บท 85: The Archdemon's Embrace
The night air in the Yatan Church camp was thick with an eerie silence as Vecna, the enigmatic Vampire Lord, made his way through the darkened forest. His footsteps were quiet, almost imperceptible, against the backdrop of the rustling leaves and the distant whispers of the shadows.
The aura of malevolence that surrounded him seemed to part the very air, creating an unsettling path through the camp.
Behind him, Yura followed with a measured pace. Her steps were careful as if she were navigating the thin line between reverence and caution. The other Zealots in the camp, though aware of Vecna's presence, dared not meet his piercing crimson gaze as he passed through the shadows.
#Yura: Are you sure, it will be fine to appear before Neberius? Let me warn you, that old man is like a rabid dog.
#Vecna: You're overthinking a lot, Yuna. And, where are the thanks for helping you clear the quest? No thanks? Such a cold person even after you mocked me for being too 'Low-Level' and whatnot.
#Yuna: I've done nothing wrong, is normal you get suspicious of people who try to sweet talk you and not show up to the task.
#Vecna: Now do you believe that I can deal with the Orcs and even Neberius?
#Yura: … The Orcs sure, but Neberius? Even if you have an overpowered Class, the difference in levels is too great. However, I will keep to my promise and help you with everything I can.
#Vecna: Mhm, I'm currently reading the Notes you wrote about Neberius and the two Priests who serve him.
#Yura: What about them?
#Vecna: Aren't they lacking? This much I could figure out in the first minutes of a fight. I mean, you haven't fought them, so even you wouldn't know their abilities.
#Yura: Can you stop complaining? This is all I know about Neberius's Inner Circle.
#Vecna: Which is good enough, don't take me wrong.
As they approached the heart of the Yatan Church camp, the flickering torches cast a dim light on the assembly of Zealots gathered there. The hundred-strong congregation, clad in dark robes, stood in silent reverence to their dark faith. Their faces bore a mix of curiosity and trepidation as they caught sight of the tall, imposing figure of Vecna.
The air seemed to grow heavier as Vecna stepped into the clearing, the Zealots parting like shadows in his wake. The center of attention now fixed upon him, he continued his unhurried advance toward the focal point of the camp.
#Vecna: It is time. Don't step out for me even if the old man starts barking.
As they reached the heart of the camp, Vecna's gaze fell upon Cardinal Neberius, seated on a throne-like structure adorned with symbols of the dark arts. The old Black Mage shrouded in the shadows of his hood, exuded an aura of authority that matched the ritualistic setting. His sharp eyes, though partially obscured, locked onto Vecna with a mix of suspicion and scrutiny.
[Neberius - LV. 280] (Gold)
'Just as Yura told me. Hmm, if I fight him right now, my chances of winning don't seem to shine brightly. There might be a flicker of hope if I start wrapping the whole Camp into the Blood World and start butchering all of the Church Members to get to at least level 150.'
Analyzing Neberius, two individuals who he thought would not step up emerged from the shadows to approach Neberius. These priests, Melior and Saria, donned dark robes that seemed to absorb the flickering light of the torches, creating an air of mystery as they neared the central area.
[Priest Melior - LV. 235] (Silver-Gold)
[Priest Saria - LV. 232] (Silver-Gold)
Melior, the shorter of the two, bore a demeanor of unwavering focus, while Saria, slightly taller, exuded an air of quiet intensity. They walked with measured steps, their eyes fixed on Neberius as they flanked his throne-like seat.
As they reached Neberius, Melior leaned in to whisper into the ear of the old Black Mage, his voice hushed and laden with the weight of the information they had gathered from the interrogated Zealots, but to Vecna's vampiric hearing nothing in his range could escape.
"Cardinal Neberius, the clash in the Forest of Gloom was intense. The intruder, displayed extraordinary strength, defeating Arthur Vinespine, however, he didn't kill him for some reason.The witnesses describe seeing him using Demonic Power, and that he in fact is a High-Ranking Demon."
The words hung in the air, and Saria's gaze remained fixed on Neberius, awaiting further instructions.
"Continue." Neberius's response was curt, a testament to his urgency to grasp the situation.
