The Damned Demon

After seeing everything through Raziel's eyes and standing in the presence of the progenitor of dragons, Asher came to realize that Drakaris was not a peak Soul Devourer but something far beyond with abilities and wisdom he couldn't comprehend.

The fact that his blood force had the power of a Deviar could only mean that he couldn't be a mortal.

This made him wonder what or who Drakaris really was and what happened to him.

Drakaris revealed, "I am not a mortal, nor am I a devil. If I were, I wouldn't be confined to this place, nor have my powers limited by this realm."

Asher's curiosity piqued, "How can someone as powerful as you be stuck in a tower?" he asked, his tone laced with incredulity.

Drakaris' voice rumbled through the void, a mixture of regret and acceptance, "Raziel departed before me. He apologized for leaving but expressed his weariness of this world. He longed to join his mother and Selene and everyone he loved in the Seven Hells."

Shock registered on Asher's face, "The Devourer committed suicide? I heard he vanished in the Tower of Hell. Everyone thought he was there to conquer it."

Drakaris corrected him, "Raziel didn't take his own life in despair. He was satisfied with what he had built. He was of great age and had fulfilled his promise to me. He passed down my teachings and birthed a new era. He had nothing else to offer this world. It was his time, and I saw no reason to stop him."

Asher, absorbing the gravity of Drakaris' words, felt a pang of understanding. Raziel's choice resonated with him.

In Raziel's place, he might have made the same decision, seeking a final peace with his loved ones.

"Then why are you still here?" Asher asked as his question lingered in the air.

Drakaris' voice, echoing with a tone of sacrifice and duty, filled the space, "I remain because of my duty and the pact. When my time came, I knew I couldn't linger in the physical realm. So I allowed my body to perish, trapping my soul in this tower built by the devils – the only entity capable of sustaining me for years to come. My purpose became to find someone who could accomplish what Raziel began: conquering the Severed Realm. Raziel was the first to attempt it, but lacked the necessary motivation nor was this realm prepared."

Asher absorbed this revelation, understanding now why Raziel was known as the first Demon King, and why each successive ruler bore the same title. 

He could only imagine how powerful the Bloodburn Kingdom must have been in the past to strike such terror back on Earth for so many years.

Curious, Asher inquired, "Then why didn't you ever try? Surely you could easily overpower the Hunters without even trying."

Drakaris' response was steeped in the constraints of his role, "I am forbidden from such actions. My duty is to maintain balance and nothing else. And do not underestimate the Severed Realm – it too has its guardian."

Asher's eyes narrowed as he pondered this. He remembered the myths and legends of human history he learned as a human in his past life. He was beginning to realize that he had yet to learn about stuff that really mattered.

Asher then asked, "You mentioned you were here because of the pact. What did you mean by that?"

Drakaris' voice resonated with the weight of centuries, "Even in my current state, my soul enforces the pact. It's crucial to ensure that what Raziel painstakingly built isn't undone. However, I must admit, the way things have unfolded has been a great disappointment, though not unexpected."

Asher processed this revelation, understanding the unspoken fear that kept the Draconians at bay. It wasn't just a mere agreement on paper; there was an active, powerful force ensuring its adherence.

No wonder they kept their distance for thousands of years. 

However, he felt as if only the Draconians knew this for some reason. Or maybe just a very few among them.

Otherwise, Rowena would have mentioned it to him.

"That's why I chose you," Drakaris continued with resolve, "To restore this realm to its former glory, to rectify and complete Raziel's mission."

"I was already planning to do just that," Asher replied, his voice firm with cold resolve. From the moment he woke up in this world, his goal of bringing WHA to its knees and remaking society on Earth in his own way had never changed.

He had to prove to all humans how blind they were and expose the hypocrites they supported.

But a question nagged at him, "But it sounds like you're leaving. You'll still be somehow enforcing the pact, right?"

Drakaris' tone turned solemn, "No, my time here is ending. The devils won't let me stay here any longer now that I have fulfilled my final purpose. The responsibility now falls to you."

As realization dawned upon Asher, his eyes widened in alarm, "You're leaving us vulnerable? If you do that, the draconians won't hesitate to attack us. We are not strong enough to hold them back...not yet."

Asher now realized why Drakar even proposed such an offer. Drakar must have really wanted him to pass this trial so that the pact would be rendered useless, and he could do as he pleased. 

It was a win-win scenario for him whether he failed or passed, though this would be the preferred outcome for Drakar.

"That you will have to figure out on your own," Drakaris replied, his tone dismissive yet firm, "I have already given you everything you need to survive. Even without those, someone of your caliber shouldn't need my protection."

