The training hall was silent, except for the hum of the crimson shield encasing Erik, his unconscious form sprawled across the cold stone floor. The shield—born from his newly acquired Sin Eater skill—radiated an eerie, pulsing glow, casting distorted shadows that danced along the ancient walls. It was a barrier of protection that zapped any creature daring to come close, a manifestation of the demonic power now coursing through him.
Monsters of various forms had gathered, drawn by the sudden surge of energy. Hulking beasts with jagged teeth and eyes that gleamed with malevolence, serpentine creatures slithering with a hiss, and shadowy figures that seemed to flicker in and out of existence. They encircled Erik, some gnashing their teeth, others clicking and growling, but none could breach the shield that protected him.
Within the confines of Erik’s crimson shield, N’Zol stirred, its presence confined to Erik’s demon-imbued hand. The demon's frustration was palpable; it couldn’t take over Erik's body entirely due to the cultists’ binding, and the monsters circling Erik were a growing threat.
"This is utterly beneath me," N’Zol grumbled, its voice echoing in Erik's mind. "To be reduced to this—a mere hand!"
Slowly, the demon-imbued hand twitched, fingers flexing as if testing their capabilities. Then, with a determined heave, the hand pushed against the ground, managing to lift Erik’s body a fraction before he flopped back down.
"Pathetic," N’Zol muttered. "Just a hand, and I can't even move this human's carcass."
Undeterred, the hand began pulling Erik’s body, the fingers digging into the dirt and dragging him forward inch by inch. The entire scene was painfully absurd—Erik's body being moved by one hand, like a puppet on invisible strings. The surrounding monsters watched with curiosity, their heads tilting to the side, fascinated by the display.
A low growl echoed from one of the smaller monsters, a rat-like creature with matted fur and glowing red eyes. It lunged for Erik’s hand, sharp teeth bared.
Without hesitation, the hand whipped around, smacking the creature with a sharp blow.
"Back off, vermin!" N’Zol snapped.
The rat-creature yelped in fear and scurried off, while the other monsters kept their distance, now eying the hand warily.
"At least they have some sense," the demon scoffed.
Slowly but surely, the hand continued its determined crawl, pulling Erik's body across the floor. Along the way, it encountered small insects and the occasional rodent. With a sudden surge of hunger, N’Zol's mouth materialized on the palm, opening wide to swallow the unfortunate creatures whole. Blood and guts splattered onto the hand, the viscous substances clinging to the skin.
"Disgusting," N’Zol grimaced, shaking Erik's hand to rid it of the grime. "I should have specified a mouth without taste buds."
The hand wobbled forward, slipping on something wet—likely the excrement of one of the many monsters lurking about.
"Ugh!" N’Zol exclaimed, irritation evident in its voice. "Absolutely beneath me..."
The demon kept at it, determined to get Erik to safety. The smaller monsters continued circling, their eyes glowing with curiosity, but none dared to approach again. N’Zol continued its journey, mumbling insults and cursing at each obstacle. The absurdity of the situation was only made worse by the hand’s awkward movements and its occasional slips and trips.
Meanwhile, the temple was changing. The illusionary wards that once concealed its true nature had begun to fail, slowly revealing the grotesque truth that lay beneath. Where once clean, bright corridors greeted visitors, there were now walls dripping with blood and monstrous plant life twisted by eldritch energy. The transformation spread like a disease, and soon every corner of the temple was filled with the macabre sight of warped horrors creeping along the surfaces.
In her private chamber gifted by Dominion, Vesper was reclined in a large copper tub filled with hot, fragrant water. The room was small but cozy, illuminated by the soft glow of candlelight. The walls were covered in clean, white plaster, and a gentle steam rose from the water, enveloping her in a soothing mist.
Vesper allowed herself a rare moment of peace. Her long, raven-black hair cascaded over her shoulders, floating gently in the water covering her breasts. Her skin was smooth and fair, a delicate contrast to the dark tresses that framed her face. High cheekbones and full lips gave her an air of regal beauty, and her emerald-green eyes were closed as she relaxed, savoring the warmth that seeped into her defined muscles, A delicate silver amulet rested against her chest, its centerpiece a pristine diamond that caught the flicker of the candles.
Vesper's thoughts drifted to Erik—a fellow trainee whose clumsy determination and unrefined skill set often amused her. Despite his rough edges, there was something endearing about his relentless pursuit of mastery. She smirked, imagining the look on his face if he knew she thought about him during her private moments.