"Deacons Yura, Jamol, and Lorents, along with their accompanying followers, were unable to subdue the Aura Master. This intruder being capable of defeating the Aura Master speaks for itself. We shouldn't show hostility for now, Cardinal," Saria added, her tone measured and prudent.
Neberius's expression tightened with a mix of displeasure and frustration. The report was not what he had hoped for, and the inadequacy of his subordinates clearly irked him.
Neberius's expression tightened with displeasure and frustration. The report was not what he had hoped for, and the inadequacy of his subordinates clearly irked him.
"Incompetence. Utter incompetence," Neberius declared, his voice cutting through the silence like a whip.
The harsh judgment echoed through the camp, drawing the attention of the gathered Zealots. Their faces, hidden beneath dark hoods, betrayed a mix of anxiety and fear as they observed the interaction between the priests and their formidable leader.
Melior and Saria stood stoically, their eyes lowered in deference to Neberius. Despite their lower levels compared to the Cardinal, there was an air of unwavering loyalty in their posture.
Meanwhile, Vecna, who had been following closely behind Yura, overheard every word exchanged between the priests and Neberius. His crimson eyes glinted with a cold malice as he processed the information about the Church's internal struggles and the perceived threat he posed to their plans.
After the report, Neberius shifted his gaze to the three Deacons he brought for this mission. The air was charged with tension as the Cardinal prepared to address those who had directly participated in the mission of taking Arthur Vinespine down.
"While harsh, it is the truth that you, Deacon Yura, Deacon Jamol, Deacon Lorents, cleared the mission I have given you. For this, I shall reward you for completing the task of removing that hindrance to our plans."
The words were a mix of acknowledgment and reprimand, leaving the Deacons to navigate the complex emotions stirred by the Cardinal's assessment.
"However, that intruder has contributed the most," Neberius continued, his gaze morphing into a disdainful look directed at the Deacons who, in his eyes, had failed without the help of external assistance.
Nonetheless, in Yura's eyes, the system notification announcing the clearing of her Quest rang, taking some invisible burden from her shoulders since the Rewards were substantial for her growth as a Black Magician.
"Cardinal Neberius, he is a Demon, not just any person," Jamol remarked, his voice carrying a hint of defiance. He observed Vecna, unbothered by the apparent disrespect emanating from the Vampire.
"Enough with your nonsense, Jamol. I haven't received any information from the Supreme Pontiff that we would receive help in this Operation. Now, you say I should believe the words of any scum appearing in front of my eyes?" Neberius responded, a frown etching across his features.
Black mana began to exude from his body, signaling his growing displeasure.
Putting his subordinate in place, Neberius shifted back to Vecna, who remained motionless the whole time. It was as if all the gathered members of the Dark Faith in one place didn't mean much to the enigmatic Vampire.
"What's more, you have the smell of a Cursed Otherworldly Person."
Vecna, for once, switched a small grin. He responded in kind, infusing a touch of sarcasm into his tone.
"The fact I have rescued those lost sheep from the fangs of a Wolf is irreversible. Fortunately, I was there; otherwise, the Lord would have been upset for losing such dedicated followers."
Vecna continued, his words delivered with a cold confidence that matched the intensity of his crimson gaze.
"And yet, here I am questioned, now that I received the guidance of Her Excellency?"
Neberius's skepticism intensified as Vecna spoke of Her Excellency, a figure unfamiliar to the Cardinal. The old Black Mage's suspicion deepened, and he dismissed Vecna's claim with a cold retort.
"Her Excellency? Don't try to fool me. You don't even look to be part of the Church." Neberius's tone dripped with disdain, his sharp gaze piercing through the shadows of his hood as he continued to scrutinize Vecna.
Vecna, however, remained undeterred by the Cardinal's skepticism. His grin persisted, and his crimson eyes locked onto Neberius with an intensity that seemed to dissect the very soul of the old mage.
"Tell me, otherworldly person. Why should I believe you? You might as well be an agent sent by the dirty followers of Rebecca. You're not the first one to try to infiltrate our ranks in such a fashion." Neberius's accusations echoed through the camp, casting a shadow of doubt upon Vecna's true motives.
"Who sent you here? Respond. There's no such 'Her Excellency' in my knowledge in the Church. The Supreme Pontiff is Lord Tallos, one of the Archmages of the Saharan Empire." Neberius pressed, his voice laced with suspicion and authority.
