Days melted into weeks, filled with the clang of hammer on anvil echoing from the magical forge beneath the palace. The air was thick with the scent of molten metal, dark magic, and even the lingering pain from the living materials I was using. With my Crafting Skill at Level 1, I personally forged each piece of armor. This was more than just crafting; it was a ritual, where I transmuted the very essence of my enemies into my own strength.
Each glistening white bone of a knight, every drop of pure light mage blood, every blackened heart of a corrupted spirit was imbued with my mana. They groaned, contorted, and finally merged, forming a hard, dark material that reflected light eerily. I felt a profound connection to each piece of armor, as if they were an extension of my own body.
While I was engrossed in forging, Lilith continued to manage the kingdom. She had established a brutal taxation system on the surviving populace, while also dispatching demon patrols throughout the land to suppress any lingering resistance. The "Refinement Chamber" operated at full capacity, with Elara and the Queen constantly being "drained" of their mana, transforming light into darkness, providing me with a steady stream of Demon Essence and dark mana.
TING!
[Quest: Establish Control (80/100%) - Consolidate power within the Kingdom of Elara.]
[Side Quest: Gather Resources (4500/5000 units) - Scavenge for resources within the Kingdom of Elara.]
One day, as the final piece of armor was forged, a colossal burst of energy erupted from the forge. The entire palace trembled, and the sky above the Kingdom of Elara abruptly turned ominous, as if reacting to the birth of a new power.
I stood in the center of the forge, gazing at the completed armor. It was a masterpiece of darkness. The Blood-Dark Demon Lord Armor. It enveloped my entire body, with sharp, angular contours, as if crafted from dragon bone and volcanic rock. Its profound blackness absorbed all light, and blood-red veins pulsed along each joint, emitting a faint, spectral glow. Two massive horns sprouted from the armor's shoulders, rising tall and curved, symbolizing ultimate dominion.
I felt power surge within me. This armor was not merely for defense; it amplified my mana, enhanced my resilience, and even accelerated my recovery. As I donned it, a sense of invincibility washed over me. I was no longer Ethan or the old Azazel. I was a new entity, a true Demon Lord, reborn from the blood and souls of my enemies.
[You have equipped the Blood-Dark Demon Lord Armor!]
[Stats significantly increased.]
[Special Effect: Pain Energy Absorption (Passive) - Absorbs a portion of energy from the pain inflicted on enemies.]
[Special Effect: Mass Intimidation (Passive) - Inflicts fear on surrounding enemies.]
I raised my hand, touching a horn on my shoulder, feeling the cold magical energy flow. Pain Energy Absorption. This was precisely what I needed. Every strike I dealt would not only inflict damage but also transform their suffering into my strength.
I stepped out of the forge, and Lilith and my subordinates immediately knelt. Their eyes held not just fear, but profound reverence. Even Lilith, usually composed, could not hide her astonishment.
"My Master," Lilith whispered, "you... you are magnificent."
I didn't reply. I walked straight to the Refinement Chamber. Elara and the Queen were bound within the magic circle, their bodies weak but still alive. As I entered, the Queen's vacant eyes suddenly gleamed with a primal fear, as if she sensed my presence was far more terrifying than before. Elara merely shivered slightly, still in a semi-conscious state.
"From now on," I declared, my voice low, echoing through the chamber, "you will not merely provide mana. Every breath, every ounce of your pain will fuel my power."
I activated Pain Energy Absorption from my new armor. I didn't need to touch them. Simply my presence, their agony, was transformed into energy. The Queen and Elara whimpered softly, their bodies twitching.
"Excellent," I smiled, a grin concealed beneath the demonic armor.
[Quest: Establish Control (100/100%) - Consolidate power within the Kingdom of Elara. Completed!]
[Reward: 500 EXP, 50 Demon Essence, Title: 'Lord of the Underworld'.]
[Azazel has leveled up! Level: 7]
[Base stats have increased.]
[New Skill: Dark Summoning (Active) unlocked!]
A new title! Lord of the Underworld. And a summoning skill. Everything was proceeding according to plan.
I looked out, through the shattered window of the palace. The Kingdom of Elara was now my fortress, a sturdy foothold for expansion. The world outside still held too much light. It was time to bring darkness to them.
I would not just be Azazel. I would be the Overlord of hell, dominating this entire world.