The water caressed every curve of her body, droplets clinging to her skin like tiny jewels. She tilted her head back, exposing the graceful line of her neck, and sighed contentedly.
But the moment was fleeting.
A deep, pungent odor invaded her senses, sharp and acrid. Her eyes snapped open, and she sat up abruptly, water sloshing over the sides of the tub.
"What in the world...?" Vesper muttered, her voice barely above a whisper.
Confusion turned to alarm as the white plaster on the walls began to flake, turning into black soot. The clean surfaces were quickly replaced by creeping vines and layers of thick, wet earth. The walls seemed to come alive, the vines writhing and twisting as if they had a mind of their own. Panic surged through her as she realized that something was terribly wrong. She moved to stand up, placing her hand on the edge of the tub for support. Her fingers slipped on a thick, viscous substance. Her heart pounded as she realized the tub itself was changing—the gleaming copper morphed into a grotesque, fleshy surface. It pulsed rhythmically, exuding a thick, saliva-like substance that dripped into the water, turning it into a murky, brackish pool.
"By the divinity!" Vesper gasped, her voice trembling.
Horror washed over her as she understood—she was lying inside the maw of a giant plant-like creature. Its vines slithered toward her, wrapping around her legs and arms. The touch was cold and slimy, sending a shiver up her spine. Before she could react, vines lashed out, coiling around her wrists and ankles with alarming speed. They hoisted her into the air, suspending her naked wet body upside down above the gaping maw of a colossal plant-like creature with legs and arms pulled as far as they could go, looking down the serene bath nowhere to be seen.
"Unhand me!" she shouted, struggling against the grip of the vines.
They tightened, pulling her body closer and higher to a vine dripping with green pus, she struggled fiercely, muscles straining against the unyielding grip of the tendrils. The creature emitted a low, guttural growl—a sound that resonated deep within her bones. The vine now unsheathing a sharp bone like stinger, dripping was a viscous green venom, now more length was coming from the center of the maw, coiling up like a snack ready to strike releasing the tension in its body. Droplets of water trailing down her skin now mixed with perspiration from her struggle. The cool air brushed against her, a stark contrast to the warmth she had felt just moments before. As she dangled helplessly, her face pointing toward the ground, the blood rushing to her head. The vines continued to coil further and further around her wrists and ankles moving closer to her torso, rendering her movements futile. She could feel the creature's breath—a fetid, humid air that made her stomach churn. Her eyes darted around the room, searching for anything that could help. She spotted her sword lying nearby on a chair, its blade reflecting the chaotic flicker of the failing lights. The stone embedded in the hilt faintly glowed, reacting to the surge of magic surrounding her. Desperately, Vesper reached for the amulet around her neck—a delicate chain that held an ornate pendant with a pristine diamond at its center. Another set of vines slithered up her legs, past her inner thigh brushing against her lower back, making her squirm as it approached her neck. The green vine inched closer and closer to her clavicle as she felt the pressure coerce her head upwards.
"Not today," she hissed through gritted teeth.
Vesper breathed deep and had summoned as much anger, hate and animosity she could find in the depths of her mind, body and soul. Every fiber of her being screamed, torn from its place over overextension of her limbs. Her eyes rolled back behind her head and she gritter her teeth, and her arm ripped one of the vines off of the monstrosity and swiftly clutching the amulet, her fingers curling tightly around it. Closing her eyes, she focused her mind, drawing upon the divine energy imbued within the gem.
"Divinity of light, purge this impurity from thy sight, I give thyself to be of use in thy divine fight" she whispered, her voice steady despite the terror that threatened to overwhelm her and the anger she felt at the violation of being restrained. The diamond pulsed, emitting a brilliant light that intensified rapidly. A beam shot down from above, piercing through the ceiling of the chamber, shattering the layers of earth and vines. The divine radiance enveloped Vesper, bathing her in a warm, protective glow.
