《Abyssal Descent upon the Myriad Worlds》


 ### Chapter 1: The Little Demon

    ¡°System energy insufficient¡­¡±


    ¡°System energy insufficient¡­¡±


    The blaring alarm jolted Carlo awake.


    A dim red glow filtered through what looked like frosted glass from above.


    But the ceiling seemed unnervingly low.


    Carlo reached out and pushed. The ¡°frosted glass¡± yielded with a soft press, forming a small dent before tearing apart with a crackling sound.


    Light poured in, revealing a dark purple sky.


    Seven crimson blood moons hung high in the heavens, while eerie howls echoed in the distance, mingled with a faint sulfur scent in the air.


    ¡°Scan complete. Host detected¡ªDemon. Plane detected¡ªAbyss¡­ Energy insufficient, energy insufficient.¡±


    The same voice that had awakened Carlo repeated its message, but before it could continue, it reverted to its monotonous alarm.


    What on earth is this? Carlo¡¯s head was a chaotic mess, throbbing painfully.


    He tried to stand up to get a better look at his surroundings but stumbled and fell onto something slick beneath him.


    It was only then that Carlo noticed his new state: slender, pale arms, a round, plump body, and something behind him¡ªhe turned his head and saw two thin, transparent bat wings. A spiked, soft tail trailed behind him as well.


    He touched his head¡ªsmooth and hairless, with two small protrusions resembling goat horns.


    Carlo finally grasped his new identity¡ªa freshly hatched little demon in the Abyss.


    How did a short nap turn into such a massive surprise? He felt stunned and helpless as he gazed at the landscape, where countless dark red demon eggs stretched as far as the eye could see. A multitude of small demons, each of different shapes and sizes, crawled out of their eggshells, forming an overwhelming sea.


    A sea of demons.


    Hunger. A sudden wave of hunger overtook Carlo¡¯s mind.


    Instinctively, he began searching for something to eat, but there was nothing around¡ªonly scattered eggs and broken eggshells.


    Eggshells?


    Carlo¡¯s gaze fixed on the basin-sized eggshell from which he had just emerged. His mouth watered uncontrollably.


    Those shattered, hard, and slightly disgusting eggshells now appeared as a gourmet feast to him.


    Unable to resist any longer, Carlo lunged at them, grabbing a piece of the eggshell and stuffing it into his mouth.


    It tasted a bit fishy, but it was indeed edible¡ªcrunchy, almost like a cracker.


    In no time, Carlo had devoured all the eggshells around him. The hunger in his stomach subsided slightly, and he began to regain some strength. He could now stand upright and flap his wings a couple of times, though flying was still far off.The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    What should I do next? Carlo frowned.


    This was the Abyss. It was his first time here, and he wasn¡¯t exactly familiar with it.


    As he pondered, the egg he had been lying on cracked open with a sharp sound.


    To Carlo¡¯s astonishment, a freshly hatched little demon emerged from the egg.


    This demon bore no resemblance to a human. It looked more like a fusion of a lizard and a crab.


    The Lizard-Crab demon opened its eyes and immediately began devouring its own eggshell. Its mouth, filled with sharp, needle-like teeth, quickly finished the shell, passing its birth phase in the blink of an eye.


    Then, the Lizard-Crab¡¯s beady eyes locked onto Carlo, an unmistakably wicked glint in them.


    Carlo¡¯s heart sank. He instantly understood the creature¡¯s intent.


    It wants to eat me?!


    Instinctively, Carlo took two steps back, but the Lizard-Crab lunged forward, its jaws wide open, aiming straight for him.


    Carlo sidestepped, and the Lizard-Crab missed, crashing into another nearby egg. The eggshell shattered, and dark red egg fluid oozed out.


    The Lizard-Crab¡¯s tiny nostrils flared as it sniffed the air. It quickly lost interest in Carlo and focused on the broken egg beneath it.


    Its long, crimson tongue slithered out, greedily licking the egg fluid.


    No, Carlo thought. If this creature eats the egg and grows stronger, it¡¯ll definitely kill me. I have to strike first!


    Looking around frantically, Carlo found a stone about the size of a watermelon. Taking advantage of the Lizard-Crab¡¯s distraction, he snuck behind it and slammed the stone down as hard as he could.


    Sensing something, the Lizard-Crab tried to dodge, but the stone still struck its head.


    Seeing the creature dazed, Carlo quickly grabbed the stone and continued.


    ¡°Thud, thud¡­¡± He smashed the stone seven or eight times until the Lizard-Crab¡¯s head was a bloody mess, and it finally stopped moving.


    ¡°Huuh¡­¡± Carlo collapsed to the ground, gasping for air. He¡¯d finally taken down the creature.


    Though¡­ wasn¡¯t he a monster himself now?


    After a vigorous exercise, the newly born Karlo had expended a great deal of energy and found himself hungry again.


    Karlo noticed the broken egg shells left behind from the recent lizard crab attack. Mimicking the lizard crab¡¯s actions, he eagerly drank the egg white from the shells and consumed all the scattered fragments on the ground.


    The egg white, richer than the shell, was more satisfying.


    As Karlo finished the egg, a fresh round of ¡°crunch crunch¡± sounds began.


    This time, Karlo was more astute. Instead of waiting for the little demon inside the egg to emerge, he swiftly crushed it underfoot and then devoured the shell.


    Karlo set to work with determination. No longer waiting for new demons to be born, he took proactive measures, smashing every egg shell in the vicinity.


    Most of the eggs contained only egg whites, which Karlo drank like a hearty soup. A few eggs had fully formed demons inside, curled up and surprisingly cute.


    However, Karlo was aware of how fierce these demons could be once they were born. He coldly eliminated them while they were still encased in their shells.


    When Karlo had cleaned up all the egg shells and egg whites in his birth area, he let out a long, satisfied burp.


    ¡°Ugh¡­ I might have overdone it.¡±


    By now, Karlo was nearly a meter tall, about the size of a typical three-year-old child, and his body was sturdier. If he were to encounter the lizard crab again, he should be able to defeat it with ease.


    Karlo reclined by the rocks, digesting his meal. He noticed that the incessant ¡°energy low¡± alarm had finally ceased.


    As he pondered this, a voice suddenly echoed in his mind.


    ¡°Energy intake complete. Abyssal Descent System activated.


    Host Name: Karlo S. Yabolin


    Race: Abyssal Demon


    Strength: Minor Demon


    Evil Value: 220


    Descending Plane: None


    Main Quest: Conquer countless planes and become the Abyssal Overlord


    Side Quest: Survive¡±


    Karlo stared at the sudden influx of information, momentarily dazed. A system template as a bonus for crossing over? That¡¯s promising; finally, a golden finger!


    But what does the ¡°survive¡± side quest entail?


    A shiver ran through Karlo. He turned to see the dark red demon sea still churning relentlessly, leaving a multitude of demon eggs scattered on the beach with each tide. Deeper in the beach, more eggs were hatching, with fully formed, partially formed, or soon-to-be-formed demons crawling out, growing, feeding, and fighting...


    Everything here seemed even more terrifying than he had anticipated.


    ---

 **Chapter 2: Blunt Club and Cold Knife**

    Karlo spent over an hour studying his golden finger, only to find that this so-called system was of limited help, providing only a clear picture of his current strength.


    He couldn¡¯t find any clickable buttons or hidden functions. He guessed that the data behind the strength bar might be his experience points, as he remembered consuming about twenty demon eggs.


    If each demon egg grants one experience point, and the lizard crab he defeated was worth two points, the math seemed to add up.


    The evil value was likely calculated similarly, though he still didn¡¯t know its purpose.


    To test his theory, Karlo ate two more demon eggs, and indeed, his experience increased to 24, and his evil value rose by 20.


    Karlo felt like he was playing an old online game he used to enjoy, where initially he was just killing chickens and pigs in the newbie village, except now he was smashing demon eggs.


    Karlo began searching for more demon eggs, curious to see if reaching a hundred experience points would result in a level-up and what that might entail.


    In fact, he didn¡¯t need to search far. Demon eggs were abundant.


    Karlo was on a cliffside at the edge of the demon sea. He had already destroyed all the demon eggs in his immediate area and was venturing further.


    Inevitably, he encountered competitors.


    Demons in the Abyss face a brutal survival of the fittest. Countless minor demons emerge from their eggs, only to be consumed by those born earlier before they even have a chance to open their eyes.


    Typically, no new demons can hatch from the eggs around a fully formed minor demon, as they become nourishment for the demon¡¯s growth.


    Karlo was fortunate; had he not been the first to emerge from this batch of eggs, he might have been digested by now.


    To Karlo¡¯s left, a small demon about the size of a dog, resembling a dog but without legs, was eating. This dog demon had unusually thick arms and moved by jumping on its hands.


    It was unclear who noticed whom first, but Karlo and this dog demon locked eyes.


    The dog demon bared its teeth at Karlo, braced its thick arms on the ground, and leaped towards him.


    Karlo, unsure of how to fight back, picked up stones from the ground and threw them at the dog demon. His aim was poor; after several misses, he finally hit the dog demon once. However, the dog demon seemed undeterred, shook its head, and appeared even more aggressive.


    Karlo observed the dog demon¡¯s sharp teeth and cursed inwardly: Damn, why does everyone come with built-in weapons? How am I supposed to fight with my bare hands?The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    The dog demon was closing in, and Karlo retreated. Fortunately, his speed was slightly greater than the dog demon¡¯s, or he would have been caught.


    He needed a strategy to defeat it.


    Karlo recalled how he had killed the first minor demon and picked up a demon egg to throw at the dog demon.


    **"Smash!"** The demon egg shattered on the ground, its contents spilling out. The dog demon glanced at the broken egg, then at Carlo. After a moment¡¯s hesitation, it continued its pursuit.


    The plan was ineffective; clearly, Carlo was a stronger lure than the demon egg.


    Carlo turned and ran, swiftly distancing himself from the dog demon. When he looked back from his original position, the dog demon was still relentlessly pursuing him.


    What should he do now? Carlo was growing anxious. He noticed the corpse of the first little demon he had killed lying nearby. He had an idea and threw the body.


    The bloody corpse landed a couple of meters away from the dog demon, causing it to stop.


    Carlo watched closely, observing what the dog demon would do next.


    The dog demon hesitated for a moment, then turned and hopped over to the corpse. It sniffed the body and began to feast on it eagerly.


    As expected. Carlo¡¯s eyes brightened. Between a live prey and a ready meal, the dog demon chose the latter.


    Next, it was time to continue his specialty¡ªusing a club.


    Carlo quickly found a hefty, though still manageable, large stone. Stepping lightly on the soft sand and rocks, he approached stealthily, making as little noise as possible.


    The dog demon was engrossed in its meal, making "chomp chomp" sounds.


    Carlo¡¯s eyes narrowed. He raised the large stone and struck hard at the dog demon¡¯s head.


    ¡°**Ugh~**¡± The dog demon let out a piercing scream and rolled away.


    The stone was too heavy; Carlo didn¡¯t manage to hit its head but succeeded in breaking one of its arms.


    The dog demon glared at Carlo with resentment. With only one arm left, it couldn¡¯t walk and floundered on the ground like a fish out of water.


    Carlo didn¡¯t approach but continued to strike with the stone. The dog demon couldn¡¯t dodge, making it much easier this time.


    After about ten minutes of heavy stone lifting and sweating, Carlo finally smashed the dog demon to death.


    With a **gurgle**, Carlo touched his stomach¡ªhe was hungry again.


    With the dog demon dead, its territory became Carlo¡¯s. He smashed open three demon eggs and drank them dry, slightly regaining some strength.


    Though he had considered eating the meat, he couldn¡¯t bring himself to do it, given the bloody, mangled corpse.


    He needed to find a way to start a fire; eating meat would help him grow faster, Carlo thought.


    He checked his system template. It was still the same, but his experience points had risen to 30, and the evil value to 300.


    The recently defeated dog demon, with a growth state similar to his own, had granted him three experience points.


    Looking at the dead dog demon, Carlo stroked his chin and suddenly had an idea.


    At this stage, little demons generally had low intelligence, about that of a two- or three-year-old child. He planned to continue using the "bait and smash" method to hunt other little demons.


    However, he first needed a proper ¡°club.¡±


    Carlo searched for a suitable stick-like stone for a long time but found none. Eventually, he gave up and chose a piece of hard rock to grind into shape.


    No club? Then he¡¯d use a cold knife.


    Carlo worked furiously to sharpen the stone knife, eating a demon egg whenever he was hungry. By the time he finished all the demon eggs in this area, the stone knife was completed.


    Strictly speaking, it wasn¡¯t a knife but rather a stone dagger. About a foot long, with the tip sharpened to a fine point, Carlo estimated that using this stone dagger to pierce a little demon¡¯s head should be relatively easy.


    Carlo admired his creation with satisfaction, then picked up the dog demon¡¯s corpse and began searching for his next target.


    ---

 ### Chapter 3: The Claws of Liwei Dan

    Carlo quickly identified his target: a little demon that had survived the previous battle. It was injured, with its wings and one arm broken.


    The bait didn¡¯t work because the injured little demon was focused on devouring the flesh of its defeated kin.


    After several attempts, Carlo had learned a trick. He learned to step on hard stones to approach his target silently.


    Demons are a particularly abnormal species. Relying on the flesh of their own kind, they not only grow quickly but also heal very fast after being injured.


    When Carlo got within two or three meters behind the little demon, its wounds were already healing. Its wings, which had been drooping like paper, were now flapping energetically.


    Carlo clicked his tongue in annoyance, realizing he needed to act quickly. Otherwise, if it recovered, the roles of hunter and prey might reverse.


    Carlo gripped the stone dagger tightly, aiming for the top of the demon¡¯s head. The demon¡¯s instincts were sharper than a beast¡¯s, and it almost instantly reacted. However, instead of dodging, it turned and lunged at Carlo.


    Carlo quickly adjusted the dagger¡¯s tip and slashed downwards.


    ¡°**Thud**,¡± Carlo was headbutted by the little demon in the chest, sending him flying backward. The dagger slipped from his hand.


    Damn, what a powerful force.


    Carlo rubbed his chest in pain, feeling as though he had been hit by a large stone.


    He looked at the little demon. Fortunately, his strike wasn¡¯t in vain. The demon had a deep gash from its eyelid to its lip, with one eye even burst open, its face covered in dark red blood.


    The little demon let out a shrill cry of pain. Driven mad by the injury, it used its remaining eye to barely locate Carlo and charged at him.


    Carlo quickly rolled to the side and picked up the fallen dagger, striking the little demon again.


    With one eye blinded and its vision affected, the already injured demon became slower due to repeated blows.


    Carlo took the opportunity to stab the demon lying on the ground, killing it instantly.


    At last, it was over.


    He rested briefly, then collected the corpse and cracked open the remaining demon eggs one by one, eating them. Any newly emerged demon larvae were crushed under his foot.


    Carlo grew stronger, his limbs gaining more power, and his height surpassed one meter.


    His hunting techniques became increasingly adept. He used bait to lure demons and struck when they were most vulnerable, in the midst of their feast. Sometimes, he encountered demons engaged in fierce battles; in such instances, Carlo waited patiently for them to determine a victor before swooping in to reap the rewards.


    The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.His experience and evil points surged rapidly, and soon both reached the 100 and 1000-point thresholds.


    When Carlo shattered the last demon egg, increasing his experience from 99 to 100, the voice in his mind that had only ever said ¡°Insufficient energy¡± finally spoke again.


    ¡°Congratulations, host, on your promotion to the rank of Lesser Demon.¡±


    ¡°You have earned one lottery chance. Reward: 100 Evil Points.¡±


    ¡°The Demon Shop is now open.¡±


    ...


    The flurry of notifications left Carlo feeling somewhat disoriented. He examined the system template closely. The experience bar had shifted from 100/100 to 0/1000, indicating the experience required to advance to the next level. His evil points stood at 1100, and the recent system message indicated that the shop was now open, suggesting that evil points functioned as currency.


    Carlo was about to open the shop template when he noticed that the ¡°Descendable Realms¡± section now had three faintly glowing words next to the ¡°None¡± entry¡ª¡°Available for Descend.¡±


    Carlo clicked on it, and a prompt appeared.


    ¡°Are you sure you want to descend?¡±


    Carlo hesitated and quickly chose ¡°No.¡±


    He wasn¡¯t sure what ¡°descend¡± entailed and didn¡¯t want to take any risks by clicking ¡°Yes¡± casually.


    He set that aside and went directly to the shop, feeling a mix of anticipation and excitement.


    Upon opening the shop, he found only a few items available. There were four in total:


    ¡°Seed of the Demon God¡¯s Legacy,¡± ¡°Basic Demon Combat Techniques,¡± ¡°Basic Demon Magic Mastery,¡± and ¡°Leviathan¡¯s Claw.¡±


    He examined each item carefully.


    ¡°Seed of the Demon God¡¯s Legacy.¡±


    ¡°Offer your faith to receive power. Choose one of the Seven Lords of the Abyss to receive a fragment of their memory as a legacy seed. There is a chance to gain insight into the power of the Demon God.¡±


    The mention of the ¡°Seven Lords¡± and ¡°Demon Gods¡± piqued Carlo¡¯s interest, but the 10,000 evil points price was prohibitive.


    He couldn¡¯t afford it!


    He reluctantly moved on and continued.


    ¡°Basic Demon Combat Techniques: Basic mastery of demon combat skills. Upgradeable.¡±


    The next item was similar, but for basic demon magic. The description was brief and did not provide much detail, but the price was reasonable¡ªjust 1,000 evil points each.


    When Carlo reached the last item, he felt a surge of excitement.


    ¡°Leviathan¡¯s Claw: A fragment of claw from the Envy Demon God Leviathan, broken off during a battle with the Celestial Gods. Obtained by a demon lord and forged into a scythe. Unfortunately, it was discarded due to its weak power.¡±


    It was a scythe over a meter long, with a blade gleaming with a blood-red cold light, radiating a chilling aura.


    Carlo was immediately captivated by this scythe; it resembled the Grim Reaper¡¯s scythe from his past-life comics¡ªexceptionally stylish. Moreover, it was crafted from a demon god¡¯s claw, which made it seem extraordinary. Although the description mentioned its weakness, it was weak only compared to what a demon lord considered powerful. Carlo thought that what might be deemed weak by a demon lord could be a powerful weapon for him.


    The key was that if Carlo had such a formidable weapon, his efficiency in hunting small demons would greatly improve, accelerating both his leveling and earning of evil points. Then he could return to redeem the ¡°Demon God Seed,¡± achieving a perfect outcome.


    Carlo¡¯s vision was optimistic, but reality was once again harsh.


    ¡°Leviathan¡¯s Claw¡± cost 30,000 evil points¡ªmore expensive than the Demon God Seed.


    Carlo could only sigh in frustration. He was broke and couldn¡¯t afford it.


    It seemed he had to choose between the two basic skills. At least that would quickly enhance his current abilities.


    As Carlo pondered whether to learn combat techniques or magic first, he suddenly remembered he still had one lottery chance left.


    No matter what, he decided to use the lottery first.

 Chapter 4: All for a Piece of Roasted Meat

    ¡°Would you like to proceed with the reward draw?¡± ¡°Confirm.¡± After witnessing the "Claw of Leviathan," Carlo was hoping to score a handy weapon. His recent promotion to mid-tier imp not only came with a slew of system perks but also significantly boosted his own abilities.


    Carlo had shot up to 1.3 meters in height. Although still slender, this made him "tall" among his kind. His strength had grown too, and now, even without relying on sneak attacks, he could easily take down an imp.


    But he still felt weak. Carlo figured it had something to do with his diet¡ªliving on demon eggs alone couldn''t compare to a solid meat-filled diet. After all, in any battle, the meat-eater always had the edge over the vegetarian.


    That¡¯s why a decent weapon could change everything.


    ¡°The draw is complete.¡± While Carlo¡¯s mind wandered, the system had already finished the draw. What... is this? He blinked at the item in front of him. A ball of fire? To be precise, it was a tiny flame, no bigger than a fava bean, dark purple at the edges, fading to pure black at its core. The flame flickered briefly before darting straight into Carlo¡¯s chest. Carlo winced as pain shot through him, but soon, the flame settled inside his heart, pulsing in sync with the organ. A dark purple flame, a dark purple heart, both beating in perfect harmony.


    Hellfire Seed. Effects: Ignite, Brand.


    The system¡¯s description was short and to the point. Carlo¡¯s eyes lit up, and as he extended his hand, a small purple flame flickered into life in his palm. The air around him shimmered with heat. Tears almost welled up in his eyes¡ªhe could finally roast meat! This was a long time coming.


    Next, Carlo spent 1,000 Evil Points to unlock "Basic Demon Combat Skills Mastery." A rush of memories flooded his mind, and countless fragmented images flashed before his eyes.


    Carlo stared at his hands in wonder; he felt reborn. The demons, perched atop the pyramid of countless species, had honed their combat skills to perfection. Even just the basics were enough to transform Carlo, boosting his power to a whole new level. As he tested out his limbs, he found the techniques imprinted in his mind easy to execute. While his small frame slightly limited their full potential, the 1,000 Evil Points were well worth it.


    Excitement gleamed in Carlo¡¯s eyes. He licked his lips unconsciously. Imps¡ªor rather, Evil Points¡ªhe was coming for them.


    Before him was a demon that had already devoured several of its kin, resembling a grotesquely oversized mantis. Its legs were muscular, and its forearms were serrated blades, still glistening with bits of flesh. Carlo wouldn¡¯t have dared approach it before. Even with a sneak attack, victory would have been impossible. This mantis demon was on the cusp of advancing from low-tier to mid-tier, needing just a couple more kills to complete its transformation. While Carlo¡¯s move seemed risky, his recent string of easy victories had left him confident in his newfound strength. Demons weren¡¯t meant to cower. Besides, Carlo had been eyeing this mantis demon''s blades for quite some time.Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.


    From a distance, Carlo hurled a stone at the mantis demon. The stone arced through the air perfectly, but just before it struck the mantis demon''s head, a flash of cold steel sliced it to dust. What a fine weapon. Carlo¡¯s eyes gleamed with greed. The mantis demon, enraged by the attack, screeched and vanished, appearing right in front of Carlo in an instant. Carlo thrust his dagger at the demon¡¯s head, but the demon''s blade arms blocked it, snapping the dagger in half. With a fluid motion, Carlo discarded the broken weapon and ducked under the demon¡¯s next attack. Instead of retreating, he surged forward, slipping like a fish into the demon''s guard. Thud. Carlo collided with the mantis demon, causing it to stumble back. Before it could regain its balance, Carlo pushed off with his toes, flipping gracefully over the demon¡¯s head and landing behind it. During the flip, he grabbed hold of the mantis demon¡¯s head. Crack.


    Carlo landed lightly, disgusted, and tossed the severed head to the ground. Behind him, the headless corpse collapsed, blood spraying in all directions. As Carlo watched, a wisp of gray smoke rose from the corpse, drifting toward him and entering his body, making its way to his heart. The small, dark purple flame trembled and grew ever so slightly.


    This was a new discovery¡ªCarlo¡¯s Hellfire Seed seemed to feed on demon souls. Every time he killed, that gray wisp would appear and be absorbed by the flame. Not that it bothered him much. Instead, he happily pried off the mantis demon¡¯s blade arms and modified them into a pair of fearsome serrated daggers. With these new weapons, hunting demons became much easier.


    Carlo had transformed from a hunter into a reaper. Over the next few days, he swept through the demon-infested beach like a storm. Low-tier imps, worth less than five experience points each, were slain with a single strike. Mantis demons, worth seven or eight points, fell in two or three moves. As for the mid-tier imps worth ten points, he had encountered two. After some effort, they too became fuel for his Hellfire Seed. Carlo¡¯s experience points had climbed to nearly 500, and his Evil Points had grown to over 3,000. He spent 1,000 of them on "Basic Demon Magic Mastery," unlocking spells like Minor Charm, Minor Curse, and Minor Soul Torture¡ªcool-sounding but mostly useless for his current needs. Except for one handy ability.


    Carlo¡¯s left hand held a serrated dagger, pinning down a freshly hatched imp, while his right hand conjured a massive ball of crimson flame. As the fire roasted the imp, its skin sizzled, and a tantalizing aroma filled the air. Once the meat was done, Carlo dismissed the flames and tore off a large chunk, savoring the taste. In truth, the roasted flesh wasn¡¯t particularly delicious, but after living off demon eggs for so long, it tasted like heaven to Carlo.


    He had only recently started eating meat. The Hellfire Seed couldn''t be used for roasting; it would incinerate the flesh to ashes the moment it touched. Carlo had finally attained a modest lifestyle. When thirsty, he cracked open a demon egg. When hungry, he roasted meat. When bored, he roamed the area, harvesting experience and Evil Points. He had become the undisputed ruler of this stretch of the demon beach. During this time, Carlo¡¯s mindset had gradually changed. He was becoming more like a demon¡ªperhaps, becoming what he was always meant to be.


    As Carlo enjoyed his meal, a chorus of imp screeches suddenly echoed from the distance, accompanied by a strange rushing sound, like a violent wind sweeping through. It was coming closer. Fast.


    t

 #Chapter Five: Forced Descent

    Karlo spotted a ¡°black cloud¡± approaching from a distance. The little demons on the ground screamed and took flight, diving into the ominous cloud. As it drew closer, Karlo realized it was no cloud at all but a gigantic demon.


    This demon had massive wings growing from its back, covered in black scales, with a wingspan of six or seven meters. The wings were powerful, whipping up gusts of wind with even a slight flap, lifting several small demons into its gaping maw.


    The bird-like demon devoured its prey with alarming speed and an insatiable appetite. It had consumed countless small demons on its path but still seemed ravenous. Inevitably, its gaze turned to Karlo.


    "Damn it," Karlo muttered as he sprang to his feet and dashed away. He and this bird-demon were on entirely different levels of power; fighting it head-on would be suicide. It¡¯s absurd to think a person armed with cold weapons could take on a bomber!


    Karlo fled with remarkable speed, but the bird-demon was faster. In just a few breaths, it had caught up with him. With a powerful beat of its wings, Karlo felt a strong wind surge beneath his arms, lifting him uncontrollably upward.


    Desperately flapping his small, meager wings behind him, Karlo tried to counter the upward motion, but it was futile. His wings were more ornamental than functional compared to the demon¡¯s.


    As Karlo rose higher, he saw the demon¡¯s enormous jaws slowly open to receive him. He threw his two serrated daggers at the demon, but they sank into its mouth without causing a ripple.


    Thinking quickly, Karlo activated a black aura with his right hand and hurled it at the bird-demon. ¡°Weakness Spell!¡±


    The black aura expanded in mid-air, eventually enveloping the bird-demon. Its body suddenly felt as though it had gained an immense weight, and its movements became sluggish.


    The gusts of wind beneath Karlo disappeared suddenly, and he felt a surge of relief, preparing to escape as soon as he landed. But before he could descend a meter, the wind returned. Karlo looked back and saw that the ¡°Weakness Spell¡± had worn off.


    "Damn it, this bird-demon¡¯s magic resistance is extraordinarily high," Karlo thought grimly. Usually, when he used such spells against lower-level demons, they became easy prey, barely able to move. Why did it last only a few seconds here?


    It was likely due to the vast difference in power.


    In desperation, Karlo unleashed all the spells he knew: Weakness Spell, Curse Spell, Blindness Spell... The bird-demon was bewildered and disoriented by Karlo¡¯s frantic barrage of magic, allowing him to finally return to the ground.Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    But before he could escape far, an enraged roar erupted from behind. The bird-demon, eyes blazing with fury, took to the skies once again in pursuit.


    "This is bad," Karlo cursed inwardly. His magical energy was nearly depleted.


    Stumbling, Karlo headed toward the demon¡¯s gaping mouth. In mid-air, his physical strength was useless, and he could only watch as death drew nearer.


    "No, I can¡¯t just be eaten like this."


    Karlo¡¯s mind raced, desperately searching for any possible escape. Suddenly, an idea struck him.


    "Confirming descent?"


    "Yes, yes."


    The stinking, hot breath from the demon¡¯s mouth was already on Karlo¡¯s face.


    "Selecting random descent dimension for the host¡­"


    "Hurry up!" Karlo urged frantically. Half of his body was already in the demon¡¯s mouth, and he was about to be torn apart like a piece of meat.


    "Selection complete, preparing for descent¡­"


    The demon¡¯s sharp teeth, resembling a guillotine, snapped down, and Karlo shut his eyes tightly.


    "Crunch."


    The bird-demon¡¯s jaws snapped shut in vain, hurting itself with the impact.


    "Huh? Where did that piece of meat go? How did it suddenly disappear?"


    ...


    "Where is that damned witch?"


    "Child, my poor little Jimmy, he¡¯s only three¡­"


    "I¡¯m going to nail her to a cross and burn her alive!"


    In the raucous square, farmers with pitchforks, hoes, and axes gathered, their emotions running high and their mouths spewing all sorts of vile threats. Everyone¡¯s rage was directed at one person among them.


    "Old John, that evil woman is your daughter." As the village chief, Basse was a large, imposing figure with considerable authority. He stepped forward, grabbing the hapless man¡¯s collar and lifting him up.


    "You must know where she is, don¡¯t you?"


    The old man, disheveled and vacant-eyed, seemed unable to accept that his beautiful daughter had become a witch and killed the town¡¯s mayor¡¯s only son. He mumbled repeatedly, "I don¡¯t know, I don¡¯t know anything¡­"


    Enraged, Basse slapped Old John twice, causing him to clutch his head and scream wildly, "It¡¯s his fault, he tried to rape Talia, he deserves to die¡­"


    "Pah." Basse threw Old John to the ground and spat, "The Baron¡¯s son desiring Talia is her honor."


    "You should die too, your whole family should die¡­" Just as Basse released Old John, a woman from the crowd charged forward, punching and kicking him. "Talia that whore took my child, you better tell me where she is! Speak¡­"


    "Enough, calm down." Basse intervened, separating the angry woman and addressing the villagers, "We must find Talia before the Baron¡¯s guards arrive, or the entire village will be implicated by her."


    Basse looked worried, "The Baron¡¯s only son was killed in our village. If we cannot deliver the murderer, the entire village will be destroyed by his wrath."


    Fear appeared in the villagers¡¯ eyes, and someone spoke up, "So what are we waiting for? Let¡¯s split up and search."


    Basse nodded, about to assign roles when a breathless villager burst in.


    "I¡­ I found Talia."


    Basse¡¯s eyes lit up. "Where is she?"


    The villager caught his breath and quickly said, "I saw her sneak into the barn with a sack on her back. I didn¡¯t dare follow because of her magic."


