The shadows followed him not as soldiers, but as souls.
They didn't speak—yet Vale knew them. The Soul Ledger, etched behind his eyes like a living codex, pulsed with their names and memories. They hadn't just died—they'd been forgotten. He was their last anchor to existence.
He sat in the hollow remains of a ruined forge while the seven stood in a loose half-circle, waiting. Not for orders—but for recognition.
The Ledger opened.
---
| Legion of Shade – Bound Units: 7/∞ |
1. Serah the Hollowblade
> Class: Shade Knight
Former: Royal Guard of the Pyrelight Court
Killed during the Burning Betrayal
Traits: Tactical, fiercely loyal, slow to trust
Current Status: Bound – Retains sword mastery and shield formation control
2. Korran Vell
> Class: Revenant
Former: Dreadspire Bounty Hunter
Executed by fire trial
Traits: Ruthless, sarcastic, enjoys hunting
Passive Skill: Shadow Blink – Short-range strike
3. Whisper
> Class: Voidcaller
Former: Unknown
Cause of death: Disintegration
Traits: Silent, volatile arcane energy, genderless
Special Ability: Umbral Surge – Shadow magic overload
4. Thorne and Marr
> Class: Shade Twins
Former: Arena Champions
Killed in combat
Traits: Chaotic, competitive, fight as one
Unique Ability: Twinflame Daggerstorm
5. Ulrik the Blackjaw
> Class: War-Wraith
Former: Clan-Chief of the Hollowfang Tribes
Died in the siege of Ironvale
Traits: Brutal, honorable, strategic in battle
Skill: Shadow Roar – Demoralizes enemies, buffs allies
6. Lira the Drowned
> Class: Phantom Archer
Former: Noble Assassin
Betrayed and drowned by her lover
Traits: Vengeful, silent killer, sees in total darkness
Special: Wraith Arrow – Pierces magical defenses
---
Vale stared at them one by one. He felt them—regret, rage, loyalty. Their deaths haunted them. But through him, they moved again.
Not as puppets.
But as purpose.
> [Legion Connection Deepening…]
[Unlocking Sub-Bond: Echoes of the Fallen]
You may now access partial memories of bound souls. Use them to strengthen, evolve, or resurrect unique powers.
He touched the hilt of Serah's spectral blade. Her eyes met his, shimmering violet.
"You remember the court," he said.
Her voice was like a whisper on iron. "I remember the fire that took it. And the king who lit it."
Vale nodded. "Help me burn something worse."
She knelt, armor clinking faintly.
"All of us were ghosts. You've given us form. Give us vengeance, and we'll give you victory."
Behind him, the others knelt too—silent, deadly, loyal.
Vale stood taller than before. Stronger. This wasn't just an army.
It was a kingdom of shadows.
And he was its king.