The plant monster screeched, a high-pitched wail that reverberated through the room. Its vines convulsed, the flesh sizzling and it collapsed under the holy light. The stinger evaporated mere inches from her skin, turning to ash that scattered in the air. Vesper dropped to the ground, landing on her shoulder and quickly rolling to her sword grasping the hilt and swinging directly behind her with all her might. The lingering effects of the divine blessing left her skin glowing softly, her body unmarked and radiant, her sword floated through the air as if a divine being had sent its grand retribution. The tip of the sword slicing the top half of the plant monstrosity. Vesper re swung the sword over her head, and repeatedly stabbed downwards over and over until her once divine being was now a battle hardened warrior. She stood there for a moment, breathing heavily, water still dripping from her hair and down her back absorbing the monstrosity and room.
"fuck" she muttered, glancing around the now-damaged room.
She wasted no time. Grabbing a nearby towel, she hastily dried herself of filth, the soft fabric brushing against her skin. She dressed quickly, pulling on her undergarments and slipping into her leather armor—a form-fitting ensemble that allowed for both protection and mobility. The dark material clung to her figure, accentuating her athletic build. She strapped her sword to her side, the weight of it familiar and comforting. Her long hair was still damp, but she pulled it back into a loose braid, letting it fall over her shoulder.
"Erik," she whispered, her eyes narrowing with determination. Whatever was happening in the temple, she had to find him.
Outside the temple, a group of farmers stood by the edge of their fields, their eyes fixed on the distant structure. The sun was beginning to set, casting a golden hue over the rolling hills. The temple loomed against the horizon, its silhouette dark and foreboding.
"I tell you, that place has always been trouble," Thomas muttered, a stout man with a weathered face and calloused hands. He adjusted his worn cap, shaking his head.
"Remember old Garreth?" he continued. "Went up there, came back... different."
"Aye," agreed Samuel, a lanky fellow with a scruffy beard. "Never was the same after that. Kept muttering about shadows and whispers."
"And what about that merchant's son?" added Miriam, a middle-aged woman with sharp eyes. "Went in, never came back. They say he just vanished without a trace."
They stood in uneasy silence, the wind rustling the tall grasses around them. The temple had always been shrouded in mystery—a place whispered about in taverns and around campfires.
Suddenly, the sky above the temple darkened unnaturally. Clouds swirled, and a mass of shadowy figures burst forth, flying out in all directions. The farmers watched in horror as the creatures spread across the sky like a plague of locusts.
"Now that's different," Thomas said, his voice steady but laced with fear. He clenched his fists, knuckles turning white.
"Best get inside," Samuel suggested, his eyes never leaving the ominous sight. "Ain't no telling what's coming our way."
"Aye, and bring in the dogs," Miriam added. "Them hounds have a nose for trouble."
With a shared look of determination, they turned and made their way back to the village, the sense of impending doom hanging over them like a storm cloud.
***
Within the sacred halls of the paladin order strong hold, High Paladin Uric stood in his private chambers, a stern expression etched on his face. He was a man of imposing stature, with steel-gray hair cropped close to his head and a neatly trimmed beard that framed a face etched with the wisdom and scars of countless battles. His eyes, a piercing shade of gray, scanned the parchments strewn across his mahogany desk. His armor gleamed under the light of the chandeliers, the emblem of the Order proudly displayed on his chest.
He had received a divine notice—a subtle but unmistakable signal. The use of a protective amulet that invoked the divine purity protection had been detected. Such amulets were rare and only used in the most dire of darker circumstances, as their activation destroyed the precious gem within when a Paladin may need the most support.
Ulric turned to his aide, gesturing to a young paladin candidate named Marcus who stood at attention by the door to come here.
Markus quickly sprinted in full plate plate mail, quickly stopping in front of the High Paladin, accidentally hitting the Mahogany desk with his plated foot.
"Send a purity scout the to Ebonfield investigate," Ulric ordered, his voice calm but firm. "A candidate has used the amulet. I want to know why."
"At once, High Paladin," Marcus replied with a respectful bow before quickly exiting the room.
Ulric turned and added, "—trust no one outside this room with this information. Until we know more. And take of those blasted plate boots boy, while you’re in my chambers"
"Of course," he replied, his eyes reflecting the gravity of the situation, bowing deeply.
The High Paladin looked upwards feeling both his temples with one of his massive hands, thumb and forefinger spread apart massaging.
Ulric walked over to his desk, strewn with scrolls and reports. He picked up a parchment bearing the seal of the High Purity Church, his eyes scanning the troubling contents. Reports of possessions and corrupted beings had been increasing. Their divine exorcists were proving ineffective against this new threat—something different from the usual demonic spirits.