    "Good, let¡¯s go catch her now."


    "But¡­" someone hesitated, "She uses evil black magic."


    Basse¡¯s face showed a moment of doubt but quickly hardened with resolve. "Everyone, go back and bring toilets. Filth can neutralize a witch¡¯s magic."


    The villagers, invigorated by the plan, eagerly responded. Soon, each returned carrying a toilet, and Basse, with a commanding voice, led them to confront the legendary witch.

 Chapter 6: The Minor Massacre

    In the abandoned barn, sunlight filtered through gaps in the dilapidated roof, casting mottled golden patches that dissolved into the surrounding darkness.


    A barefoot young woman, draped in linen, knelt in the darkest corner, her face a mixture of madness and fervent devotion.


    In front of her was an array of unusual items: a frog''s eye, the left paw of a black cat, bat blood, a lizard''s tongue, and a centipede''s tail, all arranged in the shape of a pentagram. At the center of the pentagram lay a freshly bleeding heart.


    The girl chanted:


    ¡°Thank you for binding me with sin, for all the tragic fates I have met. I am ensnared in a deep prison, and only blood and bones can free me, May the will of evil walk the earth as if treading the abyss, ¡­¡±


    After reciting the incantation three times, she opened her eyes and drew a sharp dagger from behind her. The final step of the ritual was to sever the index finger of her right hand.


    As she hesitated, struggling with her resolve, the faint sound of footsteps grew louder outside.


    ¡°Ah!¡± A shrill, cat-like wail echoed from the doorway. ¡°Talia, you hellish whore... My poor Jimmy, only three years old... His heart, they took his heart!¡±


    A sneer of disdain appeared on Talia¡¯s lips. Hell? May your words come true!


    The barn door was smashed open by the enraged villagers, led by Basse, who stormed in, armed to the teeth.


    ¡°Talia, you evil and vile witch, the holy fire will nail you to a cross, and your soul will never find redemption.¡±


    Without hesitation, Talia quickly cut off her index finger. The bright red blood splattered on the ground, forming a grotesque, rose-like stain.


    She chanted rapidly: ¡°O evil and mighty entity, may you heed my call, descend upon the mortal realm, and let the inferno consume everything¡­¡±


    ¡°Stop her!¡±


    Basse screamed in terror, grabbing a chamber pot and hurling its contents at Talia.


    The other villagers followed suit, lifting their own chamber pots.


    Streams of yellow and green liquid arced through the air, drenching Talia completely. She was instantly enveloped in a foul stench.


    Talia remained motionless, her expression vacant, unsure if it was the absence of the expected results or the overwhelming filth that left her in shock.If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    ¡°Ah!¡± She finally screamed in utter despair.


    ¡°I will kill you all!¡± Covered in yellow urine, Talia no longer resembled her former beautiful self but looked more like a grotesque demon from hell¡ªfilthy, ugly, and revolting.


    ¡°The witch¡¯s true form has been revealed!¡± Basse shouted, raising his hoe high and stepping forward with newfound courage. ¡°Everyone, attack! Kill her!¡±


    Talia frantically recited a long incantation, pointing with her now severed index finger at the crowd, but nothing happened.


    ¡°Damn it, my magic!¡± Talia cried out in horror.


    Basse, emboldened, shouted, ¡°The witch¡¯s dark magic is ineffective now. Everyone, advance!¡±


    The villagers, now more confident, closed in on Talia, their eyes filled with the desire to tear her apart.


    Talia staggered back, her eyes filled with despair.


    As Basse neared her, a ripple suddenly appeared in the void between them, as if the still surface of a pond had been disturbed by a stone.


    A small black hole began to form, and a gust of wind swept through the barn, stirring up dust.


    The hole grew larger, and everyone¡¯s attention was fixed on the unfolding spectacle.


    A foot slowly emerged, followed by legs and then the body...


    The full figure of the newcomer was revealed: small bat-like wings fluttered slightly as the slender, elegant body hovered in the air. With dark purple horns on its head and a serpent-like tail behind, it had a strikingly handsome face with blood-red eyes, radiating an aura of extreme malevolence.


    Karlo had arrived in this unfamiliar dimension.


    The low level of this dimension seemed to have lifted a heavy layer of constraints from him, dramatically enhancing all his abilities. Even his wings, which had barely supported him in the Abyss, now allowed him to hover effortlessly.


    He felt immensely powerful, a sensation that was truly delightful.


    The only discomfort was the pungent stench in the air.


    Karlo furrowed his brow, covering his nose, and muttered, ¡°What is that smell? It¡¯s awful!¡±


    His comment broke the eerie calm. A villager stammered, ¡°It¡¯s, it¡¯s a demon!¡±


    ¡°Hahaha!!¡± Talia laughed maniacally, pointing at the villagers and commanding Karlo, ¡°Hurry! Help me kill them!¡±


    The villagers, terrified, began to retreat. Some shook the remaining urine from their chamber pots and flung it at Karlo.


    Karlo¡¯s crimson eyes narrowed as he deftly evaded the liquid with a flick of his wings. He realized the source of the foul stench.


    ¡°Seriously, you dare to throw urine at me?!¡± Karlo couldn¡¯t help but curse angrily.


    At that moment, a voice echoed in his mind: ¡°Main quest initiated.¡±


    ¡°Quest 1: Kill the ignorant villagers and subdue the witch Talia.¡±


    ¡°Quest 2: Not yet available.¡±


    Karlo paused, glancing at the frantic and filthy woman, and thought, Could this ¡°filthy person¡± really be the witch Talia?


    What a heavy taste!


    Karlo sighed in resignation. Regardless, he decided to deal with the villagers first.


    The villagers, having missed their target with the urine, began to flee in panic.


    Karlo cast a ¡°Weakness¡± spell. This basic demon magic, which had merely dulled the senses of the bird-demon in the Abyss, proved extraordinarily effective here.


    A dark purple aura expanded from Karlo¡¯s hand, swiftly enveloping the fleeing villagers. They became sluggish, as if trapped in a swamp, unable to move efficiently.


    Karlo then cast a ¡°Fireball¡± spell. The villagers¡¯ piercing screams filled the air as they ignited into blazing torches, turning to ash in moments.


    Checking the system panel, Karlo saw that each villager had contributed some experience and ten points of evil value. Mortals truly were pitifully weak compared to demons.


    Finally, Karlo turned back to Talia, a smirk on his lips as he said, ¡°Well, mortal, I¡¯ve fulfilled your request. Now it¡¯s time for you to offer up your soul.¡±

 Chapter 7: The Grimoire of Calabos

    Talia pressed her forehead firmly to the ground, speaking with reverence, ¡°Great and exalted evil one, I am willing to become your servant and minion, so that the world may forever be submerged in the depths of suffering.¡±


    Carlo channeled the ¡°Soul Contract¡± from memory. As the spell was cast, the Purgatory Seed in his chest trembled slightly, and Talia let out a muffled groan of pain. A complex crimson mark appeared on her forehead before quickly fading beneath her skin.


    From that moment on, Talia¡¯s soul was under Carlo¡¯s control, her life and death subject entirely to his whim.


    With the contract sealed, a system notification echoed in his mind.


    ¡°Plane Main Quest 1 complete. Reward: 100 experience points, 1000 evil points.¡±


    Carlo felt a surge of satisfaction. He hadn¡¯t expected such an easy task to reward him with a full 100 experience points and 1000 evil points. A truly profitable deal.


    Then, the system chimed in again.


    ¡°Plane Main Quest 2 initiated.¡±


    ¡°The stench of sin has been detected in the mortal world. The Hounds of Heaven will follow the scent to hunt you down. Destroy them, and let the detestable holy light be extinguished forever in darkness. The Seven Lords shall commend your vile actions.¡±


    "Destroy Heaven¡¯s forces: Reward: 3000 experience points, 30,000 evil points.


    Kill a Child of Grace: Reward: 1000 experience points, 10,000 evil points.


    Corrupt a Child of Grace into the Abyss: Reward: 2000 experience points, 20,000 evil points."


    A demonic tattoo slowly materialized on Carlo¡¯s left arm, depicting a grinning demon''s face. Carlo sensed that this mark functioned as a radar, allowing him to detect the proximity of any "Child of Grace." Whenever one drew near, the demon tattoo would react.


    The generous rewards of the second quest made Carlo¡¯s mouth water, though they also hinted at the danger involved.


    Composing himself, Carlo thought, "Take it one step at a time."


    ¡°Master, where shall we go next?¡± Talia asked, her eyes gleaming with cruelty. ¡°Shall we slaughter the remaining villagers?¡±


    Carlo cast an approving glance at Talia.


    This woman was utterly ruthless, her descent into the abyss complete. She was, indeed, promising material.


    With a snap of his fingers, Carlo said casually, ¡°We¡¯ll deal with them later. First, get that disgusting stench of urine off you, then fetch me some clothes.¡±


    Our lord Carlo was still stark naked, as there was nothing in the Abyss to clothe him.


    A short while later, Talia returned to the barn, having washed and brought back a clean linen cloak for Carlo.


    Carlo donned the cloak, its wide folds conveniently concealing his demonic form. He nodded with satisfaction, then frowned and said, ¡°Talia, you still stink. If you weren¡¯t my servant, I¡¯d burn you to ash right now.¡±A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    Talia, guilt written across her face, knelt at his feet. ¡°Master, I apologize. I shall punish myself.¡±


    With that, she began chanting an incantation, and a small green flame flickered into existence in her pale hand.


    She pressed the flame to her face, and the fire sizzled as it burned her flesh. The acrid smell of scorched skin filled the air.


    Disfiguring herself without uttering a sound, Talia endured the agony in silence. Only when her once-beautiful face had been charred beyond recognition did she finally stop, sweat pouring from her brow.


    What horrors had this woman faced to make her seem more like a demon than even I? Carlo thought, intrigued. But instead of commenting on it, he asked her a more interesting question.


    ¡°Talia, what magic did you just use?¡±


    ¡°Master, it was from the Grimoire of Calabos.¡± Talia pulled a thin notebook from her robes and handed it to Carlo.


    Carlo casually took the book and flipped through it. Though called a grimoire, it was more like a witch¡¯s journal, filled with various cruel and dark spells.


    The spells were decent enough, but the casting process was absurdly complex, requiring lengthy incantations and rare alchemical ingredients. For an ordinary person, it might have been a treasure trove, but for Carlo, it was hardly worth his time.


    He smirked when he reached the final page, which detailed the summoning ritual Talia had used to call him forth. Amused, he asked, ¡°Who is this Calabos, anyway?¡±


    ¡°The most evil and powerful witch in the world,¡± Talia replied, her face showing a mixture of reverence and fanaticism. But catching Carlo¡¯s mocking gaze, she quickly lowered her head. ¡°Though, of course, she is nothing compared to you, Master.¡±


    ¡°She once cursed an entire kingdom into a year-long slumber and killed a powerful knight of the Church. Everyone hated her, cursed her, and feared her. Her spellbook has circulated across the continent for a hundred years. Every witch who has obtained it gained immense power and became the Church''s greatest enemy. I came across these few pages by pure luck.¡±


    Carlo chuckled, offering no comment, and with a flick of his fingers, summoned a flame that turned the notebook to ash.


    ¡°Talia, forget about Calabos,¡± Carlo said, looking down at her. ¡°I will bestow upon you the power of the Abyss.¡±


    Talia¡¯s face lit up with joy, and she spoke excitedly, ¡°Thank you, Master!¡±


    Carlo placed a finger on Talia¡¯s forehead, and through the soul contract, transferred a selection of spells and meditation techniques to her¡ªones he had carefully chosen from "Basic Demon Magic."


    Talia trembled with excitement, kissing the top of Carlo¡¯s foot with reverence.


    "Now, we have more important matters to attend to," Carlo said with a wicked grin, his gaze drifting toward the horizon beyond the barn.


    To him, every mortal in this world was merely walking experience points and evil points. Individually small, perhaps, but enough of them would add up in time.


    All he had to do was keep killing, and he would level up eventually.


    ...


    "Baron, please, have mercy on us! It was all that whore Talia''s doing..." The remaining villagers knelt at the entrance to the village, surrounded by seven or eight imposing knights and several dozen fully armed guards.


    The baron, fat and pig-like, sat in his carriage, fiddling with his signet ring as he asked, "Where¡¯s Basse? Tell him to come see me."


    The trembling villager responded, ¡°The village chief took the men to capture Talia at the barn. I can take you there, my lord.¡±


    Satisfied, the baron waved a dismissive hand. ¡°In that case, you lot are useless. Rot, kill them all... except for the father of that witch who killed my son. He doesn¡¯t deserve a quick death.¡±


    "Yes, my lord," the lead knight, encased in thick armor, nodded coldly and raised his lance.


    The other guards lifted their weapons in unison.


    The villagers'' faces contorted in terror, and they desperately begged for mercy. ¡°Please, Baron, spare us! We had nothing to do with it¡­¡±


    Their pleas were swiftly drowned out by screams of agony as the clash of blades and the splatter of blood filled the small village with the grim symphony of death.


    A maniacal gleam flickered in the baron¡¯s eyes as he raged internally. This was only the beginning. Everyone would pay for his son''s death.

 Chapter 8: The Intermediate Knight

    "Master, the foolish villagers are just ahead," Talia said as she led the way.


    Hovering in midair, Karo sniffed lightly and spoke in a calm tone, "Talia, it seems someone has already taken action for us."


    Talia froze for a moment. Before them, a well-trained cavalry unit, escorting a grand carriage, slowly emerged from the village.


    At the front, the knight''s lance skewered the frail body of an old man who clung weakly to life.


    Talia fell silent, and Karo could feel the weight of her darkening mood.


    "Who is that? Your enemy?" Karo asked with interest.


    Talia nodded, her voice quiet. "And also¡­ my father."


    A ripple of magical energy surged from her body as she rapidly chanted a series of harsh, guttural syllables. A crimson fireball materialized before her and flew swiftly toward the knight.


    Sensing the attack, the knight swung his lance just as the fireball approached, using the old man as a shield.


    Already on the verge of death, the old man let out one final, agonizing scream as the flames consumed him. His body twisted in pain, but soon, all that remained was a blackened, charred corpse.


    The knight¡¯s sharp gaze locked onto Talia, and he flicked his lance with a practiced ease.


    "You killed your own father, woman." A mocking voice echoed from inside the carriage, and a corpulent baron leaned out. His small eyes widened in shock when they landed on Karo. "A Great Knight?!"


    "No," came the gruff voice of the knight-captain, Rot. "It¡¯s just magic."


    The baron exhaled in relief, his sneer returning. "So, this little apprentice witch has a companion? Hmph..."


    Talia paid him no mind, her voice barely a whisper. "Poor father¡­ may you rot in Hell for eternity. May disaster and suffering follow you all your days..."


    Talia, now a full-fledged follower of the Abyss, offered this twisted eulogy to her father, Old John.


    As her master, Karo knew the fireball had been meant for Old John all along. She hadn¡¯t wanted him to linger in this world, to suffer any longer. She had sent him to Hell with her own hands.


    What a tragic yet fascinating tale, Karo thought with a sigh.


    "Rot, kill the dwarf. I want the witch alive." The baron issued his command to his most powerful subordinate.The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    The knight-captain grunted in response, his lance glowing faintly with a pale white light¡ªthe mark of an intermediate knight.


    The baron¡¯s lips curled into a smug grin. Rot was his trump card.


    An intermediate knight! A warrior capable of wielding battle aura. Few counts could claim a servant of such power. The baron had secured Rot¡¯s loyalty only through a stroke of luck, having saved the knight¡¯s life long ago.


    What strength could an apprentice witch¡¯s companion possibly have? Surely nothing beyond a low level. Against a mage, an agile knight always had the upper hand. The baron could hardly wait to witness the massacre of the witch and her ally.


    Talia, despite her raw talent, had only recently been introduced to demonic magic by Karo. Yet she was already casting several spells with impressive precision.


    "Curse."


    A dull gray light shot from Talia¡¯s hand, striking Rot. His body seized, and his horse collapsed with a pitiful whinny, foam bubbling from its mouth.


    But a flash of white light rippled across Rot''s body, instantly dispelling the curse. Without slowing, his lance shot forward like a silver bolt of lightning aimed directly at Talia''s face.


    Yet her grotesque, twisted features showed no trace of fear. She calmly began preparing another spell, though it was clear she wouldn¡¯t finish in time. Even if she did, it wouldn¡¯t be enough to stop Rot. Her actions seemed like the height of folly.


    But Talia wasn¡¯t a fool. She was waiting for her master, the pure-blooded demon from the Abyss, to intervene. She knew Karo would never let her die.


    "Talia, step back."


    A soft voice whispered in her ear, and without hesitation, Talia stopped chanting and retreated two steps.


    Rot¡¯s lance instantly shifted course, aiming now for Karo.


    But in the blink of an eye, the lance slowed as if caught in thick, invisible mud. Its speed reduced to a crawl.


    It wasn¡¯t the air that had thickened; it was Rot''s strength that had diminished.


    "Weakness" and "Gravity."


    With the innate advantages of a demon, Karo needed no lengthy, cumbersome incantations. A mere flick of his finger sufficed, and his spells were magnitudes more powerful than Talia¡¯s.


    Rot''s strength was reduced to that of a mere mortal.


    "An¡­ intermediate¡­ wizard..." Rot¡¯s eyes flickered with disbelief before dulling. His soul dissipated into a thick, gray mist, which Karo inhaled with satisfaction.


    The Hellfire seed within him grew stronger¡ª15 more experience points, 150 more evil points.


    In a rare mood to explain, Karo remarked, "I¡¯m not an advanced wizard, merely intermediate. And I¡¯m no wizard at all. I am a demon."


    But Rot would never hear those words.


    The entire encounter had lasted mere seconds. The baron hadn¡¯t even processed what had happened. His most powerful knight was dead, without so much as a proper struggle, slain as easily as a chicken in a slaughterhouse.


    "All of you, attack! Kill them both!" The baron¡¯s voice shook with terror as he hastily shoved his bloated form back into the carriage.


    What followed was a slaughter¡ªswift and brutal.


    Karo didn¡¯t bother with magic. He picked up Rot''s fallen lance and demonstrated the ferocity of demonic combat techniques. The results were astonishing. The combat skills honed by the demons of the Abyss, forged through endless battles against countless races, far surpassed anything this lowly world had to offer.


    A squad of cavalry, along with dozens of fully armed guards, crumpled like paper under Karo¡¯s assault. They didn¡¯t even have the chance to flee. Moments later, all of them had been reduced to nothing more than experience points and evil value.


    "Master, where shall we go next?" Talia asked, her tone changed. As the small village burned and crumbled into ashes, something within her had shifted.


    If there had been any part of her heart left untouched by darkness, it was gone now. Talia had fully embraced the Abyss, leaving nothing behind.

 Chapter 9: Necromancy

    This was a typical border town¡ªtaverns, cottages, and a small square dominated by a lonely cross.


    But the once vibrant and bustling life had long since faded. The people of the town were now nothing more than decaying bodies strewn across the ground, their only companions the maggots and flies.


    Two figures, one tall and one short, approached from the town¡¯s edge, their forms shrouded in coarse linen cloaks, concealing their faces.


    As they entered the town, the taller figure instinctively raised a hand to his nose, gently covering it. The stench was unbearable.


    Without breaking stride, they walked along the gray cobblestone path, heading straight for the white cross at the center of town.


    The taller one pulled back his hood, revealing a face carved with rugged determination.


    "More than two hundred people, and not a single survivor. All dead from the plague," he stated, his tone firm as if delivering a final verdict. But his companion quickly corrected him.


    "No, Oliver. These poor souls did not fall to the plague." A voice, rich with compassion, sounded from beneath the cloak. "They perished from the breath of demons. I can smell the stench of those foul creatures here."


    Oliver frowned, puzzled. "You mean... witches?"


    The cloaked figure shook his head slowly. "No, Oliver. I¡¯m not speaking figuratively."


    Oliver¡¯s pupils shrank, his breath catching. A demon? Could it truly be one from the Abyss?


    "Your Eminence Elijah, it¡¯s been half a month since we followed the Holy Oracle¡¯s guidance to this place. So far, we¡¯ve encountered over a thousand corpses. If I may be so bold... what exactly did Her Holiness see in her Eye of Prophecy?"


    Oliver hesitated for a moment, then finally voiced the question that had gnawed at him for days.


    Elijah, his face still hidden beneath his cloak, spoke softly, "The heavens falling in crimson flames, the earth weeping in despair, God¡¯s glory desecrated. A demon crawls from Hell, bringing with it its minions to devour the world."


    Elijah turned his head, revealing piercing blue eyes that glinted like shards of ice. "That is what Her Holiness saw in the Eye of Prophecy."


    Oliver¡¯s voice rose, filled with urgency. "Then what are we waiting for? If the demon is still weak, we should hunt it down and destroy it!"


    Elijah shook his head. "It is because the demon is weak that I cannot yet trace it. But..." He paused, his voice growing firmer. "Now, it can be found."


    Elijah reached into his cloak and drew out a crystal ball, its surface gleaming. He began to chant a long incantation, his words weaving ancient magic. The crystal ball glowed with a soft white light, but soon, a dark mist formed inside, twisting like a venomous snake.Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    In a heartbeat, the mist cracked the ball. With a sharp crack, the crystal shattered into a thousand pieces, scattering like tiny shards of glass across the ground.


    A deep cut appeared on Elijah¡¯s pale hand, crimson blood dripping down his fingers, a startling contrast against his ghostly skin.


    "Your Eminence..." Oliver began, concern filling his voice, but Elijah¡¯s calm reply cut him off. "I have found it. Now, it is up to you, mighty Knight of the Holy Light."


    Oliver bowed slightly, his right fist thumping against his chest in a gesture of solemn duty. "I shall not fail the Light."


    ¡­


    "Master, there¡¯s a city ahead." Talia¡¯s voice dripped with deference, though her eyes gleamed with madness and cruelty.


    Carlo snapped his fingers in delight, teasing, "Let¡¯s go take a look then. I¡¯ve never been inside a city before."


    At the gates, a guard glanced at Talia¡¯s twisted face, his expression twisting with revulsion.


    He skipped over her entirely, turning to Carlo with a sneer. "You, take off your hood."


    Carlo grinned, obliging cheerfully. His young, fair face emerged, strikingly handsome and innocent.


    A week earlier, after slaughtering three towns using the Plague spell, Carlo had ascended from a mid-level demon to a high-level one.


    His body had matured further, now resembling a boy of fifteen or sixteen. He had cast a small Disguise spell, altering his appearance to that of a healthy, sun-kissed youth with flaxen hair.


    The leap in power from mid-level to high-level demon had brought a significant boost to his strength. His speed and physical prowess were now beyond what they had been. Even a mid-level knight like Rot, whom he once needed the Weakening spell to handle, could now be easily dispatched with his bare hands.


    Upon reaching this level, the system had awarded him another lottery draw, though he hadn¡¯t used it yet. The store also unlocked more items, but Carlo still couldn¡¯t afford any of them.


    After five town massacres, his evil points had accumulated to around fifteen thousand. He had originally planned to exchange them for the "Demon God¡¯s Legacy Seed," but realizing it was a growth item with no immediate power boost, he instead spent ten thousand points to upgrade his basic martial arts and magic.


    Both skills had advanced from "Basic" to "Proficient."


    He also used five hundred points to learn the Necromancy spell.


    Once you advanced past the basic level, dark magic branched into numerous schools. Necromancy was an advanced spell from the Necromantic path.


    Carlo had taught Talia the spell as well. To his surprise, he discovered that when his servant killed, he too gained evil points and experience. The stronger Talia became, the greater the benefits for him.


    "Get in, brat," the guard barked, giving Carlo a rough shove from behind.


    Talia¡¯s gaze turned icy, but Carlo simply smiled, completely unfazed.


    The city, nestled deep within the kingdom¡¯s heartland, was thriving. The streets bustled with life¡ªmercenaries lugging heavy swords, scantily clad women drifting through the crowds.


    Carlo¡¯s eyes sparkled with wonder, like a country bumpkin seeing the city for the first time.


    People parted before them, quickly stepping away from Talia¡¯s ghastly visage.


    "Get out of the way, ugly woman!" A bearded mercenary shoved Carlo aside, spitting at Talia.


    Carlo pulled her gently to the side. These mercenaries looked fresh from battle, their bodies reeking of sweat and blood, their clothes torn and ragged.


    "Follow them."


    Carlo whispered softly to Talia.


    Necromancy would allow him to harvest experience and evil points faster, and he needed a suitable place for his next experiment.


    The mercenary tavern seemed just right.


    Following the group, Carlo slipped into a cramped little tavern. The stench of feet and ale hit him, but he didn¡¯t flinch as he walked in.


    "Damn it, Babbit. You still haven¡¯t died in the Lost Forest? What a shame!" A boisterous voice rang out, followed by roars of laughter from the crowd.


    The bearded mercenary from earlier shot back, "Marcel, I¡¯m keeping myself alive just so I can enjoy your sister¡¯s company. You wouldn¡¯t believe how sweet she sounds when she moans!"

 ### Chapter Ten: Spread

    ¡°Spread? Babbit, did you survive by eating hyena dung? Your breath is foul!¡±


    Carlo watched the man arguing with the bearded mercenary. He was stout with a thick neck and short stature, clearly embodying the rough mercenary type.


    The two continued their bickering for a while before returning to their seats, ordering mugs of ale and drinking heartily.


    ¡°Babbit, have you found any news about Princess Sophia?¡± someone asked the bearded mercenary loudly.


    Babbit slammed his mug onto the bar, wiped the froth from his beard, and replied with irritation, ¡°Damn it, our delicate princess might have already been devoured by wild beasts.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t talk nonsense. Princess Sophia has been blessed by the Holy Light. No beast would dare to show its teeth at her.¡±


    ¡°Tsk, blessed by the Holy Light. If Princess Sophia dies in the Lost Forest, our one million gold coins will be wasted.¡±


    Voices rose in the bar as Babbit, furious, slapped the table and cursed, ¡°Damn it, don¡¯t mention that million again. Because of that million, I¡¯ve just lost three of my brothers.¡±


    ¡°The Lost Forest is the dwarves¡¯ territory, and those guys are not to be trifled with. Move on, my friend,¡± one of Babbit¡¯s companions said, trying to comfort him.


    From his corner, Carlo overheard an intriguing tidbit. It seemed the kingdom¡¯s princess had gone missing in the Lost Forest, just outside the small town. The king, deeply concerned for his daughter, had offered a reward of one million gold coins to any brave soul who could find her. Unfortunately, there had been no progress.


    Having gathered enough information, Carlo waited until the mercenaries¡¯ conversation turned to lewd jokes before striding up to the bar and ordering a mug of ale.


    The sound of a gold coin landing on the table drew everyone''s attention.


    The mercenaries stared greedily at the coin on the worn oak table, like famished hyenas spotting carrion in the wild.


    When they saw the coin¡¯s owner was a young, frail-looking boy, their greed intensified.


    Some were already itching to make a move.


    ¡°This plump sheep is mine first.¡±


    ¡°Hmph, the coin doesn¡¯t have anyone¡¯s name on it.¡±


    Mercenaries, used to the edge of banditry, were not averse to a bit of extra work.


    The boy, seen as a juicy target by everyone, seemed oblivious to their intentions and impatiently urged the bartender to hurry.Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    The bartender, with a wry smile, placed a full mug of ale in front of the boy. The boy took a sip and immediately began to cough violently.


    ¡°Damn it, what is this? Horse piss?¡±


    The boy spat out angrily.


    ¡°Haha,¡± the mercenaries laughed heartily.


    Taking advantage of his position, Babbit was the first to approach the boy, raising an eyebrow and saying, ¡°Kid, you stole my purse at the city gate and still dare to show up here? You really don¡¯t fear death.¡±


    ¡°Pah,¡± the others muttered, cursing Babbit for his shamelessness. It wasn¡¯t just his purse; it was everyone¡¯s purse.


    ¡°Damn bearded fool, who stole your purse?!¡± The accused boy looked indignant and pulled out a large black sack from his clothes, tossing it onto the bar.


    As the sack spilled open, a sea of gold dazzled the mercenaries¡¯ eyes.


    ¡°Have you ever seen so much money? Would I steal from you?¡±


    Babbit¡¯s eyes glinted with greed as he reached for the sack.


    ¡°You little brat, if I say you stole it, you stole it.¡±


    The boy showed no sign of stopping Babbit and instead watched with a sly smile.


    ¡°Are you sure this sack of gold is yours?¡±


    ¡°Duh.¡± Babbit grabbed the sack and grinned maliciously, ¡°Not only is the gold mine, but so are you. Kid, I¡¯m going to sell you to the earl¡¯s house as a pet! Haha!¡±


    Babbit laughed wildly, but suddenly his laughter turned into a panicked scream, ¡°Damn it, what is this?¡±


    Babbit threw the sack away, and the once golden coins vanished, replaced by countless black snakes writhing out and slithering across the bar¡¯s floor.


    ¡°Snakes, where did these snakes come from?¡±


    The mercenaries were horrified, grabbing their weapons and trying to escape, turning the bar into chaos.


    Amidst the commotion, a clear voice rang out.


    ¡°Talia, please close the door.¡±


    ...


    The screams from the mercenary bar continued for half an hour, with everyone keeping their distance. The situation seemed different today. No one emerged from the bar during that time, only a strong smell of blood that could be detected from two streets away.


    Finally, after the bar fell silent, someone bravely approached to investigate.


    ¡°Clang,¡± the bar¡¯s door was pushed open from the inside.


    A bloodied, imposing figure appeared before the visitor.


    ¡°Babbit... you... you should see a priest,¡± the visitor stammered.


    Babbit¡¯s appearance was horrifying. He was missing a chunk of his head, with brain matter trickling down his left cheek to his neck. His body was almost entirely covered in wounds from beastly claws and bites.


    Despite his severe injuries, he stood upright, a miracle in itself.


    The visitor, frightened, tried to back away, but Babbit grabbed him with a powerful hand.


    ¡°Uh...¡± Babbit, with a vacant stare, slowly opened his mouth and moved towards the visitor¡¯s neck.


    ¡°Babbit... Babbit... what are you doing... ah!!¡±


    The screams erupted, a ghastly symphony of blood and flesh.


    Countless hands reached out from the bar, tearing and devouring the hapless visitor.


    Pedestrians screamed and fled in all directions, panic spreading through the small town.


    Carlo and Talia stood on the bar¡¯s rooftop, observing the emerging ghouls.


