章 27: Archdemon Vanquisher

[For your achievement, you will gain the following reward: Title: Archdemon Vanquisher]

[Do you wish to share your name with the entire world?]

'...'

'Huh? What part of 'Leave me alone' can't you understand?'

'Fuck no.'

[You have declined. The User will lose additional rewards by not sharing such information.]

'Why should I care about some additions when my sanity stands on the line?'

'Get lost.'

[You have declined.]

Finally, Vecna breathed out in relief, the bombardment of notifications of the system took on a sleep break, what he didn't bother to think was that only the global announcement about a mysterious individual slaying an Archdemon sent the Satisfy World into a fervor, boiling to know about who did it.

He had his hands on a different matter, inspecting the items he gained from killing the Soul Fragment of Archdemon Camio.

[Camio's Demonic Horn]

A weapon material that contains Camio's magic power.

Various options are added when making weapons.

However, finding a blacksmith who can handle this horn is as difficult as picking a star from the sky.

'So, it's a crafting material. Decent, should yield a weapon with properties similar to what Camio showed. Shadow, Darkness and Illusions.'

[Abyssal Ring]

Rating: Legendary

Durability: 10/10

* Intelligence increased by 15%

* Ring Ability: Abyssal Ward - While wearing the Ring, the user's resistance to black magic and curse effects is increased by 25%. (Passive)

* Ring Ability: Cursed Immunity - While wearing the Ring, the wearer becomes immune to curses and hexes that would affect the mental state of the user. (Passive)

* Ring Ability: Empowered Darkness - The user can tap into the potent energies of the abyss, empowering the wearer's own dark magic. Spells of shadow and dark magic cast by the wearer become more potent, granting a boost of 25% in magic power. (Passive)

* Ring Ability: Shadowstep - The wearer can utilize the power of the abyss to perform a quick and evasive maneuver known as "Shadowstep." This ability allows them to momentarily merge with the shadows, becoming intangible and teleporting a short distance to evade attacks or gain a tactical advantage. (Active)

Skill Mana Cost: 500

Skill Cooldown: 2 minutes

The Abyssal Ring is an artifact of extraordinary magnitude, treasured by Archdemon Camio, capable of unlocking the full potential of any spellcaster or warrior who possesses it.

Its limitless versatility and boundless capabilities make it a coveted treasure sought by heroes, villains, and scholars alike, all eager to harness the ring's surreal magic and unlock the secrets it holds.

Conditions of Use: None.

…

'I can't believe what my eyes read.'

'How can a Soul Fragment drop such a Ring? Isn't this what high-level Raid Bosses would drop? Wait…'

'Something doesn't add-up.'

In the depths of the infernal realm, where the very air seemed to crackle with malevolence, stood an imposing castle shrouded in darkness.

Its towering spires reached up to the crimson skies, and eerie shadows danced along its blackened walls. This was the Royal Castle of Archdemon Camio, a place of unparalleled darkness and power.

Within the throne room, the Archdemon himself sat upon a massive obsidian throne, his true form unveiled.

Camio appeared as a monstrous, towering figure with jet-black scales covering his muscular body. His eyes glowed with a sinister red light, and his sharp claws gripped the arms of his throne with a vice-like strength. His wings, resembling those of a crow, were folded behind him, and a long, serpentine tail snaked around the base of the throne.

The aura of darkness that emanated from Camio was suffocating, and even the other demons in his presence dared not meet his gaze directly. His true appearance was a testament to his raw power and authority as an Archdemon.

Before him, the six Presidents, ancient demons who served as Camio's closest advisors, kneeled in submission.

Each President bore unique features, representing different aspects of the abyss. One had crimson eyes and wielded a scepter adorned with dark gems, while another had wings made of shadows that seemed to flicker like a flame.

"Archdemon Camio, Lord of Darkness, we are at your command." The six Presidents spoke in unison, their voices resonating with a deep, guttural tone that reverberated throughout the throne room.

Camio's eyes narrowed with fury as he addressed them. "My Abyssal Ring, the artifact of my power, has vanished from my treasury!"

His voice boomed, causing the very foundations of the castle to tremble. "Someone has dared to steal what belongs to me!"

The Presidents exchanged worried glances, knowing the wrath that awaited anyone who dared to cross their master. "We shall scour the realms, my Lord, and find the culprit who dares to defy you!" one of the Presidents spoke with unwavering loyalty.

"Go! Find them and bring back what is rightfully mine!" Camio's voice echoed through the halls.

"Pardon me, Your Grace. But I might have an idea of what happened with the Artifact." spoke an old ancient demon, bearing the appearance of a scholar, rather than one of a murderous demon.

"You may speak."

