In the end, the representatives from the Vampire Houses left back through the hole in the ground. Despite their hostile glares, Alaster suspected that at least some of the Vampire Counts would agree to his terms.

If the Wight was telling the truth, which considering none of the other Undead even attempted to object to his words, was highly likely, then the Counts would be desperate enough to accept the deal.

And once one or two accepted, Alaster suspected the rest would follow, afraid of being left behind.

Once the Vampires had left, the other Undead seemed to relax. It was obvious who the dominant force was in the Deep. And from the others' reactions, they were far from benevolent.

With the Vampires gone, Alaster examined the other Undead in the abandoned warehouse.

Despite similarities to his own Undead, they were quite clearly different. They moved differently, with intention and desire. Unlike his summoned Undead that moved exactly how he wanted, with no other movements that did not comply with his commands.

There were a few Zombies, and by the crude and broken armor and equipment they wore, they were Zombie Commanders on a lower level. Then there were the Skeletons, most of whom wore robes in various states of disrepair. Alaster suspected they were aspiring Liches, though none had the glowing eyes of one.

However, the Undead that caught Alaster's attention were the Ghouls.

Just as Lezrum had warned, they were hideous creatures. Their discolored and bruised skin clung to their bones, outlining them. Greasy and filthy strands of hair fell from their heads. They at least wore loincloths, but they were just as filthy as the rest of them.

Yet despite their appearance, they moved with strong and confident motions, without a sound. And if Lezrum was to be believed, they were extremely strong. To the point that even Expert Warriors should be wary of their grips. It was also a strength that allowed them their great speed and agility.

Alaster knew exactly what he wanted to use them for, should they decide to obey.

They all looked at him, waiting for him to make the first move.

"You have all heard my terms. What will it be?"

None moved. Each one waiting to see what the others would do.

"I made up my mind before you even got here." Nickolos spoke, kicking lightly off the wall he was leaning on and walking up to Alaster.

When he got within five feet, he knelt down and bowed his head, "I swear upon my Mana Root to serve, protect, and obey you."

Alaster felt his own Mana Root react to the Wight's oath, binding the Wight to his words.

Nickolos stood up, rubbing his chest, "That's a weird feeling. So, what is your first command as my Master?"

"For now, please wait until the others make their choice."

"They have already made theirs. They just didn't want to be the first."

In response to his words, the Undead began to line up, each one voicing their oaths in their own ways.

A few minutes later, Alaster was the Master of the over fifty Native Undead. While that was a small number, one with limited power behind it, Alaster suspected it would quickly grow.

"Good, now I want each of you to explain your capabilities. If I am to give you orders, I need to know what you can do, and what you are good at, as well as your weaknesses."

It was obvious some of the Undead, especially the Zombies, did not quite understand the reasoning behind the command, but they obeyed nonetheless.

Unlike the Living, the Undead, at least these ones, did not seem to hesitate before revealing both their strengths, and their weaknesses, in front of others. In just a few minutes, Alaster understood the capabilities of the Undead before him.

Though it helped that there were only minute differences between members of the same Undead Race.

The Zombie Commanders were simple minded compared to the rest, but they were surprisingly competent when it came to Military matters such as discipline, training, and equipment. Their process of growing stronger was similar to the living. The more they, or their Zombie Soldiers, killed, the stronger and smarter they would become.

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Most of the Commanders here could only control a max of ten Zombie Soldiers however. If they attempted more, while it could work temporarily, they would constantly have to be cautious of their own Soldiers turning on them. So not even the simple-minded Commanders risked having more than their maximum.

The Ghouls were similar to Hob-goblins. They were not very intelligent, but they were very crafty and cautious. They never took a fight they weren't positive they could win. They could create traps, tripwires, and even alarms. They were most comfortable and lethal in the dark and especially so in tight areas, where their powerful arms and legs could propel them off the walls, allowing them to attack from unexpected angles.

The way they grew stronger was through consuming the flesh of the living, or recently living. The sooner the better. As they grew stronger, they grew more intelligent as their bodies became more natural and lifelike. Though Lezrum had never seen one, the stories were that Ghouls who had eaten enough looked quite similar to Vampires and could easily beat them in contests of speed or strength and could even use a little Illusion Magic.

The Skeletons were the most diverse. Both present within the warehouse, and in general. There were three types of Skeletons present.