    ¡°Let the darkness grant you more power, my minions.¡±


    Carlo chanted softly, the shadows behind him seeming to expand, blocking out the sunlight.


    As the shadows enveloped the ghouls below, they appeared invigorated, their strength and speed increasing, making them far more efficient in their attacks on the townspeople.


    Carlo watched the rising experience and evil points with satisfaction but sighed regretfully, ¡°The basic ghoul spell is still too weak. The ghouls¡¯ strength is only about half of what it was in life. A well-trained group of human soldiers could wipe them all out.¡±


    However, with his ¡°Dark Assault¡± enhancing their power, the ghouls in the tavern should be able to cause enough chaos before the town¡¯s guards could respond. With his assistance, conquering the small town should be straightforward.


    Still, Carlo found the experience gain to be too slow.


    ¡°Would be great if I could encounter a Child of Divine Grace.¡±


    Carlo smacked his lips, seemingly reminiscing about something.

 Chapter 11: The Descent of Holy Light

    Blood flowed like streams, and the tearing of flesh became a twisted melody. The living, wailing in despair, joined the ghoul ranks, spreading terror across the entire city-state.


    Lord Morris, ruler of the border town, stood with furrowed brows, staring down at the ghoul army, now barely a hundred paces from his manor. The veins in his neck bulged, throbbing with tension.


    "Rhon, what news from the bishop?"


    A knight, bloodstained and weary, hurried over and bowed.


    "The bishop will be here any moment."


    "Good." Morris allowed himself a brief sigh of relief.


    This catastrophe, brought forth by wicked sorcerers, might still have a solution as long as the Church intervened.


    As they spoke, a portly, white-robed elder arrived, his face etched with worry¡ªfar deeper than Morris''s own.


    "Bishop, is there a way to kill these ghouls?" Morris''s voice trembled with urgency.


    The aging bishop spoke in a low, grave tone. "The ghouls are not the true danger. It is those two demonic incarnations that are the source of this disaster."


    Following the bishop''s gaze, Morris looked toward the distant edge of the ghoul horde. Atop a crumbling tower, two faint silhouettes stood. A flicker of hatred flared in Morris¡¯s eyes. He knew where the real threat lay. Just ten minutes ago, his strongest captain had been crushed to death by one of the sorcerers, as easily as if he were a child¡¯s toy.


    With bare hands.


    Weren¡¯t sorcerers supposed to be weak, physically frail? That was all lies. His captain, on the verge of becoming a high-ranking knight, had fought valiantly against the ghouls, only to now be counted among their number.


    Damn it!


    "What is your advice, Bishop?" Morris''s voice grew darker, his eyes cold.


    The bishop sighed and pulled a yellowed scroll from within his robes. "This scroll holds a seal of holy light. It may be able to destroy the demons... but we must get within ten meters of them for it to unleash its full power."


    Morris¡¯s eyes gleamed with hope. "Rhon!"


    "Understood!" Rhon, ever loyal, needed no further instruction. He stepped forward, accepting the grim task without hesitation.


    Morris looked at the young knight¡¯s face, his heart heavy with sorrow. Rhon had served as the lieutenant to his fallen captain, and with most of the city¡¯s knights either dead or turned, he was now among the last of Morris¡¯s warriors.


    "Go." Morris took the scroll from the bishop and placed it in Rhon¡¯s hands. "The honor of the knights rides with you."


    "Yes!" Rhon¡¯s face was a mask of resolve as he placed his hand over his heart, delivering what might be his final salute before he turned and dashed away.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.


    "Hold the line! Give Rhon time!" Morris drew his sword and leaped from the makeshift barricade, cleaving a nearby ghoul in two.


    "Hold the line!" The guards roared, their collective cry momentarily pushing the ghoul army back.


    Rhon moved swiftly through the side streets, hugging the walls of abandoned homes. The ghouls, gathered thick on the main thoroughfare, were less likely to notice him there.


    He could now see the sorcerers clearly. One looked like a twisted demon, while the other, though disturbingly handsome, had eyes far more terrifying than the beast beside him.


    Die, you monsters! Rhon¡¯s mind burned with hatred as he crept closer. Just a few more meters, and he would be within range to unleash the holy light.


    Once he reached the scroll¡¯s range, he would tear it open, bathe the evil in holy radiance, and bring an end to this nightmare.


    It was a noble plan¡ªuntil the handsome demon turned and smiled directly at him.


    Rhon¡¯s blood ran cold.


    He saw me?!


    How could that be?!


    In an instant, that terrible smile was in front of him.


    "What¡¯s that in your hand? Mind if I take a look?"


    It was too late. Rhon had made his choice. They would die together. In a strange, twisted way, he felt a surge of triumph. At this distance, not even a demon could escape the power of the holy light.


    "For the honor of the knights!"


    Rhon tried to shout, but the words stuck in his throat. His entire body felt as though it were shackled in iron. He collapsed to the ground, motionless as a felled tree.


    All he could do was watch as a pale, elegant hand reached down and plucked the fallen scroll from his grasp.


    A voice filled with faint surprise said, "Oh, a magic scroll?"


    Then came the endless tide of blood, and the sensation of ghouls tearing into his flesh...


    ...


    Karlo toyed with the scroll he had just acquired. It radiated a loathsome aura¡ªthe scent of heaven itself.


    Casually, he tore it open and flung it behind the ghoul army. A blinding holy light erupted, consuming dozens of ghouls and leaving only ash in its wake.


    Impressive, Karlo thought, raising an eyebrow. With his current strength, had that scroll struck him directly, he would have been seriously injured, perhaps even killed.


    A close call.


    Karlo¡¯s gaze shifted to the lord¡¯s manor, now on the verge of collapse. In less than fifteen minutes, the last bastion would fall beneath the relentless tide of the undead. And yet, he felt no sense of triumph.


    After ascending to the rank of higher demon, his experience bar had grown exponentially. The small city, with its meager population of eight or nine hundred, would barely make a dent in his progress.


    This would be the last time he bothered with such trivial tasks. The system had offered him more efficient paths to power. Whether it was hunting the agents of heaven or seeking out the so-called Children of Divine Grace, the rewards would be far greater.


    Children of Divine Grace... Who are they, and where are they hiding?


    Karlo pondered the thought, but suddenly, his left arm burned. He pulled back his robe to reveal the demonic tattoo on his arm glowing with a fierce heat. The image of the demon face roared silently, as though sensing something near.


    A Child of Divine Grace... had come to him?


    Karlo¡¯s eyes gleamed with hunger as he licked his lips.


    ...


    Rhon had failed.


    Morris felt despair settle into his bones. Was this truly the end?


    "Bishop, is there any other way?" Morris asked, his voice heavy with resignation.


    The bishop shook his head. As a lower-ranking clergyman, his knowledge of battle magic was limited to a few simple light and healing spells. Chanting and prayer were his strengths, not fighting.


    "Now, all we can do is pray for the descent of holy light." The bishop fell to his knees, his face radiating devout faith. "The light will not forsake us. I believe this."


    One by one, Morris¡¯s guards fell, and his sword arm grew heavier with each swing. Against the endless tide of ghouls, human strength was finite.


    Morris did not know when he would fall¡ªperhaps in five minutes, perhaps in the next second. He could already feel the ghouls closing in, ready to tear him apart.


    But then, from the corner of his eye, he caught sight of a radiant light. It was the reflection of holy light.


    From the distant tower, a figure cloaked in brilliant white light flew through the air, and the oppressive darkness around them seemed to shudder and recede.


    Morris¡¯s heart surged with hope. The holy light... had truly descended.

 Chapter 12: Forbidden Fruit?

    Maurice wasn¡¯t the only one who saw it¡ªCarlo did, too.


    A figure, bathed in blinding white light, hurtled toward him, its aura so overwhelming that it sent shivers down Carlo''s spine. It reminded him of the demonic bird that had nearly devoured him before, though this presence was even more terrifying.


    In an instant, Carlo¡¯s black cloak was torn apart as two enormous bat wings¡ªeach spanning nearly two meters¡ªunfurled from his back. Without hesitation, he grabbed the stunned Talia and darted away.


    A deafening explosion followed. The tower spire where Carlo had just stood was obliterated into rubble, sending grey stones cascading to the ground.


    "Indeed, you are a demon from Hell."


    Carlo¡¯s gaze fixed on the man now clearly visible before him¡ªa strikingly handsome youth with chiseled features, his eyes ablaze with fury as they bore into Carlo.


    The man¡¯s greatsword, glowing with radiant white light, caught Carlo¡¯s attention, its brilliance marking it as no ordinary weapon. A quiet sigh escaped Carlo''s lips.


    It was bad enough that the man was stronger, but he also had superior equipment. How could he possibly fight this?


    Escape was the only option¡ªa thought that Carlo accepted with the pragmatic resolve of a true demon.


    But the powerful young knight of the Holy Light had no intention of letting him slip away so easily.


    Carlo tossed Talia onto a nearby rooftop and, through their soul bond, issued his command: ¡°Talia, do whatever it takes to cover my escape.¡±


    Talia, ever the faithful servant, responded without hesitation: ¡°Master, I am always ready to sacrifice everything for you.¡±


    The Holy Knight¡¯s aura intensified once more, a brilliant radiance gathering around him. Worse still, Carlo could now hear the faint murmur of a spell being cast. The hated aura of Holy Light grew thicker in the air.


    There was a powerful cleric hidden somewhere in the shadows.


    ¡°Talia, speed up the ghouls!¡±


    Panic gnawed at Carlo. This was the second time he had felt death''s icy grip so close. Just like when he had faced the demonic bird, even though he was now stronger, it still wasn¡¯t enough.


    Talia, in the presence of such power, was nothing more than an insect. Carlo could only gamble¡ªwould these champions of the Holy Light, in their righteousness, choose to save the innocent civilians below or pursue him?


    Below, the ghouls went berserk, tearing into the remaining townspeople. Talia cast "Corpse Explosion," turning the scene into a gruesome spectacle. The ghouls could now explode at any moment, each one a ticking time bomb in their battle with the living.


    The number of survivors plummeted. One of the ghouls even ripped out a cleric¡¯s throat.


    "You damn demon!" Oliver¡¯s eyes blazed with fury as he glared at Carlo. His very soul ached to purify the demon with Holy Light, but the civilians were in desperate need of help. One strike could save them.Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    Oliver hesitated.


    Carlo, ever observant, saw the flicker of doubt. A cruel smirk tugged at his lips, and he taunted, ¡°Go ahead, kill me. The damned souls in Hell will thank you for your noble service.¡±


    His words pierced the knight''s heart, tipping Oliver¡¯s inner conflict to its breaking point.


    Even if he slew the demon, the dead would remain so. Elijah¡¯s divine spell was already prepared, ensuring the demon¡¯s inevitable death. One more blow seemed unnecessary.


    Yielding to the compassion in his knightly heart, Oliver turned away. "You won¡¯t escape," he muttered, before charging down to confront the ghouls below.


    Carlo¡¯s heart raced, its dark, purplish hue pounding violently in his chest. The Holy Light was nearly upon him, and his life teetered on the edge. In a last desperate gamble, he roared in his mind, "Redeem! Blood Bat Spell!"


    Deceiving the knight was only a temporary hope. This was his true escape plan.


    The cleric¡¯s chanting ceased, and a radiant beam of Holy Light descended from the heavens, streaking toward Carlo like a divine sword.


    In a burst of blood and shadow, Carlo¡¯s body disintegrated into countless tiny blood-red bats, scattering in all directions.


    The Holy Light, as sharp as a blade of judgment, incinerated many of the bats mid-flight. Their shrieks of agony filled the air as they were reduced to ashes. But a small group of bats managed to survive, vanishing into the distant sky.


    In less than a quarter of an hour, the entire city had been cleansed by the Holy Light. The ghouls were reduced to heaps of rotting flesh. Maurice, saved at the last moment by Oliver, directed the remaining guards to gather the bodies. They poured oil over the corpses, and the flames that consumed them turned the sky a fiery red.


    "Forgive me, Your Eminence," Oliver said, his voice thick with regret. "I should have struck down the demon. He wouldn¡¯t have escaped..."


    Elijah¡¯s tone was both understanding and regretful. ¡°Oliver, you made the right choice.¡±


    Oliver¡¯s hand rested on his greatsword, and he swore solemnly, ¡°By the honor of the Knights of the Holy Light, I vow to destroy this evil.¡±


    His gaze shifted to Talia, who stood beside them, her expression vacant. "Your Eminence, should we execute this witch who has fallen into darkness?"


    Elijah shook his head. ¡°The demon is gravely wounded. Even the crystal orb cannot track him now. Keep his servant alive¡ªwe may need her to find him.¡±


    "Understood." Oliver tightened his grip on his sword, his gaze fixed on the horizon, where his hatred for Carlo burned even brighter.


    ...


    In the dense Lost Woods, a small swarm of bats fluttered through the forest, draining the blood of every creature in their path.


    As the wildlife in the area was drained dry, the bats coalesced into a swirling mass of dark mist. From within the black cloud, a pale demon stumbled to the ground¡ªCarlo.


    He was gravely injured.


    The Blood Bat Spell, a secretive blood magic technique that came at great cost to the user, had taken a heavy toll. Coupled with the searing touch of the Holy Light, Carlo was in worse shape than ever.


    He lay there, weak and helpless, much like when he had first been born into the world. He needed to recover¡ªand fast.


    Carlo, his body limp, let his mind sink into the system that existed in his consciousness. He knew there was something there that could help him heal.


    His eyes brightened. There it is!


    "Fruit of Sin: A fruit from a divine tree that fell from Heaven into the Abyss, nourished by the sins of mortals. Its fruit brims with hatred¡¯s raw power, the perfect nourishment for a demon."


    "Cost: 1,000 Evil Points."


    Carlo confirmed the exchange, and a blood-red fruit, about the size of a fist, materialized in his hand. It resembled an apple from his previous life.


    ¡°A fruit from Heaven that benefits demons... Could this be from the Tree of Knowledge, the very same fruit that led Adam and Eve to their fall?¡±


    His expression twisted with dark amusement, but without hesitation, Carlo took a bite.


    The fruit was delicious, its flavor rich and satisfying. He devoured it whole, even swallowing the core.


    Moments later, the fruit dissolved into a mysterious energy that spread throughout Carlo¡¯s battered body.


    Your support means everything! Share, like, favorite, and follow this novel to join the adventure¡ªevery click brings us closer to the next thrilling chapter. Let¡¯s keep the excitement alive together!

 Chapter 13: Stronger and Cunning

    The power bifurcated at Carlo''s heart. One stream revitalized his limbs and bones, slowly replenishing the lost essence of blood and vitality. The other surged upward to his brain, and a torrent of chaotic images flashed before his eyes.


    Carlo felt his mind sharpen with unprecedented clarity¡ªa sign of enhanced "wisdom" and an elevation of his soul. According to legend, the forbidden fruit of Eden was a fruit of wisdom. It endowed Adam and Eve with a sense of shame, but it was also the fruit of humanity¡¯s original sin, the dawn of all evil.


    Sin is the perfect fertilizer for demon growth. Having consumed the forbidden fruit, Carlo¡¯s nature became more transparent, and he would grow even more cunning and malevolent in the future.


    The purgatory fire seed in his heart also thrived. Having absorbed thousands of souls, the purgatory fire seed had expanded considerably and began to scorch Carlo¡¯s dark purple heart. The pain, however, made him stronger, and his vitality surged continuously.


    With the fruit consumed, Carlo¡¯s face was already flushed. He noted that he still needed over ten thousand evil points, which he had initially intended to save for acquiring ¡°Leviathan¡¯s Claw.¡± Now, he had no choice but to use them immediately.


    Carlo exchanged five more fruits in one go and consumed them consecutively, subjecting his body and soul to a baptism of sin.


    From the third fruit onward, Carlo¡¯s injuries were entirely healed, and the power of the sin fruit began to enhance his physical form. His demonic body rapidly strengthened, doubling, then tripling... The blood energy surged, and the five fruits made his body three times stronger than before.


    The sensation of this dramatic increase in life essence was unparalleled, and Carlo became almost addicted, spending all his remaining evil points on more fruits.


    The enhancement continued, but by the time he consumed the eighth fruit, the effects had become very weak. Carlo realized that the limits of the sin fruit had been reached. He abandoned the thought of eating more and stored the remaining two fruits. At this point, he had undergone a transformation akin to rebirth.


    Carlo¡¯s stature had grown by half a head, and he now resembled an eighteen or nineteen-year-old youth. His streamlined muscles and nearly perfect physique were exposed, with a tail like a steel whip trailing behind him. His demon wings had also grown considerably, with a single wing span exceeding three meters, radiating an impressive aura.


    Carlo clenched his fists slightly, feeling the powerful surge within him. As his mind turned, countless schemes and plots emerged.


    Yet, despite his current strength being several times greater, facing the previous Holy Light Knight still left him with only one option: to transform into a blood bat and flee. His ability to fly with his fighting spirit indicated that the knight¡¯s strength was at least at the level of a grand knight, equivalent to that of a great demon.


    Carlo¡¯s strength was only at the high-level minor demon stage. Although his power and combat skills might now match a grand knight¡¯s, that enormous two-handed sword remained an insurmountable obstacle.This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.


    If he had a suitable weapon, he might consider engaging in combat. Carlo extended his crimson tongue and licked his lips, contemplating.


    Unfortunately, all his evil points had been spent on sin fruits, leaving Carlo utterly impoverished, with no clear idea of when he would be able to acquire ¡°Leviathan¡¯s Claw.¡±


    Originally, Carlo had considered killing or seducing several Children of Grace, but this near-death experience had made him abandon that idea. High returns meant high risks and challenges. If the Children of Grace were as powerful as the Holy Light Knight, he would rather continue stealthily slaughtering in the city to accumulate experience.


    Oh, Carlo suddenly had a flash of inspiration. He remembered he still had one lottery chance left.


    Desperately seeking to enhance his power, he chose to draw immediately.


    ¡°Lottery ended. Congratulations, host, you have obtained the Enchanting Eyes.¡±


    Carlo felt a slight warmth in his eyes, which then returned to normal. He examined the system¡¯s description.


    ¡°Enchanting Eyes: Anyone who looks directly into your eyes will be captivated by you. They will follow your will, kiss your feet, and willingly become your most loyal servants.¡±


    Essentially, it was similar to the basic magic spell ¡°Charm.¡± However, since it was obtained through a lottery, the ability should be more than just basic.


    With no one around, Carlo couldn¡¯t test it.


    If Carlo could see his own reflection now, he would notice that his once blood-red eyes had turned a faint pink. His appearance was strikingly handsome, but anyone who gazed upon him would be captivated not by his looks but by his eyes. Carlo¡¯s eyes seemed to conceal an unfathomable abyss; anyone who stared would inevitably become lost.


    Although Carlo had spent nearly all his accumulated evil points, his condition was better than ever, reaching a new pinnacle.


    He was now completely naked, his perfect form exposed to the air. His next tasks were to find some clothes, then kill¡ªkill many people, level up, and eventually eliminate those damned heavenly cultists.


    Carlo¡¯s broad demon wings flapped lightly behind him, and he vanished.


    ...


    Deep in the forest, a doe and her fawn discovered a small stream and lowered their heads to greedily lap up the sweet water, clearly parched.


    A rustling sound emerged from the nearby bushes. The doe raised her head warily, her pointed ears twitching, prepared to flee at any moment.


    The rustling ceased, seeming to be merely a passing small animal.


    The doe relaxed her guard and continued drinking.


    Suddenly, a black shadow swooped in from a distance. The doe, alarmed, bleated and was about to urge the fawn to flee when the shadow swept across her neck, causing her head to fall off and land in the stream, turning the water red.


    The fawn, stunned and unable to grasp the reality of its mother¡¯s death, was seized by a veined, muscular hand that twisted its neck.


    With a ¡°crunch,¡± the poor thing followed its mother.


    Two figures emerged from behind the trees. One approached the stream¡¯s edge and picked up the black shadow that had fallen on the ground. It was a crudely made axe, simply bound with grass rope and wooden sticks, though the blade was exceptionally sharp.


    One of the figures grabbed the dead fawn and, with blackened teeth, bit through its throat to drink the blood, intensifying the bloodstained air.


    ¡°Doss, don¡¯t make yourself look like a jackal. Take it back and let the woman cook it into roasted meat.¡±


    The companion scolded him.


    The one covered in deer blood grumbled in dissatisfaction, ¡°I don¡¯t like cooked food¡­¡±


    The two dwarfs who had killed the deer appeared very unusual. They were short, under one meter tall, but with extremely stout limbs and sharply protruding features. Their appearance was grotesque.


    If the dead bearded mercenary were here, he would recognize them as the killers of his three companions.


    Evil and ruthless dwarves.


    The Lost Forest had somehow become a stronghold for these dwarf bandits. Exiled from the hills, these dwarfs were greedy, lazy, deceitful, and cruel, so hungry that they might even kill their own kind to satisfy their hunger.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go. These two deer, along with the potatoes the woman grew, will be enough for our dinner tonight.¡±


    The dwarf strapped the axe to his waist, carried the deer carcass, and called his companion to leave.

 Chapter 14: The Captive Princess

    Two dwarves trudged back along a familiar path, and on the way, another dwarf named Gulanbi had taken the opportunity to use his axe to dispatch a wild rabbit.


    The unexpected meal lifted their spirits, and they hummed harsh, discordant tunes. They soon arrived at their lodgings¡ªa small, unsightly hut, just like themselves, with a low roof barely over a meter high, constructed from crooked wooden planks.


    Gulan kicked open the wooden door, and a gruff voice called out, ¡°Damn it, can¡¯t you be a bit more careful? You¡¯ll end up kicking the house down soon enough.¡±


    Ignoring the reprimand, Gulan and Daos set down their catch. The small, cramped space was cluttered with four dwarves sprawled out lazily, napping.


    ¡°Where¡¯s the woman?¡± Gulan inquired.


    A lecherous chuckle replied, ¡°Bashir took her out for a walk.¡±


    Gulan grumbled, ¡°That damned pervert. If he hadn¡¯t killed the last cook, would our food be this miserable?¡±


    A large sneeze followed by a grumbled, ¡°Hurry up and find him. I¡¯m hungry too¡­¡±


    ¡°Damn it,¡± Gulan snapped, slamming the door behind him as he left in a hurry.


    ...


    The demon tattoo on Carlo¡¯s shoulder flared up once again. Initially, he feared it was the two blessed sons pursuing him, compelling him to retreat deeper into the forest. But the persistent heat of the tattoo suggested otherwise.


    Could there be another presence of the blessed sons in the Lost Forest? After some contemplation, Carlo decided to investigate further.


    Following the tattoo¡¯s guidance to his destination, Carlo was met with an unexpected sight.


    ¡°Move it, Princess Sophia. Hurry up.¡±


    The grotesque dwarf yanked harshly on the rope tied around the woman¡¯s slender neck. The woman, bent over and searching for potatoes, possessed an astonishing beauty. Her face was etched with despair and shame, her movements mechanical and numb.


    Her clothes were filthy and torn, but their once-luxurious design was still discernible.


    ¡°Too slow. Let me help.¡±


    The dwarf¡¯s eyes gleamed with a lecherous intent as he advanced on her from behind while she was bent over.


    ¡°Ah!¡± The woman¡¯s scream was filled with terror.


    In an instant, a blinding blue light erupted from her, sending the dwarf flying, his body slamming into the ground, covered in dirt.


    ¡°Damn magic,¡± the dwarf cursed angrily, his eyes reflecting a mix of hatred, desire, and a hint of fear.


    Unwilling to give up, the dwarf made several more attempts, but each time he revealed his vile intentions, the mysterious blue force repelled him.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    Eventually, the dwarf desisted, muttering curses, and vented his frustration on the rope, tugging it violently.


    The woman could only endure, her condition growing ever more wretched.


    Hidden in the shadows, Carlo observed with a wry expression. If he was correct, this unfortunate woman was indeed Princess Sophia, who had vanished from the kingdom.


    The king had offered a reward of one hundred thousand gold coins for her, and countless people had risked their lives to search the Lost Forest. Yet, here she was, subjected to such indignities.


    If the public knew that their noble, beautiful princess was being humiliated by a vile dwarf, their despair would be overwhelming.


    Carlo was nearly certain that Sophia was the blessed child he sought, but the enigmatic blue light around her made him hesitate to reveal himself.


    He chose to remain in the shadows.


    Soon, another dwarf arrived, presumably to call his companions back. The two dwarves then dragged the beleaguered princess back to their residence. Sophia, resigned and emotionally numb, prepared deer meat and potatoes in a pot. After the dwarves had eaten their fill, she curled up and stepped outside the wooden hut, silently eating the leftovers by the door.


    At that moment, Carlo was deeply unsettled.


    ¡°One, two, three¡­ seven?¡± Carlo¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. ¡°Dwarves? The princess?¡±


    The reality was astonishingly different from the legend.


    According to the tale, a princess exiled to the forest by an evil queen was supposed to be aided by kind-hearted dwarves, living comfortably in a cozy wooden house. But the truth was grim. These so-called benevolent dwarves were, in fact, repugnant, cruel creatures who had shamelessly imprisoned the princess to satisfy their depraved desires. Although the mysterious blue light preserved her purity, she was subjected to relentless humiliation and torment.


    Was this the harsh reality of XX?


    For a moment, Carlo was overwhelmed by the revelation. Strangely, witnessing the beautiful princess¡¯s suffering brought him a twisted satisfaction, a perverse pleasure from seeing something pure and beautiful being cruelly destroyed, reflecting his demonic nature.


    As night fell, the sky adorned with a tapestry of stars, the unfortunate Sophia sat by the door of the hut, trying to curl up against the cold. The scant warmth she had was insufficient to ward off the chill of the forest night.


    Shivering from the cold, Sophia had tried to escape countless times, even preferring death at the hands of a beast over the humiliation inflicted by the vile dwarves. Yet, the cunning dwarves had bound ropes to her neck, feet, and hands, making any significant movement a signal to them.


    Her heart was heavy with sorrow and despair, tears streaming down her smooth cheeks. She could only silently weep to the roses in the corner of the wall.


    ¡°Great father, please send your strongest knight to rescue me¡­ or anyone, take me away from this wretched place. I would offer anything in exchange¡­ or grant me poison; I would rather choose death in agony¡­¡±


    The princess¡¯s lament attracted a nightingale, which sang a soothing melody to comfort her despairing soul.


    Perhaps Sophia¡¯s prayers had finally reached the heavens. From the darkness came a voice full of seduction.


    ¡°Poor child, come, embrace the darkness. All your pain and torment will vanish, and your soul will revel in endless joy¡­¡±


    Sophia saw a slender, pale hand emerge from the shadow before her, accompanied by a voice coaxing and urging her. Her gaze grew increasingly dazed as she instinctively reached out to grasp the hand.


    Just as their hands were about to touch, a blinding blue light cut through the darkness, followed by a scream as the shadow vanished.


    Sophia, startled and relieved, recoiled in fear. Who was that?!


    The night was eerily silent, with only the dwarves¡¯ snoring and mutterings faintly audible from inside the hut.


    What had just happened felt like a dream, as if nothing had transpired.


    Sophia sighed, burying her head between her knees, and fell into a troubled sleep amidst the cold and despair, preparing herself for another day of torment.


    The nightingale¡¯s song abruptly ceased, its tiny body falling to the ground. A pair of ominous eyes watched Sophia silently.


    Carlo¡¯s face was ashen. The backlash from the blue light had left him slightly injured. It was not only difficult to kill or tempt Sophia, but even touching her proved challenging.


    Was it because of his demonic identity? The greater the malevolence, the greater the backlash.


    Carlo composed himself, realizing that he might have to wait for some old crone bearing a poisoned apple to make an appearance.

 Chapter Fifteen: The Queen

    In the Lost Forest, a woman made her way through the undergrowth.


    Her skin was as white as milk, her curls a shade of rose, and her eyes possessed a magnetism capable of ensnaring any man. Every aspect of her appeared incongruous with her surroundings, and it was clear she was acutely aware of it.


    ¡°Where is that wretched woman?¡±


    Disgust twisted her features as she spoke.


    ¡°How much longer must we trudge through this foul, filthy place? All I crave is a rose-scented milk bath.¡±


    A sharp, eerie laugh pierced the air. ¡°Claudia, be patient. Relax and consider this a pleasant excursion.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t fathom it. With countless young and beautiful girls available throughout the kingdom, why must you choose that wretched body?¡±


    The woman couldn¡¯t help but voice her frustration.


    The sharp voice grew a touch hysterical. ¡°How could those coarse bodies compare to our princess? I demand the best!¡±


    The woman replied, ¡°Fine. But remember what you promised me.¡±


    The voice chuckled. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. As long as you help me seize Sophia¡¯s body, I¡¯ll give you the formula for the Elixir of Life. Imagine, soon you¡¯ll maintain your youthful vitality and passion forever. Won¡¯t that lift your spirits?¡±


    A flush of excitement spread across the woman¡¯s face. She hummed softly, continuing her walk, her pace quickening slightly.


    Suddenly, the grass beside her rustled. Startled, she looked and saw a gaunt wolf emerge.


    ¡°Damn beast.¡±


    Her face contorted in revulsion as she scattered a pinch of pale yellow powder into the air. The powder ignited with a whoosh, transforming into a blazing fireball that shot straight at the wolf, incinerating it with a scream of agony.


    ¡°Be cautious; the Lost Forest harbors more than just wild beasts.¡±


    The sharp voice warned.


    Before its warning could finish, the woman¡¯s pupils widened in terror. A slender hand emerged from the shadows, seizing her throat and lifting her off the ground.


    ¡°Ugh... gurgle...¡± The woman¡¯s pale, beautiful face turned red as she weakly beat at the iron grip around her neck, her eyes filled with panic.


    ¡°Karapos, come out! ... You wretch, save me now! I feel like I¡¯m going to die!¡±This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Desperately, she screamed in her mind, but the sharp voice had vanished without a trace, offering no response.


    ¡°Hmm...¡±


    The owner of the mysterious hand let out a surprised exclamation and then laughed softly.


    ¡°To think you still harbor a soul.¡±


    The woman felt a cold hand slipping into her robe, moving over her body. She was both embarrassed and enraged, wishing she could tear him apart, but the suffocation only intensified her fear.


    Karlo pulled a transparent crystal ball from the woman¡¯s bosom, inside which a gray mist swirled wildly.


    ¡°Not coming out?¡±


    Karlo muttered, applying slight pressure to the ball, causing a crack to appear on its surface.


    ¡°Wait.¡±


    The gray mist formed a gaunt, ugly female face on the crystal ball.