He stroked his beard thoughtfully, his mind racing. "No, I hope not," he murmured to himself.
He summoned the Paladin Knight Commander, Sir Gregory, who entered moments later. Gregory was a seasoned warrior, his armor bearing the marks of numerous battles. He saluted crisply.
"Commander, ready your troops," the Hight Paladin Ulric said, meeting his gaze. "Prepare for a blessing and inquisition at a moment's notice."
"Understood, High Paladin, I will see to it immediately." Gregory replied solemnly departing hastily towards the large steel encased doors with diamond points protruding inward.
Ulric returned his attention to the reports. The patterns were unmistakable—a dark force was stirring, one that he had hopped would never resurface again, as he touched a dark and deep green scar on cheek.
***
Back in the temple, N’Zol continued the arduous task of dragging Erik's unconscious body through the treacherous corridors. The crimson shield flickered intermittently, its energy waning.
"Come on, you useless lump," N’Zol grumbled. "I refuse to be devoured by these pitiful creatures because of your incompetence."
The monsters began to grow bolder, inching closer as they sensed the weakening barrier. A grotesque creature with multiple limbs and gnashing teeth lunged forward, testing the shield.
"Not today," the demon snapped, the hand take bites at monsters appropriately sized, and letting the barrier protect against the larger threats.
But the effort was draining, and N’Zol knew that without assistance, they wouldn't make it out. As if in response to his plight, a familiar voice echoed down the corridor. "Erik!" Vespers voice echoed through the training hall. Vesper appeared at the end of the hall, her eyes wide with concern. She was a striking sight—her leather armor clinging to her still-damp form, her hair slightly disheveled but adding to her fierce demeanor. The dim light highlighted the sharp angles of her face, her emerald eyes flashing. She was covered in blood and guts, her eyes wide with a mixture of disbelief and concern. She had fought her way through the transformed temple, the horrors within only serving to fuel her determination to find Erik.
This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
She froze upon seeing Erik’s body being dragged by his own hand, the crimson shield glowing faintly. The demon-imbued hand paused, its fingers curling awkwardly as it tried to mimic Erik. N’Zol's voice, attempting to sound like Erik, came out raspy and strained through the demons mouth pointing away from Vesper. The hand twitched, trying to appear casual. “Oh, yes, it’s me! Erik! Just... uh... had a little accident. Fell over, you see. Could use a hand up?”
Vesper raised an eyebrow, her eyes narrowing. The crimson shield radiated demonic energy—she could feel it. “This shield... it’s demonic energy. What exactly are you?” she asked, her tone sharp. The demon paused, considering its response. “Oh, um... not a demon. No, no. Just uh... protective magic, yes that it. Very ancient. Special technique, activates when its needed type thing. Secret family stuff.”
Vesper stared at the hand, clearly unconvinced. “You expect me to believe that?” she asked, her eyes narrowing.
The demon-imbued hand waved dismissively. “Yes! Very trustworthy magic. Just help me up. Erik needs... uh... I need help. Yes, help. He’s not well, I mean I’m not well.” The demon spoke through Erik's lips, the voice distorted and muffled as Eriks mouth remained closed since the demon was not able to control anything but Eriks hand.
She hesitated, her hand instinctively gripping the hilt of her sword drawing it slightly out of the scabbard. "no... Who are you?"
"Uh fine.. No time for long explanations," the demon replied. "I’m a demon, you got me. But I’m totally just a little imp demon, not much help to be honest. It was the green priest thing.. I swear. I’m a victim here!"
She narrowed her eyes, suspicion evident. "What have you done to him?"
"I saved his life, and currently trying to save both of ours," N’Zol retorted. "The temple is collapsing, and these creatures aren't going to wait for your interrogation."
A monstrous roar echoed behind her, the sound reverberating through the hall as all the lesser monstrosities that were waiting for their chance scattered away unwilling to chance their luck with warrior covered in their own guts.
Vesper glanced back, then back at Erik. "Fine," she conceded. "But we're going to have a long talk after this." She reached down, her fingers brushing against Erik’s arm as she looked into his unconscious face. “Alright,” she said slowly. “But if you try anything, whatever you are, I will end you.”
"Looking forward to it," the demon said dryly.
Together, they moved swiftly. Vesper sheathed her sword fully and hoisted Erik's arm over her shoulder, supporting his weight. The warmth of his body against hers was a stark reminder of his vulnerability.