First and most numerous, were the Liches. They were considered Uncolored, basically, they were too weak to have the standard colored eyes. However, the weakest of the Liches present could still summon a few dozen Skeleton Minions. Unfortunately, while intelligent, they grew in strength through meditation and study. Lengthy processes that would not bear fruit for some time.

The second type, with only a single one present, was a Skeletal Swordsman. Alaster was not quite sure how to explain it properly. It was clearly a melee fighter, and as far as Alaster could detect, it had no magical abilities, yet it wore loose robes that left its feet and hands free. The single sword it wore sheathed at through a sash at its waist had a gentle curve to it.

According to it, which Lezrum confirmed, it was an Undead that specialized in quick and precise attacks to eliminate its enemies, using Agility as its defense. It had no Magic, and relied entirely on skill. As it grew more skilled, it would feel comfortable adding armor to itself, which it would make itself.

Alaster decided to leave it be. He doubted it would be very effective, especially on the battlefield, but perhaps he would be proven wrong.

The final type of Skeleton was very interesting. Because it was very familiar to Alaster.

They were Death Knights, and there were two of them.

Lezrum pointed out that the Class and the Undead were different, similar, but very different. Which was disappointing considering when he was a Death Knight, he was capable of defeating a village or even small town, not easily, but still capable. Then again, he knew how out of the ordinarily powerful he was. A disparity that only grew as he leveled.

Despite not being nearly as powerful as Alaster was when he was a Death Knight, they were well within their own strength. They could use a little Necrotic Magic, both to attack and to strengthen their Minions. These particular Death Knights were only capable of summoning two Minions each.

While the number was small, after seeing one for himself, Alaster was confident they would be useful. The Minions were similar to Alaster's Skeletal Soldiers, but with heavier armor and slightly larger shield. They would hold up against the common soldiers of the Demons, at least for a little while.

The Death Knights themselves wore black armor that covered them head to toe. Their helmets did not cover their faces, but the helmet did have a noseguard. Their equipment consisted of a rusted bastard sword and dented kite shield.

According to the Death Knights, their way of increasing in power was quite simple. They merely had to be near death. They passively absorbed a small amount of energy that each death gave off. And according to the Knights, Alaster was so attuned and powerful in Necrotic Mana, that he radiated that same energy.

It was not nearly as potent as an actual death, but just by being near Alaster, they would gradually grow in power.

Lezrum informed Alaster that Death Knights could grow to be very powerful Undead and that the time invested would pay off. Many powers in the Deep consistently try to recruit Death Knights to their cause, but they are always turned down. Death Knights operate independently, but are almost always seen on the outskirts of any large battle in the Deep.

After Lezrum finished his explanation, the Knights both knelt down before Alaster, bowing their heads deeply.

"My lord, we Death Knights pledge ourselves only to a single Master. To serve and protect to the end, wherever and whenever that might be. The self-proclaimed rulers of the Deep are not worthy." One of the Death Knights explained, its voice monotone but with confidence and finality.

Alaster stared at the kneeling Knights. They had already sworn themselves to him, but still the knelt.

"And if the Demons were not invading the Deep, and I was not your best chance of survival, would I be worthy? In the eyes of the Death Knights, what is required to be worthy?"

The second Knight spoke without raising its head, "Our Order respects multiple values, but there are a few that stand out above the rest. Unlike the stories of the living Knights on the surface, we Death Knights care not for justice or mercy, or honor. We value strength, knowledge, and wisdom."

The first one spoke again, "The lords of the Deep had many of these, but not all. Nor did they have the most important value for us Death Knights."

"That being?"

"Loyalty. Loyalty to their word. Loyalty to their peers. Loyalty to their servants. And Loyalty to their power."

"Too often the Lords of the Deep will not hesitate to sacrifice their people for personal gain. Too often will the Lords of the Deep break their word if they see a benefit."

"My Lord, the other Native Undead might pledge themselves to your command for this war, in order to survive. But we Death Knights pledge ourselves to you, for eternity."

"For you are the only one to have these values. The only one to exemplify the nature of Death in such sincerity."

"My lord, you have received the Oaths of but two Death Knights before you. As we speak, all Death Knights are coming to pledge themselves to you, for you are the one true Lord we have been waiting for."

Alaster felt the connection between himself and Lezrum tremble, "How many is your Order?"

The Death Knights looked up, "Ten thousand."

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