    ¡°Let the woman go, or¡­¡±


    Karapos¡¯s threat was cut short as the crystal ball shattered into dust.


    ¡°My soul gem!¡±


    The gray mist fully emerged into the air, forming a gray, shadowy figure that glared at Karlo with venomous hatred.


    ¡°This time, you¡¯re doomed... No, wait, you are¡­¡±


    Karapos¡¯s expression turned to one of utter shock and fear as she sensed the pure, evil aura emanating from Karlo, a power that made her tremble uncontrollably.


    ¡°Evil presence from hell, please spare this humble, pitiful creature¡­¡±


    Karapos spoke with a bitter tone, crawling at Karlo¡¯s feet.


    Karlo slightly loosened his grip. Claudia, nearly strangled to death, gasped for breath but remained helpless.


    ¡°I ask, you answer.¡±


    Karapos bowed her head. ¡°Great evil presence, I dare not defy your will.¡±


    Karlo glanced at the struggling Claudia. ¡°What is this woman¡¯s identity?¡±


    ¡°The Queen of Lorl Kingdom, just a narcissistic and foolish woman.¡±


    Claudia shot a furious glare at Karapos from the corner of her eye.


    Karlo smiled slightly, pleased to have finally encountered the Poison Apple Queen.


    ¡°And you? Tell me your true name.¡±


    ¡°Karapos Pitstora, your most loyal servant,¡± Karapos replied humbly.


    Karlo was somewhat surprised. ¡°You are the witch who left the Book of Magic on the continent?¡±


    ¡°Yes. But it was merely a few tricks to deceive the world.¡±


    Karlo questioned Karapos about a dozen matters with keen interest. The tale of this evil witch was quite legendary and highly regarded by Talia.


    According to Karapos, the Poison Apple Queen Claudia was once a mere farm girl who, by a stroke of luck, received Karapos¡¯s legacy and, using dark magic, became the Queen of the Kingdom. It was a classic Cinderella story of a common girl rising to become a glamorous beauty, reaching the heights of power.


    Claudia had, by chance, awakened Karapos from the soul gem and, enticed by her, had ventured out of the kingdom castle to seek Sophia¡¯s body, until Karlo captured her.


    ¡°So, your goal was to use Sophia¡¯s body to be reborn.¡±


    ¡°Yes, esteemed sir.¡±


    Karlo stroked his chin, contemplating. With Claudia¡¯s terrified gaze fixed on him, he casually crushed her neck.


    ¡°Sophia possesses what I desire. I can¡¯t let you take over her body. This body is yours now.¡±


    Poor Claudia had no chance to utter a single word before her death, her alluring face still frozen in disbelief.


    Karapos obediently complied, her form turning back into gray mist, which entered Claudia¡¯s body through her mouth and nose. Moments later, the deceased Claudia revived, an evil glint in her eyes as she knelt down once more.


    ¡°I offer my life to serve the great master.¡±


    Karlo was quite satisfied with Karapos¡¯s obedience. He reached out and lightly touched Karapos¡¯s forehead, a complex symbol glowing briefly in red before vanishing.


    ¡°Rise, and tell me what your original plan was.¡±


    Karlo said casually.


    Karapos replied, ¡°I had planned to find Sophia, kill her, and then seize her body.¡±


    Karlo shook his head, murmuring to himself. ¡°Sophia is not so easily killed¡­¡±


    Karlo raised his gaze, narrowing his eyes. His pale red eyes gleamed with an eerie, sinister light.


    ¡°I need you to do something for me, my dear Queen.¡±


    Karapos shivered involuntarily. She saw that Karlo was now holding a bright red fruit, which looked both delicious and tempting.

 Chapter 16: Awakening with a Kiss

    With just a few flaps of its wings, the colossal beast drew nearer, unveiling its full form.


    It was far more bizarre than imagined. The black dragon¡¯s head was more than a third of its body¡¯s length, with each black scale as large as a major demon. Its rounded belly, long and thick tail, combined to make it appear grotesque, yet there was a gluttonous and cunning undertone to its monstrous form.


    On the ground, the half-demons scattered and screamed like ants. The black dragon¡¯s rumbling, thunderous roar echoed as though it were mocking them. It lifted its neck slightly, opened its maw wide, and a tempestuous gust formed a hurricane vortex within, pulling the weak half-demons and the unwary demons into the gaping black hole, their cries swallowed up and silenced.


    As the swarm of demons on the ground dwindled, a glint of satisfaction appeared in its cold, golden eyes. Its arrogant voice mingled with the stench and filth of its dragon breath: ¡°Have you prepared your offerings? Do not test Lord Persemeia¡¯s patience¡­¡±


    The bloated black insect swayed in the sky, churning the thin sulfuric miasma into a boiling cauldron, and the molten iron lake surged with ripples.


    The black dragon displayed its might for a while but noticed that among the ants below, a few were different. Alongside their fear and panic, there was a hint of hidden indifference and resentment, which stirred its suspicious mind. It moved deliberately further from the pile of black iron scraps.


    Last time, it was these seemingly insignificant scraps that had marred Lord Persemeia¡¯s noble scales, leaving blemishes on its flawless and majestic form. If not for the precious black disaster coins, it would have long since lost its temper and torn them to shreds.


    Yet, the ants¡¯ expressions still displeased the great Lord Persemeia. It struck a menacing pose and unleashed another blast of dragon breath toward the ants.


    The dragon breath, a noxious mix of strong acid, poison gas, and toxic flames, poured down like black mercury. Two of the ants nimbly evaded it, but one was caught directly.


    ¡°Ah!¡±


    The creature¡¯s piercing scream lightened the black dragon¡¯s mood. The leader demon, whose body was dissolving, uttered words that were both pleas and curses.


    ¡°L-Lord¡­ save me¡­¡±


    The black dragon expelled another fierce gust, scattering the demon¡¯s shattered remains and sneered, ¡°It¡¯s too late for mercy¡­ Lord Persemeia is quite displeased. This time, the offering must be doubled¡­¡±


    Before the black dragon could finish its taunt, it suddenly heard a ripping sound in the air, as if something was rapidly approaching with formidable force.


    A flicker of alarm crossed its mind. It swung its massive head around but saw nothing.


    The sound grew louder, and the dragon¡¯s agitation increased as it desperately sought the source.The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    Finally, it looked up.


    Its golden eyes narrowed instantly, reflecting a blazing red ¡°meteor¡± that was rapidly expanding¡­


    ¡°Boom,¡± the figure wrapped in red flames crashed heavily onto the black dragon¡¯s back, the immense impact forcing the dragon¡¯s massive body downward.


    The black dragon staggered, nearly plummeting from the sky. It flapped its enormous wings desperately to stabilize itself, but a sharp pain shot through its back¡­


    Karlo¡¯s muscular legs were deeply embedded in the dragon¡¯s flesh, his body cloaked in a thin layer of red flames that seared the dragon¡¯s hide, emitting an odd blend of burning and sweet scents.


    At this point, his size had grown to more than ten times its usual scale, yet, compared to the black dragon¡¯s mountainous bulk, he was still minuscule¡ªonce a mere fly, now barely a sparrow.


    But this sparrow was armed with the venomous beak of a vulture.


    Karlo gripped the Blade of Envy in his right hand, his face contorted into a cruel grin, and drove it fiercely into the black dragon¡¯s back. The dragon flinched in pain and thrashed, its colossal wings flailing wildly, sending swarms of demons flying.


    Karlo clung tenaciously to the blade, barbed spurs sprouting from his calves and ankles, deeply embedding into the dragon¡¯s flesh, holding on like a bloodsucking leech.


    The black dragon¡¯s thrashing grew more violent. The agony of having someone clinging to its noble form only fueled its rage.


    ¡°Roar¡­¡±


    The black dragon emitted an enraged roar. Its grotesque dragon head turned, its massive golden eyes fixated on the audacious pest on its back, spewing out toxic dragon breath.


    ¡°Giggling¡­¡±


    Karlo let out an eerie, unsettling laugh from deep within his throat. His fierce face was marred by an ugly grin. He tightened his leg muscles and leaped off the black dragon¡¯s back, tearing out large chunks of flesh.


    Karlo seized a large piece of flesh and stuffed it into his mouth, chewing through the blood and foam, but his feet never ceased their relentless pace.


    His spiked feet pierced effortlessly through the dragon¡¯s hard, smooth scales, digging deep into the flesh, moving with steady ease as if running on solid ground.


    Karlo clamped the Blade of Envy between his teeth, his sharp teeth gripping it firmly. With his hands crossed before his face, he faced the torrent of dragon breath head-on without flinching.


    The filthy, poisonous dragon breath splashed onto the lava-covered shore of the molten iron lake, hissing and releasing noxious green smoke. The once-smooth surface quickly became pitted. It also splattered onto Karlo, whose flesh, under the corrosive filth accumulated over millennia by the black dragon Persemeia, was rapidly deteriorating, revealing his white bones.


    The intense pain surged through Karlo¡¯s brain like a relentless tide. With the blade clamped in his mouth, he could only emit a muffled groan. His sharp teeth ground the Blade of Envy, and his eyes, filled with seething fury, seemed to blaze with dark gold.


    Karlo pressed forward against the onslaught, his robust body standing resolute like a boulder against the current.


    Great plumes of flame erupted from him, meeting the dragon breath in a clash that produced a harsh sound. The dragon breath transformed into black mist, settling on the ground. Some demons, accidentally exposed, were swiftly corroded into puddles of pus amidst their screams.


    Yet, Karlo¡¯s speed remained unyielding. He charged through the pouring dragon breath, continually running, which only enraged the black dragon further. Its mouth opened wider, as if it wished to expel all its accumulated fury in one breath.


    Karlo¡¯s pressure mounted, and finally, he reached the black dragon¡¯s neck, the enormous dragon head above him like a gigantic faucet spewing toxic water.


    Right here!


    A fierce light flared in Karlo¡¯s eyes as he hunched over.


    The black dragon, seeing this, wore a smug expression, believing that the little pest was finally at its end.


    But the next moment, a sharp pain erupted from its back as a fire-wrapped black shadow shot up from its back like a cannonball, and before it could react, it shot into its mouth.


    Uh¡­


    The black dragon was instantly stunned, even its dragon breath halted, unable to fathom what was happening.

 Chapter 17: The Seed of the Divine

    Sofia¡¯s once deep brown hair and ice-blue eyes had transformed into a profound black, and the once-despised divine aura that surrounded her had vanished, replaced by an alluring presence that irresistibly drew Carlo in. He could distinctly sense the dark, pulsing heart within Sofia¡¯s chest. The noble and pure child of divine grace had wholly embraced the abyss.


    Moreover, Sofia gazed at Carlo with a mix of bashfulness and adoration, tinged with a profound reverence. Carlo was confident that even if he ordered her to end her own life, Sofia would do so without hesitation. This effect, created by the Purgatory Fire Seed¡¯s mark and the Enchanting Eyes, was more reliable and steadfast than any soul contract.


    ¡°Successfully tempted a child of divine grace to fall into the abyss. Reward: 2000 experience points, 20000 evil points.¡±


    The system¡¯s voice echoed in Carlo¡¯s mind, and the sudden influx of rewards elevated his mood. He placed a gentle kiss on Sofia¡¯s lips and rose with satisfaction.


    ¡°Master.¡±


    Kallapos hesitated before speaking.


    ¡°Hmm?¡± Carlo turned to her.


    Kallapos¡¯s eyes darted warily toward Sofia, reflecting both caution and concern. ¡°This woman is a seed. You must be cautious, Master.¡±


    ¡°A seed?¡± Carlo frowned. ¡°What do you mean by that?¡±


    Kallapos elaborated, ¡°A seed sown by the divine. Although it might never sprout under the pressure of light, it remains the greatest adversary to evil.¡±


    Carlo understood that Kallapos was referring to a child of divine grace. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Sofia has completely embraced the darkness now. She will become the embodiment of evil. What do you think I was just doing? Hmph¡­¡±


    Indeed, the divine remnants in Sofia¡¯s mind had been devoured by the Purgatory Fire Seed, making the flame grow larger. Even the system confirmed that Sofia had turned to the dark side¡ªthere was no doubt.


    Seeing Carlo¡¯s indifferent expression, Kallapos said no more. Instead, she felt a pang of fear, relieved that she had been forced into Claudia¡¯s body instead of foolishly confronting Sofia as originally planned. Had she done so, she might have been completely erased by now.


    ¡°Oh, by the way,¡± Carlo said, wrapping his arms around Sofia¡¯s soft waist and savoring her infatuated gaze. ¡°Since you can identify Sofia as a divine seed, have you encountered other seeds before?¡±


    Carlo was eager for Kallapos¡¯s response. He had discovered a quicker path to power than city destruction¡ªtempting more beings like Sofia who were oppressed by heavenly forces.The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    Kallapos pondered for a moment before replying, ¡°Two hundred years ago, I encountered one. I cast a sleeping curse on her using a spinning wheel, causing her to spend a full hundred years in dreamland¡­¡±


    Carlo¡¯s lips curled into a knowing smile: That sounds like a certain fairy tale.


    ¡°Is she still alive?¡±


    Kallapos hesitated before nodding. ¡°She should still be alive. Divine seeds possess a power that grants them a lifespan far exceeding that of ordinary people.¡±


    Without hesitation, Carlo said, ¡°Take me to find her.¡±


    ¡°Of course, my master,¡± Kallapos agreed and then couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°Are you searching for divine seeds, Master?¡±


    Carlo stared intently at Kallapos, compelling her to lower her gaze in humility.


    ¡°Kallapos, guide me to them. You will receive the rewards you seek.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for your grace, Master.¡± Kallapos¡¯s face brightened with excitement. ¡°The identity of divine seeds is naturally noble. With their proud nature, they are often reincarnated as princes or princesses, rarely as commoners¡­¡±


    ¡°So, I just need to narrow my search to royal families?¡± Carlo mused, finding Kallapos¡¯s suggestion quite plausible. Since some princesses and princes were divine seeds, it was possible many in similar positions were as well, though finding them might be complex.


    ¡°In fact, we don¡¯t even need to search actively. Someone will find them for us,¡± Kallapos added.


    Carlo¡¯s eyes widened with surprise. ¡°Who?¡±


    ¡°The Church of Light,¡± Kallapos said gravely. ¡°They never allow foreign divine seeds to spread their faith on the continent. When they discover the birth of other divine seeds, they immediately send agents to seal their divinity, ensuring they never awaken. They label their actions ¡®blessing¡¯ and ¡®baptism¡¯¡­ Hmph, they are truly selfish and hypocritical.¡±


    Kallapos¡¯s lips curled with disdain.


    Carlo¡¯s eyes sparkled with excitement. This was a brilliant move by Heaven to seize faith, saving him a great deal of effort. His eyes narrowed, and he gave Sofia an even more captivating smile. ¡°Then, once we return Sofia home, we¡¯ll rescue these poor divine seeds. Enemies of Heaven are our friends, after all.¡±


    ...


    The remnants of the Ice God had been consumed by the Purgatory Fire Seed, and the residual blue power within Sofia was naturally transformed into dark energy by the Fruit of Sin.


    Black ice, snow symbolizing death.


    Sofia now wielded power greater than that of an ordinary witch. She could summon sharp, cold black ice crystals at will, capable of easily tearing apart a mid-tier knight. Additionally, inheriting the devil¡¯s superior traits, she could grow stronger by absorbing sins, atrocities, and souls.


    ¡°You can handle those seven as you wish.¡±


    The dwarves, terrified and desperate, knelt before Sofia, begging with their meager words. Carlo had expected Sofia to tear them apart or perhaps grind them into a pulp, given her heart was as beautiful as a viper¡¯s.


    Instead, she spared their lives, merely cutting out their tongues and tying ropes around their necks, like seven whimpering stray dogs.


    ¡°They¡¯re such adorable little creatures,¡± Sofia giggled, watching the dwarves roll around on the ground, their mouths bloodied. She then linked her arm with Carlo¡¯s and gazed up at him with adoration. ¡°Once I return to the kingdom and kill my pitiful and useless father, will you help me wage war against the Church?¡±


    ¡°Be a bit more patient,¡± Carlo gently caressed Sofia¡¯s smooth, delicate face, speaking softly. ¡°Learn to be a queen first.¡±


    Carlo did not oppose Sofia¡¯s idea of patricide and usurpation; on the contrary, he believed it was fitting. Destroying the Church was not something he could achieve alone; he needed more power. When evil gathers into an ocean, even the brightest holy light will be extinguished.

 Chapter Eighteen: The Sleeping Princess

    Oliver¡¯s gaze was fixed intently on the broad knight¡¯s sword he wielded with practiced precision. As one of the finest knights, maintaining perfect synergy with his weapon was essential.


    A woman sat gracefully on a bench in the garden, her slender form an image of elegance. If it weren¡¯t for her ghastly appearance, which rivaled that of a demon, her presence would have seamlessly blended with the serene surroundings.


    Oliver, slightly winded from his morning practice, had a thin veil of white mist rising from his body. He cast a sidelong glance at Talia, who looked as lifeless as a marionette, and sheathed his sword. Using a dry towel, he wiped the sweat from his body with a practiced ease.


    ¡°Your Majesty Elijah,¡± Oliver addressed the figure respectfully.


    Elijah, a middle-aged man with an unremarkable yet resolute face, gave a slight nod to Oliver before his gaze shifted to Talia.


    ¡°She hasn¡¯t spoken a word, and the divination spell seems ineffective on her,¡± Oliver remarked, unable to contain his concern.


    ¡°It no longer matters,¡± Elijah said with a cold detachment. ¡°I sense the demon¡¯s aura growing stronger. It will soon make a mistake. Let¡¯s confine this wicked witch.¡±


    ¡°Understood.¡±


    Oliver¡¯s gaze lingered on Talia with a trace of pity. He had learned about her plight and had always seen her as a pitiable woman ensnared by a demon¡¯s malevolent influence.


    A figure hurried toward them, clad in a white long robe, cape, and square hat¡ªthe regalia of a high priest.


    The Grand Archbishop of the Lor Kingdom bowed respectfully to them both. ¡°Esteemed Your Majesties, the King requests your presence.¡±


    Oliver frowned. ¡°If it¡¯s another banquet, please apologize to the King on my behalf and say I am unwell.¡±


    It would be a jest for a grand knight to feign illness, but Oliver was eager to avoid the tedious and disingenuous noble gatherings.


    As the Grand Knight of the Order of Light, Oliver¡¯s status in the church was second only to the Pope and the Saintess. Since his arrival in this remote kingdom, he had been warmly welcomed by the royal family.


    While tolerable on occasion, the persistent presence of pompous nobles was increasingly tiresome.


    The Grand Archbishop quickly clarified, ¡°It¡¯s not a banquet. It seems that Princess Sophia, the Flower of the Kingdom who had been missing, has returned. The King wishes for you to conduct the baptismal ceremony.¡±


    Princess Sophia, with skin as white as snow, hair as black as ebony, and lips as red as blood, a remarkably beautiful princess?This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    Oliver¡¯s curiosity was piqued. He was eager to see this princess and was about to agree when Elijah¡¯s expression suddenly changed. He drew out a crystal ball enveloped in black mist and said urgently, ¡°The demon is nearby.¡±


    With the crystal ball in hand, Elijah dashed out of the garden. ¡°Oliver, hurry!¡±


    Oliver¡¯s expression hardened. ¡°Please leave the baptism to the Grand Archbishop. Don¡¯t forget to imprison the witch.¡±


    Oliver followed Elijah, vanishing in an instant.


    The Grand Archbishop, clearly taken aback, surveyed the empty garden, his face paling.


    Where did the witch go?


    Karlo escorted Sophia beyond the kingdom¡¯s borders and, following Karapos¡¯s guidance, journeyed further afield.


    According to Karapos¡¯s memory, the princess cursed into a hundred-year slumber was in another kingdom.


    Karlo, eager to ensure the sleeping beauty did not meet an untimely end, unfurled his demon wings and soared through the sky with Karapos in tow.


    Karlo¡¯s flight was swift. With a mere flap of his expansive wings, he covered great distances. After three days, Karlo arrived in the kingdom known as Pyracantha.


    Pyracantha was considerably smaller than Lor. Its royal city was scarcely larger than a small town, and the palace was merely a modest castle overgrown with vines and thorns.


    Karlo landed, retracting his wings, and dropped Karapos onto the ground. Karapos, having endured three days of airborne travel, immediately began to cough violently, suffering from the ordeal.


    ¡°Master, it¡¯s right here,¡± Karapos pointed to the castle¡¯s spire, her eyes gleaming. ¡°She is there. I can sense her presence.¡±


    ¡°Then let¡¯s proceed.¡± Karlo¡¯s gaze was fixed eagerly on the castle¡¯s highest tower.


    The palace¡¯s defenses were virtually non-existent. Karlo observed the captain of the guards engaged with a maid, a sentry napping at his post, and a cook surreptitiously pocketing silver utensils.


    It was a kingdom in decay, slowly turning to dust with time.


    Karlo flew to the top of the castle, with Karapos floating beside him. Having learned her lesson, she had cast a levitation spell on herself.


    ¡°Right inside,¡± Karapos whispered.


    Karlo detected signs of life in the shadowy upper floor.


    As he prepared to enter, he saw experience points rising in his mind, realizing that the impatient Sophia had begun to stir.


    Without hesitation, Karlo stepped into the attic, guided by the moonlight.


    ¡°Who are you?!¡± A middle-aged woman shrieked, scrambling to hide by the bed. ¡°Who are you?¡±


    Karlo scrutinized her by moonlight. Despite her wrinkles, her face remained relatively refined and attractive, not resembling an old woman of two hundred years.


    Yet, the burning demon tattoo clearly marked her as a child of divine favor.


    ¡°Is it her?¡±


    Karapos nodded, her voice tinged with envy. ¡°The physiques of these divine children are truly enviable.¡±


    Karlo¡¯s figure flickered and vanished. In the next instant, he appeared directly in front of the middle-aged woman.


    ¡°What¡­ what do you want?¡± The woman stammered in panic. Karlo noticed her performing subtle gestures; green light flickered from her hands, and two thin vines swiftly grew from the floor to bind Karlo¡¯s ankles.


    However, it was a minor hindrance. Karlo effortlessly snapped the vines.


    In comparison to Sophia, this divine child¡¯s strength seemed pitifully weak.


    ¡°I need your soul,¡± Karlo said with a sigh, placing his hand on the woman¡¯s forehead.


    He attempted to imprint his mark on her soul but faced considerable resistance.


    This resistance stemmed from the woman¡¯s deep-seated obsession, causing her intense suffering.


    ¡°Wait¡­¡± The woman, drenched in sweat from the pain, pleaded, ¡°If you help me with a task, I will agree to serve you.¡±


    Karlo¡¯s eyes glinted with interest as he released his grip. ¡°What task?¡±


    The woman¡¯s eyes hardened with bitterness. ¡°Help me kill two people.¡±


    ¡°Who?¡±


    ¡°One is a witch, and the other is the King of Pyracantha.¡±

 Chapter 19: The Scythe of Jealousy

    From the woman''s gaze, Carlo could discern a profound hatred directed at the two individuals involved.


    Kalapos was an obvious case. She had squandered a hundred years of youth in an unending slumber, and any woman would harbor a deep-seated rage towards him.


    But the other, the King of the Zizhu Kingdom¡ªher husband, the prince who had awakened her from her sleep¡ªshouldn''t she have felt gratitude and admiration instead? Why did she now look at him with such a visceral loathing, as if she wished to devour his flesh and wear his skin?


    "I''m afraid you''ll be disappointed," Carlo said with a note of regret. "The evil sorceress Kalapos has long been dead; her bones have probably turned to dust."


    "Then kill the second one," the woman replied with venom.


    "Your request will be honored." Carlo turned to Kalapos, who understood and flew out.


    Soon after, Kalapos returned, carrying a bloody head and tossing the Zizhu King¡¯s severed head at the woman¡¯s feet.


    Seeing the expression of terror and death on the head, the woman¡¯s face registered a grim satisfaction. She looked up at Carlo and said, ¡°I am willing¡­¡±


    Suddenly, her expression shifted dramatically, twisting into one of fierce disdain. ¡°You think you can make me submit to such a lowly creature? Dream on¡­¡±


    The woman bit through her own tongue, and blood gushed out.


    At that moment, a slender hand gripped her throat and twisted her neck before her life could even flicker out.


    The madness and exhilaration in her eyes turned to fear and disbelief, and then faded into complete darkness.


    A massive psychic wave emanated from the woman''s corpse, but before it could erupt, it was consumed by the Infernal Flame within Carlo.


    The dark purple flame quivered with pleasure, expanding even further.


    "Kill a child of divine grace, reward: 1000 experience points, 10000 evil points."


    Carlo sighed with a hint of regret. "The vain and laughable sense of superiority."


    Although he hadn''t made the woman his slave like Sophia, he had still gained considerable benefits. And¡­


    Carlo opened his hand, revealing a ball of crimson, eerie flames that danced with joy in his palm.


    After devouring part of a deity¡¯s remnants once again, the Infernal Flame had grown powerful enough to augment Carlo''s strength.


    The intense and twisted burning sensation from the flame even made Carlo feel a touch uneasy.Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    Kalapos then explained why the woman had wanted her husband dead.


    It turned out that Kalapos¡¯s sleeping curse didn¡¯t just affect her but engulfed the entire palace.


    When everyone in the castle fell into a deep slumber, a thief broke in. The thief not only killed the kingdom¡¯s king and queen but also raped the sleeping princess. The defiled princess gave birth to a baby in her sleep. The baby inherited some of the princess¡¯s divine nature and managed to awaken her by sucking on her right-hand index finger.


    Unfortunately, though the princess woke, she was threatened by the thief with the child and was forced to marry him. The thief then assumed the throne.


    Under the rule of the debauched and tyrannical thief-king, the Zizhu Kingdom rapidly declined until Carlo¡¯s arrival.


    Indeed, every fairy tale conceals an ugly truth.


    Carlo clicked his tongue, feeling a bit unsatisfied with the demon¡¯s dark amusement.


    "What about the child?" he couldn''t help but ask.


    "The child who replaced the woman in bearing the curse has already died of old age in her sleep," Kalapos answered respectfully.


    A perfect ending of family ruin and disaster.


    Carlo nodded in satisfaction, preparing to call Kalapos to move on to the next destination. Suddenly, his expression changed, and he pulled Kalapos out of the window.


    With a deafening roar, a blinding white light descended like a holy sword, slicing off the top of the castle.


    As the dust cleared, Carlo faced a pair of angry eyes.


    "Damn demon, the holy light will not spare you." Oliver glared at the corpses buried in the ruins.


    In his eyes, the recently deceased woman seemed to have fallen victim to Carlo¡¯s malevolent hands.


    "Believe it or not," Carlo shrugged with a helpless expression, "her death has nothing to do with me."


    Oliver, weary of wasting words on the abyssal demon, gathered white light on his great sword, preparing to strike again.


    "Just right, last time you chased me like a hunted dog." Carlo fixed his gaze on Oliver, licking his blood-red lips with a cruel smile.


    "Kalapos, keep an eye on the priest below."


    Carlo lightly tapped Kalapos¡¯s forehead, imbuing her with over ten demonic spells as a reward for the task.


    Kalapos, being a centuries-old sorceress, should be more than capable of harassing the priest below to prevent him from chanting spells. After all, she had once been the church''s most troublesome witch.


    "I alone can kill you." Oliver did not stop Kalapos from leaving. The previous failure still troubled him, and only the blood of evil could cleanse his guilt. Although Carlo appeared significantly stronger now, Oliver was confident he could defeat him under the holy light.


    "Praise the holy light!" Oliver chanted solemnly, his great sword¡¯s white light swelling rapidly until it expanded to the size of a door.


    The pure and sacred aura spread through the night sky, making Carlo feel slightly uncomfortable.


    Oliver raised his great sword high, aiming it directly at Carlo.


    Facing the incoming holy light sword, Carlo showed no intention of evading.


    "Exchange, Leviathan¡¯s Claw."


    Just as the door-sized sword was about to strike Carlo¡¯s head, a long scythe intercepted the blade.


    As when Carlo first saw this demonic artifact, its narrow, smooth curve and blood-red edge reflected a cruel light in the moonlight, as if it were perpetually dripping with blood.


    Carlo gripped the middle of the scythe, its rough, cold texture imparting a sense of formidable power.


    Oliver¡¯s expression shifted slightly as he thought, This demon¡¯s weapon seems superior to mine.


    Damn it, why am I envying a demon!


    "Come!"


    In an instant, Carlo swung the scythe back at Oliver, who met the attack with his sword. The two weapons clashed with a resounding ¡°clang,¡± and the white light on the great sword instantly dissipated.


    A seed quickly sprouted and grew on Oliver¡¯s once-unshakable knight¡¯s heart, spreading rapidly.


    Unnoticed, the calm and resolute look in Oliver¡¯s eyes vanished, replaced by intense jealousy.


    How could this be, what kind of weapon is this? Why does a demon possess such a powerful weapon!


    Carlo, holding the blood-red scythe, spread his bat wings, his menacing and cruel figure illuminated by the full moon.


    A faint smile curved at the corner of his mouth.


    Leviathan¡¯s Claw is indeed the true Scythe of Jealousy!

 Chapter Twenty: I Will Make Your Death as Painful as Possible

    As one of the Seven Archdukes of the Abyss, known as the Jealous Demon Lord, Levithan wields the formidable power of the sin of jealousy.


    Legend speaks of his true form as an enormous sea beast with seven heads and ten horns, each crowned with a diadem and each head bearing a blasphemous title.


    A mere glance from him can ignite the flames of jealousy within the insignificant, turning them to charred remains.


    Though the scythe in Carlo¡¯s hand was forged from a fragment of Levithan¡¯s shattered claw, it exuded an astonishing magical potency.


    With every swing of the scythe, Oliver¡¯s knightly faith, steadfast for twenty years, disintegrated in an instant. The seeds of jealousy grew uncontrollably, making even the holy light struggle to coalesce.


    A malevolent grin spread across Carlo¡¯s face.


    ¡°Come on, then!¡±


    With a slight mental command, the infernal flame at his heart surged forth, its crimson fire spreading across the scythe, radiating a formidable aura.


    ¡°Hallowed Light, protect!¡±


    Oliver strained to utter the incantation, raising his dimly glowing knight¡¯s sword to meet the blow.


    The clash of blade against scythe produced a hissing sound.


    The Jealous Scythe sliced through the great sword with ease, as effortlessly as a red-hot iron cutting through butter. The cut was uneven and marred with corrosive streaks.


