(Arthur POV)
Finally, mission accomplished - and now, the reward I've been itching to get my hands on.
[Bloodline Ability: Primal Morningstar]
A surge of excitement coursed through me as I eyed the reward. The name alone, "Primal Morningstar," had my curiosity piqued. As a Morningstar myself, I couldn't help but wonder what this {Bloodline Ability} was all about.
I dove into the full details:
[As a Morningstar, you possess an ancient and powerful bloodline that grants you the ability to transform into your primal demonic form. This transformation embodies the regal, fearsome essence of the Morningstar, giving you both physical and magical dominance over others. Your appearance changes dramatically, showcasing the full power and majesty of your heritage.]
So, I'm awakening my ancient bloodline? My heart raced. Could this finally put me on par with my father and brothers?
But then I read on: [Currently, you can only access the first phase of this {Primal Morningstar} transformation ability, with more advanced phases available as you meet specific requirements.]
Just Phase 1? My fantasies of surpassing my father or my first brother vanished in a puff of smoke.
"It's still something," I consoled myself. "A major power-up is nothing to sneeze at."
I pored over the rest of the skill description, surprised by the system's uncharacteristic generosity with details.
After digesting it all, I locked my office door and positioned myself in front of the full-length mirror.
"Alright, let's see what this transformation looks like..."
My heart pounded as I prepared to trigger the ability. What kind of demon would I see staring back at me?
After gaining the {Primal Morningstar} ability, a strange new kind of demonic energy began swirling through my body. It felt both familiar and alien - like it had always been there, dormant, waiting to be discovered. Yet I'd never felt anything quite like it before.
This demonic energy seemed to dance in my veins, reminding me of {Nether Surge}, but far more potent. It was, to put it mildly, freaking weird.
Weirdness aside, I decided to trigger these playful demonic energies.
Instant regret.
"Hng! What the actual fuck-"
My muscles and bones screamed in agony, my skin stretching impossibly tight. It felt like my body was tearing itself apart and reforging itself simultaneously.
"Ah!"
The change was excruciating. My eyes burned with an intensity that made my usual scarlet-eye transformation feel like a gentle warmth in comparison.
I stumbled against my desk, steam rising from my body like I was some demonic kettle. My suit, unable to withstand the transformation, tore to shreds. Now I stood naked, save for my underwear clinging on like a loyal sidekick.
As the pain intensified, I couldn't help but wonder if this was the price of power, or if I'd seriously underestimated what it meant to unlock my "primal" form.
"Lord, save me-" Hot tears streamed down my cheeks as I endured what felt like hell on earth.
Fighting to stay conscious, I silently cursed the system for not warning me about the excruciating pain of transformation. If I'd known, I could've done this in my private bathroom or back at the penthouse. Not here in the office where anyone could walk in at any moment.
Thank hell I'd had the foresight to lock the door.
Knock knock
"Boss, are you there?" Klein's voice filtered through the door.
'Why now?' I inwardly groaned. Speak of the devil.
"Wha-what do you want!?" I managed to growl through gritted teeth.
"Boss - I'm here for an important matter—"
I cut him off, "Le-let's talk later! I'm in se-serious business here!"
Klein's voice turned concerned, "Are you okay, boss? You sound weird..."
The pain began to subside, allowing me to speak more normally, "I'm fine. Just in the middle of something important. It's serious business."
"Funny business?"
For fuck's sake. "Just get out!"
"Okay, okay," Klein retreated, sounding bewildered.
This guy was getting too comfortable around me. But I had bigger concerns.
As Klein's footsteps faded, a strange, gradual pleasure began to replace the pain. I felt... oddly good. This power... it was like being high, even though I'd never touched drugs.
The sensation was intoxicating, a rush unlike anything I'd experienced before. As the transformation settled, I couldn't help but wonder: was this how it felt to truly embrace my demonic heritage?
I pushed myself up from my kneeling position, suddenly aware of a significant change in height. Had I grown to six or seven feet tall?