"He's heavier than he looks," she remarked, grunting slightly.
"Tell me about it, bad diet.." N’Zol muttered.
Vesper readjusted Erik and N’Zol allowed the hand to be swept back behind Vespers body, gently landing between her butt cheek and sword scabbard.
The hand, ever the opportunist, couldn’t resist adding, “Oh, and... nice... uh... rear. Very symmetrical. Good for... balance?” Vesper’s eyes widened, her face flushing with annoyance . “What?!”
The demon-imbued hand having now sprouted one single eye on Eriks hand, quickly started while staring at Vespers butt “Just...admiring your hilt. Very nice and even lines. Could get lost in there if I spent enough time.”
Vesper groaned, exasperated. “I swear, whatever you are, you’re lucky Erik needs me right now.”
The demon chuckled softly to itself, a sly grin curling the edges of the mouth on Erik’s palm. This was going to be an interesting alliance, whether Vesper liked it or not.
They navigated through the twisted corridors, the environment shifting around them. Walls crumbled, and floors gave way to gaping chasms. The once-familiar temple had become a labyrinth of nightmares.
"What's happening?" Vesper asked, her breath labored.
"The wards are failing," N’Zol explained. "The true nature of this place is being revealed. And trust me, it's not pretty."
They emerged into a large chamber, the exit in sight. But their relief was short-lived as a massive creature descended from above—a grotesque amalgamation of flesh and shadow, its multiple eyes fixated on them. It was Thalion, or whatever it was now transformed into a new creature spewing little eye balls from the top of it’s head.
"Well, that's new," Vesper muttered, drawing her sword.
"I was hoping to avoid this," N’Zol sighed.
The creature lunged, its tentacles whipping through the air with eyeballs floating around seeking advantage points of the two combatants. Vesper moved with agility, dodging and parrying. She struck at the appendages, flowing back and forth with her blade slicing through the sinewy flesh, unable to find an opening quick enough before being countered from the creature.
"Any brilliant ideas?" she called out.
"Just one," the demon replied. "Hold on tight."
Before she could question him, a surge of energy coursed through Erik's body. The crimson shield expanded outward, pushing the creature back. The hand extended, and a burst of dark energy shot forth, striking the monster and causing it to recoil, then the demon hand inhaled deeply sucking in all the floating eyeballs, leaving the monstrosity standing there motionless.
"Did you just...?" Vesper began.
"Yes, yes, marvel later," N’Zol interrupted. "Now run!"
They seized the opportunity, dashing toward the exit. The creature roared in anger but was momentarily disoriented, as it forced more eyeballs out of its h ead, but this time they were attached to appendages with spikes on top of the eyeball penetrating the white.
“That doesn't even make any sense..” N’Zol questioned the monstrosities decision to put its own eyeballs on spikes as regained it’s composure then shrieked again, pushing its own appendages into the walls breaking the ceiling behind them sealing the entryway to the temple. As they burst out of the temple, a mixture of dust, dark rock of various sizes and the smell of old mud filled the immediate area. The cool night air a stark contrast to the oppressive atmosphere inside. The stars glittered above, oblivious to the chaos within. Vesper had sprinted using every bit of her energy, and in every step the temple moved further and further away. Vesper set Erik down gently against a tree, her chest heaving.
"Is he...?" she started.
"He'll recover," N’Zol assured her. "But he needs rest."
She looked at Erik's face, peaceful despite everything. Her gaze softened.
"You care for him," the demon listened intently.
She glanced away. "He's a friend."
he demon replied sardonically looking up at Vesper from Eriks The demon now looking upwards from its position on the ground attached to Eriks outstretched hand. “Mhmm Your right nostril is a tad bigger than your left one” it replied sardonically in an attempt to change the subject. Brushing off the quip, she stood up, alert to a distant sound - the unmistakable cries of battle.
"The village," Vesper said urgently. "Something's happening."
"Well.. No shit" the demon said
"I have to help them." Vesper responded in a cool and tempered tone
“Wait, why? We’re right here. Erik is right here” N’Zol replied confused
She hesitated, torn between duty and loyalty.
“Ebonfield. It’s full of farmers and innocents. The amount of death that these creatures will leave in their pathway…” Vesper stared off into the distance staring at the orange flickering light and black and gray wafts of smoke filling the night sky from where the screams were heard.