    ¡°Damn it!¡±


    Oliver¡¯s resolve as a knight crumbled further, and he cursed in frustration.


    Carlo¡¯s laughter echoed with a dark, nocturnal glee. His broad bat wings blocked the moonlight, casting a shadow over Oliver¡¯s furious face.


    The satisfaction of overpowering someone with superior equipment was unparalleled, Carlo mused with immense pleasure.


    Despite Oliver¡¯s superior strength as a grand knight, Carlo effortlessly closed the gap with his weapon, surpassing and amplifying the disparity.


    Oliver gasped for breath, his eyes betraying a glimmer of... fear.


    Why hasn¡¯t Lord Elijah intervened yet? I can¡¯t afford to die like this!


    For the first time in his life, the once-proud Paladin found himself considering escape.


    ¡°Praise the Holy Light!¡±


    Oliver pulled out a meticulously crafted scroll from his chest. With hurried words, he unleashed a burst of dazzling white light from the scroll and hurled it toward Carlo before swiftly fleeing.


    It was only natural for someone of Oliver¡¯s high standing in the church to carry such life-saving artifacts.


    Carlo sliced through the white light, the scattered radiance causing intense burning pain. The pain, however, only intensified the red glow in his eyes.


    Carlo spread his wings and pursued, his demonic speed vastly outstripping Oliver¡¯s.


    He soon caught up with the panicked knight, raising his scythe high.


    ¡°Stop, you demon!¡± A booming voice came from Carlo¡¯s left. He turned to see Calaposs, with a sharp dagger pressed against her pale neck, held by the very priest Carlo resented.This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    It seems our legendary sorceress has had a misstep.


    ¡°Lord Elijah,¡± Oliver, resembling a stray dog, ran to the priest¡¯s side, his gaze filled with hatred for Carlo.


    ¡°Be cautious of the demon¡¯s scythe.¡±


    Elijah¡¯s face was stern. ¡°Oliver, you have disappointed me greatly.¡±


    ¡°Lord...¡± Oliver bowed his head in shame.


    Carlo scrutinized the man seemingly of higher rank than Oliver, a smirk curling his lips.


    When a demon smiles, it is often at its most dangerous.


    Carlo embodied all the malevolent traits of abyssal demons¡ªcunning, cruelty, jealousy, pettiness, and a thirst for vengeance.


    Seeing the man who nearly purified him with holy light, Carlo was overwhelmed with a wild urge to savor his flesh and blood.


    It must be delicious, Carlo thought, licking his lips in anticipation.


    He advanced toward them with deliberate steps.


    ¡°I said, step back!¡± Elijah¡¯s gaze was steely, his voice cold and commanding.


    He applied pressure, causing a stream of glaring blood to flow from Calaposs¡¯s neck.


    ¡°Otherwise, your servant will die.¡±


    Carlo¡¯s grin widened, his steps quickening as the massive, blood-red scythe dragged across the ground with a rasping sound.


    As the demonic figure drew nearer, Oliver couldn¡¯t help but swallow hard, instinctively retreating. But soon, a wave of immense shame surged within him.


    How could a knight of the Holy Light feel fear, how could he retreat?


    Overcome with shame, Oliver squared his shoulders and advanced a few steps. Suddenly, he was horrified to discover...


    The demon had vanished?


    ¡°Be careful, Oliver.¡±


    In the next moment, a fierce, handsome face appeared suddenly before Oliver, accompanied by a blinding red light.


    ¡°In the name of the Holy Light...¡± Fear fueled his strength, Oliver roared, attempting to draw his sword, only to find his right hand¡¯s sword seemingly drifting away from him.


    Oliver¡¯s last vision was of a blood-stained moon.


    ¡°Oliver...¡± Elijah¡¯s voice trembled as the church¡¯s mightiest, fearless knight was cleaved from the right side, falling to the ground, dead with eyes wide open.


    Carlo gazed at Oliver¡¯s corpse with a sigh, ¡°It would have been nice if you had left that sword for me...¡±


    Elijah remained stoic, retreating slowly with Calaposs in tow.


    The holy light had not yet extinguished, giving him a fighting chance, but sweat continued to bead on his forehead.


    ¡°The Holy Light is everywhere; darkness will eventually fade. You will be nailed to a cross by the first light of dawn,¡± Elijah said, staring resolutely at Carlo.


    Carlo nodded with a smile, ¡°I hope you live to see that moment.¡±


    Elijah pressed down harder on the dagger, eliciting a pained groan from Calaposs.


    ¡°Step back! You demon.¡± Elijah hissed, shielding himself behind Calaposs. If the demon swung his scythe again, Calaposs would be the first to fall.


    Calaposs¡¯s face showed a look of guilt. ¡°Master, just abandon me...¡±


    ¡°Swish.¡± The air rang with a crisp sound, like a scythe harvesting wheat.


    Calaposs¡¯s final words were choked in her throat. Her once-beautiful face was now half gone, the other half falling alongside Elijah¡¯s severed arm.


    In the demon¡¯s lexicon, there is no concept of yielding to threats.


    ¡°You... you demon...¡± The shock and fear in Elijah¡¯s heart overshadowed the intense pain in his body. He stumbled backward, trembling uncontrollably.


    ¡°Bingo.¡± Carlo snapped his fingers with satisfaction, smiling broadly. ¡°Correct. There¡¯s a reward.¡±


    Carlo tossed the Jealous Scythe aside, his body began to expand, shedding hair and extending sharp, narrow demonic horns from his head.


    He fully revealed his demonic form¡ªa nearly two-meter-tall figure, strong, malevolent, and both menacing and handsome.


    ¡°I will ensure your death is as painful as possible.¡± After consuming the fruit of sin, his form had undergone a significant transformation. Though still a lesser demon, his demonic body was comparable to that of a major demon.


    Carlo¡¯s voice grew hoarse and deep, his lips curling into a sinister smile.


    In the next moment, his sharp fangs burst forth from his lips, viciously lunging at Elijah.


    Under the silent night sky, a series of piercing, despairing screams echoed, lasting for what felt like an eternity.


    Carlo wiped his mouth with satisfaction...


    Elijah¡¯s body lay sprawled on the ground, barely recognizable. Nearby were Calaposs¡¯s half-face and Oliver, cleaved into two.


    All were dead.


    The rewards were substantial. Oliver contributed 1500 experience points and 15000 evil points. In addition to his divine grace status, his strength as a grand knight added to the gains.


    Regrettably, Elijah wasn¡¯t a child of divine grace. He was merely an ordinary man, lacking even the strength of a grand knight, yielding only 200 experience points.


    Even Calaposs, who died most unjustly, contributed 100 experience points. Carlo had hoped to find a body to resurrect her, but unfortunately, Calaposs¡¯s soul was consumed by the infernal flame, becoming fertilizer.


    Carlo checked his experience points: 6967/10000. He was on the verge of leveling up and felt a surge of satisfaction.


    However, with Calaposs dead, he was now without anyone to help him locate the child of divine grace.


    Carlo stroked his chin, feeling the dried blood, which had a slightly rough texture.


    Suddenly, he thought of a place where he might find what he needed.

 Chapter 21: Serpents and Scorpions

    ¡°The holy army led by the Great Light, the Father of Saints, the Head of Angels, please grant us victory over the tyrannical powers and the rulers of darkness...¡±


    The bishop, his hair and beard streaked with gray, knelt before the white marble cross, his trembling voice barely decipherable as he recited his prayer to the Great Light.


    Behind him stretched the vast emptiness of the cathedral, swallowed by the night¡¯s shadows. The distant screams had faded into nothingness, leaving a silence so profound it was almost palpable.


    The bishop¡¯s legs quivered uncontrollably. Just fifteen minutes earlier, a man with a demonic presence had stormed into the church, slaughtering the guards with brutal efficiency before turning his wrath upon the clergy.


    He had sent a distress signal to the King of Blackfort Kingdom, but whether help would arrive in time was uncertain.


    Even if it did, it might be too late, the bishop thought mournfully. He could still vividly recall how the church¡¯s most formidable high-ranking knight had been crushed to a pulp by that man as if he were merely a small chick.


    The creak of a door opening in the desolate cathedral startled the bishop, followed by the sharp sound of footsteps.


    ¡°Clop, clop,¡± growing louder and more deliberate.


    ¡°The holy army led by the Great Light, and the Father of Saints, the Head of Angels...¡±


    The bishop stumbled to his feet, his recitation growing louder and more frantic, his body inching closer to the cross behind him as though it might offer him some minuscule sense of security.


    At last, a tall, slender figure emerged from the darkness before him.


    A strikingly handsome young man, with fair skin, soft chestnut hair, and a face adorned with a shy, youthful smile that conjured images of golden wheat fields and a baron¡¯s son.


    Yet the bishop, seeing him, screamed in terror as if confronted by a demon: ¡°Who are you?! No matter who you are, you cannot escape the judgment of the Great Light, nor the decree of the Knights.¡±


    ¡°My dear bishop, do not be afraid. Please, relax,¡± the young man extended his hand in a gesture meant to calm the bishop¡¯s agitation, but it only had the opposite effect. The bishop recoiled from the young man¡¯s hand as if it were a snake or a scorpion, frantically retreating despite the lack of space behind him.


    For he had witnessed firsthand how those very hands had extracted countless hearts from the faithful.


    The young man smiled, his demeanor as graceful as the most refined noble.


    ¡°I only wish to ask you a few questions.¡±


    Ten minutes later, Carlo had what he sought.


    He nonchalantly discarded the bishop¡¯s terror-stricken head onto the floor and wiped the blood from his hands.


    Before him lay a yellowed piece of parchment, documenting that twenty years ago, the church had sent four cardinal red robes to perform a baptism for a baby named Xyla.Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.


    The baby was merely the daughter of an ordinary merchant.


    Carlo¡¯s eyes gleamed with satisfaction. After killing Oliver and his companions, he had purged the churches of two kingdoms without success, but at this third location, he had finally found what he was looking for.


    If he was not mistaken, this baby was the Child of Divine Grace, presumably the protagonist of the ¡°X¡± saga.


    As he pondered, Carlo spread his demon wings and flew out of the cathedral. Below him, a blazing fire dragon roared into the church like a hellish tempest. The rescue cavalry sent by the King of Blackfort had arrived.


    ...


    In the dimly lit basement, the flickering flames barely illuminated the space.


    Two robust men were bound to wooden stakes, struggling and cursing, spewing a stream of foul and vulgar epithets.


    In front of them stood a woman draped in black robes. Her smooth, brown hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her exposed neck was white and unblemished. However, her face was twisted and scarred as if burned by malevolent flames, giving her an appearance of grotesque horror.


    The woman tossed bizarre and grotesque ingredients into a large cauldron¡ªthings like the left ear of a black cat, the eyes of a frog, and the legs of a spider. A fierce fire roared beneath the cauldron, causing the liquid inside to bubble and shift colors from blood-red to deep blue, then to a repulsive, murky green.


    The woman scooped a spoonful of the green liquid with a long wooden ladle, much like a chef tasting her own soup.


    She nodded in satisfaction and extinguished the flames.


    ¡°How is it? Is it ready?¡± A sultry voice interrupted, and Sophia, with her white skin, black dress, and red lips, appeared in the chamber.


    ¡°We¡¯ll see once we test it,¡± Talia replied coolly.


    Sophia glanced at the now motionless men, her fleeting charm eliciting infatuated looks from the two perverts.


    ¡°This is the thirteenth batch. Now that the mercenaries outside have sensed something and all have hidden away like rats, we might have to use my guards next.¡±


    Talia remained unfazed. ¡°This time, it will work.¡±


    ¡°Oh, will it?¡± Sophia¡¯s lips, as delicate as rose petals, curled slightly. ¡°You said the same for the previous twelve attempts.¡±


    Talia ignored her, walking over with a spoonful of green liquid towards one of the mercenaries.


    ¡°What are you going to do?¡± The man cried out in terror, then cursed, ¡°You damned ugly woman, filthy slut, whore... Stay away from me.¡±


    Talia roughly pried open the man¡¯s mouth and poured the entire spoonful of green liquid down his throat.


    The man, having swallowed the liquid, emitted harsh, grating sounds as if his throat were being squeezed, his features contorting in excruciating pain.


    Does it really taste that bad? Talia wondered, then swiftly slit his throat.


    The next step was crucial: testing whether the potion had worked.


    Talia¡¯s lips quivered as she chanted a series of strange, awkward syllables.


    ¡°Corpse Ghost Technique!¡±


    A gray light emanated from her hand and enveloped the dead man¡¯s corpse.


    The next moment, the corpse stirred. Its skin rapidly decomposed, forming green pustules that burst open, releasing a pungent stench.


    ¡°Ugh...¡± The ghastly-looking man¡¯s throat emitted a low growl as he broke free from his bindings and...


    Bit savagely at his terrified companion.


    ¡°Ah!¡± A shrill scream pierced the basement, muffled by the thick stone walls.


    Moments later, two corpse ghosts emerged.


    ¡°Wow~¡± Sophia feigned surprise, covering her mouth. ¡°You actually succeeded.¡±


    Talia shot her a glance but remained silent.


    A week prior, Talia had killed the archbishop of the Lorr Kingdom. On the same day, the king had died suddenly, and Princess Sophia had ascended the throne as the new queen.


    By a twist of fate, the two women had come together¡ª a meeting of the serpent and the scorpion.


    Sophia had shared with Talia the ¡°Witch¡¯s Legacy of Kalapos¡± discovered in her stepmother¡¯s chamber. Talia, undoubtedly a prodigy in witchcraft, had combined the knowledge from Kalapos¡¯s notes with the demonic magic taught by Carlo, ingeniously refining the ¡°Corpse Ghost Technique.¡±


    A plague-like, self-spreading Corpse Ghost Technique with even greater toxicity, stronger corpse power, and a longer lifespan.


    ¡°I suggest you start with the nearby Cinnabar Thorn Kingdom,¡± Sophia proposed. ¡°I hear their king recently died, and the kingdom is in chaos¡ª a perfect breeding ground for suffering.¡±


    Talia nodded silently and then suddenly asked, ¡°When do you plan to start the war against the church?¡±


    Sophia¡¯s face lit up with a sinister smile. ¡°That depends on when your army of corpse ghosts is ready.¡±


    Little did Carlo know that his two ¡°maids¡± were already plotting how to boost his experience points.

 Chapter 22: Cinderella

    "As I don the crown... you shall be my queen... the hue of lavender... a blend of blue and green..."


    Beneath the golden sunlight, a lovely young girl hummed a soft melody as she tenderly groomed a lamb, her movements as gentle as if she were caring for a baby. Nearby, a ewe extended its pink tongue to lick the sweat from the girl¡¯s delicate nose. The sensation was soothing and ticklish, causing her to giggle in delight.


    Her smile was sweet and serene, evoking images of the clear blue sky and lush green meadows. It was a scene of such harmony and beauty, yet it was frequently shattered by harsh interruptions.


    "Cinderella, what on earth are you doing?" A sharp voice cut through the air, its harsh tone driving away the birds pecking nearby. "Where is my warm milk? Dammit, hurry up and bring it here."


    Startled, Cinderella sprang to her feet and quickly responded, "Coming, Madam Temanni."


    She grabbed a small bowl of milk, needing to warm it swiftly, adding two and a half spoons of sugar and a spoonful of butter. Even a slight deviation could incite Madam Temanni¡¯s fury, and then her own supper would vanish like the birds in flight.


    It was almost comical that just six months ago, she had called this woman ¡°Mother.¡±


    Until Father passed away...


    Cinderella¡¯s eyes momentarily darkened, but hope soon rekindled. Just like the lullaby her mother once sang to her, "Be patient, dear girl, for someday the prince will come to crown you."


    Cinderella¡¯s day was a ceaseless whirlwind, from the first light of dawn until the stars filled the night sky, with no respite.


    Two months prior, Madam Temanni had dismissed most of the household staff, leaving the additional burdens to fall on Cinderella¡¯s slender shoulders.


    Yet, life was not solely a thorny path; there were also beautiful flowers to accompany her.


    On an ordinary afternoon, Madam Temanni¡¯s two foolish daughters were bickering again. "Cinderella, where is my dress?" "Cinderella, I want my black tea! You lazy pig, hurry up!"


    The poor girl was overwhelmed, and then a group of unexpected visitors knocked on the door.


    "We need some fresh water, my poor steed is about to die of thirst..."


    They were likely a group of passing knights or weary mercenaries. Cinderella was not quite sure of the difference between them. Her attention was completely captivated by the young man leading them, with his dazzling golden hair and resolute, handsome face.


    The man was polite, radiating an unusual charm. He took the water from Cinderella with a courteous thank you, and soon they departed with a swift breeze, as if they had never been there. But Cinderella knew, her heart had been captured.Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    By a stranger whose name she didn¡¯t even know.


    If the prince from the song truly existed, he would certainly resemble that person.


    The girl dreamt of the future, yearning for another chance to meet. A voice seemed to whisper, "As you wish, my beautiful queen."


    On the eve of the Golden Spike Festival, the king of Blackfort Kingdom made a grand announcement: a magnificent banquet would be held at the palace that night. All the young maidens in the kingdom were invited, and perhaps the new queen would emerge from among them.


    The handsome prince on his grand tour and his noble status had the entire kingdom abuzz. It was a rare opportunity.


    From the highest nobles to the common folk, everyone was in motion. The town¡¯s tailor shops made a fortune, yet despite working tirelessly, they could not keep up with the enthusiasm of the young ladies and noblewomen.


    Madam Temanni and her two foolish daughters were no exception.


    "I will be the new queen," declared the elder daughter, Antaisia, with pride, but was quickly contradicted by her sister, another arrogant woman. "Be quiet, the new queen will surely be me. Just look at your bulky figure."


    "Damn it, I¡¯m your sister."


    The two foolish women began to argue, causing Madam Temanni to roar in frustration.


    Typically, such a rare scene might have made Cinderella smile, but today she felt an unexpected sadness.


    She had seen the prince¡¯s face¡ªit was the handsome knight who had come for water.


    A voice in her heart kept urging Cinderella to go, telling her that the prince belonged to her and no one could take him away, that she must go...


    But Cinderella looked at her worn and tattered dress, sighing helplessly.


    How could she go? She didn¡¯t even have a suitable evening gown.


    For the first time, Cinderella despised her stepmother and stepsisters.


    ...


    In the magnificent palace of Blackfort Kingdom.


    The king stood respectfully at the lower hall, and where his throne should have been, a young man now occupied.


    "I¡¯ve sent out the orders as you instructed," King Blackfort said cautiously. "The banquet will be held tomorrow night."


    "Excellent." Carlo swirled his glass of red wine, rising in satisfaction. "You will get everything you desire."


    Carlo¡¯s fingers lightly touched, and a greenish glow emanated from his hand, falling upon the king.


    The king¡¯s weary body began to rejuvenate, wrinkles fading, white hair turning black, old age receding, replaced by vibrant vitality.


    The king struggled to contain his joy and excitement, kneeling. "Thank you, my master."


    He felt he had made the most triumphant deal of his life. Black magic, sorcery, demons... these were not things that could be obtained through mere faith in the Holy Light.


    Carlo nodded with a smile. "I shall return."


    In the next moment, his figure vanished into the air.


    Through the knights heading to the Vatican for rescue, Carlo soon found the king of Blackfort Kingdom and briefly demonstrated his power. Everything smoothly fell into place.


    Everyone has desires, even kings. With the right price, he would not hesitate to abandon his faith for a pact with a demon.


    As for regaining youth, ha, it¡¯s not so easy... Just a simple spell to stir vitality.


    Lies and deception were also part of the demon¡¯s curriculum.


    The next step was to lead Cinderella into the trap he had long prepared, to willingly offer her soul.


    Carlo spread his wings and flew through the night, his expansive demon wings casting a colossal shadow on the ground.


    During this time, Carlo¡¯s experience points had been surging. Although the increases were small, just one or two points at a time, the speed was rapid. By now, he had accumulated nearly a thousand points.


    Carlo could almost guess where the experience points were coming from, though he wasn¡¯t entirely sure how it was happening.


    Could it be that Sofia had started a massive slaughter of her subjects? That wasn¡¯t a good idea.


    Carlo shook his head, setting aside that question. He was eager to meet the enchanting and lovely Cinderella.


    Once this step was complete, he could be promoted to a greater demon, and the entire realm would become his slaughterhouse.

 Chapter 23: Descent

    As dusk settled, a grand celebration was about to unfold.


    The palace of the Black Fort Kingdom shone with brilliance, its windows aglow, while a steady stream of opulent carriages arrived from all corners. Strong, courteous coachmen tended to their duties, and from each carriage stepped noble girls, elegantly dressed and radiantly beautiful.


    Madame Temani was no different. Six months prior, she married Cinderella¡¯s late father for his wealth, and after securing his fortune, she indulged in lavish spending. Yet, the modest riches of a small merchant couldn¡¯t satisfy her vanity and greed. She craved higher standing¡ªwealthier and more powerful connections. The royal family was her chosen target.


    Madame Temani, though proud of her appearance, was realistic enough to know she couldn¡¯t seduce a prince on charm alone.


    Her daughters, Antaisia and Tresilia, were her hopes. Lacking in intelligence but blessed with beauty, they were her greatest assets in this gamble, and she was determined to succeed.


    Yet, as always, a tiny, insignificant mouse dared to ruin her mood.


    ¡°Madame Temani,¡± Cinderella approached cautiously. She was no longer the soot-covered girl she had been; instead, she wore a simple but elegant pink gown. While the dress was modest, it gave her an air of freshness.


    ¡°May I go to the ball?¡± Cinderella asked hesitantly, quickly adding, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, this dress didn¡¯t cost anything at the tailor¡¯s. It was my mother¡¯s, and I altered it myself.¡±


    ¡°Tsk, tsk¡­¡± Madame Temani scrutinized her from head to toe, then remarked, ¡°Well, well, our little Cinderella! You look almost too beautiful to believe. Is this really your mother¡¯s dress? Oh dear, it seems quite fragile¡­¡±


    With a sudden rip, Madame Temani tore the sleeve. Then the neckline, then the hem¡­


    ¡°The seams are weak here¡­ and here¡­ oh, and here as well.¡±


    ¡°No!¡± Cinderella cried out in horror. In a matter of moments, the dress she had spent hours carefully mending had been reduced to tatters.


    Madame Temani¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°You cannot attend the ball in such rags. You would disgrace us and ruin my daughters¡¯ chances.¡±


    Cinderella stared at the shredded remains of the dress, which had symbolized her mother¡¯s love, her hopes, and her dreams of romance. In a whisper, she asked, ¡°How could you¡­¡±


    ¡°Hm?¡± Madame Temani¡¯s lips curled into a cold smirk. ¡°I won¡¯t allow a maid in rags to walk alongside us. Remember your place¡ªyou are nothing but a servant. Don¡¯t ever dream of changing that.¡±The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    ¡°But the king invited everyone¡ªall the young women,¡± Cinderella protested, her voice trembling as tears welled in her eyes. ¡°That includes me.¡±


    Madame Temani regarded her for a long moment before laughing. ¡°Well, who am I to stand in the way of a young girl¡¯s dreams of grandeur?¡±


    Hope flickered in Cinderella¡¯s eyes. Had Madame Temani finally relented? Was a miracle about to happen?


    The answer was no.


    ¡°I¡¯ll scatter a bowl of black beans into the kitchen ashes. If you can pick them all out, you may attend the ball. Don¡¯t worry, dear Cinderella¡ªthe ball lasts a full week.¡±


    Madame Temani threw the beans into the cinders and swept out of the room. As she departed, she added, ¡°If you sneak out to the ball without finishing this task, there will be no place for you in this house.¡±


    Cinderella heard Madame Temani¡¯s triumphant laughter and the mocking voices of her two foolish daughters. ¡°She thinks she can go to the ball? Ha! Who would marry a servant?¡±


    ¡°Black beans and ashes¡­ oh my, nothing suits our dear little Cinderella better.¡±


    For the first time, Cinderella felt the depth of true despair. She sat by the garden¡¯s roses, weeping, her mother¡¯s tattered dress clinging to her like a cruel joke.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mother. I promised I would be brave and strong, but I can¡¯t do it anymore. I¡¯ve tried so hard¡­¡±


    Despite her sorrow, a small flicker of hope remained. The ball did last a whole week, didn¡¯t it?


    From the shadows, Karo watched with dark amusement as Cinderella struggled to pick out the black beans from the filthy ashes. The beans were indistinguishable from the soot, and her task was slow and arduous. Soot smeared her hands and face, and her tears traced sad lines down her cheeks.


    At Karo¡¯s feet lay the bodies of small creatures¡ªnature spirits who had come to help Cinderella but whose lives had been snuffed out by the demon¡¯s dark magic.


    Karo¡¯s eyes gleamed with wicked amusement before he vanished into the night.


    As midnight approached, Cinderella had gathered only half a bowl of beans. Exhausted, she realized it would take until morning to finish. How could she ever make it to the ball?


    Despair weighed on her as she sat, staring blankly. Then, suddenly, a voice whispered, ¡°Kind and beautiful girl¡­¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡± Cinderella turned quickly to see a weary traveler.


    ¡°Could you spare me some bread and milk? I¡¯m too weak to go on,¡± the traveler pleaded.


    Cinderella¡¯s heart softened, and she agreed. ¡°Wait here for a moment.¡±


    She returned with bread and milk, and the traveler ate hungrily, then smiled gratefully. ¡°I wish you good fortune.¡±


    The traveler left, but Cinderella¡¯s burdens remained.


    As dawn broke, Madame Temani and her daughters returned from their night at the ball, still chattering about the evening¡¯s events.


    ¡°I think the prince is in love with me! He looked at me three times!¡± one daughter exclaimed.


    ¡°Shut up, you fool! The prince liked me! Didn¡¯t you see his stunned expression when he saw me?¡± the other retorted.


    ...


    While Antaisia and Tresilia bickered, Madame Temani inspected Cinderella¡¯s progress.


    ¡°Oh, poor Cinderella¡­¡± she said, her voice dripping with false sympathy. ¡°You¡¯re so slow. You couldn¡¯t even finish this small task. And you thought you¡¯d go to the ball?¡±


    ¡°But don¡¯t worry.¡± Madame Temani patted Cinderella¡¯s cheek in mock reassurance. ¡°You¡¯ll have another chance today.¡±


    Though exhausted from working all night, Cinderella had no choice but to carry on, attending to the cruel needs of her stepmother and stepsisters. But it was the growing despair in her heart that pained her most.


    Each night followed the same cruel pattern. The black beans grew more numerous, the taunts more biting, and Cinderella¡¯s spirit sank deeper into numbness.

 Chapter 24: Premonition

    "Your choice is absolutely perfect." Carlo¡¯s smile was as enchanting as ever. "Tell me your wish, my dear Cinderella."


    Cinderella struggled to steady her wildly beating heart, an inner voice whispering that what she longed for was within her grasp.


    "I want to attend the ball... No, I want to become the princess."


    "Granted," Carlo said, extending his hand with elegance. "But first, you¡¯ll need a splendid carriage."


    From the cracks in the stone, a spider the size of a fist crawled out. With a gentle tap of Carlo¡¯s finger, the spider swelled rapidly, transforming before her eyes. In an instant, a luxurious, intricately adorned black carriage appeared before Cinderella, gleaming under the light.


    "And now, the finest horses."


    Carlo¡¯s fingers never ceased moving, and this time, a grotesque centipede emerged, its many legs and fearsome appearance making Cinderella recoil in disgust. Yet in the blink of an eye, the hideous creature morphed into powerful black stallions, their muscles rippling under their sleek coats, their manes thick and flowing.


    "Next, the coachman and attendants."


    Carlo wasn¡¯t finished. From the grass and cracks in the earth crawled countless insects, swarming together and transforming into a retinue of strong, elegant servants. Only the strange, glowing red of their eyes hinted at something unnatural. Otherwise, they were perfect in every way.


    "My goodness," Cinderella gasped, covering her mouth in disbelief. Her eyes were wide with astonishment and joy she could hardly contain.


    This was nothing short of a miracle, she thought. Or perhaps, a beautiful trap.


    Eager to depart, Cinderella took a step toward the carriage¡ªthe prince was still waiting for her at the ball.


    "Not so fast, my dear," Carlo''s voice stopped her in her tracks, his smile filled with amusement. "You¡¯re not quite ready yet."


    "What do you mean?" Cinderella asked, blinking in confusion.


    "Do you plan to go to the ball looking like that?" Carlo¡¯s gaze swept over her, his tone playful. "The carriage and attendants won¡¯t win the prince¡¯s heart."


    Cinderella glanced down at her drab, tattered clothes, her face flushing in embarrassment. But soon, her shame turned to a flutter of excitement.


    "Graceful..."


    "Beautiful..."


    "Elegant..."


    With each word Carlo spoke, Cinderella began to transform. Her loose golden hair was woven into an intricate braid, sprinkled with golden dust and petals of every hue. Her worn maid¡¯s dress turned into a flowing black gown, so soft it seemed like it was woven from the finest velvet, trimmed with shimmering gold at the hem. Her ragged shoes became radiant crystal slippers, sparkling more brilliantly than diamonds.


    "Now, you¡¯re ready," Carlo said, bowing like a magician concluding a grand performance. "Go and win your prince. No one at the ball will shine brighter than you. Your beauty will outshine the very moon."Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    Cinderella stared at herself in awe, her heart brimming with overwhelming joy. She stepped forward and kissed Carlo on the cheek. "Thank you, mysterious stranger."


    Carlo¡¯s smile held a trace of something deeper. "There¡¯s no need to thank me, Cinderella. This is simply a deal¡ªa perfectly fair one."


    But in her excitement, Cinderella didn¡¯t dwell on the word "deal." Even if she had noticed, it wouldn¡¯t have mattered.


    A deal? A carriage, attendants, a gown, crystal shoes¡ªnone of these were things she could have ever afforded. Surely, this was her mother¡¯s blessing, a gift from her guardian angel.


    Cinderella climbed into the carriage, eager to reach the palace. Carlo watched her disappear into the distance, his smile lingering.


    The curse-bound magic "Transmutation," which had cost him five hundred points of dark energy to master, combined with a touch of illusion, had worked wonders. And unlike the typical spells, this one wouldn''t end at midnight.


    Once a demon¡¯s contract is signed, there¡¯s no turning back. Carlo chuckled softly to himself.


    Cinderella enjoyed the most magical night of her life. When she stepped out of the carriage, gasps echoed through the crowd. The palace guards, struck by her beauty, forgot to even ask her name.


    Cinderella quickly found her prince and effortlessly captured his heart. She was so dazzling, so radiant, that the entire ball felt like it had been arranged just for her. Even the torches on the walls couldn¡¯t compete with her glow.


