9 Innate spell

Two figures could be seen moving through the forest, moving so swiftly that they reached an incredible speed of 2 kilometers per minute. Despite their rapid pace, their relaxed expressions indicated that they were far from reaching their maximum speed. These figures were none other than Zatiel and Ezequiel, on their way to the Shadow Wolf's lair.

Zatiel was known for his vengeful nature, always ensuring that any wrongdoing against him was met with a thousandfold retaliation. However, he understood the importance of choosing his battles wisely. If an opponent was too powerful, he would bide his time and seek revenge when the opportunity was right. After all, there was nothing wrong with seeking vengeance; it simply had to be done at the right moment, when one had gained sufficient strength. Acting recklessly while still weak would only be foolish.

As Zatiel ran, he observed that Ezequiel effortlessly kept up with his speed. Neo-Demons, however, were not all the same. The Chaotic Core enhanced their bodies based on their previous aptitudes prior to the transformation, and this was only the beginning. As they grew stronger, the changes would become more pronounced.

"So, speed is one of his primary attributes. Interesting... A.I. Chip, scan him," Zatiel commanded.

[Bip... scanning

Name: Ezequiel

Race: Neo-Demon

Strength: 3.5

Physique: 3.6

Speed: 4.2

Abyss Aura: 5.2]

"Not bad, not bad at all. His attributes are inferior to mine, but that's to be expected. Before the transformation, I was already as strong as a warrior, while little EZ was just a normal human. Moreover, his Abyss Aura is already quite formidable, so it won't be long before he reaches 7 points, making him equal to a Rank 3 apprentice magus," Zatiel remarked, analyzing the scan results.

As Zatiel continued his run, he delved into his memories, specifically the Rank 0 spells stored in the first layer.

Normally, individuals would choose spells based on their affinity to natural energy, such as flame or darkness. However, Neo-Demons didn't need to concern themselves with such limitations. They could utilize their Abyss Aura to create spells of any type. Nevertheless, it was advisable to narrow down the range of energies used, as it facilitated the improvement of proficiency in a particular type of magic.

Reviewing the spells, four of them caught Zatiel's attention:

Shadow Form: Uses darkness energy to envelop the user in a shadow mantle, enhancing agility by 30% and reducing the chances of detection. Consumption: Abyss Aura -1 per minute.

Corrosive Fireball: Creates a fireball that generates flames upon contact with air, attaching itself to the enemy and causing them to expand. Damage: 10 degrees. Effective distance: 15 meters. Consumption: Abyss Aura -3.

Somber Spear: Generates a spear made of dark energy from the target's shadow and hurls it at them. Damage: 8 degrees. Effective distance: 10 meters. Consumption: Abyss Aura -2.

Death Enchantment: Temporarily enhances a weapon with negative energy, adding 3 degrees of magical damage per blow and infecting the wound with death energy. Consumption: Abyss Aura -1 per minute.

Examining the spells, Zatiel also sought information about the strength classification of spells obtained from the magic tower.

"In this world, damage is calculated based on magical crystals. These crystals serve as both the basic currency for Magus and the power source for various magical machines and magic towers. Each magical crystal can release approximately 1 degree of energy when it explodes."

Although Zatiel possessed even more potent spells, these four were the most effective in combat with his current Abyss Aura level. They were already quite formidable in their own right. After all, a rank 3 apprentice could hope to inflict damage ranging from 15 to 20 degrees, but Zatiel, who was just beginning his journey as a Neo-Demon, was already capable of causing such destruction. Nonetheless, there was still a long path ahead before he reached the peak of the infant stage of a Neo-Demon.

"I will start with Shadow Form and Death Enchantment. They will be useful until I reach rank 1. As for ranged attacks, although Corrosive Fireball is powerful, the innate spell that all Neo-Demons possess should be even stronger," Zatiel contemplated, his excitement growing as he considered the innate spell. It was a simple yet powerful spell that would remain effective even as he grew stronger.

Having finalized his spell choices, Zatiel turned his attention to selecting a useful spell for Ezequiel.

"Given his main combat style of speed and lethality, this spell should be an excellent choice for him."

