Chapter 319: 319: Caleb's Dark Side
Caleb revealed a mocking smile, his eyes glowing with an otherworldly light. "Surprised? It's not just about seeing; sometimes, it's about feeling."
The two underlings turned their heads, finding themselves locked in place by an invisible force. Panic filled their eyes as they struggled to move, realizing their impending doom.
"H-holy shit! What's happening? Boss, help us!" one of them cried out in desperation.
Hui Kui, however, maintained a false sense of bravado, "You're just bluffing! Let them go, or I swear I'll..."
Caleb interrupted him, "Let them go? Oh no, I'm not holding them. I'm just showing them what true power feels like."
With a flick of his hand, the two underlings were released from the immobilizing force, collapsing to the ground in bewilderment.
Hui Kui was visibly shaken, "W-what the hell is going on? What did you do?"
Caleb took a step forward, his shadow assistants lurking in the periphery. "I did nothing. Your friends here just experienced a fraction of my capabilities. Consider it a warning."
In the midst of confusion and fear, Caleb decided to make an impression that would linger. "Remember this, Hui Kui. Crossing paths with me might not be the wisest choice. Go back and tell your pals about the dark alley you stumbled upon today. Spread the word."
Hui Kui, now pale-faced, nodded nervously. "Y-you're just lucky today, but I won't forget this!"
Caleb chuckled, "Luck has nothing to do with it. Just be more careful in choosing your battles next time."
Just as Hui Kui thought that Adam had let them go...
Caleb's eyes gleamed with mischief as he extended his hands toward Hui Kui's underlings. The fusion power within him surged, enveloping the two hapless souls in a bluish glow.
In an instant, the fusion was complete, and a transformation took place. The once distinct figures now melded into a single, tall, and handsome individual. Muscles rippled under his skin, giving him an imposing presence.
The fused creation, now standing in front of Caleb, bowed respectfully as if acknowledging a newfound master. Stay updated via empire
Hui Kui's eyes widened in disbelief, "What the... What did you do, Adam?"
Caleb grinned, enjoying the mixture of awe and fear on Hui Kui's face. "Oh, nothing much. Just a bit of fusion magic."
The fused individual spoke, his voice a harmonious blend of the two underlings, "Master Adam, how may I serve you?"
Hui Kui took a step back, his fear now transforming into outright horror. "You... You turned them into... into this?"
Caleb nodded nonchalantly, "Yep, fused them into one loyal servant. It's quite handy, actually."
Hui Kui stammered, "But... but they're people! You can't just... just..."
Caleb interrupted with a smirk, "Fuse them? Oh, I can, and I did. Don't worry; he's quite happy with his new form, aren't you?"
The fused creation nodded again, "I live to serve Master Adam."
Hui Kui's face twisted with fear and anger. "You're a monster! What kind of power is this?"
Caleb chuckled, reveling in Hui Kui's unease. "Just a little something I picked up. Fusion can be a beautiful thing, you know. Now, let this be a lesson: don't mess with the guy who can turn your lackeys into his personal butler."
Hui Kui's voice trembled with a mix of fear and outrage. "Adam, this is messed up! You can't just toy with people's lives like that! It's unethical, immoral!"
Caleb tilted his head, a sly grin on his face. "Ethics and morality? Why would I care about that? Can you eat them or use them to protect yourself in a fight?"
Hui Kui's eyes narrowed, "You're crossing a line here, man. Turning two lives into one is just... wrong."
Caleb chuckled, "Wrong? In this world, power matters. Morals and ethics won't save you when you're facing a real threat."
The fused being, standing beside Caleb, seemed offended by Hui Kui's remarks. With a swift motion, it delivered a resounding slap across Hui Kui's face, leaving him stunned.
Caleb's eyes glinted with amusement. "Meet my new enforcer. He doesn't take kindly to those who disrespect me. Be careful with your words, Hui Kui."
Hui Kui, now holding his cheek in pain, dropped to his knees. "Please, Adam, I beg you. Don't fuse me with them. I'll do anything. I'll apologize, I'll leave you alone. Just don't do this!"
Caleb crossed his arms, reveling in the fear he instilled. "Anything, you say? Convince me."
Hui Kui hastily began listing reasons, "If you fuse me with them, I lose my identity, my freedom! I won't be able to go back to my family or friends. I'll be trapped as this... thing!"
Caleb raised an eyebrow, "Interesting pitch. Anything else?"
Hui Kui continued, desperation in his voice, "It's inhumane, Adam. You'll be no better than a monster if you go through with this!"
Caleb smirked, "Inhumane? I don't remember signing up for a morality contest. Now, why should I spare you?"
Hui Kui struggled for words, fear evident in his eyes. "Because... because I'll leave you alone, and I won't challenge you again. I'll swear it on anything you want."
Caleb tapped his chin mockingly, "Hmm, tempting. But what else can you offer?"
Hui Kui's voice quivered, "I'll be your lackey, your servant. I'll follow your orders. Just please, don't fuse me with them."
Caleb looked down at Hui Kui, weighing his options. Finally, he grinned, "Fine, Hui Kui. Consider yourself spared. But remember, cross me again, and your fate won't be so forgiving."
Hui Kui breathed a sigh of relief, gratitude mixed with fear. Caleb, enjoying the control he asserted, turned away, leaving Hui Kui to contemplate the mercy he just received.
With a wicked grin, Caleb burst into laughter. "Haha, got you, Hui Kui! It was just a prank, man!"
Hui Kui, still kneeling in fear, looked up, puzzled. "Wait, what? A prank? But you were about to—"
Before Hui Kui could finish, Caleb made a swift motion with his hand, and the fused being dissolved into a golden light. Instead of disappearing, it enveloped Hui Kui, who felt a strange sensation.