The questions Neberius hurled at Vecna were not without reason. From his perspective, Vecna was a suspicious interloper with no apparent allegiance to the Yatan Church. The Cardinal, fiercely protective of the Church's secrets and plans, saw in Vecna a potential threat.
The Zealots, who had witnessed the display of Demonic Power during Vecna's battle against Arthur Vinespine, remained silent. Fear and uncertainty clouded their faces as they observed the confrontation between the enigmatic intruder and their powerful Cardinal.
Deacon Jamol, however, found himself drawn to Vecna's demonic presence. To him, Vecna embodied a force closer to the divine than the old and seemingly ineffective Neberius, who had done little for the Church apart from conducting experiments with expensive magical materials.
"Huhuhu, the one who sent me here? You're looking too high. Better lower your gaze down to the bowels of this World," Vecna responded, his words carrying an air of mockery. The atmosphere crackled with tension as the confrontation escalated.
"Trying to change the subject with me, alien scum? Continue with nonsense, and I'll blast your head on the spot," Neberius threatened, his black mana surging in response to Vecna's defiance.
Vecna, however, proved to be no pushover. Sensing the escalation, he activated Searing Presence, unleashing Zytherion's Demonic Power, an essence belonging to an Archdemon. The Abyssal Ring reinforced his Demonic Power, turning the tide against Neberius's black mana.
The Yatan Church Camp, nestled within the Orc's Heart, became a battleground of opposing forces. Demonic Power clashed with black mana, creating an overwhelming surge that reverberated through the camp.
The Zealots, caught in the crossfire, lowered their eyes in reverence, acknowledging the presence of Vecna as a Demonic Being.
"Scum, you should be glad that Her Excellency has shown some favor to me. Great Monarch of Darkness, Amoract, how long will you allow this old parasite to ignore my presence?" Vecna's words echoed with an eerie resonance, confusing the Yatan Church members and enraging Neberius's followers.
The chaos escalated as Neberius, incensed by Vecna's mockery, glared murderously at the Vampire. Vecna, however, reveled in the chaos, chuckling maliciously as the confrontation reached a boiling point.
As Vecna activated his Vampiric State, a profound transformation swept over him. The air crackled with an otherworldly energy as his form underwent a dark metamorphosis. The flickering torchlight cast eerie shadows that danced across his changing features.
Vecna's once-pale skin took on a more ethereal and translucent quality as if touched by moonlight. His crimson eyes, which had held an intense, predatory gaze, now seemed to glow with an inner fire. His facial features became more pronounced, exuding an otherworldly allure that was both enchanting and unnerving.
His attire, once dark and imposing, now seemed to meld seamlessly with his transformed physique. The dark armor that adorned him took on a sleeker, more supernatural appearance as if forged from the shadows themselves. Zytherion, the Demonic Sword at his side, gleamed with an ominous radiance, its malevolent aura intensified in tandem with Vecna's transformation.
The aura of Demonic Power that surrounded him pulsed with a dark energy, creating an invisible barrier that seemed to repel the black mana released by Neberius. As the clash between Demonic Power and black mana reached its zenith, the Yatan Church members, including Yura, couldn't help but feel the overwhelming force emanating from Vecna.
Yura, who had witnessed Vecna's battle against Arthur Vinespine, now beheld a version of the Vampire Lord she hadn't seen before.
'I'm sure now. He has a Legendary Class. This is why he is so confident that he could even defeat Neberius.'
The transformation revealed Vecna's true nature as a high-ranking Demon, and the sight left her momentarily speechless. The awe-inspiring presence he exuded stirred a complex mix of emotions within her—fear, reverence, and a hint of fascination.
The followers who had accompanied Yura in the forest during the clash against Arthur were equally astounded. The Vampire Lord they had once perceived as a powerful ally now stood before them in a form that transcended their previous understanding. Whispers of disbelief and uncertainty spread among the onlookers, their loyalty to Neberius momentarily shaken by the revelation of Vecna's true power.
Vecna, basking in the attention drawn by his transformed state, took a step forward, his gaze fixed on Neberius. The malicious chuckle that escaped his lips echoed through the camp, heightening the tension that permeated the air.
