“Is everything okay, Aria? Did you get the extra stats and skill slots?” Aengus asked, just to be sure.
Aria smiled beautifully. “Wow! It worked better than I thought. Now I understand your ability, Ethan. It’s really abnormal—capable of breaking order and rules.”
Aengus was visibly relieved.
“How many skills did you get? Do you feel any burden on yourself?” Aengus asked carefully, wanting to ensure she didn’t face the same consequences he did, though his situation was different.
“No, I’m completely fine. I’ve gained 2 new skills: Shadow Vision and Shadow Slash. They’re really useful. Thanks.”
“No need for thanks between us, Aria. We’re a family. Now, let’s go. This is just the beginning,” he grinned.
Aria smiled as she followed him, feeling comfortable and confident with his presence.
The deeper they went, the roars of high-level monsters echoed around them. This was exactly what they needed right now.
“Ethan, we should be cautious of humans too. Some come to hunt here. Those who venture deeper are either extremely strong or extremely foolish,” Aria reminded him.
“I know. I can sense a few nearby already. I won’t do anything unless they attack me. But if they do, we’ll have to finish them,” Aengus replied, his tone growing ruthless.
“I won’t stop you, Ethan. Just don’t hurt the innocent. They deserve a chance to live for their friends and family, at least.”
Aengus nodded in acknowledgment.
Aengus quickly traced a group of giant beasts ahead.
“Aria, there’s a horde of Three-Headed Infernal Lions up ahead. They’re C-Ranks,” Aengus informed softly.
“Got it…” Aria responded, gripping her dagger tightly.
Swoosh, swoosh!
Using her new skills combined with her old ones, she swiftly took down all six Infernal Lions with ease.
Aengus immediately used Soul Devour to absorb their souls before they disappeared. Though the soul essence was small, it was better than nothing.
[ You have acquired a new active skill: Fire Breath (C) ]
[ You have acquired new skills: Infernal Roar (C), Blazing Fury (C), Infernal Lion’s Paws (C), Infernal Lion Transformation (C) ]
He then used Skill Absorption but found the repetitive process tiresome. He began to think about synthesizing all his absorption skills and abilities together to create a more efficient way of doing it.
“Aria, it’s time for another power-up,” Aengus called out.
“Once again?” she complained, though a happy smile spread across her face. She never intended to fall behind him, her wish was to stay by his side forever. Besides, her desire for revenge against the demons still lingered in her mind.
“Yes, of course, if you want to be powerful,” Aengus replied before starting the process as she stepped near.
This time, he started synthesized three Infernal Lions with her at once, taking her consent into account of course.
After the process was done, Aengus could feel her growth in power.
As she came beside him, sweat forming on her body, she emnated a fierce fiery aura.
Aengus allowed her to rest for a bit.
“Aria, rest for a bit. I’ll need your help soon. I’m going to do some work on my body, so I’ll need you to guard me once you’re ready,” Aengus said as he sat under a massive tree.
“Oh, okay. But will you be alright? Don’t push yourself too hard,” Aria said worriedly, wiping her sweat with a towel as she cooled down.
“Don’t worry, nothing will happen. I’ve done this before, though this time it’s a bit different,” he reassured her.
“Alright then. Give me a little time,” Aria replied, glancing at him before resting.
While she recuperated, they engaged in small talk, mostly about her daily experiences, keeping the mood light and familiar.
—
Once she was ready, Aria stood confidently beside Aengus, prepared to use her newfound powers to ensure his safety.
“Don’t be so tensed, Aria. This won’t take long,” Aengus said while settling into a meditative posture. But Aria was still serious.
He shook his to focus. He needed complete focus to synthesize his demonic bloodline abilities, Special skill, Unique Skills. It was a new and intricate task, so he called upon Manas for assist.
“Master, leave it to me. I’ll make sure nothing bad happens,” Manas responded confidently.
With Manas guiding him, the synthesization process began. Aengus wasn’t entirely sure what the final result would be, but Manas’ assurance filled him with optimism.
He was this serious because this time he intended to synthesize not just his usual skills, but also his Unique Skills: Skill Absorption and Mana Harvest, alongside the demon abilities he’d acquired.
As the process began, Aengus immediately felt an intense, searing pain explode within him, like molten fire coursing through his veins. His body was drenched in sweat within seconds, his veins bulging grotesquely under his skin.
“Ba-dum, ba-dum…”
His heartbeat pounded in his chest like a drum, thumping louder and faster with each passing moment, as if his heart was struggling to contain the chaotic Mana surging through him.
His aura, usually calm and collected, spun wildly, pulsating outward in chaotic waves. The energy he emitted grew heavier, pressing against the air around him. Nearby trees trembled, their leaves shaking violently as if in fear of the raw power radiating from him.
Some small creatures in the forest—birds, squirrels, even bees stopped in their tracks, instinctively fleeing from the overwhelming pressure. It was as though the entire forest had been thrown into a state of anxious silence, holding its breath. It also attracted some predatory attention.
Despite the torturous agony wracking his body and soul, Aengus maintained full control with his Iron will. His jaw clenched so tightly that his teeth threatened to crack.
Muffled groans escaped his lips, but he refused to scream. His determination was as hard as rock, his will forged in the fires of countless battles, and he wasn’t going to give up, not ever.
Aria, standing close by, watched in growing distress. Her heart pounded almost as fast as his, her hands clenched into tight fists, nails digging into her palms hard enough to draw blood.
She could feel the immense pressure Aengus was emitting, and every fiber of her being screamed at her to help, but she knew better. Intervening carelessly could lead to more disastrous consequences.
Her dagger trembled in her grip, creaking under the pressure she unknowingly applied. Her eyes, usually sharp and confident, now showed a flicker of concern.
The forest seemed to watch them, an eerie stillness settling over everything as Aengus continued to fight against the overwhelming forces surging within him.
Aria glanced at the darkening sky, the sun barely piercing the thick canopy above.
“You can do it, darling!” She whispered softly beside his ears.
