Necrograd, the capital city of the entire Greater Darksol Empire was enjoying yet another day of existence. It was a day like nearly any other, with crime at a minimum, entertainment and enjoyment at a high, and the roads and public transit systems running at near maximum efficiency. The Dungeon was open, as per usual, and there was even a new floor for people to explore. The schools were teaching their students, regardless of social or economic status, and the public parks were being enjoyed by a great many people.

Despite the Abominable King being absent for a few years at this point, things were going surprisingly well. The war with Arbiana was over and a new, willing vassal had been added to the Empire. Many people wondered if there was anything that could make these days any better. It was into this happy and contented city that something arrived at breakneck speed. Or rather, instead of it being something it was instead someone, and that someone was someone that everyone with a lick of sense admired.

The air cracked as the Abominable King rocketed in towards his old home, his true home, at over twice the speed of sound. His speed slowed with his descent, and he finally touched down in front of the citadel and stood tall before those who were there.

“It has been far too long…” Kain said, the warm feeling of nostalgia bubbling up from within him. “It is finally time to get back to work. With that damnable curse out of the way, I now have more than enough energy and ability to get back in the swing of things.”

Kain’s gaze then shifted from the citadel at the center of the city to the stunned onlookers who were somewhat unsure of how to process Kain’s sudden return. Kain, however, figured that the people needed to know that he was finally back and ready to do what needed to be done to secure Darksol’s future. And so, he turned around and faced the people, ready to tell them the good news.

“Citizens of the Greater Darksol Empire, I know I have been gone for a long time. It was not by my own desire that I take such a lengthy leave, but it was a necessary thing that needed to be done. You all should know by now the sacrifice I made to restore you all to existence, you should all know of the bargain I was forced to strike and the shackles I now have placed upon me. However, you should be made well aware that I would take such a bargain again and again if it meant that I could restore you all to existence. It was a price I paid gladly, for you all are more precious to me than any omnipotence of any kind.”

Kain let his words sink in before continuing.

“When I awoke from that deep sleep, you no doubt felt my power surge over everything. As much as I would have loved to leap from my seat and come back here immediately upon awakening, I was unable to do so. My time on that chair in the sky and the aftereffects of that deal that had been struck kept me in a constant state of lethargy, and ever since my eyes reopened, I had been forced to fight that damnable curse to do even simple things such as rise from my seat or speak more than a few words. But that time of weakness has passed. Let it be known far and wide that the one the old foe feared and reviled as the ‘Abominable King’ has returned and that he is more than willing to assume his duties once again.”

The crowd began to surge with elation as Kain’s face beamed.

“I, Kain Anathemas Nekronus von Darksol, have returned! Let all who seek to destroy all that we have built up together quake in fear and despair and let all who yearn for the greatness and freedom that we possess cry out in joy, for Darksol’s founder and ruler has returned! Now, together, we will grow stronger. Now, together, we will unite the world itself. And when at last an enemy greater than any we have ever faced rears its head, if that day should come at all, know that together we shall stand as one and resist any who have malice towards us!”

Kain then rai9sed his hands into the air and asked the main question.

“So, my people, are you with me?!”

It could not be overstated how much energy and enthusiasm was unleashed in that singular moment. Kain may well have been a fusion between a mage and warrior in terms of fighting power and style, but he may very well have had his charisma stat set to maximum, as the crowd erupted with cheers and affirmations of their intent to support Darksol forevermore.

Kain accepted this response and retired to the interior of the citadel. It was high time that he started work on his nation, and despite the power that the throne inside the flying fortress-city possessed, it could not help him run and manage things in nearly the same way that the one in the citadel could. He needed to know exactly what had been done to bolster the nation in his absence, and the Dark Thrones of Necrograd were the only real interfaces that he and Alexis could use to make sure things were in tip-top shape.

Upon reaching the throne room, Kain nearly sat down and began to do his work when two young pre-teens ran in to greet him.

“Well, hello, father. I, for one, am glad that you are up and about.” Said the male pre-teen.

“Indeed. It was getting rather aggravating to not see or hear from you. While we could have gone to that place, we all should be well aware that the flying city either hates everyone but you or is really overprotective of you.” Added the female pre-teen.

Kain ceased his attempt to seat himself and let another big smile fill his face.

“Raziel! Elizabeth! You’ve grown considerably! I barely recognized you both! Why don’t I shelve work for a bit longer and use some time to catch up? I mean, I’ve been trapped in that place for so long, so what’s the harm in making my work wait just a bit longer? Now, do tell me what has gone on since my internment and how you’ve been doing. Actually, tell me the latter before the former, as that is far more important.”