    The prince danced with her all night, never once letting her go. Cinderella¡¯s feet ached as if they might break, but her heart soared with joy.


    For the first time, Cinderella experienced the intoxicating thrill of being the center of attention. The jealous gazes of the women, including the hateful Lady Temani and her two foolish daughters, filled her with immense satisfaction.


    Cinderella returned home before Lady Temani and her daughters arrived. As the first rays of sunlight touched the ground, the carriage and attendants returned to their insect forms, scurrying away. Oddly, Cinderella felt a pang of loss for those little creatures.


    Her gown and crystal shoes vanished, and she returned to being the unnoticed servant girl.


    "Who on earth was that woman?" Lady Temani seethed, her mood foul, while her foolish daughters fanned the flames.


    "She was stunning! Her gown, her hair¡­ and those diamond shoes! Have you ever seen shoes made from diamonds?"


    "You idiot, those were crystal¡­ The prince couldn¡¯t take his eyes off her all night, and every other woman was focused on her gown and shoes. Mother, I think we should just give up."


    "Shut up," Lady Temani roared, her eyes gleaming with malice. "One of you will marry the prince, I swear it!" Her gaze was filled with a sinister light, scheming as always.


    "Cinderella, you wretched little thing! Go to the tailor and order us more gowns."


    "Yes, my lady," Cinderella replied, feeling a wave of humiliation. She couldn¡¯t wait for nightfall again. Or perhaps she should just rid herself of these three vile women, so she could revel in her beauty both day and night.


    The kindness in Cinderella¡¯s heart was slowly being torn apart, devoured by darkness.


    At the heart of the continent stood the mighty Kingdom of Oraton, its lands stretching far beyond those of the Kingdom of Lor. Here was the center of the Church, home to the revered Holy Knights, the Pope, and the Saintess.


    From within a sealed chamber, violent coughing echoed.


    "Stop this. You¡¯re killing yourself," Peter¡¯s eyes were filled with sorrow and compassion as he looked at the girl before him, who seemed to be withering away.


    Or perhaps she couldn¡¯t even be called a girl anymore. Her face was aging rapidly, her once smooth skin wrinkling, her dark hair turning white at the roots. She looked like an old woman nearing death.


    "Using the Eye of Foresight too often is draining your life, Maria. The future is fluid¡ªit can change at any moment¡­ You¡¯re throwing away your gift." Peter wore a simple white robe, but the divine light radiating from him made him appear more devout and noble than any other cleric. He was the Pope.


    "No, you¡¯re wrong..." Maria¡¯s voice was rough, like sandpaper scraping against stone. Her skeletal hand clutched the crystal ball in front of her as she coughed and spoke slowly. "The future is set¡­ All I see through the Eye of Foresight is fire, death, and endless darkness."


    Peter sighed, murmuring a prayer as a soft white light enveloped Maria, easing her pain.


    "I¡¯ve already dispatched four cardinals and all the knightly orders. The King of Oraton has agreed to send his army¡­ Oliver and Elijah¡¯s souls will rest in peace."


    "The Light will cleanse all."


    But Maria¡¯s eyes were filled with doubt and sorrow. She could only hope he was right.

 Chapter 25: The Great Demon

    The grand celebration continued to unfold; it was the final night of the ball, heralding the imminent crowning of the Queen of the Blackcastle Kingdom.


    Young women eagerly surrounded the prince, desperately showcasing their charms in a last-ditch effort to win his affection.


    Yet it seemed the prince had eyes for no one else.


    Cinderella was equally elated; her dreams were about to materialize. She would soon be free of her despised stepmother and the burdens of daily chores. Awaiting her was a life of luxury and comfort as a queen.


    Every day would be filled with beautiful gowns, surrounded by admiring and envious gazes, living happily with the one she loved.


    The scenes from her mother¡¯s lullabies were about to come to life, and Cinderella felt as if she were still dreaming.


    Once the clock struck midnight, everything would become a reality.


    The old king of Blackcastle was just as excited. He had instructed his son to choose the girl who fit the glass slipper. Once she became queen, he would gain eternal youth, vitality, and boundless power.


    Under his rule, the lands of Blackcastle could expand further¡ªan unprecedented achievement.


    At that moment, a palace guard rushed in, urgency etched on his face.


    "Your Majesty, the Holy Knights of the Church have surrounded the palace."


    "What?!" The King of Blackcastle¡¯s face twisted in disbelief. How had the Church learned of this?


    "Damn it! How could you let them in so easily?" the king bellowed, furious.


    The captain of the guards wore a pained expression. "The cavalry from the Kingdom of Oraton has overpowered our soldiers."


    Oraton Kingdom?! That lapdog of the Church, growing ever stronger under their influence! Damn it, what now? The dark sorcerer¡ªhow had he provoked such a powerful reaction from the Church? What kind of trouble had he stirred up?


    The King of Blackcastle paced anxiously in front of his throne like a caged lion.


    There was no choice; the deal had to be canceled. The transaction hadn¡¯t violated any Church edicts, so surely they wouldn¡¯t take drastic action.


    Under the Church¡¯s immense pressure, the king reluctantly decided to back down.


    As the clock struck twelve, the music ceased. The handsome prince stepped to the center of the hall, holding Cinderella¡¯s hand, who looked dazzling and radiant.


    "I believe," the prince said tenderly, gazing deeply into the eyes of the girl he adored, "I have found the one who will be my future queen."


    The result was met with a wave of murmurs tinged with disappointment.


    Cinderella¡¯s eyes sparkled with excitement¡ªthis was the moment she had been waiting for.


    Announce it, my beloved prince; say my name.


    Cinderella''s heart was racing.


    "She is," the prince began loudly, "this beautiful girl beside me, Cinder¡ª"


    "Stop!"


    Just as everything was about to be settled, a voice interrupted the prince.


    All eyes turned to the speaker¡ªit was the king, his face cold as ice.


    "You cannot choose this girl as your queen, my son."


    A shocked murmur spread through the hall.


    Cinderella¡¯s joy froze on her face. Her mind went blank. Why? The king had been so pleased with her just a few days ago. His gaze had been filled with admiration, even a touch of respect! What had gone wrong?


    As confusion washed over her, she noticed the gloating expressions of those around her, especially from the Terman mother and daughters, their faces making her feel sick. A wave of fear gripped her¡ªeverything she cherished seemed to be slipping away.


    "Father," the prince protested, "you said I could make my own choice."


    "Yes," the old king''s tone was as cold and hard as stone, "but I have changed my mind."


    "But¡ª"


    "No buts!" the king snapped, cutting him off. "You can choose again, or I will choose for you."


    The prince¡¯s pale face turned beet red with anger and humiliation, but it quickly gave way to helpless resignation.


    "I¡¯m sorry, Cinderella..."


    Cinderella¡¯s face turned ashen. She felt utterly betrayed. Was she really going to return to her life as a servant, a mere cinder girl? No!


    As everyone prepared to laugh at her misfortune, a commotion erupted at the entrance to the palace.


    The sharp, rhythmic sound of boots echoed through the hall as a squad of fully armored knights marched in.


    "Apologies for disturbing your delightful evening," the leader of the knights, tall and handsome, with golden hair that gleamed like flames in the lamplight, announced with a commanding yet courteous tone.


    Someone in the crowd gasped, "They¡¯re the Church¡¯s Judgement Knights!"


    The emblem of the Holy Light on their gleaming armor was instantly recognized. They were among the most powerful and noble knights on the continent¡ªmembers of the Church¡¯s Holy Knights.


    Stolen story; please report.The King of Blackcastle, as if anticipating their arrival, remained silent, his face cold and indifferent.


    "Good ladies and gentlemen, the ball is over," the leading knight declared gracefully. "Now, please leave in an orderly manner. We have other matters to attend to."


    Salthos, the deputy commander of the knights, reveled in his moment of triumph. For years, he had been overshadowed by Oliver, whose superior talent and devout faith had always kept him in second place.


    But now that fool was dead, leaving Salthos with an opportunity to lead this demon hunt and prove himself.


    He didn¡¯t particularly care about the target of the hunt. Even though Oliver, a high-ranking knight, and Elijah, one of the cardinals, had perished, Salthos had brought the full might of the Holy Knights, the strongest force on the continent.


    Moreover, the four cardinals had already set up the Judgement Barrier outside the palace, ensuring that no evil could escape the purifying light.


    With this victory, the position of Knight Commander would undoubtedly be his when he returned.


    Salthos was in high spirits, treating the entire demon hunt as little more than a leisurely outing.


    The noblemen and women whispered among themselves as they began to file out, one by one, under the scrutiny of the knights.


    At that moment, no one cared about the selection of the queen. This week-long ball had turned into nothing more than a farce.


    No one, that is, except for Cinderella.


    "You promised I would be your queen..." she clung desperately to the prince¡¯s hand, her eyes filled with hope, pleading, and obsession.


    But the prince, her former lover, merely pulled his hand away and softly apologized, "I¡¯m sorry."


    Cinderella stood there, dazed, her mind racing back to the soot-stained floors and her stepmother¡¯s cruel punishments. She couldn¡¯t go back to that life. She had already grown accustomed to luxury and splendor.


    Suddenly, she felt a chill beneath her feet. Her glass slippers had vanished.


    In horror, she realized that her beautiful gown was fading, slowly reverting to its drab and ugly former state¡ªthe one her late mother had patched together.


    Was this all just a dream? Was she now waking up from it?


    "Dear Cinderella, you still have a chance."


    A gentle voice whispered in her ear.


    Cinderella looked up and saw a familiar face¡ªthe man who had granted her the miracle. He was now dressed as a servant.


    Cinderella, like a drowning person grasping at a lifeline, pleaded desperately, "You can help me, can¡¯t you? You said you would make me queen..."


    Cinderella stared into Carlo¡¯s eyes, terrified that he might refuse her. But Carlo didn¡¯t disappoint her.


    "Of course," Carlo replied with a smile. "I told you, it¡¯s a deal. What you¡¯ve experienced so far was just a bonus. Now comes the real transaction."


    "I agree! I¡¯ll do anything!" Cinderella cried, her desire overwhelming her. "What do you need? Money? My virtue?"


    Carlo shook his head gently, speaking with the tender tone of a lover. "None of that. Just relax, close your eyes, and it will all be over in a moment."


    Cinderella couldn¡¯t tear her gaze away from his deep, dark eyes. She found herself drowning in them, and without hesitation, she closed her eyes.


    A brief flash of searing pain shot through her forehead, and then it was gone.


    When Cinderella opened her eyes again, she felt an unbreakable bond between herself and the man before her. Every move he made seemed to draw her deeper into his charm, compelling her to kneel and kiss his feet.


    Carlo chuckled softly, but his laughter grew louder and more unrestrained, echoing throughout the grand hall. Everyone turned to stare at him in shock.


    A thick, oppressive demonic aura filled the space, its chaotic, violent, and evil energy spreading everywhere. Shadows crept across the once-bright palace, dimming the lights.


    Salthos¡¯s expression shifted dramatically. He unsheathed his sword, and a dazzling white light flared from his body, a testament to his considerable strength.


    "Are you the demon that killed Oliver?" Salthos demanded, his voice filled with righteous fury as he addressed the figure floating in midair, shrouded in darkness. "You have nowhere to hide. Today, in the light of the Holy, you will be turned to ashes."


    The powerful aura emanating from the demon made Salthos¡¯s heart race. He understood why Oliver had perished. However, he knew he didn¡¯t need to defeat it; he only needed to stall for a moment until the Judgement Light descended, bringing an end to it all.


    Salthos swung his sword at the encroaching darkness, the radiant white light cutting through the shadows, but there was nothing there.


    Salthos¡¯s heart sank. The next instant, a deep voice resonated in his ear.


    "Are you talking to me?"


    Salthos couldn¡¯t respond. A powerful hand had gripped his throat, suffocating him. He turned red as he struggled futilely in the air.


    He met the gaze of a pair of crimson eyes.


    Carlo''s demonic form fully manifested in the air before him, towering over two meters, strong and imposing, with a fierce beauty.


    His demon horns stood sharp like swords, and his bat-like wings unfurled, filling nearly half of the hall with their dark expanse. His tail writhed in the void behind him like a venomous snake.


    "Tempting a child of divine grace into the abyss has granted you 2000 experience points and 20,000 evil points."


    "Congratulations on your rank-up. Current level: Greater Demon (Low Tier)."


    "You now have one chance to draw from the lottery. (Note: Future upgrades will no longer grant lottery draws; tasks must be completed to obtain them.)"


    "The Demon Shop is now open again."


    ...


    Carlo received several notifications in an instant but paid them no mind. He was focused solely on one thought.


    Being a Greater Demon feels quite nice.


    Next, he would surely be able to crush everything in his path.

 Chapter 26: A Feast of Blood and Death

    With his ascension to a greater demon, Carlo¡¯s power exploded, but so did the madness swelling within the heart that now throbbed with dark, demonic vitality.


    Brutality, cruelty, malice, chaos¡ªcountless twisted thoughts surged from the depths of his soul, flooding his mind like a tidal wave.


    Veins bulged grotesquely on Carlo¡¯s forehead as the last remnants of his humanity were slowly erased, his soul succumbing fully to the abyss, transforming him into a true demon.


    The metamorphosis from lesser to greater demon was a profound elevation of existence, and with it came an insatiable thirst for blood and a violent hunger for destruction.


    His long, snake-like red tongue flicked across his parched lips, as if tasting the air itself, an unfamiliar thirst gnawing at him.


    A cacophony erupted in the ballroom. People screamed, scrambling to flee in terror. Their contorted faces, frozen in expressions of fear, were like the most exquisite artwork to Carlo¡¯s demonic eyes.


    The birth of a greater demon called for a grand celebration¡ªa feast bathed in blood and death.


    And Carlo could wait no longer.


    With casual ease, he crushed the life out of Sals, the blood spurting forth in a crimson spray that splattered across his body, his face. The gruesome sight only magnified the sheer terror of his already monstrous form.


    Carlo closed his eyes, savoring the warmth of the blood, the palpable fear rising from the crowd like a miasma. His voice was soft, almost reverent, as he whispered, ¡°Such a sweet, sweet taste.¡±


    And so, the slaughter began.


    Carlo¡¯s whip-like tail lashed out, slicing through the air before impaling the heart of a noblewoman too slow to escape. Her expression froze in place, the terror in her eyes lingering for but a moment before they dulled into lifelessness.


    ¡°Oh no¡­ Mother!¡± Anastasia¡¯s scream pierced through the chaos.


    It was tragically ironic¡ªpoor Lady Tremani had been the victim.


    Sinderella cackled madly.


    ¡°You filthy wretch!¡± Trisilia roared, launching herself at Sinderella, seizing her by the hair, slapping her with frenzied abandon.


    Sinderella seemed to feel nothing, laughing in wild, unhinged delight. Suddenly, her face twisted, and she struck back at Trisilia with deadly intent...


    Blood splattered in every direction. Women wailed, some shrieked in laughter.


    The flames of hell leapt higher, their crackling adding to the bedlam. Curses and screams merged into a hellish symphony, while the scent of blood grew so thick it seemed to permeate even the very air. The entire hall was engulfed in shadow as the lights were snuffed out, one by one.


    All that remained were the anguished cries of the dying.


    Outside the palace, four red-robed cardinals gazed at the darkness consuming the building. From within came the chilling sounds of terror, barely audible yet impossible to ignore. Each of the cardinals bore an expression of deep worry.


    ¡°We must act now. That demon¡¯s power is overwhelming¡ªthe knights won¡¯t last much longer,¡± urged an elderly voice.


    ¡°But¡­ there are still civilians inside,¡± one of them hesitated.


    ¡°We have no choice. Those who die in the holy war against the demon will be blessed by the Holy Light and ascend to heaven,¡± came the voice, tinged with sorrow but resolute.


    Silence fell as the others began a somber chant, their voices blending into a long, echoing incantation.


    ¡°What kind of demon is this?¡± muttered one of the black-armored knights nearby. The soldiers of the Oraton Kingdom, known for their valor, listened to the never-ending screams from within the palace. Even these hardened warriors, who had fought their way through fields of blood and death, couldn¡¯t shake the unease tightening in their chests.


    Yet no matter how powerful the demon, the Holy Light¡¯s purging fire would cleanse it tonight. The sight of the four crimson-robed figures reassured the knights¡ªno evil could withstand the righteous judgment of the Holy Light.


    Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.The palace grew disturbingly quiet. The silence was oppressive, as though the very air had been stilled. The pungent stench of blood now hung so thick it clawed at their throats.


    The black-armored knights felt their eyelids twitch.


    Hadn¡¯t an entire squad of Holy Light Knights just entered?


    No one dared speak. The cardinals¡¯ chanting had reached its climax. Sweat dripped from their furrowed brows, rolling down their faces in beads.


    Suddenly, a sharp creak echoed through the stillness, unnaturally loud.


    The palace doors began to open.


    All eyes were glued to the yawning abyss beyond.


    A hand¡ªcovered in blood¡ªemerged from the darkness.


    A lone figure crawled out, his armor stained red but still bearing the faint insignia of the Holy Light. A Holy Light Knight, but one stripped of his former pride and dignity.


    He dragged himself forward with agonizing slowness, each movement a monumental effort. His face was blank, his eyes hollow, a shell of the warrior he had once been.


    The Holy Light Knights¡­ had been annihilated.


    The cold night breeze brushed against the black-armored knights¡¯ faces, laden with moisture. One of them wiped his hand across his cheek, only to find it smeared with crimson.


    Was that palace a slaughterhouse or a nightmare of flesh and blood?


    One of the knights bent over and vomited¡ªnot out of disgust, but from raw, unbridled fear.


    Just as the lone knight was about to crawl out from the darkness, his body was yanked back, as though some invisible force had seized him.


    ¡°No!¡± he screamed, his lifeless eyes suddenly filled with terror.


    He was dragged back into the shadows. The sickening sound of chewing followed, and then the lilting laughter of a woman echoed from within.


    A moment later, a massive shadow blotted out the moonlight.


    As their eyes adjusted to the dim light, the knights finally saw it clearly.


    What an unspeakably grotesque and terrifying creature it was, draped in a blood-soaked cloak made from shredded flesh, hovering in the air with enormous bat-like wings that flapped softly.


    Beside the creature stood a stunningly beautiful woman, her lips crimson, the blood tracing patterns across her porcelain skin like scarlet irises blooming on her face.


    She giggled, while the monstrous being studied the knights with wicked amusement, its lips curled in a sinister smile.


    ¡°D-demon...¡± someone stammered, their voice trembling.


    The knights finally recalled the vague warnings in their sacred texts. Instinctively, they took a step back. Some even collapsed to the ground, their legs giving way beneath them.


    The mere presence of Carlo was enough to reduce these battle-hardened warriors to trembling cowards.


    The cardinals¡¯ chanting grew frantic. Only a few syllables remained, and no one dared retreat.


    Why weren¡¯t those old priests running? Carlo could have torn them apart long before they finished their spell.


    Soon, he understood.


    Carlo reached out and touched the faint glow that surrounded the palace. Pain seared his fingertips as if they were dipped in acid. A barrier¡ªthe Holy Light¡¯s final defense¡ªhad been erected around the palace, trapping him within.


    The barrier, woven from pure light, encased the palace and the demon like an enormous, inverted bowl.


    So, this was their hope?


    Carlo¡¯s lips twisted into a grin, his massive hands reaching into the barrier, forcing themselves through.


    The sound of sizzling flesh echoed through the air, but Carlo felt nothing.


    What was this demon planning? Terror flickered in the eyes of everyone present, including the cardinals.


    What was he planning?


    He was planning to kill.


    With a guttural snarl, Carlo flexed his monstrous arms, the muscles bulging beneath his skin. Slowly, he tore through the barrier that was said to be impenetrable, ripping it open as though it were nothing more than a fragile curtain.

 Chapter 27: The Demon Catastrophe Unleashed

    As Karlo emerged from the shimmering veil of light, a wave of violent, malevolent energy surged forth, overwhelming everyone. At that very moment, the Cardinals'' divine spell, long in the making, was finally ready.


    Four Cardinals had devoted an immense amount of time to chanting and praying, and the power they summoned was nothing short of extraordinary. For a fleeting moment, the night was transformed into day as beams of pure white light coalesced in the air. Sacred and immense, this radiant aura banished the stench of blood and evil from the battlefield.


    The black-armored knights fell to their knees, eyes ablaze with fervent devotion.


    Above Karlo''s head, a massive sword of incandescent light hung, gleaming with holy brilliance.


    "In the name of the Holy Light, the Father of Saints, and the Archangel, I condemn you for your monstrous crimes."


    The lead Cardinal, pale as death but exuding boundless authority, locked eyes with Karlo, unflinching in his resolve.


    Karlo''s temper flared. The sword of judgment had fixed itself upon him, no matter where he moved. There was no escape.


    Damn that celestial power! Karlo lashed out, his claws slicing through the Cardinal¡¯s chest like a hot knife through butter, ripping out his still-beating heart.


    The old Cardinal, blood foaming at his mouth, managed a grim smile. "You can''t escape..."


    Under the control of the remaining Cardinals, the sword of judgment fell swiftly, a radiant guillotine aimed straight at Karlo.


    Sindra, gripped by terror, screamed uncontrollably. Karlo snarled, hurling her aside as he braced himself for the blow, roaring defiantly at the oncoming sword of light.


    BOOM! The thunderous explosion shattered the night sky. The flash of white light was so intense that no one could bear to keep their eyes open.


    When the dust finally settled, a massive crater lay before them, its edges charred and smoldering. The sacred light had completely vanished, and the suffocating aura of evil was purged from the air.


    Had the demon truly been defeated?


    For a brief moment, the battlefield was still, then an overwhelming sense of relief washed over the survivors, their eyes bright with elation.


    The three Cardinals collapsed, utterly drained, whispering in unison, "Praise be to the Light..."


    But their joy was fleeting.


    A few keen ears picked up a faint rustling sound. Soon, others noticed it too. It was the rhythmic beating of countless wings, rising from every direction, growing louder, more frenzied, until the air itself buzzed with ominous anticipation.


    ¡°Look! What is that?!¡± someone shouted, pointing skyward.


    Everyone turned to see¡ªa vast swarm of blood-red bats had emerged from the shadows, a crimson tide sweeping over the land.


    The first scream pierced the air, followed quickly by another, and another...The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    The bloodthirsty swarm tore through the ranks of the black-armored knights, their razor-sharp fangs sinking into flesh, draining the life from their victims in moments.


    When the bats finally dispersed, they left behind a gruesome field of withered corpses, grotesquely twisted in death.


    Sated, the swarm gathered, forming a writhing mass. One by one, the bats burst into black mist, and from that dark cloud, a towering figure took shape.


    Karlo stood tall, greedily devouring one Sin Fruit after another, their juices splattering across his lips. His face was pale¡ªthe Blood Bat Technique had allowed him to escape, but the cost was staggering. Half of his power had been drained.


    Damn it. How many more Sin Fruits would it take to recover?


    The demon... he still lived.


    He had evaded the Holy Light''s judgment!


    A tide of terror and despair swept through the crowd. The remaining Cardinals stood frozen, their faith shattered, unable to comprehend what they had just witnessed.


    Karlo had no desire to waste more time. Sin Fruit juice dripped from his lips, mingling with blood.


    His face contorted in a grim snarl, and like a shadow, he lunged forward.


    The screams resumed...


    Half a month later, the Holy Church proclaimed the arrival of the "Demon Catastrophe." The news of the complete annihilation of the Holy Light Knights and the five Cardinals reverberated across the continent.


    The mighty Kingdom of Oraton, heeding the Holy Pope¡¯s decree, joined forces with numerous smaller kingdoms to combat the demonic invasion and the rapidly swelling army of ghouls ravaging the land.


    The entire continent was plunged into endless war.


    In the dimly lit palace, torches flickered, casting eerie shadows on the blackened walls. The grand hall was steeped in an atmosphere of dark mystery.


    On the wide throne, Karlo lay fully reclined in his demonic form, with Sophia and Sindra draped across his chest, their bodies supple and their eyes filled with adoration.


    Since his ascension, Karlo found it harder to control his demonic urges¡ªthe insatiable desire for destruction, the thirst for blood, and his most primal cravings.


    Half a month earlier, he had taken the first nights of both women, and now his nights were filled with endless debauchery.


    Talia stood at his side, expressionless, her eyes devoid of emotion. Yet Karlo gazed upon her with open admiration.


    Compared to Sophia and Sindra, who were mere playthings, Talia was a valuable subordinate, his most trusted servant.


    After narrowly escaping death, Karlo had only kept track of Talia¡¯s survival through their soul bond, never paying her much attention. But she had delivered him a most pleasant surprise.


    In just two weeks, she had raised an army of tens of thousands of ghouls, with more joining their ranks every day.


    To ascend to a mid-tier demon required 100,000 experience points. At this rate, it wouldn¡¯t be long.


    Talia had been rewarded for her loyalty, mastering all basic demonic magic and receiving a Sin Fruit.


    ¡°A recently fallen kingdom,¡± Talia reported softly, pulling a glass jar from her cloak. Inside, a small frog wearing a tiny crown floated. ¡°Its prince was cursed from birth to live as a frog. I went to great lengths to capture him for you, my master.¡±


    Talia knelt, offering the glass jar to Karlo.


    Karlo seized the jar, inspecting the absurd little frog prince within. The heat radiating from his arm lifted his spirits.


    ¡°Well done, Talia,¡± Karlo praised her. ¡°Now, what reward do you seek?¡±


    Talia kissed his foot, humbly replying, ¡°I wish only to serve you, my master.¡±


    Karlo tilted her chin with one grotesque finger, gazing at her monstrous face as though admiring the most exquisite artwork. ¡°Do you not wish to regain your beauty?¡±


    Talia remained silent.


    Karlo smirked, pulling her into a kiss, their lips meeting with fervor until a hint of shyness flickered in her eyes.


    Releasing the now limp Talia, Karlo turned his attention to the frog in the jar.


    ¡°Little one, open your heart and let the darkness embrace you.¡±


    The frog croaked wildly, leaping frantically inside the glass. ¡°Get away from me, you demon! I¡¯m waiting for my princess! Get away!¡±


    CRACK! With a casual flick of his wrist, Karlo crushed the jar into blood-stained shards. ¡°If you won¡¯t accept, then so be it.¡±


    He wiped the blood from his hands. There was an entire continent of souls awaiting harvest, and he had no time to waste on a single cursed frog. Still, killing it would net him a thousand experience points.


    ¡°Such a pitiful little creature...¡± Sophia giggled, her body writhing seductively in his arms, reigniting his hunger.


    This madwoman had once sacrificed an entire city to feed Talia¡¯s ghoul army.


    ¡°Restless again, are we...?¡±


    Karlo''s growl echoed through the hall, followed by soft gasps. His massive bat wings enveloped the throne.


    And Talia was pulled into the darkness with them...

 Chapter 28 - Exchange and Mutation

    Karlo¡¯s experience points were rising rapidly, by several thousand each day. The sensation of growing stronger effortlessly was exhilarating, and along with it came an influx of evil points.


    His total had now surpassed four hundred thousand¡ªa staggering amount. Unsurprisingly, the prices in the Demon Shop had also increased significantly.


    Karlo spent 320,000 evil points to upgrade both "Basic Martial Arts" and "Basic Magic," advancing them from "Novice" past "Proficient" and "Expert" all the way to the peak level: "Mastery."


    The benefits of "Mastery" were immense. Karlo had gained a demon¡¯s innate instincts for combat and slaughter. His mind and every muscle in his body were now under perfect control, engraved with countless killing techniques.


    Whenever any creature¡ªregardless of its size¡ªentered his field of vision, he could instantly devise more than a hundred ways to kill it.


    Had he possessed this skill back in the Abyss, that monstrous bird demon, which had left him with no place to hide, would have died at his hands.


    In the right hands, superior technique could easily overcome gaps in strength.


    As Karlo grew stronger, the shop unlocked even more skill enhancement options. From the day he was born until now, Karlo had never awakened any innate abilities. It was as if his demon bloodline had been stripped of all inherited memories¡ªor perhaps the system itself was his true inheritance.


    "Blood Boil," "Soul Burn," "Corrosive Wings"¡ªevery skill looked overwhelmingly powerful, making Karlo¡¯s eyes gleam with greed. Yet, the abundance of choices left him uncertain. One misstep in choosing his skill tree would be irreversible.


    After much deliberation, Karlo decided to spend only 30,000 evil points to learn "Burnout," an innate ability.


    "Where your gaze falls, all lesser beings will turn to ash."


    True to form, the system¡¯s description remained cryptic, but Karlo didn¡¯t mind. He had chosen this skill primarily to control the ever-growing "Hellfire Seed" inside him¡ªor rather, the Hellfire, since it had far surpassed the size of a seed.


    After devouring the souls of tens of thousands, the Hellfire had grown to the size of a baby¡¯s fist. The crimson flames, now physically manifest, could cover Karlo''s entire body, making him resemble a demon freshly emerged from molten lava.


    After all, Hellfire was a product of hell itself.


    A surge of unfamiliar memories flooded into Karlo¡¯s mind, and with the system¡¯s assistance, he absorbed and processed them in an instant. When he opened his eyes again, the Hellfire around him erupted, as if it had awakened.


    The air shimmered from the intense heat, and the ground in his line of sight began to turn yellow and scorch, eventually catching fire for no apparent reason.


    With just a thought, the flames on his body retracted smoothly, flowing back inside him as if they were part of his very being.Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    Karlo understood that the crimson flames were not the pinnacle of Hellfire. Perhaps the dark purple flame nestled deep within his heart was its true form. He would need more souls to feed it.


    Next on his list was the long-anticipated Demon God''s Inheritance Seed.


    "Do you wish to exchange for the Demon God''s Inheritance Memory Seed?"


    "Yes."


    "Deducting 10,000 evil points. Congratulations, host, on obtaining the Inheritance Seed of Leviathan, Demon God of Envy, one of the Abyssal Seven Monarchs."


    As the system¡¯s voice echoed, a fiery red speck of light appeared in Karlo¡¯s mind, floating silently and radiating waves of jealousy and hatred.


    An Envy Seed? So, it seemed he had some affinity with the Demon God of Envy after all.


    Karlo mused, and at that moment, the Scythe of Envy¡ªcrafted from Leviathan¡¯s claw and hidden within a dimensional space¡ªbegan to glow faintly red.


    Another prompt followed: "Leviathan¡¯s claw is undergoing mutation. Its dormant power has been awakened. To unlock it, you must offer blood and souls.