Asher had a baffled look as he raised his hands and said, "But I don't feel any different than when I entered this tower. I thought you were going to give me a Deviar or your bloodforce. I didn't want to be shameless and demand it, but after everything I went through and passed your test, don't I deserve some reward?" Asher felt wronged and wondered if this tower was a scam. 

Drakaris maintained his tone, "Your bloodline is more powerful than you can imagine. My bloodforce isn't going to be of use to you. What you lack is not power, but a vessel strong enough to harness it. A vessel that won't easily crumble under the might of even the crimson bolts up in the skies. The process of your body getting reforged should be starting any moment now."

Asher had a confused look, but then his eyes widened as he mumbled, "My mana circuit... it's inactive. I am unable to use my mana. What's going on??" 

"Don't worry about it. Your body will be far stronger when it's done. But first, it will get worse before it gets better."

"Can't you just make this happen later?" he asked with a shake of his head, "I am literally standing in the middle of the most dangerous territory in this world. If I can't even use my mana, I won't be able to escape if they ambush me. Are you trying to get me killed or help me?"

Drakaris, his tone laced with an unfathomable calm, replied, "I am sure someone of your capabilities will figure it out," His eyes shifted slightly as he added, "But to address the concern of your kingdom being in danger...look behind you."

As Asher turned, his gaze fell upon an awe-inspiring sight—a crimson great sword, almost his equal in height, its blade impaled into the rocky Earth.

It emanated a subtle, pulsating light, casting a sinister yet majestic glow.

The dark aura that wrapped around it whispered of untold power and secrets, an allure that was both frightening and irresistible.

"It is a sword, but it is not meant to be used as a weapon but as a key," Drakaris explained, his voice echoing with a gravity that seemed to resonate with the very essence of the blade, "You can use this sword to protect your kingdom from any dangers for a while. Place it in the heart of your kingdom, and no one will dare attack. But be very careful where you keep it. This is a very unique sword and cannot be stored in any dimension other than the one you are standing on. In the wrong hands, it might threaten the safety of the entire realm."

With a mix of intrigue and uncertainty, Asher reached out, his hands grasping the hilt of the great sword. As he withdrew it from its stony sheath, a surge of unimaginable power coursed through him. 

[ Item Name : Void Reaver | Enhanceable]

[ Grade : ??? ]

[ Status : Unpowered]

Asher could see that there weren't many details about the sword, but he could guess this sword was definitely not forged by a mortal.

"How long will this sword protect my kingdom?" Asher inquired, his voice barely above a whisper.

Drakaris answered, "It will protect your kingdom as long as there are enough Deviars left to power it. But beware, this sword uses unimaginable energy, more than necessary for what you wish to use it for. I wouldn't advise you to use it longer than a year or two unless you want the Deviars of your kingdom to lose whatever power they have. This sword devours any energy you throw at it."

Asher, his expression a mix of relief and newfound resolve, understood what this meant.

The sword could safeguard his realm, but at a potentially devastating cost. He knew he needed to grow stronger, to stand against the draconians and shield his kingdom without relying solely on the sword's voracious appetite for power.

Otherwise, the sword will only end up weakening his kingdom even more and leave it completely vulnerable.

Drakaris spoke again, his voice tinged with weariness, "It's time. You may return to your world, and I can allow myself to rest. I have to thank you for giving me a chance to release myself after all this time," As he spoke, his enormous wings, spanning kilometers, began to unfurl, stirring the air into a frenzy and causing the ground to tremble.

Asher took a step back, the gusts of wind from Drakaris's wings causing him to fall back.

He felt a strange sense of sentimentality and a tinge of sadness that Drakaris wouldn't remain in this world any longer. He wondered if it was because of Raziel's memories.

To Raziel, Drakaris was not only just his Master but was like a father figure as well, who guided him for his entire life and taught him the ways of the world.

With a deep bow, Asher said in a sincere tone, "And I will be forever grateful for looking after my kingdom and its people. I will finish what Raziel started as you want me to."

Drakaris, ready to depart, hummed before saying his final words, "Remember one thing always...In the shadows of deceit lies the truth you seek. May the darkness guide you." 

With that, his massive figure took flight, ascending into the crimson skies, leaving the realm behind.

Asher watched with a confused expression as Drakaris disappeared into the horizon. 

What did he mean by saying that? Or why did he say that?

However, in the next moment, he felt an encompassing darkness envelop him, a sensation both familiar and yet something that reminded him that he was going back into the world filled with nothing but danger.