“You’re the driver!”

“What?”

“Huh?”

“Oh?”

“Yeah, I can sense your soul is the same.”

“I just knew you were special. I just had to steal you away. I do deal with thieves, after all.”

“You must have some Soul Item capable of changing your features, huh?”

The twins were too busy shaking in their boots to think of how to get away or even survive. It was astounding that a 10 year old human could do better.

Melakios began to walk around Valafar, noticing his expression and external details.

Valafar was tall, yes. Over 2 meters tall and with broad shoulders. His outfit was a brownish red like his hair and mane. He had a cat like presence and was accented by his whiskers, tail, and ears. He did not have wings, though. He was dressed like the bandits, with ruddy normal looking clothes, fit for looking poor and undeserving of attention.

“Listen, Melakios. Don’t let appearances fool you. That look is probably meant to lower your guard.”

“Yes sir, Mr. Alkelios.”

No matter where Melakios walked to, Valafar always kept him at 10 meters away and forever in his sight.

“What are you stalling for? No one’s coming to get you, my little money maker.”

Melakios then stopped and started to converse with him.

“So what do you want? Besides me, of course. I mean, why start a fight with the Lilim Household?”

“Hahaha! Lilith won’t get off her ass for something like this! Besides, Prince Gäap would have something to say about that. Even if she is a Queen, she would still have some trouble. I mean, Lilith is a Soul Monger. She can’t measure up to a true Demon!”

“If that is so, then why try and kidnap me?”

“Using money to get by and having money to get by are two completely different things! With you, we could equip our men with amazing weapons and armor, we could essentially make money, and we could get stronger faster and easier, too!”

“Don’t think I’m so special. I don’t know how to permanently change a soul. Keeping it up also requires quite the effort.”

“No matter, we can help you grow.”

“Hmm…you’ve given me a lot to think about. Let me get back to you.”

“Oh no. You’re coming with me.”

“It’s crazy how people won’t let me choose what I want.”

And with that, he turned to the trees and ran. But he was instantly stopped by Valafar who was standing before him.

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Just as he was about to grab Melakios, he noticed something was missing. He looked around, but could not see, hear, or sense the three Succubi at all. And just a moment of distraction was all it took and Valafar felt a sharp pain in his gut.

“Shit!”

Looking down, he saw the lizard sword run right through him. When he looked at Melakios, his vision was suddenly blurred as he couldn’t move.

Melakios had used the spider spirit!

Not wasting the chance, he took out all the stops as he attacked Valafar with all the souls he had. Rats, bugs, snakes, lizards, and other creepy crawlies, all of which he had found while exploring the mansion.

“Soul Swarm!”

Valafar had no strong soul defense, in fact, that was what the ragged clothing was for. Valafar had actually decked out his men in super strong armor capable of defending against Soul Attacks from a Count.

What did this mean?

Melakios’ Soul Attacks were so strong, they rivaled a Duke’s attack strength! Well, one has to keep in mind, no one expects the little 10 year old human to be capable of anything.

They all think he wouldn’t know how to use his powers.

They think he’s not smart enough.

They think he’s not mature enough.

But thanks to his soul spirits, Melakios gained enlightenment on life and the thoughts of an actual adult. Keep in mind Melakios had nothing else to do with his time besides training his power. He was able to converse with the souls he absorbed and learn from them.

His father, Alkelios, was an experienced human warrior. He would train Melakios how to hold a sword and how to fight for many hours a day.

Melakios gained insight from his peers, complimenting their attack strategies with his own strength. Any teacher would be proud to have Melakios as their student. Although, he would probably only need a year or two before moving on.

Because Valafar underestimated him, Melakios could divert his attention to allow the three to escape, distract him once he noticed them gone, and attack his blind spot in that instant.

Even an expert would have trouble keeping up! But now, even though Melakios had all those advantages, Valafar was still strong. Realizing his mistake, he quickly escaped. He wasn’t some little grunt, he was a Duke! If he died here, it would be an embarrassment!

“Heh, you may have beat me today, but don’t think this will happen again. I will get you!”

And with that, the lion man shaped Demon ran off.

Melakios regathered his souls and wondered as he walked around,

“Where to now?”