Dark Lord: Rise to Power

She was starting to wake up.

"Milord," Zulkarnash replied, "Should we take our leave?"

- "Why?" Arin asked.

- "Your friend, she is waking up!" there was great concern in Arch Lich's voice.

- "So you are suggesting, Dread Father's children should hide from the very person whose life they just saved. Are we really that miserable? Don't forget who we are!" Arin chastised him.

- "Forgive me, Milord!" Zulkarnash bowed and apologised and took a step back.

Arin had made his mind to not reveal his identity. And as she was regaining her senses, there was no turning back now. The weight of his decision pressed heavily on him.

However, the decision of revealing his true identity as a necromancer was neither influenced by any romantic feeling, nor it was influenced by some higher ideals like truth or honesty. Rather, it was a well calculated move. Yes, it was risky indeed. But he knew every great venture comes with a great risk. He was well aware that it was a slippery slope, and he couldn't afford any missteps in this volatile world.

Necromancer- the very term struck fear into the hearts of many in this world. He knew that all too well. But this wasn't about fear. This was about trust—a rare and precious commodity. If he wanted any chance of forging an alliance, he had to start on solid ground. Lying or hiding the truth would only breed suspicion and mistrust, something he couldn't afford.

"Why did I save her?" The question was lingering in his mind since he had started looking for her after the duel. But again, he already knew the answer. Because Arin had realized that she possessed potential; - potential to be a valuable ally in his future endeavor, and possibly more. To secure her cooperation, he needed her to see him for who he really was, not as some masked hero but as a person with strengths and flaws.

As his boss used to tell, - "Control the narrative". By telling her himself, he could manage her reaction and guide the conversation. If, in future- she found it out from someone else, or had discovered it by herself, it could spiral out of control; leading to fear, betrayal, and possibly violence. That was not something he could afford. And thus, he had to be the one to reveal it—to show her that despite his dark powers, he had chosen not to harm her, but to use his power to protect and save her. That choice should speak volumes- that was what Arin placed his bet on.

He wanted to have a leverage on her, that he had saved her life. It was a card he could play, but only if she knew the whole truth. She had to understand the full extent of his capabilities, both to respect them and to recognize the value he brought to their potential partnership.

The reputation of Necromancers was stained with the blood and shadows of their past deeds. By saving her and being honest about his identity, he saw a glimmer of redemption—a chance to rewrite his narrative, if not for the world, then at least for one person. It was a start he needed to spread name of his God as his Champion.

This was also to acquire and secure resources and strategy. His ultimate goal, ruling this land- he couldn't do this alone. Her connections, knowledge, and resources were crucial to his plans.

Yes, he had Zulkarnash the Archlich with vast knowledge. However, he was centuries old, and was not aware of current happenings in this world.

He had Aedric Dovanseer- Patrician of Siterion. But his family had betrayed their faction once. He was thus a bit wary of him. This was also fueled by the fact that Arin did not trust the rich business people much from his past life experience.

However, Ragna was different. He was daughter of Chieftain of a Barbarian tribe. She must had considerable influence in the internal politics of Tundra. And Barbarians were in general were considered trustworthy. And so, Arin had recognized that revealing his identity was a step towards a mutually beneficial relationship. It was a practical decision—a strategic move that could tip the scales in his favor.

However, he also felt, despite all these, deep down, there was another simple reason- she deserved the truth. A small part of him, buried deep under layers of pragmatism, whispered this truth- she had a right to know who had saved her, who she was about to place her trust in. He pushed the thought aside, focusing on the practicalities. Emotions were a luxury he couldn't afford right now.

He took a deep breath, steeling himself for her reaction.

Here goes nothing.

Ragna opened her eyes, "Am I in Vaalengrind?"

"What's that?" Arin asked him.

She turned her head slowly towards her – "Yaa, why are yaa here? Have yaa died and came to Vaalengrind as well?"

"I doubt I can die so easily" Arin smiled, "nor I am going to let you die so easily!"

Even in her great fatigued state she smiled and sat up. She taunted, "look at yaa, level 4 foolish warrior talking so big!"

"This level 4 foolish warrior saved this level 12 great warrior ultimately!" he smiled and pointed at the two empty vials which were laying by her.

She furrowed her brow, and picked one to sniff it. "Oh, foolish man. See you have wasted these precious potions. We are called ice blood. We don't die so easily either!"

"Silence!" Zulkarnash spoke in a grim tone, "you are disrespecting our Great Lord!"

Ragna had not noticed these undead horde behind till now.

But looking at the fearsome Archlich she jumped on his feet and shouted at Arin, "Get behind me! I will shield you! You can't take him down alone!"

But as she was still weak, she could not keep her stance and fell on ground losing balance.

Arin smiled and hold her hand and helped her to get back on her feet, "Do not worry my friend, relax. He is with me!"

Ragna looked at her with raised eye brows and wide-open eyes, "What do you mean?"

Arin's expression changed. He spoke in a serious tone, - "I am a necromancer! They are my army!"

Ragna quickly freed her hand from his. She was speechless- both due to surprise and horror.

Arin felt, he was too hasty to reveal his true identity to her.