"200 years ago. It was the time when those foolish humans tried to summon you into Middle Earth, but the ceremony was cut short."

Camio looked at the old demon coldly, and anger surfaced on his expression as if remembering a painful memory.

The old demon who had spoken of the failed summoning ceremony stepped forward, bowing respectfully before Camio.

"Allow me to clarify, Your Grace," he began. "During the attempted summoning ritual, the Human Knight sought to manipulate and deceive you, hoping to gain control over your powers for his own selfish desires."

Camio's eyes narrowed with a mix of anger and intrigue. "Go on," he commanded.

"The knight had planned to exploit a flaw in the summoning ritual, allowing him to harness only a portion of your power."

"He aimed to deceive you into a state of vulnerability, leaving you trapped within the summoning circle. But you proved too clever for his schemes, my Lord." the old demon continued.

Camio's lips curled into a sly smile, reminiscing about the event.

"Indeed, I sensed his deceit and refused to play into his hands. I abandoned the ritual, but not before sealing a fragment of my power within the Soul Fragment and sending it into Middle Earth," he declared, pride swelling within him.

The old demon nodded, "Precisely, Your Grace. It seems that this Soul Fragment got sealed by Siegfried."

"After so many years, I found it strange that those humans didn't kill that Soul Fragment of yours, Your Grace."

"Enough. Let me peer into the memories of this Soul Fragment."

Camio's eyes glowed with an intense red light as he delved into the memories of the Soul Fragment. Scenes from the past flashed before his eyes, revealing the events that had transpired during the failed summoning ritual.

He witnessed the treacherous Human Knight, his arrogance and ambition evident as he attempted to control the powerful Archdemon. Camio's fury grew with each passing memory, his grip on the arms of the obsidian throne tightening.

The old demon who had spoken earlier observed Camio closely, noting the rage that emanated from him. He dared not interrupt, knowing the importance of the information that unfolded before their Lord.

As Camio delved deeper into the memories, he saw how the summoning circle had begun to close around him, threatening to trap him within its confines. The Human Knight's laughter echoed through the air as he believed he had succeeded in his nefarious plan.

But Camio had sensed the deception and saw through the Human Knight's ruse. With a surge of power, he had shattered the summoning circle, thwarting the Human Knight's plot and sealing a fragment of his power within the Soul Fragment.

As the memories played out, Camio's sly smile returned, a mix of satisfaction and amusement dancing in his eyes. "That human's arrogance was his downfall," he chuckled. "He thought he could control me, but he was nothing more than a mere insect trying to grasp at the power of a god."

The old demon nodded in agreement, "Indeed, Your Grace. That Kolm von Siegfried was no match for your cunning and power."

"And after all these years, the Soul Fragment fell into the hands of Siegfried." Camio mused. "A peculiar man with a sense of honor. But he too underestimated the true extent of my power."

As the memories came to a close with Vecna facing the Soul Fragment instead of Siegfried, Camio withdrew from the Soul Fragment's memories, his mind filled with newfound knowledge and insight.

He now understood the capabilities of the enigmatic Vampire known as Vecna, the one who had defeated Siegfried and claimed the Abyssal Ring.

"Vecna, The Irregular Thrall of Beriache." Camio spoke the name with a mix of fascination and anticipation. "You have my Abyssal Ring, but you do not yet comprehend the true depths of its power."

The old demon raised an eyebrow, "Shall we seek out this Vecna, Your Grace? Retrieve the ring and teach him a lesson for daring to possess what is rightfully yours?"

"It may be difficult for Your Grace to descend into Middle Earth, but for us, Lesser Demons. It is possible."

Camio's eyes blazed with fierce determination. "No," he declared, surprising the old demon. "Let him keep the Abyssal Ring for now. I want to see how he handles its power, how he utilizes the fragment of my essence within it."

"Are you not worried that he may grow stronger with the ring in his possession?" the old demon asked, puzzled by Camio's decision.

Camio grinned wickedly, his confidence unwavering. "Let him grow stronger. It will be all the more satisfying when I finally face him and reclaim what is mine. Vecna may be a formidable opponent, but he is still just a mortal. And mortals are nothing compared to the might of an Archdemon."

The old demon nodded in understanding, knowing better than to question his Lord's plans. With a bow, he retreated to carry out Camio's orders.

Back inside the old Chamber, filled with the debris of the previous clash, Vecna continued to explore the rewards he had gained from defeating the Soul Fragment of Archdemon Camio, unaware of the enigmatic figure in the depths of the infernal realm, eagerly awaiting their inevitable confrontation.

He eyes the icon inside his inventory, containing a reward that a tight glove with regards to his skill set.

