The Demon of Desire: the rise of the slum rat

The silence that followed Lucien's departure was thick and suffocating. Mikhael stood at the center of the clearing, his blade still drawn, the faint glow of the artifact barely visible through his coat. His crimson eyes lingered on the spot where Lucien had vanished, his mind a whirlwind of conflict.

Shirone stepped closer, her golden eyes filled with concern. "Mikhael..."

"I'm fine," he said sharply, sheathing his blade.

"No, you're not." Shirone's voice was firmer now, her small hands clenched into fists. "That... thing is changing you. We all saw it."

Kael walked up beside her, their expression unreadable but their tone cold. "She's right. That wasn't just you back there—it was the artifact. If you keep giving in to it, you'll end up just like Lucien."

Mikhael's gaze flicked between them before he turned away. "We need to keep moving."

Kael grabbed his arm, forcing him to stop. "You can't keep running from this, Mikhael. The artifact is dangerous, and it's already taken hold of you."

Mikhael yanked his arm free, his voice low and cutting. "I'm not running. I'm surviving. Now either follow me, or get out of my way."

Kael frowned but said nothing more. Shirone hesitated, her golden eyes searching his face for a trace of the person she'd chosen to follow.

Into the Ruins

The trio pressed on through the forest, the ruins they had taken shelter in fading into the distance. The artifact's whispers had quieted once more, but Mikhael could feel its presence like a constant weight on his chest.

Hours passed in tense silence until they reached the edge of a vast canyon. A narrow bridge of stone spanned the gap, its surface weathered and cracked.

"This is the only way across," Kael said, scanning the area. "The Syndicate's maps mentioned an old stronghold on the other side. It should still be intact."

Mikhael nodded, stepping onto the bridge. The stone creaked under his weight, but it held firm.

Shirone followed closely, her movements light and careful. Kael brought up the rear, their eyes darting between the shadows that clung to the canyon walls.

An Old Enemy Returns

They were halfway across when Mikhael's Mana Sense flared, a sharp warning that made him freeze.

"Something's coming," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

A low growl echoed through the canyon, followed by the scrape of claws against stone. Mikhael drew his blade as a hulking rogue devil emerged from the shadows, its body twisted and grotesque.

"That's not just a stray," Kael muttered, their tone grim.

The creature's glowing red eyes locked onto Mikhael, its lips pulling back in a snarl. "The boy with Greed," it rumbled, its voice guttural and filled with malice. "You've been marked."

Mikhael stepped forward, his stance low and ready. "If you've got something to say, say it. Otherwise, move."

The devil chuckled, a sound like grinding stones. "Foolish. The artifact isn't yours to control. It belongs to us."

A Battle on the Bridge

The devil lunged, its claws slashing toward Mikhael with terrifying speed. Mikhael activated Shadow Step, disappearing from the creature's path and reappearing at its side. His blade flashed in a precise arc, cutting deep into the devil's flank.

The creature roared in pain but retaliated with a burst of dark energy that shattered part of the bridge. Mikhael leaped backward, landing beside Shirone and Kael as the devil advanced.

"We can't let it bring the bridge down," Kael warned, their hands already reaching for a pouch of magical tools.

Shirone darted forward, her small frame a blur as she leaped onto the devil's back. Her claws raked across its thick hide, drawing dark ichor that hissed as it hit the stone.

The devil twisted and thrashed, trying to dislodge her, but Shirone clung tightly, her golden eyes blazing with determination.

Mikhael's Struggle

As the battle raged on, Mikhael felt the artifact's whispers growing louder. The energy it offered was intoxicating, promising strength beyond his limits.

"Use me," the voice echoed in his mind. "Unleash me."

Mikhael gritted his teeth, his grip on his blade tightening. "Not now," he muttered.

The devil lashed out with another burst of dark magic, forcing Mikhael to dodge. He countered with a Rising Dragon, his palm strike infused with raw mana that sent the creature staggering.

Kael threw a glowing orb that exploded into a web of crackling energy, trapping the devil in place. "Now's your chance!" they shouted.

Mikhael hesitated, the artifact's whispers urging him to take the kill. For a moment, he considered it—considered giving in to the power that promised victory.

But then he saw Shirone, her small frame still perched on the devil's back, fighting with everything she had.

"No," Mikhael growled, forcing the artifact's voice to the back of his mind. He surged forward, his blade glowing as he delivered a precise series of strikes that severed the devil's limbs.

The creature let out a final, guttural cry before collapsing into a pile of ash.

Revelations

The group stood in silence, the battle's aftermath weighing heavily on them. Shirone's breathing was heavy as she slid off the devil's remains, her golden eyes meeting Mikhael's.

"You didn't use it," she said quietly.

Mikhael sheathed his blade, his expression unreadable. "I didn't need to."

Kael approached, their gaze sharp. "You're playing a dangerous game, Mikhael. The artifact isn't something you can control through sheer willpower. If you keep holding it back, it'll break you."

Mikhael met their gaze, his crimson eyes burning with resolve. "Then I'll break it first."

Kael shook their head, muttering under their breath as they turned away.

The Stronghold

The group crossed the rest of the bridge without incident, reaching the stronghold just as the sun began to rise. The structure was ancient but sturdy, its stone walls etched with runes that faintly glowed in the dim light.

"This place should keep us hidden for a while," Kael said, inspecting the runes. "We'll need to reinforce the wards, but it's secure enough for now."

Mikhael stepped inside, his mind already racing. The artifact's whispers were quieter now, but their presence remained—a constant reminder of the battle he was fighting, not just with enemies but with himself.

As the group settled in, Mikhael gazed out at the horizon, his thoughts dark and restless.

The artifact pulsed faintly against his chest, its voice a whisper in the back of his mind.

"This is only the beginning."