“Uh?”
The demon general immediately became alert and looked at the human girl and then the dragon with suspicion.
“Who are you really?”
“There’s no deal to speak of, my lord. I was just talking nonsense.”
Aengus snorted, displeased by the demon’s lie and shamelessness.
The snort was so powerful that it caused the demon general’s skin to burn.
“Argh…”
He screamed, realizing the dragon had no intention of sparing him which filled him despair.
“Heh, heh…”
He let out maniacal out of despair before charging at Aria, transforming into a giant spider in the size of a large house. Its legs were long like small trees, and its exoskeleton glistened under dim light.
“Either you let me live or she dies!”
He cackled almost finding Aria at his grasp.
Before he could celebrate his victory he found that the distance between Aria and him increased significantly. No matter how fast he crawl he simply couldn’t reach her—the last line of saving his life.
Just as the demon spider was about to use its poisonous webs to capture her, Aengus’s massive paws crashed down on its exoskeletal body, causing dark blood to ooze from every wound. The creature was crushed into a gruesome paste.
Aengus shook his paws, trying to get rid of the disgusting, gooey remains.
He glanced at Aria, who wore a calm expression, then instantly transformed back into his High Human form.
Aria watched as the overbearing dragon became Ethan once again.
“What’s wrong?” Aengus asked, noticing her dazed expression.
“N-nothing,” Aria stammered, hiding her shock and awe as she turned her attention to the Archdemons’ and Demon General’s bodies.
“We should have interrogated them to find out where they came from. What are we going to do with these bodies now?” Aria asked.
“Don’t worry. I got some clues regarding who he works under.”
“Forget about that for now. I can use these bodies to make you stronger, but in return, you’ll become a half-demon as well. Do you want it?” Aengus offered.
“Huh… So that’s how it works.”
Aria nodded realisation.
But, immediately after she shook her head in disgust…
“No, Ethan, I don’t want any demon’s blood in my vein. I am sorry to let you down. But It’s just hard for me..”
Aengus gave her a understanding look. It was clear the deaths of her Clan members and friends must have caused her hatred for demons ran deep.
“It’s okay, Aria. I have other ways to make you strong. We can use monsters bodies or the beasts. They should help you as well.” Aengus comforted.
Aria was grateful his understanding. She watched Aengus went nearing the demons’ bodies placing his hand on their bodies one after another.
Aria was puzzled, “What is he doing again?”
Aengus was using Skilll Absorption for taking their abilities for himself.
[ You have gained a new ability: Corrupting Aura (Intermediate) ]
[ You have gained new a ability: Web Of Despair (Intermediate) ]
[ You have gained new ability: Nightmare Web (Intermediate) ]
[ You have gained new abilities: Puppet Strings, Shadow Walk, Eye Of Curse, Undead Regeneration, Summon Hell-Spirits (Basic) ]
After absorbing their skills ge proceed to abosrb Nether Energy from their bodies using Mana Harvest.
They naturally converted to Origin Mana.
[ Orgin Mana + 2,000 ]
[ Origina Mana + 1,500 ]
[ Origin Mana +4,00 ]
….
[ Origin Mana: 26,300 ]
At last, he absorbed their bodies using Gluttony, making use of every part of them as resources.
Aria shook her head, deciding not to dwell on it any further. It was clear Aengus still had a few secrets to himself. She didn’t mind, as long as they were together. She knew that, eventually, everything would be revealed to her if their love was true.
“Let’s go, Aria. We have to make the best use of our time,” Aengus suggested, his gaze fixed on the Darkwood Forest.
“Oh, okay,” Aria responded, confidently following beside him.
As they approached, the low growls of beasts and monsters reached their ears, signaling the forest was filled with danger and challenges. They stepped in, feeling the cool, eerie aura surrounding them.
Though it was afternoon, the sunlight struggled to pierce through the dense canopy and towering trees, casting a dim light over the surroundings.
Aengus, with his enhanced vision, guided Aria along the narrow path.
“Aria, are you okay?” Aengus suddenly asked, breaking the silence.
“What do you mean? I’m fine,” Aria replied, puzzled.
“No, I mean… you haven’t asked what I did with those demons’ bodies,” he said casually.
Aria denied,
“Ethan, I trust you wholeheartedly. I know you wouldn’t do anything evil with them. I won’t stop you from getting stronger. In fact, I hope you become the strongest of us all. The darkness that once corroded you… I believe one day it will shine like a beacon of light,” she smiled brightly.
Aengus appreciated her understanding, feeling a sense of warmth and life in her presence, even in the gloom of the forest.
“Whoosh!”
Suddenly, a large shadowy wolf lunged at them.
Aengus didn’t interfere, sensing its low level, while Aria swiftly slashed down the wolf, cutting its neck as swiftly as a ghost.
The dead body of the wolf fell with a thud, and Aengus approached it casually.
“Aria, I think this will be perfect for increasing your strength,” Aengus commented.
Aria hesitated for a moment. “Will I be okay? My face will still look the same, right?”
Aengus smiled reassuringly. “Don’t worry, Aria. I have done this countless times. There will be no mutation, I promise. But you will experience some pain. It’s unavoidable, not unless you have any pain resistance skills.”
“Oh, okay then. Let’s do it. I can endure pain if that’s what it takes to gain power.” Seeing his confident smile, she finally agreed.
Aengus signaled her to move near the shadow wolf, and then he instantly started the process.
Aria, surrounded by an ethereal blue dome, suddenly felt as if her whole body was being divided and merged with a mystical force. She felt pain and tried to suppress it, but muffled groans of pain still escaped her lips.
Aengus watched, forcing himself to stay calm, knowing it was unavoidable. He tried to make it gentle, just like he did with Bella.
After a while, the process was done. Aria looked the same, but not completely.