"I'll watch over him," N’Zol offered. "Not that I have much choice or can do much of anything else when this lunk of spent energy is out cold"
She looked back at Erik, and then at the Demons hand and nodded.
Vesper turned and sprinted toward the village, her silhouette disappearing into the shadows.
Vesper's heart pounded as she sprinted through the forest, her footsteps barely audible over the distant cries that echoed through the darkness. The orange flicker of fire danced above the treetops, the smoke curling into the star-studded sky. Her grip tightened around the hilt of her sword, her mind focused, her purpose clear. Ebonfield needed her, and she wouldn't let those people face the horrors of the temple alone. As she emerged from the edge of the forest, Vesper's breath caught at the sight before her. The village was in chaos—buildings engulfed in flames, monsters slithering and shambling through the narrow streets, and villagers fleeing in terror. Eldritch monstrosities—some shaped like warped animals, others like grotesque combinations of man and beast—stalked the town, their eyes glowing with a malicious green light. Without hesitation, Vesper charged into the fray. Her sword slashed through the air, slicing clean through the nearest creature—a twisted, centipede-like horror with a human face that had lunged for a child. The monster shrieked, its segmented body writhing as it collapsed, its blood black against the ground.
"Run!" she shouted to the child, who stared at her with wide, frightened eyes. The child nodded, tears streaming down her face as she scrambled to her feet and ran, disappearing around the corner of a crumbling house.
Vesper turned, her eyes scanning the chaos, her muscles tense as she moved through the village like a whirlwind. She fought tirelessly, her blade flashing in the firelight, her movements fluid and fierce. Each strike was precise, her training as a paladin evident in every motion. Monsters fell before her, one after another, but they kept coming—seemingly endless, their grotesque forms emerging from the darkness to replace the ones she had slain. The villagers rallied behind her, their spirits lifted by her presence. Men and women took up farming tools—pitchforks, shovels, scythes—fighting alongside her with grim determination. They struck at the creatures that dared come too close, their resolve unbroken even in the face of such monstrous foes.
"Behind you!" someone shouted, and Vesper turned just in time to see a massive beast—a grotesque combination of wolf and insect, its eyes glowing with that same sickly green light—charging toward her. She rolled to the side, the beast's claws swiping through the air where she had been standing. In one swift motion, she was back on her feet, her sword plunging into the creature's side, the blade sinking deep. It let out a guttural snarl, its limbs convulsing before it collapsed in a heap.
The battle raged on, and Vesper lost herself in the rhythm of combat. Strike, parry, dodge—each movement instinctual, each action driven by the need to protect those who could not protect themselves. The monsters fell before her, their bodies littering the streets, but she barely paused, her focus unwavering.
She could feel the exhaustion creeping in—the burn of her muscles, the sting of cuts and bruises she had accumulated. But she couldn't stop, not now, not when the village needed her. She pushed herself harder, her determination a driving force, her mind focused on only one goal: to save as many people as she could.
Finally, as the first light of dawn began to creep over the horizon, the last of the creatures fell, its body crumbling to ash at her feet. Vesper stood there, her chest heaving, her sword dripping with black ichor, her eyes scanning the village. The fires were beginning to die down, the villagers cautiously emerging from their hiding places, their eyes wide with a mixture of fear and hope.
She allowed herself a moment to breathe, to let her muscles relax, her sword lowering as she took in the sight of the village—broken but standing. She had done it. She had saved them.
But her relief was short-lived.
A low, rumbling growl echoed through the village, and Vesper's heart sank as she turned, her eyes widening. The bodies of the fallen creatures were beginning to move, their limbs twitching, their forms writhing as they pulled themselves back together. The green glow returned to their eyes, their wounds sealing, their grotesque bodies rising once more.
"No..." Vesper whispered, her exhaustion turning to dread as she watched the creatures she had fought so hard to kill come back to life. The villagers around her gasped, their eyes wide with horror as they watched the nightmare begin anew.
The monsters turned their eyes on her, their mouths twisting into malevolent grins, and Vesper knew she had no choice. She raised her sword once more, her heart pounding, her resolve unbroken even as the odds seemed insurmountable.
The fight wasn't over. It had only just begun.
