Once again, his suspicions were confirmed: the vampire possessed a power so immense that it eluded his perception!
And in the absence of any discernible aura, there could only be one explanation... Extraordinary.
The realization sent a shiver down Wales's spine.
Within moments of Morgen's arrival, beads of cold sweat trickled down Wales's forehead, unnoticed by the others present.
Morgen remained impassive as Grot and Betty flanked him, while Stanley and Amy stood behind him.
Morgen had long since concealed his presence. With the power of faith coursing through him, he had the ability to shroud his aura entirely. Even if someone were to scrutinize him closely, he had absolute confidence in his ability to conceal his presence.
After all, he was worshipped by thousands, with the fervent prayers of holy priests and zealous devotees bolstering his strength, despite the veneer of falsehood that cloaked his divine status.
The power of faith transcended mortal comprehension. Even natural prodigies like level beta plus elves were incapable of discerning its presence. How then, could a mere half-demon-blooded human perceive its distinction?
Yet, as expected, the legendary heart-eating demon, on par with Viscount Bernard and Spark, stood before him.
Morgen took a deep breath. With the continued expansion of the Scarlet Mage Tower and the City of Breaking Dawn, his adversaries grew ever stronger.
Now, he was poised to face off against the city's top echelons - a level beta plus heart-eating demon and a dark overlord imbued with demonic blood.
Even so, Morgen remained undaunted. On the contrary, he relished the challenge. To confront a level beta plus adversary, a paragon of indomitable strength, was a prospect that ignited his spirit.
This was a trial he embraced eagerly.
"Wales, I am the new master of the Dark Covenant - Ilo," Morgen declared, his voice steady and composed. The name 'Ilo' might have stirred a flicker of recognition in Viscount Bernard's memory, for it was under this alias that Morgen had once convened with Amy and himself at a clandestine gathering.
"Master of the Devil's Heart, state your intentions clearly. Your actions have encroached upon the Dark Covenant's interests," Morgen continued, his gaze piercing like a falcon in pursuit of prey.
"Failure to do so will compel the Dark Covenant to deem you adversaries, subjecting you to indiscriminate reprisals."
As Morgen spoke, an aura of sanctity enveloped him, suffusing his entire being with a divine presence. His eyes exuded a regal majesty, reflective of the gods themselves.
Yet, juxtaposed with the holy radiance were the exposed fangs of a vampire, casting an eerie and incongruous visage beneath the crimson hue of the light.
Under the gaze of Morgen's majestic eyes, Wales harbored an inexplicable urge to evade, particularly repulsed by the sanctity emanating from Morgen. A faint tremor of fear gripped his heart.
How formidable must one be to channel the faith of light gods into their very being?!
Is this entity poised to transcend legend and ascend to the ranks of demigods?
The power of light gods bears a fatal antithesis to dark entities, a truth even acknowledged by dark deities themselves, rooted in the annals of history.
Yet here stood the vampire before him, adorned with the very power unique to light gods, surrounded by the deferential countenances of four top-tier professionals of level beta and above.
Wales's mind raced with wild conjectures and speculations, leading to a conclusion that nearly drove him to flee.
Surely, this was an attempt at future demigodhood!
The notion of incorporating the faith of light gods into one's being was a power of staggering magnitude.
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Wales had once heard murmurs and whispers about such endeavors, though their veracity remained uncertain. It was said that dark entities, particularly demons and vampires, struggled to garner faith and ascend to godhood.
Yet, in their quest for ascension, certain malevolent and potent entities resorted to desecrating temples and usurping divine faith, seeking to unravel the mysteries of divine power and elevate themselves to demigodhood.
Initially skeptical of these legends, Wales now found himself wavering in the face of the vampire imbued with the essence of light gods.
"My esteemed Lord Ilo, the Devil's Heart harbors no ill will toward the Dark Covenant..." Wales stammered, his gaze betraying a barely concealed panic, which did not escape Morgen's notice.
Intriguing, indeed.
Morgen's gaze narrowed imperceptibly.
"No ill will?" he queried, his tone betraying a subtle chill that sent shivers down Wales's spine.
He stood face-to-face with one on the brink of transcending the extraordinary and entering the realm of legend.
For such power, respect was imperative - an unspoken rule ingrained in the fabric of glory's survival.
"Yes, Lord Ilo. Viscount Bernard was once an ally of the Devil's Heart. However, he now finds himself pursued by the extraordinary, plunging the Dark Covenant into disarray. Without intervention from the Devil's Heart, the Dark Covenant may not endure until Viscount Bernard's return amidst the onslaught of Green City's forces..."