"Witness the true might of a High-Ranking Demon," Vecna proclaimed, his voice resonating with a supernatural quality that sent shivers down the spines of those who heard it.
Neberius, still seething with anger and defiance, met Vecna's gaze, and when he was about to act and kill Vecna, a new phenomenon was triggered inside the Camp.
Since Vecna activated his Vampiric State, akin to being attracted to his demonic nature, a new entity surfaced from the bowels of the World.
The camp once shrouded in an oppressive silence, erupted with a surge of demonic power that seemed to emanate from the very relics that adorned the site.
"What now?" Neberius demanded, his voice cutting through the sudden maelstrom of energy.
These artifacts, once thought to be nothing more than symbolic decorations, pulsed with an otherworldly energy that overshadowed even Vecna's formidable aura. The Zealots, whose devotion to the Dark God Yatan was unwavering, found themselves overpowered by the sudden influx of demonic power. Kneeling involuntarily, they gazed upon the relics with awe and fear.
Neberius, caught in the midst of this unexpected manifestation, felt a mixture of shock and confusion. His eyes widened as the relics, long considered dormant and lifeless, now glowed with an intensity that overshadowed the grandeur of Vecna's Vampiric State.
Before Neberius could voice his protests or question Vecna's involvement, an ethereal and androgynous voice resonated through the camp. The voice leaned toward a feminine aspect, weaving through the air with a haunting melody that sent shivers down the spines of all who heard it.
["To think you'll search for me willingly, ohh, Child of Darkness. You gave me a great surprise, even finding out my Title and name in such a short span of time."]
The voice belonged to Amoract, the Great Monarch of Darkness, whose presence now reverberated through the demonic energies filling the camp.
The Zealots, still on their knees, trembled as they heard the voice of their Dark God for the first time. The simple followers of the Dark Faith, accustomed to the authority of Neberius, now experienced the awe-inspiring power of the being they worshiped.
Vecna, standing at the center of this supernatural convergence, remained stoic. His crimson eyes, devoid of emotion, stared intently at Neberius. The Vampire Lord had orchestrated this revelation, aligning himself with the true power that governed the Yatan Church.
The relics, once dismissed as mere ornaments, now pulsed with the essence of Amoract, acknowledging Vecna as a chosen envoy.
Neberius, recovering from his initial shock, glared at Vecna with renewed hatred.
As Amoract's laughter echoed through the air, the camp became a theater of shadows and demonic energies. The followers, torn between awe and fear, bore witness to a conflict that surpassed the mortal realm.
["Certainly, it is a surprise. Even forcing my hand to show up, and reveal myself. Such a bad, child."]
Amoract's voice echoed through the camp, carrying a peculiar blend of amusement and maternal affection. The demonic energies, now intensified by her presence, swirled like an inky mist, engulfing the followers and casting an eerie ambiance over the camp.
The Demonic Energies gathering in the camp were like a tick mist that would kill anyone inhaling in it, but when that voice spread around the simple followers started to shake in fear as if their God spoke for the first time.
Amoract, the Archdemon, emerged from the shadows with an aura of otherworldly elegance. Despite her demonic nature, she possessed a beauty that could captivate both men and women alike. Standing before Vecna, her slender form exuded an alluring and commanding presence.
Her obsidian-black hair cascaded down her shoulders in glossy waves, each strand seemingly infused with the darkness that surrounded her. The locks framed a face that bore features of haunting beauty – high cheekbones, a delicate nose, and lips that hinted at a beguiling smile. Her eyes, pools of abyssal darkness, held an enigmatic allure, concealing depths that hinted at the vastness of her demonic power.
Amoract's skin had a porcelain-like quality, contrasting starkly with the shadows that clung to her form. The faintest touch of demonic energy emanated from her, creating an unsettling yet irresistible charm. Her slender figure was adorned in ethereal garments that seemed to shift between shades of deep crimson and inky black, mirroring the duality of her existence.
As she appeared before Vecna, a wicked glint danced in her eyes.
"I greet you, my Lady. I don't know if this is late or early, but I would like to join the Dark Faith." said Vecna as he bowed down respectfully to the woman standing in front of him, calm and charming.
