A dragon animated by undeath, trapped in an underground prison. A young apprentice mage, about to be expelled from his school. One carries awesome abilities but is unable to utilize them. Another has stagnated and can't see a way to improve. Two beings who should have never interacted with each other.

What happens when, against all odds, the two inexplicably meet and forge a contract?The ancient beast will give the mortal a piece of its power, so that he may walk the path to lichhood. In exchange, the mage-turned-necromancer would build a kingdom of undeath and prepare the world for the dragon's return.

Now the new necromancer must discover how to use these dark powers. He will test their limits and run experiments to find their potential. He will create undead that would follow his every command. And as he walks this path, he will try to discover the true meaning behind humanity and undeath alike.

[participant in the Royal Road Writathon challenge]