Arayn returned to Valtheran’s manor and made his way to Darius's office. As he entered, Darius looked up, his expression shifting to one of surprise. “I only stepped away for a moment, and now you’ve returned shrouded in a deathly aura. Seems like you only have one day left,” Darius said, leaning back in his chair.

Arayn’s gaze was calm. “It’s a fitting price for defeating Aveline.”

Darius raised an eyebrow, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “So, you defeated her. Impressive. Did you kill her?”

“No,” Arayn replied. “Someone intervened and saved her.”

“I see,” Darius murmured, his amusement lingering. “Even so, you managed to best her. Aveline is one of the most talented new generation prodigies in Varondale kingdom. You truly are formidable, young master.”

“That’s a given,” Arayn said without hesitation. Then, shifting the topic, he added, “I’ve come to trade the souls I’ve gathered. I want to unlock new abilities for my demonic sword.”

Darius nodded thoughtfully. “The cost for one ability is 100 souls, but the next unlock will be double that.”

“I’ll unlock two,” Arayn said flatly.

Darius adjusted his spectacles, calculating quickly. “That will cost 300 souls.”

Without a word, Arayn unfurled his Soul Gathering Scroll. A spectral glow filled the room as the captured souls spiraled out, flowing into the Ritual Lantern on Darius's desk. The lantern pulsed with an eerie light as it absorbed the souls.

Darius coughed softly, a wry smile on his face. “You’re exceptionally generous, young master. I thought you might haggle, considering these aren’t ordinary souls.”

Arayn’s expression didn’t change. “Ordinary or expert, they’re all the same to me if I don’t know them. Besides, I see no need to bargain when Alice will hear about this and ensure you compensate me properly.”

A bead of sweat trickled down Darius’s temple at the mention of Alice. “You’re absolutely right,” he said quickly. “She’d have my head if I didn’t treat you fairly, hahaha. Rest assured, you’ll receive your due once the deathmatch is complete.”

“Good,” Arayn said. “Now, let’s unlock my sword’s abilities.”

Darius nodded, already preparing the ritual, drawing a magic circle on the floor and pushing an altar on it. After that, he placed a different ritual lantern on the altar.

Arayn placed Malzareth on the ritual altar. Darius stepped forward, his hands already tracing sigils in the air. A hum of energy crackled around him, filling the room with its noise.

Darius reached for two vials of crimson liquid. He poured those slowly onto the blade, the liquid hissing and steaming as it made contact with the cursed steel. The sword seemed to drink it in, and runes appeared in the metal.

"Hold steady," Darius muttered, glancing briefly at Arayn before returning his focus to the blade.

He began to chant, “Adfer animas damnatas, imple hoc ferrum potentia obscura. Aperi viam ad virtutem in aeternum!” Each word echoed through the chamber, carrying a weight that seemed to press against the walls.

As he spoke, the second Ritual Lantern he had prepared on the altar flared to life, spilling its captured souls into the room.

Wisps of translucent figures swirled around the altar, their faces twisting in silent screams as they were drawn toward Malzareth. The sword pulsed, its dark aura expanding outward like crashing waves upon a shore.

Darius extended his hands over the weapon, his fingers trembling as the energy grew wilder. “Descendat umbrae, et rursus resurgetis in ferro aeterno! Concede vim et dominatum!” Sparks erupted from the runes in the metal, arcing into the air and leaving scorch marks on the stone walls. The room trembled faintly, as if the manor itself recoiled from the power being unleashed.

With a final, shouted incantation, “Fiat voluntas tenebris! Nunc completum est!” Darius clapped his hands together, and the swirling souls surged into Malzareth. The blade glowed a fierce crimson for a heartbeat, then dulled, its runes now faintly smoldering like embers.

Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.

Darius let out a sharp breath, stepping back as he wiped the sweat from his brow. “It’s done,” he said, his voice hoarse. “Malzareth has claimed its new power.”

Arayn stepped forward, his gaze fixed on the sword. He reached out and gripped its hilt, the weapon feeling alive in his hand. A faint smile crossed his lips. “Good. I really like its abilities.”

[Name: Malzareth

Type: Demonic Artifact

Grade: Magic

Abilities:

1. Soul Absorption (D): The blade devours the souls of fallen enemies, converting them essence into life force.

2. Soul Rend (B): A devastating strike that tears through both the physical body and the enemy's soul.]

Malzareth was no ordinary weapon. As a demonic artifact, it possessed the unique potential to awaken a soul of its own after prolonged and frequent use. When that time came, the wielder could perform a soul-binding ritual, unlocking the artifact’s full potential and elevating its power to match that of its master. For Arayn, it was simply a matter of wielding Malzareth often enough.

