"No problem." Azik gave a slight nod.
He then opened himself to the spiritual invitation. A flash of crimson crossed his weathered eyes.
The same flame-like crimson flickered through Cyril's and Klein's eyes.
Tobias's voice echoed directly in their minds. "I completed the sacrifice ahead of time, so I can make better use of this Conqueror characteristic."
"Your Highness Azik, I need to borrow the Undead in your Underworld and bring them into my temporary army. That will let me draw directly on their Spirituality and strength."
Azik replied, "Go ahead."
Beside them, Klein curiously studied the group's Mind Communication. Messages appeared almost as quickly as thoughts, and he could clearly tell who had sent each one.
It did not link their minds in a barrier-free exchange with no secrets or reservations. Each person could choose which mental messages to send.
It's basically a chat group for the mystical world, except it doesn't need a phone or computer. One thought is enough. How convenient—and incredible.
As that thought crossed his mind, another field of vision appeared in his head. He immediately knew Tobias was sharing what he saw.
In that view, the blacks were blacker and the reds redder, every color as rich as oil paint.
Centered on the ruined island in the distance, a rusty red of iron and blood spread through the blue-black sea until it encompassed the White Agate.
Far below the island and the sea, lava-red lines traced a pattern like a heart. It pulsed with red light at nearly the rhythm of a heartbeat.
It looked like a volcano slowly waking from its long slumber, or a terrifying monster coming back to life.
"What is that..."
Klein's eyes widened, and his heartbeat quickened.
Just seeing the image made him smell gunpowder. An irrepressible surge of