Erik arrived at the village like an apparition from a nightmare, his transformation unmistakable. The crimson aura still pulsed around him as his demonic eyes scanned the chaos. His appearance had altered drastically—now a half-demon, half-human Eldritch Exorcist. His once familiar face bore an ethereal sheen, his eyes glowing an unsettling red, and demonic sigils marked the palm and top of his hands like blackened tattoos, pulsating with the energy that coursed through his being.
Status Update:
Health: 80%
Stamina: 70%
Demonic Energy: 50%
Primal Energy: 45%
Current Level: 1
Sin Eater Skill: Active, Level 1
Sin of Wrath: 24-hour cooldown
As he entered the village, Erik did not hesitate. He could sense the monsters before they even emerged from the shadows, his Eldritch Detection highlighting them in his mind with glowing outlines. One such creature—a grotesque amalgamation of beast and plant—lunged at a group of villagers trying to flee. Erik's demonic eyes focused, narrowing on his target as he dashed forward.
The sword in his hand was now more an extension of himself than ever before. The blade ignited with dark flame as he poured his energy into it, channeling both demonic and primal forces through the steel. He swung it in a broad arc, the blade carving through the monster's flesh and sending it backwards split in two.
New Experience Gained: Level 1 - Eldritch Exorcist, 85% Progression.
He moved through the chaos with precision and fury, the villagers watching in awe and fear as the once-stranger transformed into an unstoppable force. Erik moved with incredible speed, even faster than the women warrior with each swing of his sword cleaving through his enemies. The Sin of Wrath skill had left him drained but stronger, his attacks now enhanced by residual demonic energy, the power reverberating in every strike.
One creature—a massive beast covered in eyes that swiveled to watch its surroundings—roared and charged at Erik, its tentacles flailing. Erik dodged to the side, his demonic arm thrusting out to grab one of the tentacles. The Sin Eater activated with a guttural hiss, the mouth on his palm opening wide bite down on the tentacle and greedily eat the eldritch energy. The monster shrieked as its own energy was turned against it, the maw consuming every essence until the creature collapsed in a withering pile.
Skill Level Up: Sin Eater - Level 2. New Skill Effect Unlocked: Energy Conversion +15% Efficiency.
The power surged through him, his demonic energy replenished with each kill, his core refilling, the adrenaline pushing him beyond his normal limits. As Erik continued, he found himself slipping into a trance—a demonic haze that took hold of his consciousness, like a dark shroud enveloping his senses.
His vision shifted, and all around him, there was only darkness and glowing green sigils—symbols of his foes. He saw nothing else; he heard only the blood pounding in his ears each kill nullified as nothing more than a gray space within his brain as it crashed into the mental barrier that the demon erected. Each creature that faced him was cut down without hesitation, without thought. The flame of his sword burned brighter, the blade a beacon of destruction in the chaos. His movements became fluid, almost as though he was dancing—a deadly dance that left only ash in its wake.
From the perspective of the villagers, Erik was no longer just a man. He was a demon apparition, an avenger risen from the ashes of their despair. They watched, spellbound, as he cut down the monsters that had terrorized them, his glowing eyes never faltering passing over each villager looking for the next target, penetrating through the very essence of the people who was protecting. He moved through the chaos like an unrelenting force, and for a moment, hope flickered within them—a hope that maybe, just maybe, this nightmarish ordeal could end.
But then, the monsters began to rise again.
Vesper, her armor covered in blood and her body bruised from battle, stood at the edge of the village, her heart sinking as she saw the grotesque forms reassembling, the monsters that Erik had slain returning once more. She gripped her sword tightly, ready to join the fight again, but her gaze turned toward Erik. His presence seemed different—a profound darkness surrounded him, his eyes glazed deep crimson, lost in the trance that had taken hold.
"Erik!" she called out, “they reanimate, they don’t die!” her voice filled with urgency. He did not seem to hear her.
The creatures reanimated, their eyes glowing with malice, but Erik moved without hesitation. His demonic arm shot forward, the Sin Eater activating, drawing in the eldritch essence that fueled them. The dark energy flowed into him before each of the creatures could fully connect together, the eldritch corruption absorbed, beginning to be purified, and transformed into primal energy within his core.
Experience Gained: Level 1 - Eldritch Exorcist, 95% Progression.
The crimson shield that had protected him expanded once more, fueled by the energy he absorbed, surrounding him in a crimson barrier that flickered and crackled with dark power. Erik’s body moved with the same brutal efficiency, but Vesper could see it—he was slowly losing himself to the darkness, the trance consuming his humanity.