But that wasn't all. I felt a new pair of appendages I could control - not arms, but wings. With a slight experimental flap, papers and various items in the room were suddenly caught in a gust, scattering across the floor.
Approaching the full-length mirror, I realized my new height meant I couldn't see my entire reflection. Only my upper body was visible, my head nearly brushing the ceiling.
My torso caught my attention first. The abs and muscles I'd always had now looked more defined, radiating power.
Kneeling to get a better view, I was startled to see my forehead horns had vanished. Instead, impressive antler-like horns now crowned my head, their scarlet hue both intimidating and oddly graceful.
My eyes blazed the same scarlet shade I'd seen flash during moments of intense emotion. My features had sharpened, becoming more handsome, my sweat-sheened body exuding an almost magnetic attraction.
Then there were the wings - bat-like appendages sprouting from my back. When I touched them, the sensation was as natural as touching my own shoulder.
This new form was... impressive, to say the least. Powerful, regal, and undeniably demonic.
"Awesome..." I couldn't help but grin. "With this power, I could toss Bobby around like a ragdoll."
I examined my hands, noting the sharp nails. Curiously, I tried to pierce my skin, but my nails couldn't break through.
"Seems my skin's tougher now," I mused. Testing further, I scratched at a book. The cover yielded slightly, and with more force, my nail sank into the thick tome.
A smile spread across my face, revealing vampire-like teeth in the mirror. "This feeling... Could I stay like this forever?"
As if in answer, a system notification flashed before my eyes:
[Primal Morningstar activated. Limited duration: ten minutes]
[You can maintain the transformation for ten minutes. Prolonged use may deplete your mana reserves.]
Not ideal, but workable. I could already feel an unprecedented level of control over my body.
The system elaborated:
[You will gain masterful control of your body as you train your bloodline ability. You can manifest your wings in your original form, retract your red horns, or change your eyes to an intimidating scarlet hue. The more you master your transformation, the longer you can maintain it and the more powerful you'll become.]
This new ability was more than just raw power - it was potential. With practice, I could fine-tune my demonic traits, adapting them to any situation. The possibilities were thrilling.
With a satisfied smile, I decided to revert to my original form.
The process of changing back was easier, but still came with a twinge of pain. As my body shifted and shrank, I could feel my muscles and bones realigning, a sensation that was uncomfortable but manageable.
Once I was back to my normal self, a system notification chimed in my head:
[Ding! Your pain resistance increased!]
I let out a relieved sigh. "Thank God." The thought of enduring that level of agony every time I transformed was daunting. This pain resistance was a welcome development.
As I stood there, catching my breath and adjusting to being back in my usual body, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension. This new ability was powerful, no doubt, but it came with its own set of challenges.
The increased pain resistance was a good start, but I knew I'd need to practice and build up my tolerance if I wanted to use this transformation effectively. Still, the potential benefits seemed well worth the discomfort.
I glanced at the mirror one last time, seeing my familiar face looking back at me. It was strange to think that such a powerful, imposing form was now hidden beneath this exterior.
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(Arthur POV)
As I exited the office, my crew's eyes widened at the sight of my shredded clothes.
"What happened to you, boss?!" they exclaimed in unison.
"Haha, don't worry about it," I said, trying to sound casual. "Just a small... accident."
Embarrassment bubbled up inside me as I made my way to the male hot tub. I quickly stripped, grabbed a towel, and sunk into the warm water.
For ten minutes, I relaxed, my mind racing with thoughts of my new ability to transform, fly, and who knows what else. Eventually, I stood up and quietly borrowed some clothes hanging nearby.
Just as I finished dressing, a demon exited the hot tub. "Bo-boss! Those are my clothes!"
"Oh, these?" I said nonchalantly. "I'll repay you. For now, I need to borrow them."
"But..."
One look from me was enough. He nodded in understanding.
As I left the hot tub area, I found Klein waiting outside. "Oh right, you had something to report?"
"It's about our talents, boss..." Klein said, his tone uncharacteristically solemn.
Hmm? This didn't sound good.