How could the loot of an Archdemon not match with the reincarnation of an Evil God, building up his power to once again face the Pantheon of Gods?

[Cloak of Shadows]

Rate: Unique

[ Durability: 95/95 / Defense: 54

* Agility +25

* The Skill 'Phantasm' has been unlocked

* While using the Skill 'Phantasm' the user's Agility will be increased by 10%

A dark and ethereal cloak that grants the wearer the ability to move undetected in the shadows and evade enemy attacks.

Condition of use: Level 125; Agility +560 Points & Intelligence +300 Points]

[Phantasm]

Rating: Unique

[Phantasm is a powerful illusionary skill that allows the user to create convincing phantasmal duplicates of themselves.

These illusory copies mimic the user's movements and actions, making it incredibly challenging for enemies to discern the real user from the fakes. The skill is best employed during combat or when evading pursuit, providing a versatile advantage to the user.

* The Phantasm can't deal damage to enemies.

Skill Consumption: 45 MP/sec (once the Skill is Canceled, the Cooldown will begin)

Skill Cooldown: 15 minutes]

Reading the contents of this cloak left him satisfied.

"There's room for more with the power of shadows at my fingertips. If I had this in the past, I would have been able to duck out those Black Fangs dogs and get on with my leveling faster."

"Either way. Once I've done this cloak, none shall escape my grasp this time." Vecna murmured to himself, his voice carrying a sinister edge.

The requirements weren't too demanding on him, and the consumption was rather trivial once his level reached the one required for usage. Still, those level restrictions left a bitter taste in Vecna's mouth, feeling at times limited that such great items were to be left to gather dust in his Inventory Bag.

Next, he turned his attention to [Camio's Shadowed Talon], a weapon that piqued his interest.

The dark allure of the weapon resonated with his own affinity for shadows and illusion.

[Camio's Shadowed Talon]

Rating: Unique

[Durability: 350/350 | Attack Power: 236-304 |

* Attack Speed +10% | Critical Strike Chance + 10%

* When a member of God Yatan uses this dagger, it reduces the enemy's evasion rate by 15%,

* The Active Skill 'Shadowstrike' will be unlocked

A sinister and powerful claw taken from Camio's body. This rare weapon deals shadow damage and has a chance to inflict fear on enemies.

User Restriction: Level 100 or higher. Intermediate Sword Mastery level 6; +480 Strength & +340 Agility.]

[Shadowstrike]

Rating: Unique

[Allows the wielder to briefly meld into the shadows and launch a surprise attack on their target, dealing 780% of the user's attack power. The attack bypasses 50% of the target's defenses.

Skill Mana Cost: 550 MP

Skill Cooldown: 120 seconds]

Vecna marveled at the weapon's design, feeling the immense power it held within. 'Shadowstrike' was a skill that perfectly complemented his combat style, allowing him to exploit the new shadow abilities gained from Camio's Items to ambush and weaken his foes.

"A shame. I'm not a fan of dagger weapons. Its reach is terrible when fighting against Humanoid opponents."

"I'll think about it if I'm to sell this Dagger or maybe I can have Maribel reforge the dagger with the Horn into a longsword."

He looked forward to the day when he could fully utilize the weapon's potential and bring chaos to his enemies.

The next item on the list, [Sanguine Elixir], caught Vecna's attention, promising to enhance his magical capabilities.

[Sanguine Elixir]

[A potent elixir crafted from Camio's blood. When consumed, the user can choose one of the effects he can gain from Camio's Blood. Options to choose from are, having its STR, AGY, and REG Stats increased.

The medicine can permanently increases the chosen Stat by 30 Points.]

Vecna's eyes gleamed with interest as he considered the potential of the elixir.

All of the mentioned stats were important in combat, and with just one single elixir, he could boost his stat point with the equivalent of three levels of his choosing.

The advantage he could have over the rest of the players was considerable, his power could get more devastating. It was a boon that would undoubtedly make him even more formidable in battles.

Vecna held the vial containing the [Sanguine Elixir] in his hand, his crimson eyes fixated on the shimmering liquid within. The faint glow of the elixir seemed to dance and pulse with otherworldly energy, enticing him with its promise of increased magical prowess.

'This elixir grants me a portion of Camio's own power,' Vecna thought, intrigued by the prospect. 'I can choose to increase my Strength, Agility, or Regeneration. Each option has its merits, and the permanent enhancement it provides will be invaluable in battles to come.'

His mind raced with the possibilities, weighing the benefits of each attribute.

Increasing his Strength would grant him greater physical power, allowing him to overpower foes with brute force. Boosting his Agility would make him even more elusive and swift, enhancing his evasive maneuvers and precision strikes. Meanwhile, bolstering his Regeneration would ensure quicker recovery during and after battles, granting him endurance in prolonged conflicts.

