Aamon Cleaver’s insidious laughter reverberated as the liquid flames surrounding its island swirled in a burning dance.
The colossal figure he had seen when the weapon forcefully bound itself to his soul reappeared in all its horrifying glory. The air distorted, its components evaporating in a show of twirling vapor under the scalding heat.
His soul shuddered as the colossus’ infernal green hand zoomed on the skeleton, the thick pernicious fog it released irrelevant in the face of a tier-nine mythical weapon.
An eager moan added to the dread twisting his lips as the cleaver snatched the invisible energy as if it were tangible.
Then, the colossus collapsed, reforming the scalding lake as if nothing had transpired. Yet, the now clean skeleton stood as proof. A proof that the enigmatic cursed mythical weapon could strengthen itself and continue to evolve. But into what?
The question crossed his mind amidst the shock. But truthfully? He didn’t want to think or interact with it.
’It’s too stressful! I want to forget it’s here until it leaves with the damned statue.’
Without wasting a second or speaking with the cleaver, he closed his eyelids.
When he reopened them, he saw Leon’s broad smile and the spark in his old eyes.
’Tsk. It’s as if he’s telling me: see? I was right. Right your head! I hope it was worth it.’
Clicking his tongue and cursing under his breath, he summoned the demonic skeleton and scrutinised it until its stats appeared.
Decarabia, The Master of Natural Dominion’s Skeleton
Rarity: Mythic Material
Description: A skeletal relic of Decarabia, a powerful entity once revered for its dominion over the natural world. After his capture fifteen thousand years ago and the weakening arrangements of the silver moon elves, his powers declined from the eighth to the sixth tier. When he finally broke free thanks to a young adventurer’s mistake, Decarabia felt the boundless life force slumbering in the boy’s body and tried to steal it, only to die at his hands.
Bone Armor: The skeleton’s hardened bones provide exceptional physical resistance, making it almost impossible to wound or break them.
Natural Dominance: The skeleton radiates a powerful aura that suppresses or increases the vitality of living creatures and plants, allowing them to recover or wither faster.
Demonic attunement: As a demonic material, the skeleton can sense other demons, communicate with them, and even command the weaker-willed.
Demonic Immunity: In his research to keep his wisdom and sanity, Decarabia imbued his bones with a protective enchantment capable of purging the corrupting influences of demonic energy.
Upon reading the ability section, his fists trembled, and a delighted grin split his face.
Even if the material wouldn’t improve his mana manipulation, the demonic immunity alone was worth it! With it, the demon cleaver wouldn’t have a chance to corrupt him.
’You think I don’t know you’re bidding your time? The second I face a life-threatening situation, you’ll appear with flowering words to make me use you!’
With a snort, he focused on the other abilities, finding them helpful in their own rights. Yet, his brows rose in intrigue as he reread the description, finding something off with it.
"Are you satisfied with the champion’s prize now?"
Leon’s chuckle registered in his ear, breaking his concentration and forcing him to focus on the king.
"You don’t have to answer. I have an offer I’d like to share with you instead."
Alice pursed her lips behind, clearly displeased by her king’s next words.
"I value your potential and want you to learn under Alice for a few years. Then, you’ll rise to her rank as a royal mage captain. As for the salary..."
Leon’s fingers drummed on his desk for three seconds before he smirked.
"A hundred thousand gold coins and a tier-six material a year."
Julius’ eyes enlarged, and he gasped at the ridiculous amount. To him, no job was worth so much gold, not to mention the unbelievable tier-six material.
However, Adam gazed at Leon emotionlessly, unfazed by the offer.
’Money is useless, and I can procure my own materials. But more importantly, I don’t want to work for anyone.’
Despite his intention to refuse, he had to admit Leon went all out and recognised his value. Therefore, he offered the king a polite nod and answered.
"Thank you for your generosity, but I don’t plan to tie myself to a kingdom. If you require help for something specific, I don’t mind lending a hand for an appropriate price."
"Ah... Youth’s enthusiasm. It’s a pity, but I’ll respect your decision. Perhaps you’ll change your mind in the future."
He saw Leon massage his eyes in disappointment and Alice gaze at him in disbelief.
Ignoring her, he cast one last tender glance at Julius as his lips parted to bid him goodbye and wish him luck in his training.
Before he could, a deafening explosion shattered Saphir Springs’ peace.
The sturdy palace’s ground trembled, and the sky burned orange as agonising screams reverberated. The smell of burning flesh, dust, and death followed, forcing his mind to swirl into chaos and his voice to thunder.
"What the heck is happening?!"
Simultaneously, Mathias’ face twitched under his visor. Not wasting a second, he drew his sword and rushed to protect his king.
Alice reacted as swiftly, conjuring her mana and ready to obliterate any threat.
However, dread’s icy fingers strangled his soul like never before as he gazed at the sky and trembled, knowing their efforts would be in vain.
Even worse, the first thing the bastards blew up was the Gate, cutting any escape through teleportation and cornering them like rats.
’SHIT! They completed it!’
As he realised the horror of the situation and flames engulfed the verdant city, a voice thundered.
"My dear Leon, I believe it’s time we settle our scores. I’ll never recognise your existence, no matter what you do!"
And there he saw him: the speaker’s obsidian skin glinting above the inferno he had created, his regal robes embroidered with terrifying beasts he had culled himself fluttering in the wind, and... the colossal fortress hovering behind him.