The Demon of Desire: the rise of the slum rat

The oppressive weight of the Hollow Verge pressed against the group as they pressed deeper into its cursed expanse. The air shimmered with unstable magic, and faint, ghostly shapes flickered at the edges of their vision, vanishing the moment they tried to focus on them.

Mikhael led the way, his crimson eyes scanning the path ahead. The artifact pulsed faintly against his chest, its whispers a soft murmur in the back of his mind. Shirone followed closely, her golden eyes darting nervously between the twisted trees, while Kael brought up the rear, their sharp gaze watching for threats.

"What exactly are we looking for?" Shirone asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Kael adjusted their pack, their tone grim. "If the rumors are true, the heart of the Verge is where the real power lies. Artifacts, ancient magic—maybe even answers."

"Or death," Mikhael muttered.

Kael smirked faintly. "That too."

The Shifting Forest

The path ahead twisted and shifted, the trees seeming to rearrange themselves as the group moved. What should have been a straight path became a labyrinth of crooked branches and shadowy alcoves.

"This place doesn't want us here," Shirone said, her voice tense.

"It's not about what it wants," Mikhael replied, his tone cold. "It's about what we take."

The artifact pulsed again, its energy growing stronger as they moved closer to the center of the Verge. Mikhael felt a faint unease settle in his chest, the whispers becoming clearer.

"Closer... closer..."

A Ruined Shrine

They emerged into a clearing where the remnants of a ruined shrine stood. The structure was ancient, its stone walls covered in glowing runes that pulsed faintly with residual magic. At the center of the shrine was a large, circular dais etched with intricate patterns.

"This is it," Kael said, their voice filled with awe.

Mikhael approached the dais cautiously, his Mana Sense picking up a dense concentration of energy beneath the surface. The artifact's whispers grew louder, urging him forward.

"Power... it's yours..."

"Mikhael," Shirone said, her golden eyes filled with concern. "Be careful."

"I always am," Mikhael replied, stepping onto the dais.

The Trial Begins

The moment Mikhael's foot touched the center of the dais, the runes flared to life, casting the clearing in a brilliant, golden light. The air vibrated with raw energy, and Mikhael felt a sharp pull in his chest as the artifact's power surged.

"Mikhael!" Shirone shouted, but her voice sounded distant as the light consumed him.

Mikhael blinked, and when his vision cleared, he was no longer in the clearing. He stood in a vast, empty expanse of white, the ground beneath him smooth and reflective like glass.

"You've come far," a voice echoed, low and mocking.

Mikhael turned to see a figure standing in the distance. It was humanoid but distorted, its form shifting and flickering like a mirage. Its eyes glowed with a sickly gold light, and its grin was sharp and menacing.

"Who are you?" Mikhael demanded, his hand moving to the hilt of his blade.

The figure laughed, the sound reverberating through the expanse. "I am Greed. And you are my vessel."

The Duel of Wills

Greed moved with blinding speed, closing the distance between them in an instant. Mikhael barely had time to react as the figure's claws slashed toward him. He activated Shadow Step, disappearing and reappearing a few feet away.

"You're fast," Greed said, its grin widening. "But not fast enough."

The battle was relentless. Greed's movements were fluid and erratic, its attacks a blur of claws and dark energy. Mikhael countered with precise strikes, combining Muay Thai kicks and Rising Dragon palm strikes to keep the figure at bay.

"You're holding back," Greed taunted. "Afraid to use my power?"

"I don't need it to beat you," Mikhael growled, his crimson eyes blazing.

Pride's Return

As Greed's attacks grew more aggressive, Mikhael began to falter, his movements slowing under the relentless assault. Just as Greed prepared to deliver a finishing blow, a second presence appeared.

"Enough."

The air shifted, and Pride materialized, his sharp, aristocratic features calm and composed. He stepped between Mikhael and Greed, his gaze cold.

"You dare challenge him without his full potential?" Pride said, his voice dripping with disdain. "You overestimate yourself, parasite."

Greed snarled. "Stay out of this, Pride. This is between me and the boy."

Pride smirked faintly. "Oh, I disagree. Mikhael is mine to guide, and you are nothing but a tool."

A Combined Effort

With Pride's help, Mikhael regained his footing. Pride's presence seemed to stabilize the space around them, forcing Greed to focus its energy on the fight.

"Remember what you learned," Pride said, his tone commanding. "Control it. Bend it to your will."

Mikhael nodded, his grip on the artifact blade tightening. He activated Charge, his energy surging as he launched a coordinated assault with Pride. Together, they overwhelmed Greed, forcing it to retreat.

The Final Blow

As Greed faltered, Mikhael saw his opportunity. He channeled all his energy into a single strike, the artifact blade glowing with golden light.

"This is my power," Mikhael said, his voice steady. "Not yours."

He drove the blade into Greed's chest, the force of the strike shattering the figure into fragments of light. The expanse dissolved, and Mikhael found himself back in the clearing, his body trembling from exhaustion.

Aftermath

Kael and Shirone rushed to his side, their expressions a mix of relief and concern.

"You're alive," Kael said, their tone surprised.

"Barely," Mikhael muttered, slipping the artifact back into his coat.

Shirone knelt beside him, her golden eyes wide. "What happened?"

Mikhael smirked faintly. "I won."

As the group prepared to leave the shrine, Mikhael glanced back at the dais, the faint glow of the runes fading.

"Let's move," he said. "The heart of the Verge is still waiting."