    "Leviathan¡¯s Claw, first seal unlock condition: One hundred thousand souls, one hundred thousand evil points."


    Karlo was initially shocked, but then a surge of joy overtook him. A weapon forged from a Demon God''s body part was already considered a bargain at thirty thousand evil points, but now it seemed its true potential was yet to be unleashed.


    The Scythe of Envy was a growing weapon, capable of increasing its power over time!


    Karlo briefly felt the overwhelming urge to rush out and start harvesting souls to unlock its power, but he quickly reined in his excitement.


    He still had some evil points left to spend.


    Originally, he had planned to learn one or two more skills. However, when his eyes returned to the shop and landed on the Demon God''s Inheritance Memory Seed, he was surprised to find it still available.


    His heart pounded as a thought occurred to him: If there are seven Monarchs, then aren¡¯t there six more seeds? Could he keep exchanging?


    "Do you wish to exchange for the Demon God¡¯s Inheritance Memory Seed?"


    Karlo nodded eagerly. "Yes."


    "Deducting 10,000 evil points. Congratulations, host, on obtaining the Inheritance Seed of Mammon, Demon God of Greed, one of the Abyssal Seven Monarchs."


    It worked!


    This time, a golden speck of light floated out, taking its place next to the fiery red one.


    Without hesitation, Karlo continued to exchange.


    ...


    "Congratulations, host, on obtaining the Inheritance Seed of Samael, Demon God of Wrath, one of the Abyssal Seven Monarchs."


    ...


    "Congratulations, host, on obtaining the Inheritance Seed of Beelzebub, Demon God of Gluttony, one of the Abyssal Seven Monarchs."


    ...


    "Congratulations, host, on obtaining the Inheritance Seed of Belphegor, Demon God of Sloth, one of the Abyssal Seven Monarchs."


    ...


    "Congratulations, host, on obtaining the Inheritance Seed of Asmodeus, Demon God of Lust, one of the Abyssal Seven Monarchs."


    ...


    "Congratulations, host, on obtaining the Inheritance Seed of Lucifer, Demon God of Pride, one of the Abyssal Seven Monarchs."


    ...


    Seven evil points were spent, yielding seven radiant specks of light, which now formed a circle within Karlo¡¯s mind.


    And then, something strange occurred.


    The seven specks began to spin faster and faster until they merged into a chaotic vortex. Finally, everything went still.


    When Karlo looked again, the seven colored specks had vanished, replaced by a single gray speck, quietly floating.


    No matter how Karlo tried to provoke it, the gray speck remained unmoved. Even consulting the system revealed nothing beyond its name.


    "Original Sin Seed."


    Everything else was unknown.


    With the inheritance seeds no longer available in the shop, Karlo decided to leave it be.


    With over thirty thousand evil points still remaining, he used them to exchange for a large stock of Sin Fruits.


    After advancing to a greater demon, the Sin Fruits had regained their miraculous effects. Karlo suspected that these fruits contained a mysterious power capable of pushing a demon¡¯s body to its absolute limits at every stage of evolution.


    This was fantastic news. He had already decided to snack on Sin Fruits from now on, each bite filled with the anguished wails of dozens of souls¡ªthe ultimate delicacy for a demon.


    Once again, having spent all his points, Karlo didn¡¯t mind at all. After all, there was an entire treasure trove waiting for him out there, ready to be taken whenever he wished.

 Chapter 29: A Mysterious Sense of Crisis

    In Border Town, under the cold and indifferent gaze of the greyish-white cross at the church, the small square was abuzz with commotion. A throng of people filled the square¡ªmostly elderly, stout women with anxious faces, accompanied by children who mirrored their confusion and uncertainty.


    This scene unfolded as a direct result of the latest royal decree. The men had been conscripted to the battlefield to fend off the invading ghouls, while younger, able-bodied women and boys were evacuated to the kingdom¡¯s center¡ªthe safest refuge.


    But these elderly women, powerless and deemed irrelevant by the kingdom, were left behind. If the ghouls breached the city gates, the city guards had been ordered to kill them first to prevent their bodies from being turned into demonic minions.


    Fear, despair, confusion, and bitterness marked the faces of these women. Huddled together, they resembled a panicked herd, nervously rubbing shoulders, pushing, and lashing out at one another. The air was thick with curses, prayers, and sobs¡ªa cacophony of despair that hinted at the chaos to come.


    Suddenly, a voice rang out, ¡°The Cardinal is coming! The Cardinal is here!¡±


    The crowd fell into a hushed silence as a path opened in their midst. A red-cloaked cardinal stepped forward, commanding attention.


    Behind him, a white-robed priest raised his voice excitedly, ¡°People, we have captured the demons! The darkness is fading, and the holy light will soon shine upon the world!¡±


    ¡°Oh, heavens...¡±


    Gasps filled the square as three large crosses were pushed forward from behind the priest. Nailed to each cross by gleaming silver spikes were three women¡ªethereally beautiful, yet unmistakably demonic. Their hair and eyes were black as pitch, and their sharp fangs glistened ominously. Though their bodies were battered and barely clinging to life, an occasional glance from them sent a chill down the crowd¡¯s spine.


    ¡°It was these wicked witches! They summoned the ghouls and brought about so much death!¡± someone shouted from the crowd.


    ¡°Evil fiends!¡± An elderly woman, trembling with fury, stooped to pick up a stone and hurled it at the lead witch.


    The crowd¡¯s gaze followed the stone as it struck the woman, then a morbid silence fell¡ªonly to be broken by the witch¡¯s eerie, chilling laughter.


    ¡°Stone them to death! Blasphemers! Murderers! Filthy creatures who¡¯ve forsaken their souls...¡±


    ¡°Kill them!¡±This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    The fear-fueled rage of the crowd erupted. Their eyes glinted with hatred as they grabbed stones, dirt, and sticks, flinging them at the witches and spitting at their feet.


    In moments, the witches were covered in filth, blood streaming down their heads.


    Sophia and Cindrella laughed louder, their voices slithering like venomous serpents writhing through a swamp, while Talia remained silent, her head bowed. Before meeting Carlo, she had endured a similar torment¡ªalbeit from fewer hands.


    The cardinal stood by, unmoved, making no attempt to quell the crowd¡¯s wrath. A cruel smile teased the corners of his lips, though his face remained composed.


    But then, his expression shifted. A look of reverence overtook his features, and he stepped slightly to the side, his lips moving as if offering a report to someone unseen.


    ¡°The ghouls outside the city have lost the demons¡¯ control and no longer pose a significant threat. Our soldiers are slaughtering them. All our priests are stationed at the designated locations, awaiting the demon¡¯s arrival...¡±


    At some point, two figures clad in black robes had appeared beside the cardinal, and judging by his deferential manner, they clearly outranked him.


    One of the black-robed figures gave a slight nod in acknowledgment of the report. The other, after a moment, spoke.


    ¡°Peter, have you considered that should the demon reveal itself, its power may be far beyond our means? Barbed wire can ensnare a wolf, but it cannot contain a beast...¡±


    The voice was that of a woman, low and hoarse, with a subtle undertone of unease.


    Peter, the black-robed figure, fell silent, clearly contemplating the gravity of the situation. ¡°We are prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice¡­¡±


    ¡°The Holy Light will not forsake us,¡± he added, letting out a deep, resigned sigh.


    Meanwhile, the square remained a maelstrom of curses, spittle, and thrown objects, as the crowd, driven by fear and desperation, vented their wrath.


    Suddenly, the laughter from the witches ceased. Bloodied and bound, they lifted their heads to the sky, their eyes wild with manic fervor.


    A vast shadow slowly darkened the square, blotting out the sunlight and casting a palpable weight over the scene.


    The sharp scent of sulfur filled the air. One by one, the crowd stilled, as if time itself had paused. Their hands froze in mid-action, stones and sticks falling from their grips.


    ¡°It¡¯s here!¡± one of the black-robed figures intoned, their voice eerily calm.


    The cardinal stiffened, clutching his Bible tightly to his chest as he muttered hurried prayers.


    The stench of sulfur grew heavier, now mingled with the acrid smell of burning flesh. Fear rippled through the crowd as they glanced upward at the swiftly moving shadow overhead, unsure where to flee.


    Then, the shadow descended.


    A colossal, nightmarish figure, engulfed in crimson flames, appeared before them. With horns like those of a ram, wings akin to a bat¡¯s, and a massive tail that lashed the air, it was the very embodiment of the demon from scripture.


    Terrified screams echoed across the square as panic erupted. The crowd scattered in every direction, while black-robed priests hidden among them stepped forth, their identities suddenly revealed.


    ¡°Master!¡± Sophia¡¯s anguished cry pierced the chaos. She struggled against her restraints, causing the cross to sway precariously. Blood oozed from the silver spikes that held her hands and feet, yet she seemed oblivious to the pain.


    Carlo cast a brief glance at her before focusing on the two black-robed figures standing by the cardinal.


    From these figures, he sensed an aura far more vile and corrupt than anything he had encountered thus far. No doubt, they were the reason Sophia and the others had been captured.

 Chapter 30: Return to the Abyss

    Twilight had fallen, the sky a grayish-blue, and faint stars were beginning to appear in the east. Yet, a sudden golden light pierced through the dimming horizon, overpowering the last rays of the sun as if turning the world back to daylight.


    The void churned, rippling like boiling water. A visible crack appeared in midair, from which the golden light spilled, radiating a sacred and oppressive presence.


    Carlo felt as if a heavy stone pressed down on his chest, making it hard to breathe. He gasped for air, feeling the weight bear down on him.


    The crack grew wider, like a massive eye slowly opening, and from within, a blurry figure emerged. Behind the figure, four giant white wings unfurled.


    ¡°A four-winged Seraph¡­?¡± Carlo''s heart raced with shock. A being equivalent to a demon lord, strong enough to crush him with a mere finger, had been summoned by the last two crazed fanatics of the Church?


    ¡°Who calls upon my name, Vretis?¡± A cold, booming voice echoed in Carlo''s ears.


    In the holy texts, Vretis represented power and virtue, a name used by lower-ranking angels. However, this mighty Seraph struggled to fully emerge from the void, and it seemed to take considerable effort.


    "Return. Now, return!" Carlo''s mind screamed in panic.


    The system prompt appeared in his thoughts, asking, "Confirm return?"


    "Yes!" Carlo confirmed instantly.


    Just like when he first arrived, a mysterious force wrapped around Carlo¡¯s body. The void parted like a zipper, and darkness swallowed him.


    In the last fleeting moment before he disappeared, Carlo caught a glimpse of those scorching golden eyes, cold yet intense, burning his vision slightly.


    Having narrowly escaped death once again, Carlo realized that the system''s return feature was an excellent life-saving tool.


    The Seraph¡¯s furious attempts to speed up its descent were thwarted, as its power waned. The crack in the void had reached its limit and began to slowly close.


    The will of the world was rejecting its descent.


    ¡°Why can¡¯t I feel the power of the holy light¡­?¡± The Seraph''s voice rang out, tinged with rage. ¡°You insect of the abyss, I will remember your scent. Don¡¯t let me find you again¡­¡±


    The golden light faltered and was sucked back into the void, retreating in defeat. Finally, the Seraph''s roar faded as the rift was smoothed out like ripples in water, erased by an invisible hand.


    Yet, just before the last inch of the crack closed, a single golden seed shot out, disappearing into the sky in a flash of light.


    The small plaza was left soaked in blood, littered with bodies. Sofia and her two companions were stunned, expecting to meet their end at the hands of a terrifying being even Carlo couldn¡¯t face. Yet, nothing happened.


    After a long silence, Sofia was the first to regain her composure.


    "Our master is gone, the Church has fallen, and now¡­ it''s just us in this world."


    Her eyes sparkled with wild joy and ambition. She turned to her two ¡°sisters¡± and, with a mischievous smile, extended her blood-stained hand. "Now, we can play with this toy however we want."


    Their sharp, shrill laughter echoed through the darkening sky, like the screeches of owls in the night.


    Far away, in a remote corner of the continent, a young boy playing outside his home was struck on the forehead by a descending golden light, causing him to collapse.


    His panicked family called for the village priest, but before they could reach him, the boy opened his eyes and stood up.


    "I am born of divine grace and shall carry forth the will of the holy light, spreading kindness throughout the land¡­"


    Everyone stared, dumbfounded at the unfamiliar child, unsure of what to say.


    Carlo opened his eyes. Above him, the dark red sky stretched out endlessly, the familiar stench of sulfur and blood filling his nostrils. The sound of breaking demon eggs and the shrill cries of lesser demons merged with the air, creating a sense of homecoming.


    Now returned to the abyss as a greater demon, Carlo could feel the pervasive presence of slaughter, destruction, chaos, and corruption that soaked the atmosphere.


    This was the will of the abyss, constantly gnawing at the soul. The endless carnage and devouring among lesser demons were driven by this force.


    Reflecting on the changes he had undergone, Carlo knew they were deeply connected to this ever-present will. When he had first arrived as a mere lesser demon, he hadn¡¯t been aware of it. But now, he embraced the slow yet constant corruption. Without a true demon''s heart, even with the system''s help, survival would be impossible.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    Evil was the fuel for demons, and being within the abyss, Carlo¡¯s power grew every moment, albeit at a painfully slow pace. Each gain was minuscule, but the abyss nourished him all the same.


    Though months had passed in the Grimm world, only half a day had elapsed here in the abyss.


    This time difference stemmed from the dimensional disparity between planes. The higher the plane, the slower the passage of time.


    Of course, a day in the abyss was not a day in the traditional sense.


    The abyssal sky was governed by seven blood moons, each representing the will of one of the seven demon lords. A day only ended when one blood moon descended or rose. Carlo remembered that only four moons had been in the sky when he left, and now, the fifth moon was halfway risen, with a considerable gap still separating it from the others.


    His system interface showed that the "Descent" option was now grayed out, with a seven-day cooldown. A new option had appeared, "Grimm World." When the cooldown ended, Carlo could choose to return to the world he had previously descended to or select a new plane to explore.


    A cracking sound interrupted his thoughts. At his feet, a demon egg split open, and a chubby little demon crawled out.


    Driven by instinct, it turned toward the broken shell, about to devour it. But before it could bite down, its body was lifted into the air by an unseen force.


    With a casual flick, Carlo snapped the young demon¡¯s neck and popped the body into his mouth, tearing into the tender flesh. To his surprise, the taste was exquisite. He couldn''t believe he had once thought of roasting them¡ªsuch a waste.


    In this world, nothing was more delicious than raw meat, especially the flesh of one¡¯s own kind.


    One demon after another fell victim to his hunger, each consumed like a casual snack. Once his appetite was sated, Carlo wiped his mouth and smiled darkly. There was still unfinished business. He hadn¡¯t forgotten the creature that had chased him like a hunted animal. He would only be satisfied after tearing that damned bird demon apart.


    Demons were, after all, the most vengeful of all beings.


    Unfolding his leathery wings, Carlo soared over the Demon Sea, scanning for his prey.


    From above, the vastness of the Demon Sea was even more awe-inspiring. Carlo could see the blood-red waves churning, white demon eggs tossed in the surf like maggot larvae¡ªa revolting yet spectacular sight.


    The Demon Sea stretched endlessly, and its coastline was no different. Carlo flew for what felt like an eternity, killing several higher-level lesser demons along the way, but there was no sign of the bird demon.


    Something dawned on him: he hadn¡¯t encountered any other greater demons either. Could it be that greater demons had already left the Demon Sea and ventured deeper into the abyss?


    That didn¡¯t seem right. He recalled that the bird demon had the strength of a greater demon during its hunt. It shouldn¡¯t have left so quickly.


    Deciding not to waste any more time searching, Carlo turned his focus elsewhere. The Demon Sea was situated below a towering cliff, and when lesser demons reached a certain level of growth, they instinctively began to climb.


    Most lesser demons gained the ability to fly upon advancing to greater demons. Even without wings, they could scale the cliffside.


    Flying past the cliff, Carlo was greeted by an even deeper, darker red landscape.


    Beyond the cliff lay a deep valley, and farther beyond that, an expanse of volcanoes. Lava constantly erupted, darkening the air with the acrid smell of sulfur.


    To describe it more vividly, the Demon Sea was like an enormous basin, and the cliff was its edge. The lesser demons were the creatures crawling out of this basin.


    As Carlo flew toward the volcanoes, a familiar cry reached his ears¡ªharsh and raspy.


    A dark shape darted toward him. He quickly recognized its grotesque form.


    A head covered in tumors, a gray beak, short yet powerful legs with sharp claws, and wings with sparse feathers revealing pinkish skin beneath.


    It was none other than the bird demon Carlo had been hunting.


    The creature seemed intent on returning to the Demon Sea to feast on demon eggs, flying swiftly and oblivious to Carlo.


    A wicked smile spread across Carlo¡¯s face. As the bird demon soared overhead, he surged upward, grabbing its thin neck in a powerful grip.


    The bird demon screeched, its voice a mix of a crow¡¯s caw and a duck¡¯s quack. It thrashed wildly, its wings sending sharp wind blades slashing at Carlo.


    But Carlo¡¯s demonic body, strengthened by the Fruit of Sin, was at its peak. The wind blades left only shallow cuts on his skin, barely a threat.


    The pain only fueled Carlo¡¯s sadistic joy. He clamped his iron-like grip tighter around the bird demon¡¯s neck and, with his free hand, tore off one of its wings


    "Ah!" The monstrous bird demon let out a piercing scream. As a great demon, it could articulate the language of its kind, but Carlo showed no mercy, denying it even a moment to plead for its life.


    One of its wings was ruthlessly torn away by Carlo, and dark red blood rained down from above. The monstrous bird demon thrashed wildly, its sharp claws leaving deep, agonizing scratches on Carlo¡¯s skin.


    Wincing in pain only fueled Carlo¡¯s ferocity. He tossed aside the severed wing and, with two sickening cracks, broke the demon¡¯s legs.


    Next, he turned his attention to the other wing.


    With all its limbs incapacitated, the monstrous bird demon had no strength left to resist; its bloody body lay there, resembling a slaughtered chicken.


    Despite its grievous state, the demon''s formidable vitality meant it still clung to life. Carlo hoisted it up entirely, a triumphant smile spreading across his face.


    "You wanted to feast on me once; now the tables have turned."


    With that, Carlo opened his mouth wide and sank his teeth into the demon¡¯s neck, tearing away large chunks of flesh and swallowing them greedily.


    His intent was not only to torment it but also to ensure it witnessed its own consumption.


    Moments later, Carlo wiped his lips clean and casually tossed the demon¡¯s lifeless body aside.


    Poor thing; aside from its intact head, only a skeletal frame remained below the neck.


    With his arsenal of powers, Carlo could have easily dispatched the monstrous bird demon, yet he chose the most brutal and savage method purely to vent his pent-up fury.


    The flesh of the great demon healed Carlo¡¯s wounds in an instant, and, more significantly, it provided him with nearly two thousand experience points and ten thousand evil points.


    Slaying the monstrous bird demon yielded one thousand experience points, while devouring its flesh granted him additional gains.


    Indeed, the quickest way for a demon to grow is through the consumption of its own kind.


    On the ground lay the wings he had carelessly torn off earlier. Carlo glanced at them indifferently, but suddenly froze, fixating his gaze on the wings.


    He noticed that the surface of the two meat wings was riddled with countless tiny bite marks, as if they had been gnawed by countless insects.


    The monstrous bird demon had sparse feathers and looked utterly pitiful; could that be the reason for its sorry state?

 Chapter 31: Hunting the Gupanpi Demon

    Karol picked up the piece of meat wing from the ground, examining it closely. The surface was pocked and covered with fine bite marks. Initially, Karol thought the sparse feathers of the monster bird demon were natural, but now it seemed they had been wounded by something else.


    The injuries must have been severe, enough that the monster bird demon, even if it survived, was gravely weakened, reduced to feeding on newly born lesser demons. It was akin to a once-advanced player in an online game having to return to the novice village to farm experience by killing chickens.


    Karol reminded himself that he didn¡¯t believe anything capable of letting the monster bird demon escape would pose any threat to him. He continued onward, standing at the cliff¡¯s edge. The volcanic range seemed near, but only upon entering the valley did he grasp its true depth.


    Flying low in such a dangerous and unfamiliar abyss was wise; exposing himself in mid-air would be foolish. Not long after he entered the gorge, he encountered another demon.


    This one was a particularly ugly greater demon, its skin a rocky gray, rough and cracked, with a toad-like head and a mouth full of sharp teeth. It towered over Karol, who stood over two meters tall, reaching nearly three meters with its stout limbs and sharp claws.


    With eyes no larger than mung beans, the greater demon stared greedily at Karol, drooling as its long, wide tongue flicked about. ¡°Flomi is hungry...¡± it muttered darkly, eyes glinting with greed and cruelty. ¡°Flomi will eat you...¡±


    ¡°Oh really? I happen to be hungry too,¡± Karol replied, curling his lip slightly at the mismatched intelligence and size of the creature. ¡°But you don¡¯t look particularly appetizing.¡±


    The greater demon paid no mind to Karol¡¯s words, fully consumed by hunger. It emitted a loud gulping sound before lunging at Karol.


    Its bulk dwarfed Karol, attempting to embrace him entirely before tearing him apart to savor. Karol snorted, and a long, black scythe that seemed to constantly ooze blood slid into his hand.


    He bent slightly to dodge the greater demon¡¯s grasp, casually reversing the grip on the scythe and slicing through the air. It felt like cutting through butter, briefly encountering resistance at the demon¡¯s spine before slicing cleanly through to emerge on the other side.


    The foolish greater demon halted, looking down in confusion at the faint red line marking its robust chest. Before it could grasp what had happened, Karol kicked it to the ground, cleaving it in two. The cut was smooth, dark red blood and assorted innards gushing forth.


    ¡°Flomi...¡± the greater demon¡¯s face twisted in pain, but before it could scream, Karol finished it off with a swift scythe strike, severing its head.


    With instinctive combat prowess and the Scythe of Jealousy, dealing with such a muscle-bound demon was as easy as eating or drinking. Flomi¡¯s death netted Karol fifteen hundred experience points, but he had little interest in the demon¡¯s flesh, only taking its heart to consume.


    The heart was the source of a demon¡¯s power, and most of its essence condensed there. Karol gained an additional five hundred experience points.


    At this point, his experience was just shy of sixty thousand, still a short distance from mid-tier greater demon status. This valley, frequented by numerous newly born greater demons, appeared to be an excellent place for him to increase his strength. Rich in experience and with weak foes.This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    Karol estimated his current strength; mid-tier greater demons wouldn¡¯t stand a chance against him. As for high-tier demons, he¡¯d need to engage them to assess his odds...


    Lost in thought, he heard rustling in the darkness ahead, accompanied by faint growls¡ªlikely other predators drawn in by the scent of blood and flesh.


    Karol¡¯s eyes gleamed with a mix of excitement and cruelty; perfect¡ªno need to hunt them down one by one.


    The air was thick with the metallic scent of blood, an aroma irresistible to demons, drawing in waves of greater demons like flies to rot, each becoming part of the macabre feast.


    A small figure emerged from the shadows, sniffing the air like a dog. Piled before it were a dozen greater demon corpses, their guts spilled out, with the topmost still steaming. Blood flowed in streams to the newcomer¡¯s feet, which it greedily licked.


    This demon was quite diminutive compared to typical greater demons, its dark blue body lean and elongated, yet its belly was excessively bloated. It had a single, oversized eye, beneath which was a ring of mouths lined with sharp teeth.


    Unlike earlier arrivals, this cunning greater demon did not lose its senses upon seeing the spilled blood of its kin. It realized it was a trap but was unwilling to leave due to its innate greed. Its sole eye darted around, finally resting on a large, dark red rock beside the pile.


    ¡°Gukasmuton...¡± it muttered, reciting an awkward incantation, its eye beginning to glow faintly blue. The next moment, a brilliant deep blue beam shot from its eye, striking the rock.


    The beam attached itself to the rock¡¯s surface, resembling a glob of disgusting mucus, emitting a sizzling sound as the hard rock corroded and melted away.


    ¡°Heyrohasray...¡± the crafty demon began to prepare a second spell, readying itself to strike at any lurking threats behind the rock.


    However, beyond the corroded stone lay nothing but emptiness. The demon choked on its incantation, frozen in confusion. Was there nowhere else to hide?


    Without warning, a long scythe appeared silently at its neck from behind. The threat of death jolted it back to reality, its head twisting at an impossible angle as it hurriedly began to chant, gathering blue energy.


    Karol raised the scythe, and the demon¡¯s rounded head tumbled to the ground.


    The spell wasn¡¯t fully prepared; the built-up blue energy was prematurely released, shooting out a small distance before splattering onto Karol.


    Karol¡¯s muscles instinctively recoiled, but the short distance meant that some blue goo still splashed onto his shoulder.


    Furrowing his brow, Karol wasted no time in slicing off the tainted flesh; it hit the ground and was instantly corroded away, leaving a small pit in its place.


    This was his first injury of the day and his first encounter with a ¡°caster-type¡± greater demon.


    At this moment, the blood moon hung high in the dark red sky, having completed its fifth cycle, marking the end of a day in the abyss. During this time, Karol had traversed multiple locations within the circular valley, hunting down at least dozens of greater demons.


    Now safely at mid-tier, he stood taller and more refined, thanks to the modifications from the fruits of sin, appearing not only lithe but also strikingly handsome, even by demon standards.


    ¡°Intelligent demons must have their essence in the brain,¡± Karol mused, picking up the severed head and cracking it open. Inside was a gelatinous, deep blue substance.


    Suppressing his disgust, he swallowed it, gaining two thousand experience points. This was also a mid-tier greater demon, and even its brain held considerable experience.


    ¡°Time to change locations...¡±


    Karol had planned to hunt here until he advanced to high-tier, but just then, a buzzing sound filled the air. It was as if countless insects were fluttering their wings, creating a nauseating din.


    A shadow collided into him, and upon grabbing it, he realized it was a dark brown flying insect the size of a cockroach.


    It resembled a cockroach but was far more ferocious, with sharp teeth tearing at Karol¡¯s skin.


    With a slight squeeze, he squashed it into a smelly paste.


    In the next moment, countless similar flying insects flooded towards him, coalescing into a demon formed entirely of insects.


    ¡°I wondered why the number of lesser demons in this area has significantly decreased lately. Turns out it¡¯s you causing trouble,¡± the insect demon croaked, its empty eyes crawling with bugs, giving a chilling sight.


    A memory flashed through Karol¡¯s mind: this was the Gupanpi demon, composed of countless Gupanpi larvae, a type of abyss demon.

 Chapter 32: The Dragon-Hunting Squad

    The Gabanpi Demon, an acolyte of one of the Seven Lords, the Gluttonous God Berusai Bab, is eternally enslaved by insatiable hunger and desire, never truly sated.


    Kalo finally discerned how the monstrous bird demon bore marks of insect bites. It must have encountered another Gabanpi Demon or been treated as mere plaything. The Gabanpi Demon peered at Kalo with its hollow eye sockets, emitting an unsettling giggle.


    "You are different... You''ve shed your inferior bloodline. Beret will take delight in your emergence..." the Gabanpi Demon growled, low and ominous, transforming into a writhing sea of insects as it lunged toward Kalo.


    His vision was suddenly consumed by a swarm of brown insects, blotting out the already dim light of the valley. Kalo was enveloped in darkness.


    Faced with such small, numerous foes, a wide-area magical attack would prove effective; however, Kalo had better strategies at his disposal. The overwhelming swarm quickly engulfed him, wrapping him in a massive sphere. The Gabanpi insects collided, creating sickening sounds of flapping wings and tearing flesh.


    The Gabanpi Demon¡¯s will reverberated within the swarm, accompanied by its discordant laughter. Then, as if a monstrous beast were striving to break free, the insect mass constricted and swelled. The laughter abruptly ceased, replaced by startled screams.


    In the next instant, with a thunderous "boom," a torrent of scorching breath erupted like a volcanic explosion, incinerating countless insects into charred remains that scattered in every direction.


    A towering figure, cloaked in crimson flames, emerged¡ªmassive bat-like wings, sharp horns, and a formidable, menacing body, radiating an aura of fury, destruction, and terror.


    Kalo basked in the flickering flames, the light illuminating his savage, cruel gaze. "You¡¯ve hurt me, bugs!"


    The explosion had charred at least a third of the Gabanpi insects, severely wounding the Gabanpi Demon, whose humanoid form diminished as it emitted a series of low growls filled with rage and apprehension.


    Kalo took flight, ready to confront these pesky insects. The purgatory fire, with its burning and igniting properties, was perfect for the task. Yet, as his flaming claws grasped the Gabanpi Demon, this cunning creature again transformed into insects, scattering and leaving behind a few charred corpses as it fled.


    "I remember you... I''ll be back..." a distorted voice echoed through the air as the Gabanpi Demon retreated without a trace of regret.


    Kalo could not pursue; these insects were too nimble, and he couldn¡¯t eliminate them all. As long as one survived, the Gabanpi Demon would endure.


    The searing flames retreated into his body, and Kalo glanced down at himself¡ªhis skin marked with red bite marks. If he lingered any longer, those wretched insects would breach his skin and taste his flesh.


    He could not remain in this accursed place. The mention of a companion''s name by the bug demon made Kalo think it was not idle talk; it might truly return for vengeance. Demons were notorious for their grudges.


    Kalo pulled out two Sinful Fruits and swallowed them, retracting his meat wings as he swiftly melted into the shadows.


    As the sixth blood moon ascended fully in the sky, Kalo finally emerged from the circular deep valley.This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    The once dim hues transformed into a striking crimson, and he felt waves of heat radiating from beneath his feet. This area was a relentless chain of volcanoes, erupting incessantly, with scalding lava winding across the ground, gradually solidifying into vast patches of dark red.


    So far, Kalo had encountered no vegetation in the abyss; such a hostile environment harbored only death and destruction.


    On either side of Kalo, many large demons of varied forms crawled out from the depths. Except for a few foolish souls twisted by hunger and destruction, most demons maintained a wary distance from one another, avoiding a new round of slaughter.


    From above, countless large demons could be seen traversing the crimson terrain like ants. Many had perished in the fiery eruptions and brutal skirmishes, yet more large demons continued to emerge from the depths, pressing onward.


    All demons were summoned forth by the will of the abyss, crossing this volcanic expanse toward the vast abyss and the unending darkness.


    Kalo treaded cautiously, evading the bursts of fire that occasionally erupted from the ground. The sizzling sparks that landed on him produced a stinging sensation; even with the purgatory fire within him, he dared not confront the lava directly.