"Tell me," I said, bracing myself for whatever news was coming.
***
(3rd Person POV)
A few hours before Arthur's transformation, Clint and Benny had decided to celebrate the huge success of "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly."
Though Clint and Benny had only been living in Horn City for a few weeks, they'd wasted no time exploring the local nightlife. Among the handful of bars they'd discovered, one stood out: "Hidden Bar."
As Clint and Benny entered the Hidden Bar, the reality of their newfound fame was still sinking in.
"I still can't believe this is happening to me," Clint said, a mix of excitement and disbelief in his voice. "Suddenly becoming so famous... My manager even said Empirican major studios want me in their films."
Benny sighed, a rueful smile on his face. "Me too. I'm just a sixty-year-old man. Never imagined I'd become famous at this age."
Their conversation was interrupted by an excited voice. "Hey, aren't you Blondie and Tuco from that western film?"
Clint chuckled, "Yeah, that's us. But I'm Clint, and he's Benny."
"Wow. Can I have an autograph?"
Everything was happening so fast. Just weeks ago, they could walk into a bar unnoticed. Now, they were surrounded like... well, celebrities. Which, they realized with a start, they actually were now.
As more people approached, asking for autographs, Clint and Benny exchanged a look. This was their new reality, and while exciting, it was also a bit overwhelming.
Clint and Benny had come to Hidden Bar to celebrate, but they couldn't get a moment to themselves. Fans kept approaching, getting too touchy and demanding their attention, making it impossible for the actors to enjoy their evening.
Fortunately, the bar manager, a succubus named Alissa, noticed their predicament and swooped in to rescue them. "Follow me," she said, leading them to the VIP room.
"Thank you, Alissa," Clint said, gratitude evident in his voice. He and Alissa had grown close over the past few weeks, even before his sudden rise to fame. She'd always treated him and Benny well, and Clint had found himself drawn to her.
Alissa smiled warmly. "Come on, I'm the bar manager here. Looking after my customers is the least I can do."
Benny, never one to miss an opportunity for playful jabs, interjected, "Haha! Suddenly all concerned about customers, are we?" He grinned mischievously. "Just a few days ago, I saw you beat down some young troublemakers and kick out the folks cheering them on!"
Alissa chuckled, unfazed. "That was different."
Clint nudged Benny as they settled into their seats, a silent request to ease up on the teasing.
Benny noticed the growing closeness between Clint and Alissa. He shook his head, thinking, 'Who would've thought this guy would find a love life so quickly in a foreign city?'
Indeed, just a few weeks ago, Horn City had been completely alien to them.
The jovial atmosphere shattered as trouble barged in. Alissa's eyes widened in recognition and fear. A group entered their VIP room, led by none other than Caleb Diamond - a music star famous throughout Horn Kingdom and beyond.
"What are you doing here?" Alissa's voice trembled.
Clint, sensing her distress, asked, "Who are they, Alissa?"
Caleb chuckled darkly, hands in his pockets as he eyed Clint and Benny through fancy sunglasses. "Just checking out who you've been... associating with lately."
"Leave!" Alissa demanded, pointing at the door.
Caleb's gaze turned icy as it settled on Clint. "You... What's your relationship with Alissa?"
"My relationships are none of your damn business, Caleb!" Alissa shouted.
"Quiet!" Caleb snapped, but Alissa, fueled by anger and fear, hurled a liquor bottle at him. Caleb gestured to his men, who moved to restrain her.
Clint jumped up, eyes wide. "What the hell? Don't touch her!"
"Just run, Clint!" Alissa pleaded, clearly more concerned for his safety than her own.
Caleb's voice dripped with venom. "So he's your new boy? Trying to replace me? That's not happening."
Benny watched helplessly as the situation spiraled. Clint, unable to stand by, fought back but was quickly overwhelmed by Caleb and his group.
As fists flew and bottles shattered, the celebratory night had devolved into chaos. The VIP room, once a sanctuary, now felt like a cage, with Clint and Benny trapped in a confrontation they never saw coming.
