Chương 104: Transformation

(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.