Under the full moon's silvery light, Ethan's figure was bathed in its ethereal glow. Yet, instead of being illuminated, it seemed as though the light was being consumed by the darkness that surrounded him, swallowed into a void that defied the natural order.
His body, now enshrouded in a sinister darkness, was scarred by streaks of crimson that pulsed like malevolent veins through the inky blackness. The transformation was unmistakably demonic, a grotesque fusion of shadow and corruption that marked him as something otherworldly.
But even in the horror of the moment, a glimmer of hope emerged. Ethan's eyes, once burning red with pain and despair, began to shift. The crimson hue drained away, replaced by a vivid, glowing blue that radiated with an intense, otherworldly light.
The blue light grew brighter and more intense, casting a brilliant glow that pierced through the surrounding darkness, illuminating his face with a fierce and determined energy.
"Universal Synthesis, synthesize skills: Lava Juggernaut (D) + Rage of The Titan (D) + Berserker's Might (D). Create a body fortification skill," Ethan's internal AI, MANAS, commanded with unwavering precision.
As soon as the command was given, his three powerful skills began to merge, intertwining and melding into a single, cohesive force. The synthesis process flawlessly engraved this new power into his very soul.
[ Synthesis successful! Your skills have evolved into a new active skill: Doombringer Fortification (C) ]
[ Doombringer Fortification: Upon activation, it increases the user's overall physical capabilities by 1200% ]
[ Activate Doombringer Fortification ] MANAS commanded in the span of a millisecond, her thought processing speed far beyond human comprehension.
In an instant, Ethan—or rather, MANAS—felt the surge of power flood through his body, fortifying and empowering him beyond anything he had ever experienced. His dark, transformed body was now coated with a thin layer of energy, enhancing his physique and making him stronger than ever before.
But the next command she gave was far more ominous.
[ Universal Synthesis, synthesize the host's body with the demonic core ]
MANAS commanded, her thought processes calculating and exchanging data with other skills as if this was the norm for her.
She meticulously calculated all the variables, determining that the synthesis was now possible with minimal damage. Yet, what would happen to Ethan after this synthesis? Only time would tell.
[ Initiating synthesis...]
The process began.
[ 1%... 2%... 10%...]
Instantly, the chaotic movement of the dark entity within him began to slow, its influence diminishing as Ethan's body became encased in a cocoon of bright, ethereal light—the effect of Universal Synthesis.
45%... 47%... 67%
Suddenly, the process halted.
[ Error! Insufficient Mana! ]
[ Error! Insufficient Mana! ]
"...???..."
Inside the cocoon, MANAS hesitated, confusion rippling through her normally flawless logic.
"Hmm... How could I forget to calculate this? Oh, it's because my rank is deteriorating. I'm even losing my memories..." she murmured, a rare hint of emotion in her heavenly voice.
"Master Zero, it seems this humble servant still couldn't deliver the warning in time," she whispered with deep melancholy.
Despite her vast capabilities, including the ability to implant memories into another's mind, MANAS was now limited. With Ethan's body and soul in such a disarray, she couldn't perform this simple yet critical task. And without it, Ethan's far future was bleak.
"Use some of my micro energy constructs as a source of Mana," MANAS commanded, her resolve as unyielding as a mountain.
The moment she gave the order, her micro energy constructs, small but potent reserves of power within her system, responded to her will. The synthesis continued without further interruption.
"Synthesis Complete!"
With the process finished, the silent cobblestoned path bore witness to Ethan's newly transformed body. He lay on the ground, still unconscious, but undeniably changed.
Ethan's skin remained the same pale white, but something new and sinister had emerged. Two black, twisted horns emerged from his head, giving him a menacing, demonic characteristics.
He had become something entirely different—neither fully human nor completely demon, but a fusion of both. A half-demon, half-human entity with a body that reflected the darkness and power now residing within him.
This transformation marked the beginning of a new and dangerous chapter in his life, where the line between humanity and monstrosity was blurred.
.....
"#&%@&%##!"
Although the area looked completely empty, there were some demonic entities lurking in the void—the same one's from the battlefield.
They watched Ethan's transformation with their prying eyes through the void, with increased curiosity.
....
Meanwhile, within the depths of his mind, MANAS felt her own power diminish. Her level dropped to A-Rank, a significant decrease from her previous stature. The cost of aiding Ethan had been steep. Memories of her past, once vivid and clear, had become completely erased, and her abilities were now limited.
But She still had a level of intelligence far surpassing most beings in this world. Though her capabilities were reduced, she never forgot her responsibility..
Like an obedient, advanced intelligent assistant, she was prepared to achieve astonishing feats to protect Ethan and ensure his survival, no matter the cost.
....
In the void nearby, a group of entities conversed in a language both ancient and archaic, their voices resonating with a dark, guttural cadence.
"Mistress, did you see that? It's a miracle!" an elder demon exclaimed, addressing the demoness who stood at the forefront.
The demoness was unlike any other. With white flawless skin and long lustrous black hair, she boasted an array of striking features: Captivating purple eyes; long, wavy horns curling elegantly from her head, large dark-angelic wings extending from her back.
She was a succubus of exceptional allure, standing about 1.8 meters tall. Her curvaceous figure—big breasts, ample bust, slender waist, and well-defined hips—was accentuated by the minimal, thin dress she wore. She embodied a seductive blend of beauty and danger, a paragon of sensuality and power.
"I can see that!" The succubus demoness replied observing the young man's sudden transformation. It left her in awe. It was the first time a human turned into a demon. Although there are demonised humans, most of them are grotesque with no bloodline purity.
But, the young man was clearly radiating powerful bloodline aura. A powerful one at that.
Her captivating purple eyes glinted with unnatural light as she revealed a seductive smile, licking her luscious crimson lips. She was clearly someway attracted to Ethan.
"Let's go. We need to save the boy. He is one of us now," the succubus commanded, her voice carrying a mix of authority and urgency.
Her alluring, curvaceous figure moved with a fluid grace as she stepped out of the void, her black wings unfurling behind her like a shadowy shroud.
Behind her, her servants and attendants followed, their eyes glowing with a dark, ethereal light, obediently trailing their mistress.
The succubus could feel it—a dark, ominous force was on the horizon, creeping closer with every passing moment. It was a presence that sent shivers down even her spine, a foreboding sense of doom that threatened to engulf everything.
She knew they had little time.