'Each option has its merits,' he mused, 'but I must choose wisely. This decision will shape my future battles.'

After a moment of contemplation, Vecna's sinister smile returned.

Vecna's eyes gleamed with an unsettling intensity as he considered the options before him. While Strength and Agility were tempting choices, he couldn't deny the allure of Regeneration. It was a unique attribute, one that would perfectly complement his vampiric nature and enhance his already impressive health recovery.

'Ah, yes,' he thought, his mind made up. 'Regeneration it is.'

His decision was made.

Vecna lifted the vial to his lips once more, savoring the metallic taste of the elixir. As he swallowed the potent liquid, a surge of energy enveloped him, and he could feel the magic of Camio's blood intertwining with his own essence.

'Urgh, why do I think now that Maribel's blood was better than this? Fuck.'

The effects of the [Sanguine Elixir] were immediate. Vecna's body tingled with power as his regenerative abilities underwent a profound transformation. His vampiric health recovery surged to new heights, and he could feel the wounds on his body healing at an accelerated rate.

[Regeneration has increased by 30]

'This power... it's intoxicating,' he thought, a feral grin forming on his lips. 'With this regeneration, I can fight like an Immortal Lich and not fear Death.'

Vecna's dark aura intensified, and he could feel the elixir's magic coursing through his veins, blending seamlessly with his own vampiric abilities. It was a perfect synergy, a union of darkness and blood, and he reveled in the sensation of newfound vitality.

With the [Sanguine Elixir]'s power now a part of him, Vecna stood taller, his presence more imposing than ever. He was a creature of darkness, a vampire lord gifted with ancient magic and now bolstered by the blood of an Archdemon.

Lastly, on his list of items, he examined the [Darkbane Enchantment] stone. The prospect of imbuing his weapon with the Attribute of Darkness intrigued him greatly.

[Darkbane Enchantment]

[* Enchants a weapon with the Attribute of Darkness, allowing it to deal additional damage to creatures vulnerable to darkness.]

Vecna smiled with satisfaction. The enchantment was an excellent addition to his arsenal, granting him a versatile weapon that could pierce the defenses of enemies weak to darkness. It would prove especially useful against foes who sought refuge in the shadows, only to find themselves facing an even darker force.

As he reviewed the rewards, Vecna's thoughts were filled with ambition and the desire to continue growing stronger.

'Check Title: Archdemon Vanquisher'

[Archdemon Vanquisher]

[★ There is a certain chance of reducing defense when attacking demonic beings.

You have let the perfect being, the archdemon, experience death and learn of pain and fear.

Archdemons will be wary toward you, and lesser demons will be afraid of you.]

Vecna's crimson eyes flickered with amusement as he read the description of his newly acquired title, "Archdemon Vanquisher." The words filled him with a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

He had succeeded in defeating a formidable foe that someone of a similar level couldn't even possibly dream of achieving, a being of immense power and authority in the infernal realm.

'Reducing defense when attacking demonic beings... interesting,' Vecna mused.

He knew that his path of villainy would inevitably lead him to confront demons and angels alike, the very gods who held dominion over the mortal realms and trampled over the Dark Father Caine as he was rendered into nothing but dust against time in his defeat.

With this title, he now possessed a unique advantage against them, a chance to break through their defenses and strike at their divine essence.

As for the next part of the title, a smirk played on his lips. 'Experience death and learn of pain and fear,' he repeated in his mind.

The title also granted him a peculiar aura of authority among demons. He knew demons were notorious for treachery and deception, always vying for more power and dominion. Now, with the title of "Archdemon Vanquisher," he had the upper hand. Demons would be wary of crossing him, knowing that he could vanquish even the most powerful among them.

Vecna's dark laughter echoed within the chamber. The power he had gained from defeating Archdemon Camio was only the beginning. There were countless other beings of great strength and influence in the world, and he hungered for more confrontations.

'This was an unexpected reward. Might not be "much" but against an Indubitable enemy even the slightest best chance at throwing their arrogance in latrines would serve its purpose.'

To become the ultimate villain, a dark force that would rival the very gods themselves.

'Since I'm done here, it's about time I get my rewards.'

'A last check to not miss anything here. The runes sealing Camio didn't hide anything, so the quest rewards should be with the old man.'

As Vecna stepped out of the chamber, the shadows seemed to dance around him as if in celebration of the darkness that now dwelled within him. The world trembled in his wake, unaware of the malevolence that had been unleashed upon it.

He had tasted power, and it had only whetted his appetite for more. The path of the ultimate villain stretched out before him, and Vecna embraced it with a sinister grin.

The era of darkness had only just begun.