Immortal descent

Aeron's gaze lingered on the book, skepticism evident in his eyes. "You had a clothing store this whole time and didn't think to mention it?"

The book's voice, ever calm, responded, "You never asked."

He exhaled sharply, shaking his head. "Of course. Fine. Show me."

In an instant, the room shimmered and morphed into an unfamiliar space—empty, silent, and vast. Aeron frowned. "So... now what? It's just emptiness."

"Think of what you desire," the book instructed, its tone as matter-of-fact as ever. "That will guide the process."

Aeron raised an eyebrow. "Desire? What exactly am I buying?"

"Items, enhancements, resources—all purchasable with your accumulated points. You currently have 870 points," the book explained.

He crossed his arms, intrigued despite himself. "And I earn points by...?"

"By growing stronger—mastering your laws, completing tasks, and defeating worthy opponents. Your recent bout contributed significantly."

The memory of the fight flashed in his mind, and he nodded. "Alright. I think I'm starting to get it."

With that, Aeron closed his eyes, picturing a garment that suited his needs. When he opened them, an array of elegant clothing surrounded him, each piece seemingly imbued with power. One stood out—a dark, sleek ensemble that radiated an aura of shadowy grace.

He reached for it, the details forming in his mind as he examined the fabric:

Shadow Dancer's Garb

Description: Attire crafted for those who move unseen.

Effects:

High resistance to Detection Law

+30% movement speed while stealthed

+20% chance to evade attacks

Passive: "Shadow Slip" - 10% chance to become stealthed for 2 seconds after taking damage

A small window appeared before his eyes, displaying the item's cost:

Shadow Dancer's Garb

Price: 700 points

He hesitated for a moment, considering his current balance. "700 points... That's most of what I've got."

"Quality comes at a price," the book remarked.

Aeron nodded, a smirk forming. "True enough. I'll take it."

With a mental command, the garment vanished from the display, and his points total adjusted to reflect the purchase. The room around him shimmered, fading back into reality, leaving the Shadow Dancer's Garb neatly folded on his bed.

Aeron sat quietly in his dimly lit room, the silence thick around him. His body still hummed with the lingering energy of his recent transformation. The weight of the Death Law pressed against his chest, tangible and undeniable. He ran a hand through his hair, still trying to process everything that had just happened. The Shadow Dancer's Garb clung to him, snug and silent, enhancing his every move with an almost eerie precision.

He exhaled slowly, staring down at the book resting on the table before him. It had been his guide, his companion, and his tormentor. Now it seemed to hold even more secrets than before. The recent events left a tangle of questions swirling in his mind, and he needed answers.

He finally broke the silence. "Book," he called out, his voice a mix of curiosity and frustration. "What was that transformation? Why do I feel normal now?"

The book remained silent for a moment, as if considering its response. Then, in its usual calm tone, it answered, "That was your Death Law form. It is the embodiment of the Death Law within you, a physical representation of your growing connection to it. While in that form, you tap into a fraction of death's true power, enhancing your strength, senses, and abilities."

Aeron leaned back, the explanation sinking in. He glanced at the mirror across the room, catching a glimpse of his reflection. His eyes were no longer the dark, familiar shade they once were. Instead, they were an unsettling misty white, tinged with faint streaks of red, like dried blood. It was as though death itself had taken residence in his gaze.

"What's with my eyes?" he asked, his voice quieter now, tinged with a strange mix of fascination and unease.

The book replied, "Your eyes reflect the Death Law's influence. They are a window into the power you now wield, a symbol of your transformation. In your Death Law form, your strength is doubled. You'll move faster, hit harder, and think clearer. Everything you do will be heightened."

He studied his reflection for a moment longer, then turned back to the book. "So, this form… it'll evolve as I grow stronger?"

"Exactly," the book confirmed. "As you deepen your understanding of the Death Law, the transformation will change, adapting to your progress. The more you learn, the more potent your abilities will become."

Aeron nodded slowly, processing the information. The power he had tasted was only the beginning. His transformation was just the first step on a path that promised even greater strength. Rising from his chair, he gave his reflection one last look, his strange eyes glowing faintly in the low light.

"I think I get it now," he muttered, heading for the door. His fingers brushed against the cool metal of the handle. "Time to see what this power can really do."

The hallway outside his room was dim, shadows clinging to the corners. He felt different, lighter, more aware of everything around him. His steps were silent, his movements smooth. The garb he wore felt like a second skin, making him blend seamlessly into the darkness.

He was eager to test his new abilities, to see just how far he could push this power. The idea of using his Death Gaze, of paralyzing someone with just a look, sent a thrill through him. He needed to practice, to hone this skill until it became second nature.

As he made his way through the hallways, his mind was set. He would find someone to practice on, to truly understand the depths of this power. Every step he took felt deliberate, the world around him sharper and more vivid. The night stretched ahead, and Aeron was ready to embrace whatever came next.

Aeron's steps quickened as he strode through the shadowed corridors, his mind swirling with the remnants of his transformation and the power he now wielded. The air was thick with a strange energy, but he pressed on, eager to test his newfound abilities. As he rounded a corner, he saw her—the fairy who had brought him food the first time he arrived.

For a moment, their eyes met, and a flicker of recognition passed between them. Aeron tried to push her presence to the back of his mind, focusing instead on his purpose. He intended to walk past her, but she turned her head sharply in his direction, her gaze piercing through the dim light.

"Hey, you!" she called out, her voice light yet commanding. She closed the distance between them with swift, graceful steps. "I almost didn't detect you."

Aeron's expression remained impassive, though her words caught his attention. "How?" he asked, his tone curt. Conversation had never been his strength, and small talk wasn't something he indulged in.

The fairy smirked, a hint of arrogance in her demeanor. "You mean how did I detect you?" She paused, crossing her arms. "Well, first of all, I'm an elf, and you're a human."

"Straight to the point," Aeron muttered, his gaze steady.

Her smirk faltered for a moment before she composed herself. "I detected your life energy at the last moment. It's… powerful. Different from other life signals. My law picked up on that strange energy."

"I see." Aeron's reply was brief, and he turned to leave, but she stepped in front of him again, blocking his path.

"Wait," she said, her voice softening. "You seem really powerful, and I noticed you don't have a team. I thought maybe we could form one…"

"Not interested," Aeron cut her off, his tone final.

"Hold on, I just—" she began, but Aeron's mind was already racing with an idea. Without a second thought, he activated Death's Gaze, his eyes locking onto hers. He felt the surge of power as it seeped into her, halting her life force for a brief moment. Yet, something blocked him from pushing further, as if her essence resisted complete domination.

"Do not kill her," the book's voice echoed in his mind, calm yet firm.

Aeron frowned slightly. "Why?" he asked, surprised by the sudden intervention.

"She will be useful to you," the book explained. "She's in a dormant state now, but awakening her potential could benefit you greatly. The choice is yours."

With a final glance at the elf, Aeron released his grip on her life force, watching as she staggered slightly, regaining her composure. He turned away and walked back to his room, his curiosity satisfied for now.

Behind him, the fairy stood frozen, staring at the spot where he had been just moments before. Unbeknownst to her, this encounter marked the beginning of a connection that would prove invaluable in the trials to come.