[ Appraisal ]
[ Scaled Horned Lizard ]
[ Power Rank: Lesser Demon ]
[ Abilities: ]
– [ Blood Regeneration ]
– [ Quick Reflexes ]
– [ Sharp Tail ]
In the midst of the Black Swamp, Aengus found himself surrounded by the ferocious lizard demons, their predatory eyes glinting with hunger as they circled him.
Recognizing the situation, Aengus deactivated his Gluttony of Darkness ability. He knew it wouldn’t be of much help here—it drained his Nether Energy rapidly, and when he swallowed the two lizard demons earlier, he felt a slight tremor around his soul, indicating that continuing to absorb living beings at its basic level would be too taxing.
He remained vigilant, sharpening his focus as he kept watch on all sides.
Whoosh!
Without any warning, a lizard demon lunged at Aengus from behind, its razor-sharp claws slicing through the air with enough force to cut through steel like tofu.
Thanks to Aengus’s newly enhanced physical stats, he reflexively spun around just in time to counterattack, delivering a powerful blow. However, the other four lizard demons were already on the move, their spiked, dagger-like tails glowing with an eerie light as they swung toward him, intent on sabotaging him from behind.
Despite his improved physical stats, Aengus knew they weren’t invincible, and these coordinated attacks could easily overwhelm him. The hairs on the back of his neck stood up as his Predator’s Instinct kicked in, sensing the imminent danger in the span of a heartbeat. Without a moment’s hesitation, he activated Darkness Shroud, instantly rendering himself invisible and silently slipping away from the lizards’ deadly strikes.
Aengus knew he had to finish this quickly; his Mana reserves wouldn’t last long if his Predator’s Instinct kept triggering repeatedly.
Reappearing in front of a large, horned lizard demon, Aengus channeled nearly 90 points of strength—about 12 times stronger than that of a normal human—into his fist. Still cloaked in invisibility, he drove his punch directly into the lizard’s belly.
“Crunch…Boom!”
The lizard’s tough scales shattered like glass under the impact, and the massive creature was sent flying 10 to 15 meters into the air.
“He’s here! Kill him!” one of the lizard demons roared, furious at seeing their comrade fall.
In a coordinated attack, they swiftly swung their glowing long tails toward the spot where Aengus had just struck, determined to cut him down.
“THUD.”
As the previously crushed horned lizard fell to the ground—a mangled corpse—Aengus quickly activated his Darkness Pulse. Waves of corrosive darkness radiated from him, melting the lizard demons’ tails like glue mere inches before they could reach his face.
Aengus watched them coldly as the horned lizards roared in agony, rolling on the ground in a desperate attempt to escape the searing pain. Their terror only deepened as they realized the extent of their injuries, and the futility of their struggle.
“D-Don’t kill us! We were just protecting our home! The Tribe Chief will be here very soon! Please, don’t kill us!” they pleaded, their voices trembling with fear.
But Aengus showed no mercy. His gaze remained indifferent, devoid of any compassion. He continued to advance, his intent clear—to kill them and absorb their essence, strengthening himself in the process.
Strength was all that mattered to him now.
As the half-breed demon approached, their hearts raced with terror. They could feel the impending doom, knowing that their pleas for mercy had fallen on deaf ears.
Just as Aengus was about to crush the lizards into a bloody pulp, readying himself for their final desperate struggle, a powerful, commanding voice echoed through the swamp, halting him in his tracks.
“Stop!”
The voice was deep and resonant, filled with authority. Aengus turned to find the source and saw a massive horned lizard, easily 20-30 meters wide and 10 meters tall, its presence imposing and undeniable.
“Why are you trespassing and killing my men, young lord? May I have an explanation?” The tribe chief’s tone was cautious yet firm, recognizing the powerful aura and royal bloodline in Aengus. Despite the situation, the chief sought to understand and possibly negotiate, knowing that provoking such an opponent could lead to disastrous consequences.
Aengus remained calm and composed, even as he assessed the situation. The tribe chief was clearly on the same power level as him, and while Aengus knew he could defeat the chief if he gave it his all, it would be a hard-fought battle. He also had the option to unleash the Gluttony of Darkness, though it would strain his soul.
But the real issue was the 20-30 lesser demon-rank horned lizards lurking behind the chief, ready to attack at a moment’s notice.
Understanding that this massive creature was likely the leader of the tribe, Aengus decided to negotiate first, realizing that diplomacy might serve him better than brute force, at least for the moment.
Standing before the towering ten-meter-tall giant, Aengus finally spoke, his voice cutting through the tense silence like a blade. Every creature in the vicinity seemed to hold its breath, their eyes locked on the young lord. The atmosphere crackled with anticipation, and the lizard demons were poised to strike at any moment.
“I am the new Baron of Dark Valley,” Aengus declared, his tone commanding and unyielding. “Surrender to me, or you will perish.”
His words were simple, but they carried an undeniable weight, radiating a sense of power and mortal threat. The ultimatum was clear, and his next words added a layer of temptation. “You will have the honor to serve me and become powerful beside me.”
The lizards hissed in outrage, their whispers filled with venomous disdain.
“How arrogant! Does he think that just because he has some royal blood, he can do whatever he wants?”
“Tribe Chief, don’t accept his offer. We won’t bow to this arrogant upstart!”
“Yes, Tribe Chief! Kill him already!”
Despite the uproar, the Tribe Chief remained calm and composed. His years of experience told him that engaging this new Baron in battle might yield nothing but unnecessary loss. There was something in Aengus’s presence, a dangerous undercurrent that suggested he wasn’t to be underestimated. However, the Chief was still reluctant to simply submit.
“But, young lord,” the Tribe Chief began, his deep voice measured and steady, “with you alone, I don’t see why I should bow down to your power. Don’t you think?”
He paused, his eyes narrowing as he assessed Aengus more closely. There was a calculating gleam in his gaze as he continued, “Besides, your army force in Dark Valley is nothing compared to us, the Horned Lizard tribe. So, I find your offer… unacceptable. If you still wish to fight, then this old one will have to comply.”
His eyes glinted dangerously, a clear warning that he was not one to be taken lightly. The challenge was set, and the tension thickened as the two leaders stood off, each weighing their next move.
Aengus raised an eyebrow, his twin horns casting a shadow over his dark, piercing eyes. “Ohh…,” he mused, his tone dripping with casual curiosity as he straightened up and surveyed the horned lizards before him, noting every detail with a keen eye. “So that’s what you’re so proud of?” he asked, his voice carrying a hint of mockery.
The Tribe Chief was taken aback. Why wasn’t the young Baron taking this seriously? Was he arrogant, or was there something more to him—something elusive and dangerous? The Chief couldn’t help but feel a mix of confusion and unease.
Aengus took one last glance at the lizard demons, a small, knowing smile playing on his lips. Then, without another word, he turned and began to walk back the way he came, his movements slow yet brimming with confidence. His retreat was deliberate, almost as if he were making a point rather than showing any sign of defeat.
“We will see you soon, Tribe Chief,” Aengus called out over his shoulder, his voice calm and steady. “Be ready to swear your loyalty to me.”
The lizards watched him go, their expressions a mix of anger and uncertainty. The Tribe Chief remained silent, his eyes narrowing as he processed the encounter. There was something about Aengus that left him unsettled, something that hinted at a power yet unseen.
But for now, they held their ground, watching as the young Baron of Dark Valley disappeared into the distance, their minds already planning for future defense.