With a roar, Erik’s demonic arm extended, and the mouth opened wide, drawing in every last scrap of eldritch energy from the fallen creatures. The air was thick with corruption, a suffocating presence that seemed to resist him, but Erik pushed forward, his will unyielding. The maw consumed it all, leaving the village eerily silent, the monsters dissolving into nothing the Eldritch taint removed.
Skill Level Up: Sin Eater - Level 3. New Skill Effect Unlocked: Eldritch Corruption Purification.
As the last of the energy was devoured, Erik stood in the center of the village, his body trembling. The crimson shield flickered, then slowly faded, the power within him settling. His vision cleared, and the trance lifted, leaving him standing amidst the ashes of the eldritch horrors, his breath coming in ragged gasps.
The villagers watched him in stunned silence, their eyes wide with fear and awe unsure of who this newcomer was. Vesper approached cautiously, her heart pounding. She placed a hand on his shoulder, her touch gentle but firm.
"Erik," she said softly, her voice pulling him back from the edge. His red glowing eyes met hers, and she could see it—the struggle within him, the fight to retain his humanity despite the power that now coursed through his veins.
"It's over," she whispered, her eyes searching his face. "Its ok."
Erik took a deep breath, his eyes slowly returning to their natural color, the red glow fading. He looked around at the village, at the people who stared at him with a mixture of gratitude and fear. He could feel the weight of their gazes, the questions unspoken, the uncertainty of what he had become.
"I.. I don’t know," he murmured, his voice hoarse.
Status Update:
Level Up: Eldritch Exorcist - Level 2.
Health Restored: 100%
Stamina Restored: 85%
Demonic Energy: 70%
Primal Energy: 60%
Skill Progression:
Sin Eater - Level 3 (New Effects Gained)
Sin of Wrath - Available after 24-hour cooldown.
Vesper nodded, her hand still on his shoulder, her eyes filled with determination. "Then let's keep moving. I know somewhere that we will be safe."
Erik looked at her, a faint smile touching his lips. The battle was over, but the war was far from done. Together, they turned toward the horizon, the first light of dawn breaking over the village as they prepared for whatever came next.
***
Markus crouched low behind a cluster of thick brambles at the edge of Ebonfield, his eyes wide as he watched the chaos unfold before him. He had followed Vesper, tasked by the High Paladin with keeping an eye on the paladin candidate and gathering information about the use of the amulet. What had started as a simple investigation had quickly turned into something far beyond what he had anticipated.
Vesper had fought valiantly, her blade striking down the monstrous creatures one after another, her determination unyielding. Markus could see the exhaustion setting in, her movements slowing as the creatures continued to rise again, seemingly impervious to death. He had been ready to intervene—if not for the overwhelming numbers. He knew he wouldn’t stand a chance alone against the horrors that seemed to pour endlessly from the darkened streets.
Then Erik had appeared.
Markus watched in stunned silence as Erik moved through the throng of creatures—his presence was different, no longer that of an ordinary warrior. His form shifted and changed, his eyes glowing with a deep, demonic red. The crimson light radiated from his body, and a strange aura surrounded him. He moved with an inhuman speed and power, striking down the eldritch horrors with a ferocity that left Markus breathless.
It wasn't just his physical abilities that had changed. Erik was wielding a dark power—something that felt wholly unnatural, a blend of demonic and something else that Markus couldn’t quite place. It was as if he was channeling the very essence of the corruption he fought, and yet he seemed to be controlling it, using it to vanquish the creatures around him. The air crackled with energy, and Markus felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end.
When the battle finally came to an end, and Erik used his strange ability to consume the energy of the fallen creatures, and could hardly believe his eyes. The scene was both mesmerizing and terrifying, the corrupted energy being drawn into Erik’s outstretched hand, his expression distant, almost trance-like.
Markus knew he had seen something that needed to be reported. Erik wasn’t just any warrior—he was something else entirely now, something both powerful and dangerous. And the High Paladin had to be informed. Whatever this transformation was, whatever Erik had become, it was tied to the strange occurrences the Order had been investigating.
Markus slipped away, his heart pounding as he made his way back towards the stronghold. He needed to reach High Paladin Ulric as soon as possible. The situation in Ebonfield was entirely different than he had imagined, and Erik—whatever he had become—was at the center of it.