["Child of Darkness, you have chosen correctly. You shouldn't be ashamed, after all, you have returned back to your roots. I can guess that you were displeased with the state of your brethren who have succumbed to their arrogance and weakness."]
"You are right, my Lady. That's one of the main reasons for reaching out to you. My aspiration is to put an end to my lowly brethren and return back to Hell where my Progenitor's Throne once stood."
["This Monarch is glad to hear that you have grand aspirations. I shall accept you wholeheartedly."]
She welcomed him with a confidence that bespoke her centuries of existence, pleased to see the powerful Vampire Lord approaching her directly. Her demeanor was a blend of seduction and dominion, a reflection of the Archdemon's dual nature – a temptress of shadows and a ruler of demonic realms.
Vecna didn't feel repulsed by this woman at all, she might be a Demon, but compared to how Camio was acting like some thug, Amoract in front of him was truly akin to the Queen of Demons.
Not long after Amoract's acceptance of his request, the official system confirmation appeared in front of his eyes.
[The leader of the Yatan Church, Archdemon Amoract, has invited you to join her Faction.]
[Accept/Decline]
'She doesn't seem to care that I might have hostilities over Neberius, and wants me to join her 'Club'.'
'With the support of the Church as long as they don't figure out I'm carrying Caine's Legacy with me. I'll be able to grow exponentially.'
'Getting information with regards to the Vampires of Beriache will also come in handy since I intend to clean house after dealing with the Orcs.'
'I'll hunt them down to the last soul until all of Caine's Legacy is brought back into a single vessel.'
Faced with such a straightforward choice, he accepted wholeheartedly the path of becoming a villain.
As Vecna accepted Amoract's invitation to join the Yatan Church, the camp's atmosphere shifted.
[You have joined the Faction: Yatan Church. If your roots are found by the Servants of Light, you'll receive their hostility.]
The Archdemon, pleased with Vecna's choice, signaled him to take a knee before her. Vecna, maintaining his calm demeanor, knelt as a sign of his commitment to the Yatan Church.
The camp, filled with Zealots and followers, looked on in anticipation. Yura, who had been observing the unfolding events with a mix of curiosity and wariness, found herself caught off guard by the unfolding spectacle. The notion of a fabled Archdemon showing such a side was beyond her expectations.
Amoract, with an air of regality, approached Vecna as he knelt before her. The shadows that clung to her form seemed to dance with newfound energy, accentuating her commanding presence. She extended a hand, gesturing for Vecna to rise, and he did so with a fluid grace.
["Rise, Child of Darkness."]
Vecna, now standing before Amoract, couldn't anticipate what would happen next. The Archdemon, known for her dominion and allure, surprised not only Vecna but also the onlookers as she gently placed a hand on his forehead.
A hush fell over the camp as Amoract, in a moment of unexpected tenderness, pressed her lips to Vecna's forehead.
['Monarch of Darkness' Amoract, has planted inside of you the 'Seed of Darkness']
[User has unlocked the Unique Stat 'Demonic Power'.]
{'Damn, she likes you for sure. This woman actually used such an expensive item on you to forcefully awaken your latent Demonic Power.'}
'My heart rate has increased… My body has started burning from the inside. Is this normal?'
'… Now I feel freezing.'
Vecna's surprise manifested physically, his stoic demeanor momentarily disrupted by the internal turmoil. The profound nature of the gift became evident as his body responded with a mix of discomfort and exhilaration.
However, despite the internal upheaval, Vecna maintained a composed exterior, not allowing the stunning beauty of Amoract to sway his demeanor. The allure of the Archdemon's presence, marked by both grace and power, was undeniable.
["You don't have the Curse of Sloth on you even though all Vampires suffer from the Sloth. Being an Otherworldly Being might have affected this, and you broke free from the constraints of the Curse."]
Amoract's words echoed with a deep understanding of Vecna's unique nature.
["This is why, I'm looking forward to your growth, Child of Darkness."]
Still grappling with the changes induced by the infusion of demonic energies, Vecna found himself taken aback once again. Amoract, with a gesture that resonated with divine significance, bestowed upon him the 'Blessing of the Apostle.'
[Monarch of Darkness, Amoract, has granted you one of her Blessings.]
[You have received the 'Blessing of the Apostle.']
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