Embrace of the void

After meticulously poring over the monster guide, Michael discovered five intriguing options that piqued his interest:

{Crimson Wolf}: This wolf possesses a remarkable affinity for lightning and blood. It can harness a unique form of crimson lightning, aptly named Blood Lightning. Its ability to manipulate blood is unparalleled, even surpassing that of some high-ranking vampires. The Crimson Wolf typically resides in the Blood Forest or within specific dungeons. It is born at rank D and has the potential to ascend to rank S.

{Cyclops}: A formidable giant renowned for its raw strength, the Cyclops can possess affinities for earth, metal, fire, or even magma, making it a versatile and fearsome opponent.

{Tempest Falcon}: This extraordinary falcon is celebrated for its astonishing speed in the skies, alongside its affinities for wind and lightning. It is a master of aerial maneuvers, making it a challenging target.

{Forest Fairy}: A gentle fairy with an affinity for plants, wind, and light, the Forest Fairy showcases exceptional healing and disease-curing abilities. These creatures are known for their harmonious existence with nature.

{Minathor}: A savage monster characterized by sharp horns and immense physical strength. The Minathor is not only courageous but also possesses a rudimentary ability to wield weapons, making it a formidable adversary.

Despite the allure of these monsters, Michael understood the limitations of his current abilities. He could not utilize his skills on them unless he elevated his own rank or obtained the corpses of their young or cubs. Among the options available, only the Crimson Wolf and the Forest Fairy seemed feasible for him to capture and revive at this moment.

The dungeon housing the Crimson Wolf was located within the city. Michael contemplated the possibility of either capturing a young cub and making a swift exit or procuring its corpse through the black market or the Adventurers Guild. Each option carried its own risks and uncertainties.

In contrast, the Forest Fairy lived peacefully within the verdant surroundings of Arcadia. These fairies were known for their gentle nature, and approaching them was generally uncomplicated. However, Michael was plagued by hesitation at the thought of taking a life. Unlike the other monsters, the Forest Fairy was an intelligent creature, akin to humans, residing in a village deep within the forest.

The moral dilemma weighed heavily on him: Did he really need to kill one of these peaceful beings to achieve his goals? The forest whispered of tranquility and harmony, and the thought of disrupting such a delicate balance troubled him deeply.

As he stood at this crossroads, Michael pondered the true cost of power and the nature of sacrifice. Would he choose the path of the hunter, or could he find another way to realize his ambitions without forsaking his own humanity?

"I'll just ask the old man during our next training session. It doesn't matter right now. By the way, Nyx, you mentioned we were going to stage a robbery. Can you tell me more about it?" Michael inquired, curiosity piqued.

 "We're not ready for it yet. We're still too weak," Nyxar replied calmly, his demeanor steady.

 "Just give me some details so I know what we're up against," Michael pressed, eager for information.

Nyxar took a moment to gather his thoughts. "You know that before I died, I was sent on a mission to assassinate the Duke's sons."

Michael nodded, recalling what Nora Silverfang had shared about Nyxar's past.

 "I failed that mission because there was a powerful A-rank awakened present," Nyxar continued, his voice steady but laced with frustration.

 "The one who assigned me that task assured me there wouldn't even be a D-rank awakened there, let alone an A-rank. This means the mission was a setup, designed to trick and eliminate me. I don't know why, but I crave revenge."

Michael contemplated this revelation before asking, "Is your previous organization also responsible for your death?"

 "Of course. No mission is executed without the organization's knowledge," Nyxar confirmed, a glint of anger in his eyes.

 "And what do you want us to steal?" Michael pressed further.

 "He's a wealthy merchant and one of the organization's financiers. He's not strong; even his strongest guards are no higher than B-rank. We'll take him captive and interrogate him for information," Nyxar explained, determination evident in his tone.

Michael sighed, accepting the gravity of their task. "Alright, you're my brother now. Even if you want to burn the entire organization to the ground, I'll help you."

 "Burning? I love burning; it's my specialty," Vragoth interjected, a sinister smile spreading across his face.

 "If you want to kill them, count me in too," Morgoth added, chewing on a piece of meat, his expression unwavering.

 "Me too! Let's bring destruction to these bastards," Raven chimed in, enthusiasm lighting up his eyes.

Michael observed his group, a mixture of astonishment and admiration flooding through him. Their growing camaraderie and shared purpose were evident, binding them closer together.

Nyxar laughed maniacally, his eyes gleaming with fervor. "Yes, we will eliminate these fools."

Yet, Michael couldn't shake the feeling that being around this madman was affecting his companions. "But I won't let them stay with Nyxar for too long," he thought, wary of the chaos that seemed to grow in their midst.

As the group continued to discuss their plans, laughter filled the air, a dark camaraderie forming among them. Together, they were ready to confront the shadows of their past, driven by vengeance and the thrill of impending chaos.

---

In the depths of a dark castle, a majestic figure sat upon a throne-like chair, his gaze fixed intently on a strange crystal in his hand. The figure, a demon of regal bearing, possessed raven-black hair, twisted horns, and a pair of bat-like wings that extended gracefully from his back. His pointed tail flicked restlessly, betraying his agitation.

After a moment of contemplation, the heavy door creaked open, and another demon entered the chamber, kneeling before the throne. "My Lord, I have urgent news," he rasped, his voice rough yet respectful.

The seated demon regarded him with cold, piercing eyes. "Speak," he commanded, his tone laced with authority.

 "Our informant in Arcadia has reported that the Nightshade boy you instructed us to monitor has awakened," the kneeling demon replied, a hint of concern creeping into his voice. "He appears to have acquired a summoner-type class."

The demon on the throne leaned back, his expression thoughtful. "Do you have a reliable agent within the city?"

 "Yes, my Lord. I have a trustworthy individual in place."

 "Then I want you to ensure that this boy disappears. I do not want anyone else to know of this, not even the Demon King. Can you accomplish this task?"

The demon bowed his head, determination etched on his face. "I will handle it, my Lord."

 "Good. I trust your judgment. You may go now," the figure on the throne replied dismissively.

As the subordinate exited, the seated demon continued to ponder the implications of the boy's awakening.

*Why the Demon King wishes for him to remain alive is beyond my understanding,* he mused darkly. *But I will not allow him to draw breath for long. I will never forgive your parents for what they did to me, Nightshade. Blame them for what is about to unfold.*

He smirked, the shadows of the room deepening around him. *I am one of the Seven Deadly Sins, the King of Pride, and the future Demon King. No one will stand in my way. If the Demon King desires something from you, better that you perish before he has the chance to claim you.*

With that thought, he turned his attention back to the crystal, the flickering light reflecting the dark ambitions brewing within him.