Dark Warlock in the Apocalypse

Justin grinned as he taunted the demon dukes. What would happen if these beings failed to fulfill their assigned roles because of their own whims? Would the system that controlled everything—the one capable of moving people between dimensions and assigning levels—really overlook such negligence?

"I wonder if the system will just let this slide, seeing you all act like this. There must be some punishment, right? Or maybe the system will go further and replace you entirely?"

『...!』

"And what happens to you if you're replaced? Not that I care, but I'm curious. Do you just get reassigned to a new department, or do you get scrapped entirely?"

『...Choose!』

One of the shadows, grinding its teeth in frustration, shouted angrily.

"Choose? Choose what?"

『We will now explain the powers we can bestow. You must choose one of them. If you refuse after that, we bear no responsibility!』

"You should have said that from the beginning," Justin chuckled.

It was clear now that the demon dukes had finally given up their pretense. They had been the first to back down, unable to maintain their overbearing attitude. It was a trivial power struggle, but such struggles often held great importance. If he had played along with their pride, he might have been forced to keep doing so.

'Once you make them bow once, everything changes.'

From now on, they wouldn't dare try to intimidate him again. Whatever happened, they would get straight to the point.

"Go ahead, explain," Justin said, nodding toward the shadows.

『Such arrogance...!』

Though the shadows grumbled, they didn't ignore Justin's command. After all, he was simply telling them to do their job.

The red shadow stepped forward first, the air around it thick with rage.

『Then listen carefully, you insolent whelp! I am Kargaron, Duke of Blood and Violence! I am the ruler of bloodshed and force!』

The red light surrounding the shadow flared as a massive figure, clad in thick armor, emerged. When the giant clenched its fist, the entire space seemed to compress under the weight of its power.

『If you accept my blessing, I will grant you pure strength! You will cast off the weak body of a mere sorcerer and possess the power to crush the mightiest of warriors. Magic will be powerless before your invincible physique!』

Kargaron's offer was akin to becoming a magic swordsman—one who maintained the full power of a Warlock's spells but gained the physical abilities to rival a warrior.

『Laughable! What use is brute strength to one who wields miracles?』

The next to step forward was the blue shadow. As the darkness peeled away, a figure in an ornate blue robe appeared. Though its face was hidden beneath a deep hood, blue light gleamed from beneath the fabric.

『I am Abraxas, Duke of Knowledge and Deception! Do you not seek more powerful magic? The power to change the world with a word? To bring countless enemies to their knees with a single gesture? That is what you need!』

Abraxas offered pure magical power. With his blessing, every spell Justin cast would be enhanced, comparable to the double amplification he had been using. The increase in mana reserves would allow him to unleash a seemingly endless barrage of spells. For a pure magic user, this was an unparalleled path.

『War, violence, blood... such simple-minded pursuits. Why do anything yourself when you can have others do it for you?』

The purple shadow stepped forward, revealing a woman of extraordinary beauty, her appearance surpassing that of any human. She gently twirled her jewel-like hair between her fingers as she spoke.

『I am Astaroth, Mistress of Pleasure and Temptation. Wouldn't you prefer that all others submit to you willingly? To see them tremble with joy at a single word of praise and throw themselves into danger for you without hesitation?』 Experience new tales on empire

Astaroth offered the power of illusion and temptation. Though weaker in direct combat, this power allowed for the manipulation of even far stronger opponents, leading them to their deaths with ease. Her magic had uses beyond battle, especially in managing territory and diplomacy.

『They speak nonsense. In the end, the only thing that matters is the result. No matter how strong you are, if you cannot win, what is the point?』

The green shadow, which had been silent until now, finally spoke. When the darkness faded, a skeleton wreathed in green flames was revealed. It extended its bony hand toward Justin.

『I am Keres, Duke of Pain and Death. Have you not grown weary of risking your life and waiting for fate to decide the outcome? I can grant you the power to bring your enemies to absolute ruin!』

Keres offered the power of curses. Though curses were slow to cast and difficult to use in certain situations, they could turn the tide of battle in an instant. Once successfully applied, a curse could guarantee victory.

『Now choose! Whose blessing will you accept? Whose power do you desire?』

The dukes, their explanations finished, gazed at Justin with eager eyes. Their earlier anger seemed to have vanished, and now they all waited expectantly, hoping to be chosen.

Each of their offers had its strengths and weaknesses, but all were undeniably powerful. Justin pretended to consider for a moment before speaking.

"All of them."

『...What?』

"I want all of your blessings," Justin declared, staring straight at the dukes.

The dukes exchanged glances, confused as if they hadn't heard him correctly.

"I said, I want all of your blessings. Give me every one of them!"

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