Level Up: Voidwalker

Atlas smiled at the older wolfman as he replied, ''Don't worry about it. It's the least I can do against the empire.''

Ulric laughed before looking at Zena who was chatting with Amethyst and Artemis as he requested, ''Can she travel with you? She grew up alone and needs to learn what the world is really like.''n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

He looked at the wolf woman before answering with a smile, ''Yes, the girls seem to like her. But I have to get going before any more storms hit the area while I'm traveling.''

When the older man heard this, he agreed with a nod. ''Sounds smart. Let them hide in your realm while you travel. The wolf kingdoms are a pain in the ass to trek through during winter. Especially now that it's full of bandits, outlaws, and monsters.''

Atlas nodded in understanding. ''That's the plan. I can travel faster alone thanks to my monsters,'' he said while they watched the wolf people go about their business.

Ulric turned to him and held out his hand. ''It was an honor to meet you, Atlas. I hope you find what you're looking for.''

''I have already,'' he answered while motioning to the girls. ''I never had a home, but found one with them.''

The older man chuckled, giving Leo a hearty slap on the back. ''Ah, that white-haired young lady is headed this way. I'd best make myself scarce before she sets her eyes on me, I don't want to get beat up in front of my people,'' he said with a playful smirk, already taking a step back.

Atlas turned toward Lilith, who lunged at him while transforming into her Honey Badger form. He yelped as the creature crashed into his body before she started nibbling any part she could get a hold of.

This sent him into a fit of laughter as she launched her playful assault. Atlas struggled to pry her off, but she clung stubbornly to his armor. Eventually, the young woman settled down, perched on his chest, before shifting into her humanoid form.

''I love play fighting with you! Ever since we met in that cave,'' she chimed in a cheerful voice, her eyes sparkling with fondness.

Atlas chuckled before poking her side, which made her giggle as she folded over and cuddled into him. ''Thank you for saving me, and sorry for attacking you when I woke up. I was confused and was having a nightmare.''

Without a word, he gently took hold of the young woman's chin and drew her into a passionate kiss. The unexpected gesture made Lilith's body tense momentarily, but soon, she melted into the moment, responding with equal fervor.

As their kiss deepened, the others approached while chatting, causing the two to break apart as Lilith spoke with a big smile, ''Can I travel with you? I can sit on your shoulder if you like.''

Atlas nodded before kissing her forehead as Amethyst spoke with a giggle. ''Seems like she's not angry anymore.''

The Honey Badger woman glanced at the girls while standing up and greeted them. ''Hello ladies, it's good to be a part of the group now.''

Following that, he opened a portal to the Otherworld and ushered the group through it as Zena came running up to them. The wolf smiled while explaining, ''Sorry about that, had to say goodbyes to the family.''

Atlas waved her away. ''That's okay, now get inside and get warm. I think a storm will hit, thanks to Frostwinter.''

The dark-haired woman giggled softly, leaning in to plant a quick kiss on his cheek before gracefully leaping through the portal. Atlas watched her disappear with a small smile before turning his attention back and summoning Theo.

Just as he did, Lilith clambered onto his shoulder, her light frame settling comfortably. Without hesitation, he mounted the Blood Bat King just before the creature soared into the sky and started heading south.

Atlas informed Theo to look for any fortresses that they could attack, which he got a chirp in reply. An hour later, they were hovering above a small border caste. While he studied it, Lilith's voice echoed in his mind, 'What are you doing, handsome?'

''Just watch,'' Leo replied before summoning hundreds of Void Ghouls that fell into the stronghold.

Chaos erupted as their attack surprised the Achaemendians. The humanoid creature ran wild and tore apart any soldiers they found as Atlas signaled for Theo to land on the command center's roof.

Atlas stood on the edge of the roof, his eyes fixed on the chaos unfolding before him. The Void Ghouls, dark and twisted, surged forward with ferocity, their haunting howls echoing through the air.

'These monsters were worth getting,' he pondered.

With each blood-curdling screech, they tore through the ranks of the empire's soldiers, their claws ripping through armor and flesh alike. The soldiers, frozen in terror, were no match for the relentless onslaught.

He watched in silence as the ghoul's eerie cries filled the air, a stark reminder of the horror they unleashed. While doing this, Lilith started nibbling on his ear, causing a shiver to run down his spine.

'Do you like that, my love?' her sweet voice rang in his mind.

Atlas looked at the fluffy creature before scooping her up and pampering her with strokes. That's when he quickly noticed she was tiny. This caused him to question, ''Can you control your size, Lili?''

Her yellow eyes opened, but they were in a happy daze as she answered, 'Yes, I like this form so you can pamper me even more.' Discover exclusive tales on empire

As Atlas heard Lilith's soft sigh, he began gently stroking her, causing her to slump against him, a contented expression spreading across her face. A satisfied smile curled on his lips as he continued, enjoying the peaceful moment.

But Theo's voice broke the silence from behind them. 'There's a swarm of monsters heading this way, Master. They're strong.'

Without missing a beat, Atlas sent the Blood Bat King back to the Otherworld, leaping from the room with swift precision. He quickly made his way to the castle's treasury, looting what he could before heading out.

Atlas fled the fortress before the monsters arrived. He was now traveling down the road while keeping an eye out for anything that could attack him, but nothing ever did. As he trekked through the snowy landscape, he chatted with Lilith,

The Honey Badger woman's excitement was infectious, causing a smile to appear as he continued pampering her. A few hours later, the sun began to set. Atlas was going to jump into the Otherworld.

As he opened the portal, Lilith stopped him. ''Can we camp, please? I want to spend more time with you.''

''Okay, I'll send a message to the others so they don't worry,'' Atlas answered.

Following that, he searched for a while until finding a discreet spot where he could set up their camp. He placed Lilith down, who transformed into her human form and started watching him with gleaming yellow eyes.

He moved with ease while setting up camp under the dimming sky. He cleared a small area, carefully placing stones in a circle to form a firepit. His fingers traced the air, creating the Dark One Runes that glowed faintly.

'This should keep us safe from those creatures,' he thought while admiring his work.

The runes pulsed with an eerie energy, warding off any unwanted attention. Lilith sat nearby, watching him with quiet fascination. Her gaze followed every movement, her eyes lingering on the way the runes shimmered in the fading light.

The warmth of the firepit grew as Atlas finished his task, a soft smile tugging at the corners of his lips. ''Done,'' he said, glancing at her.

Lilith beamed brightly, her excitement overflowing as she jumped onto him once again. This time, Atlas steadied himself, wrapping his arms around her in a steady embrace that she loved.

He chuckled at her playful energy before speaking with a grin. ''Now, let's eat. I have some dumplings you'll love.''

With a reluctant sigh, she climbed off of him and sat down in front of the fire, her eyes sparkling in anticipation. Atlas reached into his pack, pulled out the food, and handed it to her.

She eagerly accepted the meal as the two started eating. The stars above shone brightly, and the moons lit up the world around them, causing Lilith to comment, ''Beautiful, isn't it? I'm glad to be back.''

''It is,'' he replied with a content smile. ''I love this world and how vast it is. I can't wait to see more of it once we find peace.''

Following that, the duo continued eating before the sounds of rustling echoed from the surrounding trees. Atlas glanced at it while putting his hand on Lilith's shoulder while speaking, ''Do not attack them! They will ambush you if you cross the Runes.''

''I won't do anything, but why are they are they so creepy?'' she questioned as her yellow eyes sparkled.

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