordered him.

The Masked One gathered dark mana once more, and snapped his finger. A deep rumbling shook the ground, as the circle began to glow with the same violet color as his eyes. Large, diamond-shaped crystals began to sprout from within the circle. He began to channel his mana into these crystals.

“This circle’s purpose is to bring these from the Underworld, as they hold special properties unique to that place,” he began to explain. “As I’ve said before, controlling these creatures one by one is difficult, and so I have devised a way to cut out my need for direct control. The royal ochelon’s core, now infused with my own, will leave its mark on the mana I imbue. It takes some time to fully charge them, but it can be done passively - another benefit of using the circle with my mana signature. All creatures must bow to something more powerful than they are. It is embedded in their instincts. By using the mana within these crystals to power the spell I cast on the horde, they will answer to me, and only me. Do you understand?” the Masked One explained.

“Yes, my lord,” Athar replied, nodding his head. “Good. I have one last thing I need to show you,” he told his subordinate. “Come with me.”