The Demon of Desire: the rise of the slum rat

The air in the stronghold felt lighter after the trial, but the tension within the group lingered like a shadow. Mikhael sat against a stone wall, the artifact resting in his hands. Its glow had dimmed to a faint shimmer, and the once-constant whispers had been reduced to a soft hum at the edge of his mind.

Shirone watched him quietly, her small claws tapping nervously against the floor. Kael paced nearby, their sharp eyes flicking between Mikhael and the remnants of the sigil on the ground.

"So, what did you see in there?" Kael asked finally, breaking the silence.

Mikhael didn't look up. "Something that wants me dead—and something that wants me stronger."

Kael raised an eyebrow. "That's cryptic, even for you."

"It doesn't matter," Mikhael said, slipping the artifact back into his coat. "I beat it, for now. That's all that counts."

The Aftermath of the Trial

Shirone sat down beside Mikhael, her golden eyes searching his face. "You seem... calmer. Is it really gone?"

"Not gone," Mikhael admitted. "Just quieter. It's like... it's waiting for something."

Kael frowned. "That's not exactly reassuring."

Mikhael smirked faintly. "When has anything about me ever been reassuring?"

Despite his attempt at humor, the weight of his words hung in the air.

Unveiling New Abilities

Later that evening, Mikhael decided to test the changes wrought by the trial. In the open courtyard of the stronghold, he summoned the artifact with a single thought. It materialized in his hand, transforming into a sleek, black blade etched with glowing golden runes.

Shirone and Kael watched from a safe distance as Mikhael moved through a series of combat drills, the blade's movements fluid and precise.

"It feels... different," Mikhael said, his voice thoughtful. "Like it's part of me now."

Kael stepped closer, their gaze fixed on the blade. "That's a manifestation ability. The artifact is no longer just an object—it's a weapon. A part of you."

Shirone tilted her head. "Does that mean it's safer now?"

"Safer?" Mikhael repeated, a dry chuckle escaping him. "Hardly. But it's manageable."

Greed's Blessing

As Mikhael continued his drills, he discovered more about the artifact's new properties.

Energy Amplification: The blade resonated with his mana, boosting his energy output and allowing him to unleash more powerful attacks. Duplication: By focusing, Mikhael could create a second, spectral copy of the blade, which hovered near him like an extension of his will. Absorption: The blade could siphon energy from opponents, replenishing Mikhael's own reserves during combat.

Kael observed closely, their expression a mix of curiosity and concern. "These abilities... they're dangerous. If you rely on them too much, the artifact might start pulling you in again."

Mikhael stopped, planting the blade in the ground. "Then I'll make sure it doesn't come to that."

A Shadow on the Horizon

As the group prepared to leave the stronghold, Mikhael's Mana Sense flared, warning him of approaching danger. He turned toward the forest, his crimson eyes narrowing.

"What now?" Kael muttered, already reaching for their tools.

A faint, sickly green glow emerged from the trees, followed by a chorus of guttural growls. The air grew colder, and the smell of decay wafted toward them.

"Necromancy," Mikhael said, his voice grim.

Shirone's claws extended instinctively. "How many?"

"Too many," Mikhael replied. He drew the artifact blade, its glow intensifying as if eager for the fight.

A group of skeletal creatures shambled into view, their hollow eyes glowing with malevolent light. Behind them stood a figure cloaked in dark robes, their face obscured by a hood.

"Well, isn't this a delightful little reunion," the figure said, their voice dripping with malice.

Kael's eyes widened. "That's Rhaegor—one of the Syndicate's rogue agents. He's dangerous."

Rhaegor chuckled, stepping closer. "And you're as perceptive as ever, Kael. But I'm not here for you." His gaze shifted to Mikhael. "I've been watching you, boy. That artifact you carry... it's wasted on you."

Mikhael smirked, his blade gleaming in the dim light. "Then come take it."

The Battle

The skeletal creatures surged forward, their movements unnaturally fast. Mikhael met them head-on, his blade cutting through bone with ease. The artifact's energy flowed through him, amplifying his strikes and enhancing his speed.

Shirone darted into the fray, her claws flashing as she tore through the skeletons with feral precision. Kael hung back, throwing explosive orbs that disintegrated clusters of enemies.

Rhaegor watched with amusement, his hands weaving dark energy into a massive spell.

"You're all so predictable," he said, his voice laced with mockery.

Mikhael lunged at him, activating Shadow Step to close the distance. But as he struck, Rhaegor vanished, reappearing a few feet away with a cruel laugh.

"Faster than I expected," Rhaegor said. "But not fast enough."

He unleashed a wave of necrotic energy, forcing Mikhael to retreat. The energy corroded the ground, leaving a trail of blackened earth in its wake.

Greed's True Power

Mikhael gritted his teeth, his grip on the artifact blade tightening. The whispers returned, faint but urgent.

"Unleash me... take what's yours..."

For a moment, he hesitated. But then he remembered Pride's words during the trial.

"Control it. Don't let it control you."

Mikhael focused, channeling the artifact's energy into the blade. The spectral duplicate appeared beside him, its movements perfectly mirroring his own. Together, they launched a coordinated assault, overwhelming Rhaegor's defenses.

The rogue agent snarled as Mikhael's blade carved through his barrier, the spectral copy striking simultaneously from the opposite side.

"This isn't over!" Rhaegor spat, his form dissolving into shadows as he escaped.

Aftermath

The battlefield fell silent, the skeletal creatures reduced to piles of ash and bone. Mikhael lowered his blade, the artifact's energy settling as the spectral copy faded.

Kael approached cautiously, their expression grim. "You let him escape."

"He'll be back," Mikhael said, his voice steady. "And next time, I'll be ready."

Shirone glanced at him, her golden eyes filled with a mix of awe and concern. "You really are different now."

Mikhael smirked faintly, slipping the artifact blade back into his coat. "Still me, kid. Just... improved."

As the group prepared to leave, Mikhael cast one last glance at the forest, his mind already turning to the challenges ahead.