Wales's voice rang with conviction, though it belied the truth of his actions, orchestrating the revelation of the Dark Covenant's stronghold to the Green City army.
"The Devil's Heart seeks to aid the Dark Covenant. Lord Ilo, the extraordinary mages of Green City bear enmity toward the Dark Covenant. Conceivably, you may seek refuge alongside the Dark Covenant to evade their ire. I possess several estates in the West District, which I would gladly offer to you..."
As Morgen mulled over these words, his narrowed gaze bore into Wales's countenance. Something was amiss with the latter's demeanor. Was this a test?
The tone exudes righteousness and authority, tinged with a hint of dominance and strength.
"Wales, in my presence, the Dark Covenant need not fear the extraordinary mages.
Avoid them? Ha ha, even in the face of a prime black dragon, I never flinched.
Wales, you stand at the pinnacle of level beta plus. Without a resolute heart, how can you hope to ascend to higher levels, perhaps even to eternal existence..."
The words carry a subtle weight, hinting at the solitude of attaining great heights.
Eternal existence?
Wales's lips twitched with agitation, panic flickering in his eyes. What in this world could offer eternal life?
I sensed that Morgen's power was no mere semblance of divine energy, and my reverence for him grew ever deeper.
"Be it humans or demons, the strong never retreat without cause. Even serpents renowned for their cunning exhibit unwavering resolve in pivotal moments..."
Morgen's words bore a nuanced implication. Wales, stunned, betrayed an excitement inconceivable to onlookers as he instinctively inquired.
"Lord Ilo, how did you attain your extraordinary breakthrough?"
He immediately regretted his impetuous query, casting a wary glance at Morgen, mindful not to offend this formidable entity.
Trapped at level beta plus for too long, having attained that rank before acquiring the devil's blood, Wales had sought to elevate himself to extraordinary status through his partial transformation into a demonic being, aided by the devil's power. Yet, achieving extraordinariness proved elusive, even with the potent devil's blood coursing through his veins.
Refusing to relinquish even the faintest glimmer of hope, Wales grasped at the prospect of insight offered by Morgen's presence.
Morgen, taken aback, pondered the sudden shift in conversation. Why inquire about his extraordinary breakthrough now, in the midst of negotiations?
"I know how to achieve extraordinariness, and I haven't even reached level beta. Isn't that a bit presumptuous..."
Observing Wales's eager gaze, Morgen cleared his throat.
"Wales, do you understand the distinction between ordinary and extraordinary?"
The difference? Wales had not anticipated Morgen's response, assuming he would dismiss his query.
Suppressing his elation, he contemplated deeply.
After a moment's pause, he ventured cautiously, "Control over power?"
Eager anticipation glimmered in his crimson eyes, his fervent desire to attain extraordinariness palpable.
Morgen shook his head.
"No, while mastery over power is crucial, it is not everything."
Wales furrowed his brow, then cautiously proposed, "Is it the accumulation of physical energy?"
Again, Morgen shook his head.
"No, the energy within a Cyclops surpasses that of humans, yet they remain ordinary."
"Lord Ilo, I beseech you for guidance. I am willing to offer everything you desire."
Unable to contain himself any longer, Wales rose to his feet and bowed deeply before Morgen, much to the surprise of Grot and Betty, who exchanged puzzled glances.
This was not the scenario they had envisioned.
As a level beta plus heart-eating demon, along with his beta minus-level superior, Wales humbly sought counsel on attaining extraordinariness?
This...
Unaware of the complex thoughts racing through the minds of those present, Morgen nodded approvingly and proceeded to impart his wisdom.
"In deference to your respect, I shall offer guidance."
This prompted wry smiles from Amy and the others.
Morgen's tone grew solemn as he began to instruct.
To ascend to level beta, one must focus on amassing strength and honing skills. However, to attain extraordinariness, one must possess a courageous and unyielding heart.
"A heart that defies gods without faltering."
"A heart untainted by taboo, indomitable in the face of adversity."
"A heart that endures through eons, unyielding against the ravages of time, undaunted and resolute."
"..."
As Morgen spoke, a palpable shift occurred in Wales's aura.
A ferocious and savage energy emanated from him, permeating the room like the presence of a dragon.
Morgen was taken aback. Surely, this fool wouldn't actually achieve extraordinariness, would he?