Arayn examined Malzareth further. [Soul Absorption (D)] allowed him to absorb the souls of class holders, those who had yet to reach the expert level.

When he wielded the sword in his hand, his [Soul Rend] ability fused with the sword's, temporarily increasing its rank to B+.

Satisfied, he sheathed the blade, its dark aura dimming as it slid into its scabbard. “I want to buy a primordial crystal containing Demonic Acolyte class and four catalysts to awaken it,” he said.

Darius watched Arayn with curiosity, his gaze sharpening. "Did you buy it for your disciple?" he asked.

Arayn gave a short nod. "Yes."

Darius's eyebrows lifted in surprise. "I didn’t know you were serious about raising a disciple." His tone held a hint of amusement, as though he had never pegged Arayn for a mentor.

Arayn shrugged, a faint smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. "I do it for my entertainment."

Darius gave a knowing nod, the subject shifting. "The primordial crystal and four catalysts cost 100 souls," he said.

Arayn’s expression remained impassive as he spoke, "I want an Infernal Codex, containing [Infernal Aegis] ability."

Darius didn’t hesitate. "That will cost 100 souls as well. The total is 200."

Arayn unfurled the Soul Gathering Scroll, allowing the souls within to flow. The souls drifted and entered the Soul Lantern on Darius's desk with a soft hiss.

"With that, I have no soul left."

Darius prepared a small box and handed it to Arayn. "All the things you need are in here , young master."

Arayn grasped the box, nodding once in acknowledgment.

"I’ll be going now," Arayn said, turning toward the door.

Darius bowed deeply, his hands clasped in front of him. “I understand you’re busy, young master,” he said with a respectful nod. “Take care out there.”

Arayn entered Alice's room without a word, his presence immediately drawing attention. Alice was seated at her desk, guiding Soren through an ancient tome. As the door creaked open, both of them turned their heads toward him.

“Master!” Soren greeted him enthusiastically, standing up from his chair with a wide smile.

Alice’s sharp eyes studied Arayn for a moment before narrowing. “Oh,” she said with a knowing tone, “you only have one day left, don’t you?”

Soren blinked in confusion, glancing between the two. “Is Master going to die?” he asked.

Arayn snorted, his tone dripping with disdain. “Foolish Worm. I’m going to live forever.”

Shifting the focus, Arayn gestured toward the book on the table. “Has he learned the basics of the cult?”

Alice nodded. “He has,” she replied, closing the tome. “If you don't believe me, let’s test him.” She turned to Soren, her voice taking on a stern edge. “Tell me, how was the Crimson Sun founded?”

Soren straightened, his expression growing serious as he recited, “The Crimson Sun was founded by Lord Azael Crimsonstar, who sought to transcend mortality through demonic power. After his ascension, he passed the mantle of Sovereignty to his adopted son, Lord Malrik Azael.”

Arayn nodded in approval. “That’s enough. I believe in both of you.”

Soren’s face lit up at the praise, but before he could respond, Arayn added, “As a reward, I’ll awaken your class.”

Soren’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Really, Master? I’m going to have a class?”

Alice’s expression mirrored his excitement, her voice rising slightly. “What class have you prepared for him, Arayn?”

Arayn placed the small box from Darius on the table. He opened the lid to reveal a glowing primordial crystal and four catalysts, each radiating faint, eerie energy. The items seemed alive, exuding an ominous power that lingered in the room.

Alice’s expression turned sour as her gaze landed on the contents. “Demonic Acolyte? You’re actually giving him that class?” she said, her voice sharp with disapproval.

Arayn smirked, his focus shifting to Soren. “Do you even understand what it means to become a Demonic Acolyte?”

Soren straightened slightly, recalling his studies under Alice. “The Demonic Acolyte is considered the best first class in the cult,” he replied confidently. “It allows the user to form contracts with demons, granting access to some of the most powerful magic-grade abilities. It’s one of the strongest starting classes on the continent. But,” he hesitated for a moment, “it also comes with a condition. After a year, the holder must survive either a death mission or a deathmatch ritual.”

Alice crossed her arms, frowning. “It’s reckless. There are plenty of other strong classes in the cult that could make him an expert. He doesn’t need to risk his life like this.”

Arayn’s gaze sharpened. “My disciple won’t settle for mediocrity. If he’s to achieve greatness, taking risks is non-negotiable.”

Soren lifted his chin, determination burning in his eyes. “I’m grateful for this chance, Master Arayn,” he said firmly. “I’ll take the class, no matter the risks.”

Arayn nodded in approval, a hint of satisfaction in his expression. “Good. That determination will take you far.”

Alice sighed, shaking her head in frustration. “Alright, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.”