章 6: Invocation of Grim Lord of Demons I
A vast, dark hall was illuminated by beacons meticulously installed on the towering pillars, brimming with splendid patterns. Each pillar was lined with a distinct carving. With two square-shaped holes in its heart, through which the stunning moonlight was passing, the monumental ceiling was intricately carved with numerous symbols. The whole hall was overflowing with stunning configurations. Directly underneath each cubic hole, two ornate pulpits were placed. On the left pulpit, a book was floating in the air, making the atmosphere dusty around it. It was a book of dark allure, containing all the demons and tremendous types of demolishing magic that could bury someone underneath soil. The dark energy was covering it like a binding. There was a disturbing aura in the whole hall, and its surroundings were also influenced by the heat contrived by the book. Its radiance and intensity were extremely agonizing, that one could get squashed and trampled if they stood there for more than half a minute. However, the right pulpit had nothing on it. It stood stark and empty. This was the place of the Book of Light, which had been stolen by an unknown entity at the very end of the Grand War. Before the Grand War, both had been placed there for centuries, balancing the ambience around them and instinctively on the land of Ekie . But now that the Book of Light was gone, it was no longer a safe territory for ordinary people. Not only because, it's ambience was so strong but also, people living around the castle where the book was placed, had also heard rumors that the demons locked in the book were seen wandering during dusk.Lord Izumi paid little heed to safeguarding the Book of Dark; its sheer radiance alone could crush anyone who dared approach it. Only a powerful individual like Lord Izumi could withstand its force. Moreover, he had ruthlessly eliminated all beings in the Land of Ekie who possessed knowledge from the book, including the very wizards who fought for him. The Book of Dark contained a potent blend of two magical practices: spells and rituals. The spells were often devastating, capable of annihilating someone on the spot or consuming specific demonic entities. In contrast, rituals were performed to invoke the Lords of Demons and unleash rare, formidable magic upon the world.
High above, Lord Izumi rode his Karustallion—a dark-colored, horse-like creature. Its eyes blazed with flames that pierced the night, and its massive mouth could unleash torrents of light. Together, they glided through thick white clouds, shrouded in darkness. The air crackled with the raw energy of the beast, leaving a twilight embrace in their wake. As the Karustallion landed a mile from the castle, its immense power seemed to wane. Each step toward the castle was laborious, as if an unseen force pushed it back. The once-confident glimmer in its eyes gave way to wary caution. Even this mighty creature, forged with fire, sensed the overwhelming danger ahead—half-unwilling or unable to venture further. Lord Izumi whipped the creature vigorously, its powerful muscles tensing as hooves kicked up defiant dirt. But despite his relentless efforts, the Karustallion refused to approach the castle. Its aura repelled it. Breathing heavily, brow furrowed, Izumi dismounted and decided to proceed on foot.
Undeterred by the book's radiance, he strode directly toward the hall where it rested. His footsteps echoed with a power akin to a scorpion's sting. Pausing at the porch, he cast a wary glance at the distant book. As he lifted his knee to take another step, the ground beneath him convulsed violently. Tremors rippled through the place, threatening to split the earth apart, but they subsided after a tense moment. The intricate patterns encircling the pulpit of the Book of Dark blazed with an orange fury, as though molten lava flowed beneath their surface. Meanwhile, the designs around the other pulpit remained unchanged. Lord Izumi, undeterred, advanced toward the book. This was not his first encounter with its formidable power. As he stepped closer, a wicked grin spread across his face. The book now stood directly before him, its dark allure beckoning. Lord Izumi extended his hands toward the book, and a transformation overtook him. Black, branch-like patterns crept across his skin, enveloping his hands, eyes (even the sclera), and face. His appearance shifted, taking on a demonic aspect. The Scorpion mark etched on his skin seemed to emit a dark, swirling aura. With a sinister grin, he inhaled the book's scent, fully embracing its malevolent allure. His voice barely more than a whisper, Lord Izumi declared, "Tell me—I want to summon him—the Grim Lord of Demons." As he spoke, his eyes snapped open with newfound clarity. The book, it seemed, was transferring the coveted knowledge directly into his mind. When the process completed, he withdrew his hand, inspecting it meticulously. He had achieved his goal—the ritual to summon the Grim Lord of Demons now resided within him. A smirk played on his lips as he glanced back at the book, the insatiable hunger for greater power burning in his eyes.
With meticulous precision, Lord Izumi arranged everything in the hall according to the ritual's exact requirements. His magic flowed effortlessly as he summoned all necessary elements. Yet, one crucial ingredient remained elusive: the blood drops of someone who bore no mark upon their back or body. However, this omission did not trouble him, for the Ritual of Saints was scheduled to take place in three days' time As dawn approached, Lord Izumi departed from the castle, casting a protective spell to maintain the arrangement within. Quietly, he rode his Karustallion toward his own stronghold, the air heavy with anticipation.
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