***
(Arthur POV)
I listened intently as Klein recounted what happened to Clint and Benny, my eyes growing cold. "How are they? Are Clint and Benny okay?"
Klein sighed heavily. "They're in the hospital, boss. But... they're not in good shape." He hesitated before adding, "They could recover quickly with some high-grade healing potions and a skilled healer, but that'll cost tens of thousands."
I nodded decisively. "Hire the most reputable healer in the city. And get those medical potions. They're my talent - their appearance and health are paramount."
Klein asked hesitantly, "You'll cover the costs, boss?"
"What kind of question is that?" I shook my head, slightly annoyed. "Of course I'll cover it." Then, my tone sharpening, I asked, "You mentioned the culprit is Caleb Diamond?"
Klein nodded. "We've already got the legal team working on filing charges against him."
"Good," I said, "but it won't be easy. The guy's popular and influential." My eyes narrowed. "But I'll make sure Clint and Benny get justice, one way or another."
"What are you planning, boss?" Klein asked, concern evident in his voice.
I just smiled, offering no answer. My mind was already racing with possibilities, some of which Klein was probably better off not knowing.
As Klein left, I couldn't help but feel a surge of anger. No one messes with my talent and gets away with it. Caleb Diamond was about to learn that the hard way.
***
(3rd Person POV)
A day after Clint and Benny's beating, Caleb lounged in his penthouse, attempting to soothe his panicked manager.
"Relax, Veret. We've got nothing to worry about," Caleb said, exuding confidence.
Veret's voice cracked with anxiety. "Nothing to worry about?! Those guys you beat up aren't nobodies! They're rising stars! The media will be all over this!"
Caleb chuckled, waving off the concern. "Come on. Dad will handle it. He's got connections with politicians and newspaper bigwigs. We're covered."
Veret visibly relaxed at this assurance.
Seeing his manager calm down, Caleb's smirk widened. He felt invincible, his mind wandering to dangerous territory. 'No one can have Alissa but me,' he thought, then mused, 'Maybe I should pay those two a visit in the hospital, teach them a lasting lesson.'
Just as this cruel thought crossed his mind, the window exploded in a shower of glass.
"What the hell—" Veret's shout was cut short as a tall, imposing demon appeared in the shattered window frame.
Caleb's face contorted with rage. "Who the fuck are you? What do you think you're doing?!"
Instead of answering, the demon unfurled massive bat-like wings. Caleb and Veret's eyes widened in shock and fear.
The atmosphere in the penthouse shifted dramatically. The once-cocky Caleb found himself face-to-face with a being that radiated power and danger.
The unfurled wings left no doubt - this was a 'noble demon.' A higher ranking one at that.
Caleb and Veret stood transfixed, having never seen one in the flesh before. Such demons were exceedingly rare.
With a single flap of his wings, the demon sent a gust of wind that made Caleb and Veret stumble.
Caleb's demeanor changed instantly, his voice dripping with forced politeness. "I apologize for my earlier language. I didn't realize we were in the presence of a noble demon." He gestured at the broken window. "Please, don't worry about that. We can easily replace it."
Veret nodded frantically, like a bobblehead caught in an earthquake. "Absolutely! We're just... curious why a noble demon such as yourself would honor us with a visit?"
Caleb's ego couldn't resist chiming in. "Did you come to see me?" he asked, puffing up with pride. "I know I'm quite popular. My fame reaches far and wide. I can see why even a noble demon such as yourself were so excited to meet me that you didn't think twice about breaking a window to get in."
He continued, oblivious to the growing danger. "Would you like an autograph? I could even perform a song for you-"
His words were cut short as the demon suddenly appeared before him, fist connecting with Caleb's face. The impact sent him flying across the room.
Veret's eyes bulged in shock. "Wha-what?!" he sputtered, his earlier composure shattered.
The noble demon stood silently, his scarlet eyes burning with barely contained rage. It was clear that this was no social call, and Caleb's assumption of admiration couldn't have been further from the truth.
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