    The eruptions of the volcanoes roared thunderously, akin to the cries of countless giant dragons swirling in the sky. Black smoke settled in the air, forming heavy leaden clouds that obscured the light of the blood moon.


    Just as Kalo was about to squeeze through the narrow gap between two volcanoes, a colossal roar echoed in his ears, reminiscent of a terrifying creature¡¯s bellow.


    A shadow, vast enough to block out the sun, loomed above Kalo. He looked up, and his pale red eyes instantly narrowed.


    Before him stood a colossal abyssal beast¡ªa true dragon.


    Its pitch-black scales, resembling armor, covered its entire body. The hideous, menacing head exhaled dark red dragon breath, and its enormous wings spread wide, casting a shadow over hundreds of miles.


    To it, the volcanoes were mere toys; the molten lava splashing against it left no trace, and Kalo, a large demon, was nothing more than an insignificant insect.


    Cursed be it, just as I escape the sea of demons, I encounter this epic wild beast.


    Kalo cursed inwardly, desperately lowering his body to avoid drawing the dragon''s attention. Of course, it wouldn¡¯t even notice him.


    He had hoped to pass safely, but Kalo was mistaken. In the next moment, numerous large demons flew from the dragon''s back, each possessing at least high-tier strength.


    They donned jagged bone armor, appearing like well-trained soldiers, swooping down rapidly to assault the newly emerged large demons stumbling at the base of the volcano.


    Kalo watched as these high-tier demons wielded black short rods. Upon reaching the top of one large demon, the rods erupted with countless black threads, enveloping the demon and ensnaring it.


    Those black threads appeared remarkably resilient, allowing no large demon to escape. The high-tier demons that captured their prey soared back to the dragon¡¯s back before descending once more.


    It resembled a well-trained hunting squad.


    The newly emerged large demons fled in a frenzy, but none could evade capture. Some plunged into the lava, bursting into flames as they screamed in agony; others were casually killed and devoured by the famished high-tier demons.


    Kalo¡¯s heart raced. He didn¡¯t know what fate awaited the captured demons, but it certainly wouldn¡¯t be pleasant.


    What status could slaughtered pigs and dogs possess?


    He did not wish to be captured; he could only hide.


    Kalo concealed his demon form, shrinking himself to the smallest possible size, then hidden behind a volcanic rock, carefully observing the movements of the hunting squad.


    Yet in this barren volcanic expanse devoid of vegetation, finding a truly concealed position was nearly impossible.


    Someone had detected Kalo¡¯s presence. A towering high-tier demon with a bull''s head approached him.


    The Bullhead Demon lacked wings and could not fly, but its hooves struck the ground with astonishing speed.


    In a one-on-one confrontation, Kalo would have confidence in fighting it, but in this situation, slaying one high-tier demon would only attract more.


    Kalo''s mind raced; a voice urged him that he absolutely could not be discovered, he absolutely could not.


    But now he seemed to have entered a dead end, with only two choices: death or capture.


    Suddenly, Kalo noticed a fissure at his feet where fire and lava surged, the dark red viscous liquid radiating an intense heat and bubbling vigorously.


    It was time to take a gamble.


    With crimson eyes and a fierce expression, Kalo pulled out two Sinful Fruits and shoved them into his mouth. Gritting his teeth, the crimson purgatory flames enveloped him, and he leaped into the churning lava.

 Chapter 33: The Leader-Level Demon

    The robust Minotaur demon approached, having just spotted a small bug attempting to hide, foolishly believing it could escape its gaze. A sinister smile crept across its face; how naive! Now that it had been discovered, there was no chance of escape. Perhaps it could savor the taste of flesh and blood after all.


    The Minotaur fantasized about its sharp teeth tearing into the tender flesh of the lesser demon, relishing the thrill of blood splattering in its mouth. However, upon rounding the volcanic rock, it found nothing.


    "Damn it! Where did that little bastard go?"


    The Minotaur circled the volcanic rock twice, failing to uncover any trace. Either the demon possessed exceptional stealth skills, or that unfortunate creature had panicked and plunged into the magma, turning to ash.


    Regardless of the reason, the Minotaur''s mood darkened. It spat at the bubbling magma and cursed as it set off in search of its next target.


    The demon hunting party swiftly scoured the area, wiping out all the newly spawned greater demons. Then, the terrifying dragon flapped its massive wings and soared off to the next zone.


    The volcanic region returned to silence, as if those vanished demons had never existed.


    In the now deserted magma crevice, a massive bubble surfaced, and a bony hand clawed its way to the surface, followed by an entire skeletal frame.


    Karlo''s situation was dire.


    He looked horrifying; nearly all his flesh had been burned away by the searing magma. His thighs and arms were mere white bones, while his chest and head retained some meager remnants of flesh, albeit in a pitiful state.


    If he lingered any longer, he would truly perish in the magma.


    Karlo conjured one Sinful Fruit after another, shoving them into his mouth. His exposed gums crushed the skins, and before he could chew the pulp, it transformed into surging energy, spreading throughout his body.


    He felt new flesh enveloping his scalding skeleton, accompanied by a hissing sound as steam rose. His burnt flesh sizzled and peeled off, only to regrow again.


    Through the relentless cycle of burning and regeneration, every inch of his flesh gained immense strength, significantly enhancing his resistance to fire and heat.


    Of course, the pain he endured was doubled. Compared to the agony of feeling his eyeballs and lips slowly being boiled away, this was nothing.


    Karlo nearly lost his mind from the torment, but he survived.


    Thirty Sinful Fruits had granted him a much stronger demonic form, a worthwhile exchange when he considered he had avoided being captured as a slave.


    Gazing around, Karlo hesitated. He didn¡¯t know whether to move forward or not, uncertain of the dragon''s departure direction. If he rushed ahead and encountered it again, he might not be so fortunate.


    He looked up at the sky, where six blood moons hung high, the seventh just peeking above the horizon. With five and a half days remaining until the system''s cooldown for teleportation, he realized he had no immediate escape route. If he faced a life-or-death situation, he might truly perish.Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.


    After all, a mid-tier greater demon was still too insignificant in the Abyss, easily crushed by many entities.


    Ultimately, Karlo decided to retreat to the valley, aiming to raise his power to the level of a high-tier greater demon or even a leader-level demon. He might also observe the patterns of the dragon¡¯s appearances.


    Given the prior hunting behaviors, this was clearly not the first time. There had to be a rhythm to it. If he could discern the arrival times of the hunting demons and the dragon''s path, he could avoid them and pass through the volcanic region safely.


    Karlo was too weak, so weak that he had to be exceptionally cautious to survive. The unchanging bold letters on the system''s main quest board constantly reminded him: "Survive."


    Resolute, Karlo slowly retreated to the valley.


    In the valley, a new batch of greater demons reappeared. Karlo effortlessly dispatched two unsuspecting ones for a hearty meal and then exchanged several Sinful Fruits for dessert.


    To advance to a high-tier greater demon, he needed 500,000 experience points, and each mid-tier greater demon he killed yielded around 3,000 to 4,000 points. This meant he needed to slay about a hundred mid-tier demons to level up, especially with the additional experience from consuming flesh.


    It wasn¡¯t an overwhelming task, just required a bit more effort.


    At the same time, Karlo had accumulated a considerable amount of evil points, though he hadn¡¯t yet decided how to use them. After leveling up, the shop would further unlock demon bloodlines for exchange, but the prices were steep, and Karlo felt little enthusiasm.


    He didn¡¯t think bloodlines like "Scythe Demon" or "Minotaur" could surpass his current abilities.


    Thus, the days became simple yet monotonous. With his strength sufficient to easily crush mid-tier and low-tier greater demons, Karlo found himself continuously hunting and killing within the valley.


    By the time the seventh blood moon climbed into the sky, Karlo''s experience points reached about 230,000.


    Karlo pulled the Jealousy Scythe from the chest of a greater demon several times larger than himself. This high-tier greater demon granted him over 10,000 experience points but didn¡¯t withstand more than three strikes.


    Recently, Karlo had been on the lookout for these types of demons¡ªeasy to kill with generous rewards.


    Just as he finished crunching and swallowing the demon''s heart, he suddenly sensed something and reached out to grab a fleeting shadow.


    Opening his palm, he found a fierce-looking bug struggling between his fingers.


    He swiftly crushed the bug, a cold glint flashing in his eyes. That creature had indeed returned.


    ¡°You¡¯re still here, not taken as cannon fodder? Ha ha...¡± A muffled, dull laughter echoed nearby as the Insect Demon appeared before Karlo. After a day¡¯s absence, it not only restored its bugs but seemed to have even more than before.


    Cannon fodder? What does that mean? Karlo''s mind raced, but he coldly scoffed, ¡°Don¡¯t think I can¡¯t kill you¡­¡±


    Flames ignited in Karlo''s hand, ready to pounce. However, the Insect Demon showed no intent to engage; it glanced meaningfully at him and swiftly transformed into a wave of bugs, flying away.


    What an annoying creature. Karlo felt a bit agitated, planning to chase it down next time and burn it to ashes.


    But given his current strength, he didn¡¯t take it to heart. Just as he prepared to continue his hunt, rumbling thunder suddenly echoed through the valley''s sky.


    Karlo looked up to see a small patch of dark lead clouds flashing with silver lightning, a sign of an approaching storm.


    But in the Abyss, that was simply impossible.


    In the next moment, a bolt of silver lightning shot down toward Karlo.


    His pupils dilated, and his body reacted instinctively, narrowly dodging as the lightning struck the ground beside him, creating a charred crater.


    Run! Without hesitation, Karlo spread his wings and fled at maximum speed deeper into the valley.


    He had no idea what was happening but guessed it was certainly related to that Insect Demon¡ªit clearly targeted him.


    ¡°Lord Beret, I told you he¡¯s special...¡± The buzzing of the flying insects echoed again.


    Karlo suddenly stopped in his tracks, muscles tensed, and began to retreat slowly.


    In his path, a massive figure over three meters tall appeared, stout and imposing, with bony wings sprouting from its back. Its flesh had seemingly been flayed away, exposing gory red meat that looked horrifying and grotesque.


    ¡°Nemoss, this little guy you found this time is quite interesting.¡±


    The demon''s sharp, exposed teeth clicked together, emitting a terrifying chuckle as its blood-red eyes fixed on Karlo, seeming very intrigued.


    Karlo swallowed hard. Damn it, a leader-level demon!

 Chapter 34: Speak Your True Name

    ¡°Let me take a good look at this little fellow.¡± The chief demon¡¯s gaze roamed over Carlo, instilling a slight sense of pressure within him.


    ¡°The smell of sulfur, the bloodline of a fire demon... hmm, such beautiful eyes, and also the bloodline of a succubus, though that¡¯s of little use¡­¡±


    ¡°And what else...¡±


    The chief demon raised his right hand, and a small ring of lightning crackled into existence in his palm.


    A wave of immense danger surged from the depths of Carlo¡¯s heart, prompting him to leap forward like a cat whose tail had just been stepped on.


    ¡°Bang.¡± The lightning struck the ground where he had just stood, creating a charred pit.


    ¡°Not bad for a reaction.¡± The chief demon¡¯s eyes sparkled, and more lightning flickered in his hand before disappearing.


    Carlo¡¯s figure flickered as he darted from one spot to another, the sense of impending doom intensifying. His combat instincts drove his body to evade repeatedly.


    Jumping, rolling, retreating... Carlo was like a clown, utterly at the mercy of his adversary.


    The lightning struck faster and faster; even though Carlo sensed the danger approaching, his body couldn¡¯t respond in time, and finally, he was hit.


    A sharp pain followed by numbness¡ªCarlo collapsed to the ground, a burnt smell wafting from him as his muscles twitched uncontrollably.


    He couldn¡¯t even control a single finger.


    In the air, a swarm of insects rushed toward him, coalescing into the grotesque and hideous face of Nemos.


    ¡°Gaga... kid, today is your day...¡±


    The disgusting insects plopped onto his face and body, stirring a tremendous sense of humiliation and powerlessness within Carlo.


    A hoarse voice escaped his lips: ¡°I choose to submit.¡±


    Carlo understood that the chief demon had toyed with him not to kill him. Faced with death and humiliation, Carlo unhesitatingly chose the latter.


    ¡°You¡¯re surprisingly smart.¡± The chief demon clapped his hands, a grotesque smile creeping across his face. ¡°You should call me Lord Beret.¡±


    ¡°Lord Beret, please accept my submission.¡± Carlo repeated, his voice steady.


    The swarm of insects receded, swirling madly in the air, mixed with Nemos¡¯s raucous laughter.


    Carlo finally regained some sensation and stood up, bowing his head slightly, with hatred and resentment buried deep in his eyes.


    ¡°Good.¡± Beret seemed quite pleased, nodding in satisfaction as he approached Carlo. ¡°Now I want to place a small mark on your soul.¡±


    The soul contract, something Carlo had mastered in the Green World, was now to be used against him.


    For a fleeting moment, the impulse to flee surged within him, but the chilling aura of death swiftly extinguished that thought.


    If he dared to move, Beret would kill him without hesitation.


    The nature of demons included cunning, deceit, betrayal, and lies; they trusted no one but themselves unless the other¡¯s life rested in their hands.


    Beret¡¯s finger pressed against Carlo¡¯s forehead, the sharp tip piercing his flesh. Suddenly, Beret halted.


    ¡°I¡¯ve changed my mind.¡± Beret rubbed his muscular chin, contemplating. ¡°Your recent performance surprised me; the soul contract doesn¡¯t give me confidence...¡±


    ¡°Speak your true name, and I shall treat you as my own child.¡±


    This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.Carlo¡¯s head shot up, locking eyes with Beret¡¯s cold stare.


    As long as his strength surpassed Beret¡¯s, there remained a chance to overturn or tear up the soul contract, but if his true name were revealed, he would face utter doom.


    Even if he rose to the rank of a leader-level demon, a demon lord, or even a demon duke, he would still perish at Beret¡¯s whim.


    This was a true dead end.


    All because Carlo¡¯s dazzling traits had drawn Beret¡¯s keen interest, igniting a fear that he might one day become uncontrollable. Selfish as he was, Beret had to know Carlo¡¯s true name.


    A true name cannot be fabricated; each demon¡¯s true name is unique, resonating with the abyss when spoken.


    Perhaps Carlo hesitated too long, for Beret grew impatient.


    ¡°If you¡¯re unwilling, you can choose to return to the embrace of the abyss right now...¡±


    A bolt of lightning, more terrifying than any before, flickered in Beret¡¯s hand, illuminating Carlo¡¯s face, which wavered between despair and defiance.


    Filled with envy, Nemos shouted from the side: ¡°Kill him, Lord Beret! Kill this ungrateful wretch!¡±


    ¡°Shut up!¡±


    Lightning splattered onto Nemos, a large portion of the insects turning to charred remains, and Nemos let out a shriek, retreating in fear, no longer daring to speak.


    Carlo raised his head to meet Beret¡¯s gaze, his lips moving: ¡°My true name...¡±


    Only Beret heard the words. As Carlo ceased speaking, a strange sound echoed in the dim sky.


    All three unconsciously looked up.


    It was the omen of a demon¡¯s true name being revealed.


    Beret nodded in satisfaction, his eyes betraying unabashed admiration: ¡°Your talent is truly astonishing; the length of your true name even surpasses mine... hehe...¡±


    Carlo fell silent, seeming utterly numb and despondent.


    Beret patted his shoulder, reassuringly: ¡°Cheer up, little fellow; things aren¡¯t as bad as you think. You just earned the greatest trust from Lord Beret.¡±


    The fierce, violent Beret now wore a paternal smile, just as he had said, ¡°I shall treat you as my own child.¡±


    Carlo spoke: ¡°You can just call me Carlo.¡±


    ¡°Carlo?¡± Beret nodded slightly. ¡°That¡¯s quite a good pseudonym.¡±


    At the mention of the word ¡°name,¡± Carlo¡¯s face twitched involuntarily.


    ¡°Alright, Carlo, next I¡¯ll introduce you to a few interesting miscreants. You¡¯ll be quite pleased to meet them.¡±


    Beret unfurled the skeletal wings on his back, and Carlo respectfully followed behind, with Nemos trailing close, the swirling insects gathering around Carlo.


    ¡°I heard your name, Carlo, right? Lord Beret is treating you quite well.¡± Nemos¡¯s tone dripped with schadenfreude.


    Carlo tilted his head slightly, revealing a cruel smile. The next moment, ¡°bang,¡± flames erupted, a close-range ambush scorching more than half of Nemos¡¯s body.


    The screams echoed through the sky.


    ¡°Carlo, you bastard!¡±


    ¡°Shut up, Nemos; you¡¯re too noisy.¡± Beret hissed, then turned to Carlo, flashing a radiant yet sinister smile: ¡°You could kill him if you wanted to.¡±


    Carlo gloomily replied, ¡°I will.¡±


    After his great loss, Nemos dared not speak again, clearly aware that in Beret¡¯s eyes, he was merely a disposable, easily squashed insect compared to Carlo.

 Chapter 35: Why Spit at Me?

    Baret led Carlo leisurely across the volcanic range, exuding an air of confidence that suggested he was unconcerned about the dragon demon lurking within. He seemed to have long since unraveled its patterns of movement. Carlo felt a mix of awe and trepidation at Baret¡¯s formidable power; he appeared to command a force of lightning, surrounded by crackling energy that was both awe-inspiring and menacing. This evoked memories of the four-winged angel Carlo had encountered in the Green World¡ªboth figures emanated an unfathomable aura.


    Beyond the volcanic region lay a desolate expanse, shrouded in swirling toxic fumes and fierce, razor-like winds. Carlo beheld a searing desert, plains overrun by insects, and lakes filled with corrosive acid... In stark contrast, the Sea of Demons appeared tranquil, like a warm cradle. In many places, even someone as powerful as Baret had to tread cautiously; in the Abyss, one misstep could prove fatal, unless you possessed the strength of a demon lord.


    As the seven blood moons in the sky descended once more, Carlo finally arrived at the Abyss¡ªmore precisely, the "True Abyss." It was an infinite black chasm, encompassing countless dimensions and transformations, reflecting the grotesque aspects of the multiverse, where chaos and evil coalesced into brutal extremes. Within this vast chasm lay the slumbering forms of the seven mighty sovereigns.


    At the edge of this gaping void stood numerous magnificent dark-red structures¡ªfortresses and citadels. The closest to Carlo was within reach, yet the next loomed far out of sight. These dark red edifices were interlinked, forming a colossal zipper that sealed the entrance to the Abyss.


    "That''s the Blood Fortress," Baret explained, gazing at the awe-inspiring spectacle. He turned to Carlo with a knowing look. "We¡¯ll be going there soon."


    Guiding Carlo away from the Blood Fortress, Baret soon arrived at a valley. The environment remained harsh, yet it was a marked improvement from their previous encounters. In front of a sprawling dark green vine, the three descended. This was a type of Abyssal plant Carlo recognized¡ªthe Bloodsucker Vine. At rest, it appeared innocuous, but would reveal its terrifying nature when any living creature approached.


    With Baret at his side, Carlo felt no threat from it.


    "Karzas, open the door," Baret said softly.


    The thick vine swayed like a serpent, its leaves parting to reveal a low cave behind it. Baret entered first, followed by Carlo and then Nemos. Inside, the cave was unexpectedly spacious. The Bloodsucker Vine closed behind them, blocking out the light and plunging the cave into a suffocating dark red hue. Most of the rock in the Abyss bore this color, as if steeped in blood.


    "You''ll like it here," Baret declared, striding ahead like a proud king. "This is Lord Baret¡¯s domain... it may be a bit small now, but it will expand to greater heights in the future."


    The air carried a faint, rancid odor, and Carlo warily surveyed his surroundings. He had gained a preliminary understanding of Baret by now. He had perfectly inherited the traits of a demon: cunning, cruelty, jealousy, greed, hypocrisy, arrogance, and ambition. Baret appeared to have cultivated his own faction and was slowly unveiling its secrets to Carlo.


    Deeper within the cave lay a spacious yet simple hall, with a river of lava flowing beside it, radiating intense heat.This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    "Come out, meet your new friend," Baret clapped his hands, his spirits seemingly high.


    With a splash, a burly figure emerged from the lava river, molten rock cascading down his powerful muscles. He was bright red, with a bald head devoid of features, save for small green eyes and thick lips.


    "This is Gaz, a brainless fire demon," Baret introduced warmly to Carlo. "I believe you two will have much in common."


    "I smell the scent of my kind..." Gaz''s small eyes fixed on Carlo, his voice a low growl. "No, it¡¯s the scent of a hybrid... I hate hybrids."


    Enraged, Gaz slammed a fist against his chest, sparks flying, and charged at Carlo, seemingly intent on tearing him apart.


    "Oh," Baret exclaimed with delight, "Gaz is as enthusiastic as ever."


    He stepped aside, adopting a spectator''s stance, eagerly anticipating the unfolding drama. Carlo''s expression darkened as he turned to Baret. "Can I kill him?"


    "Of course," Baret replied, his smile radiant. "As I said, as long as you wish to."


    Nemos shrank back, quietly sidling away. Carlo grinned wickedly; his horns began to extend like drawn swords, and his body slowly swelled as infernal flames danced around him. He rarely revealed his demon form unless in battle.


    Gaz, filled with molten rock, roared as he charged toward Carlo, his massive arm swinging like a red-hot branding iron. Carlo¡¯s shoulder sank slightly as he evaded the powerful strike, swiftly gripping Gaz''s elbow and shoulder, twisting with force.


    With a resounding crack, Gaz''s entire arm was wrenched off.


    "Howl~" the unfortunate fire demon cried out in agony, instinctively grabbing at Carlo with his remaining arm, spewing molten rock from his mouth.


    The lava splashed onto Carlo¡¯s chest, sizzling and producing white steam, yet failed to corrode him. Baret raised an eyebrow.


    Carlo blocked Gaz''s heavy blow with one hand while gripping his neck with the other, then drove a knee into Gaz¡¯s abdomen. His body was a perfect killing machine, with sharp spikes protruding from his joints, creating a gaping hole in Gaz''s stomach.


    "You dare spit at me... you shouldn''t have spit at me..." Carlo¡¯s eyes glowed crimson, radiating a ferocious aura. Having been repressed by Baret, he desperately needed an outlet for his rage, and the unfortunate fire demon had delivered himself to him.


    "Gaz didn''t spit... that was blood..." the foolish fire demon, realizing his plight, began to plead, but Carlo ignored him. His sharp fingers dug into Gaz''s chest, a cruel, twisted smile spreading across his face as he tore apart the fire demon''s strong chest, revealing a pulsating red heart within.


    Carlo forcibly extracted it, the hard, searing heart of the fire demon.


    "Master..." Gaz''s eyes dimmed, his massive form collapsing like a wooden doll, hitting the ground with a dull thud.


    Gaz was dead?


    Nemos, hiding in the corner, couldn''t help but shiver, looking at Carlo with fear. So this guy was so terrifying; he had unwittingly provoked him twice. No wonder Baret had requested his true name. Nemos decided to keep his distance from Carlo in the future.


    Carlo stuffed the molten heart into his mouth, crunching it with a crisp sound before swallowing, finally settling into calm.


    "A marvelous welcoming ceremony," Baret clapped his hands. "Generous Gaz has offered his heart as a gift. What about you?"


    Three figures gradually emerged before Carlo. One was a seductively shaped female demon, her body deep green, her features alluring like a venomous snake. Her mouth bore an unusual appearance, marked with red lines.


    "What do you desire?" the female demon beckoned to Carlo, her eyes filled with unabashed desire.


    She extended her scarlet tongue, her mouth blooming open like a flower, revealing layers of sharp teeth¡ªboth terrifying and grotesque.


    Next was a skeletal scythe demon, resembling a gigantic mantis, his eyes filled with a ferocious desire to kill and destroy. The last was an ice-blue demon, humanoid without wings, with long horns and sharp teeth, gazing at Carlo with disdain and trepidation.


    "Let me introduce... Karzas, Midnae, and Astra."


    "They are just like you," Baret said with a broad smile, the violent lightning crackling around him. "All loyal subordinates of Lord Baret."

 Chapter 36: The Blood Fortress

    Baret''s subordinates, three distinct and formidable demons, each possessed high-tier powers. The only female demon, Kaelith, slithered to Carlo''s side like a serpent, her crimson tongue flicking across his face.


    "Mid-tier strength, capable of easily slaying Gaz. What a robust and delectable body you have..."


    Carlo seized her by the throat, his cold gaze fixed intently on Kaelith. "Keep your distance, or you''ll regret it."


    Kaelith merely laughed, unfazed. "I won''t be so easily killed by you, young demon..."


    "Alright, you can indulge a little longer. Lord Baret needs his rest." Satisfied with the "harmonious" atmosphere, Baret yawned and walked deeper into the cave.


    Carlo shot a cold glance at the group before moving to sit by the lava, which had once been Gaz''s territory but was now claimed by him.


    With his eyes closed, he faintly heard Nemos whispering like a mouse, discussing something quietly with the three demons. He must have shared his true name with Baret, as mocking laughter erupted in his direction.


    Feigning ignorance, Carlo skillfully disguised himself as a newly reborn demon who had just lost his true name, filled with rage and indifference.


    True name? Ha! Carlo sneered inwardly; he would make Baret pay for this.


    Less than half a day had passed in the cave when Baret reappeared before him.


    "Are you all ready?" Baret''s smile was sinister, laced with anticipation and excitement. "I can hardly wait."


    Kaelith and the others displayed respectful expressions, and Carlo stood as well. Baret led the way out of the cave, and they all followed.


    The massive tendrils of bloodthirsty vines closed behind them. Carlo looked up at the sky; the fifth blood moon was slowly descending.


    Three days left, he silently counted.


    Under Baret''s lead, they swiftly approached the Blood Fortress, a structure exuding an aura of terror and brutality, finally revealing itself to Carlo.


    The fortress resembled a ghastly head; its entrance was the mouth, where two high-tier demons lounged lazily at the gate.


    Carlo''s gaze lingered on them, noting their uniform armor adorned with bone spikes, identical to the hunting party that had descended from the dragon that day.


    "Those are Lord Anros''s private troops," Nemos hissed in his ear. "I''m surprised you managed to escape their pursuit."


    "What do you mean?" Carlo frowned.


    Nemos slowed his pace, creating distance from the others. "This fortress is under Lord Anros''s control; he has a duty to participate in the blood war. He needs fodder..." Nemos''s hollow gaze swept over Carlo. "Like you, a lowly demon born from the Abyss, you are the best kind of cannon fodder..."Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    Carlo quickly understood the implication.


    In the Abyss, demons born from the seas were referred to as lowly demons because they lacked the authentic demonic bloodline. Even if awakened later, they were often an incomprehensible mix.


    Lowly demons occupied the lowest class in the Abyss, despised by powerful primal beings. Their fates typically included being cannon fodder in blood wars, slaves, goods, or food.


    Demon lords responsible for blood wars favored lowly demon warriors because they cost nothing in disaster coins; they merely needed to expend some effort to capture a batch from beyond the Abyss periodically. Lowly demons were essential consumables in blood wars, the flesh and bones on which the powerful stood, cast aside as disposable pawns.


    Yet, lowly demons were not entirely without opportunities; those who survived multiple blood wars and awakened powerful bloodline talents could catch the eye of high-tier demons. However, the odds were minuscule¡ªperhaps one or two lucky souls among a hundred thousand lowly demons.


    In the end, Nemos whispered furtively, "It¡¯s said that Lord Baret was also born a lowly demon. He has survived over five blood wars; it¡¯s truly remarkable..."


    Nemos''s tone was laced with respect, mockery, and a touch of pathetic superiority.


    Carlo felt Baret slightly turn his head, and in an instant, Nemos vanished from sight.


    Once inside the Blood Fortress, Kaelith and the others split from Baret. It seemed they had coordinated this beforehand, adhering to some unspoken agreement.


    "We still need to gather some essential supplies..." Baret''s words seemed directed at Carlo, yet his gaze flickered subtly towards Nemos.


    Nemos, who had just shown a hint of disrespect to Baret, was now trembling with fear, ingratiatingly approaching him.


    "Respected Lord Baret, after this blood war, you should be able to ascend to mid-tier leader status. What an enviable and powerful talent..."


    Baret chuckled, casually pulling a pouch of grubs from Nemos¡¯s body and playing with it tenderly, as if handling a pet.


    "You will have your day too, my dear little worm..."


    Baret shoved the grubs back into Nemos¡¯s body, patting his shoulder lightly as Nemos forced a grotesque smile.


    The Blood Fortress was teeming with demons, each more bizarre than the last. Some had four sharp horns and protruding fangs but no eyes; others were thin as reeds, with elongated spines and massive heads; some bore lion heads, horse bodies, and cow hooves, a complete amalgamation of various beasts...


    Most demons were incredibly hideous, but perhaps Carlo still retained a human aesthetic and couldn''t appreciate them.


    Baret led Carlo and Nemos around two corners to a dimly lit shop, where a gnome-like demon greeted them enthusiastically.


    "Lord Baret..."


    This demon was only a low-tier demon, but his disdainful gaze towards Nemos and Carlo was apparent; he only fawned over Baret.


    "I need to see Ephelos for some items..."


    "Lord Ephelos is not here; I can provide you with the same services..."


    "Get lost." Baret casually kicked the small demon aside and strode in.


    Upon reaching the back of the shop, Carlo spotted a small mound of flesh exuding a rancid odor, as if countless rotting corpses were piled together.


    Baret approached the mound directly.


    "Ephelos, my dear friend, why don¡¯t you come up and greet an old friend?"


    The mound of flesh stirred slightly, letting out a loud fart that filled the room with an unbearable stench, reminiscent of boiling rotten rats, making one gag.


    "I can''t take it anymore..." Nemos complained, darting out as a swarm of insects.


    A soft, slow voice reached Carlo''s ear. "Oh, Baret. Why are you still alive after the blood war..."


    Baret seemed unfazed, chuckling as he casually picked up a small object resembling a snuff box from before the mound, inhaling its contents, a look of ecstasy crossing his face.


    "Damn you, Baret, put that down... you bloodsucking worm, rotten maggot... why don¡¯t you let the guillotine chop you into pulp..."


    The mound roared in anger, its blubbery body quaking as if what Baret held was incredibly important to it.


    "Why don¡¯t you give it a try?" Baret offered the snuff box to Carlo, smiling. "You¡¯ll come to love this aroma."


    Carlo stared at the ancient box, through which swirling gray mist could be seen, accompanied by the anguished cries of countless souls¡ªthose were the wails of the damned.


    This was a snuff box filled with souls.