While Ezequiel sprinted through the forest, a voice resounded in his mind.

"Little EZ, I will send you a spell. Practice it, and if you have any doubts, ask me."

Before Ezequiel could even process what was happening, information about a spell and its practice method was directly imprinted into his consciousness.

"Lightning Armor: Uses lightning energy to coat the user, enhancing speed and strength, while providing protection against attacks. While in this state, the user cannot cast any other spells due to the constant transformation of the Abyss Aura into lightning natural energy. Enhances Strength and Speed by 30% and offers protection against 8 degrees of magical and physical damage. Consumption: Abyss Aura -1 per minute."

Ezequiel found himself in a state of shock. Not only could he communicate directly with Zatiel, but an immense amount of knowledge had been instantly imprinted into his brain, as though he had always possessed that knowledge.

Observing Ezequiel's surprised expression, Zatiel almost laughed at the sight.

"For supernatural beings at or above rank 1, communicating through consciousness is simple, but transmitting knowledge requires time and is never as clear as you experienced it," Zatiel explained, hinting at the rarity of such communication.

Thanks to the Chaotic Core within Zatiel, communication between cores was possible as long as they were in the same plane, and knowledge transfer was feasible when in close proximity.

With the communication method clarified, both Zatiel and Ezequiel began practicing their respective spells.

Unlike other beings, Neo-Demons didn't need to inscribe spell runes into their consciousness. Instead, they manipulated their Abyss Aura to activate spells, gradually gaining proficiency through practice. As they used the spells more frequently, not only did the consumption of Abyss Aura decrease, but the spells' strength also increased. This was attributed to the Chaotic Core familiarizing itself with the spell's mechanics and facilitating the activation of Abyss Aura.

As they ran, shadows enveloped Zatiel, while lightning cloaked Ezequiel, augmenting their speed.

Before long, they reached the lair of the magical creature.

Upon their arrival, a howl reverberated through the air, and the Shadow Wolf emerged before them. Unlike their previous encounter, Zatiel now had a clear view of the powerful 3-meter wolf, displaying a furious expression.

Zatiel gazed at the beast and confidently walked toward it, activating his Shadow Form.

"Do you remember me, little doggy?" Zatiel taunted, regarding the wolf as nothing more than a meal.

Though incapable of verbal communication, the Shadow Wolf understood the human language, and upon hearing the insult, anger surfaced on its face as it lunged toward Zatiel, jaws wide open, intent on ripping his head off.

Dodging the attack effortlessly, Zatiel seized the wolf's hind leg, lifting it over his head before violently slamming it against the ground, sending rocks flying.

Before the wolf could even howl in pain, Zatiel delivered a powerful kick to its ribs, propelling it 7 meters into the air.

Without pausing, Zatiel leaped and struck the wolf's head, launching it through the air, crashing it against a tree.

Examining the severely wounded wolf, Zatiel displayed no joy or excitement. To him, this creature was nothing more than an insignificant event in his life.

"Things are ever-changing. One moment, you are the hunter, and the next, you become the prey. The moment you become complacent with your strength is the moment you seal your fate. It's time to end this," Zatiel proclaimed.

As he prepared to deliver the finishing blow, shadows engulfed the wolf, which, with a monstrous howl, stood up, its eyes red and blood dripping from its mouth. Its body grew in size.

"A last desperate attempt. Fine, you will be the first to experience the might of the first innate spell of a Neo-Demon!" Zatiel's eyes focused with unprecedented seriousness as he ordered the A.I. Chip to analyze the spell's power.

An Innate Spell was a technique that couldn't be taught. They were typically species-specific signature moves, like a dragon's breath or a gorgon's petrifying gaze. They were ingrained in a species' mind from birth.

Zatiel's seriousness was justified, as he was the first Neo-Demon, and the use of this attack had so far been theoretical. This would be the first time it was employed.

As the now berserk Shadow Wolf charged forward at almost twice its previous speed, Zatiel stood his ground, raising his hands. When the beast was a mere 5 meters away, he activated the spell.

"Abyssal Blast!"

A concentrated beam of pure Abyssal Aura surged from Zatiel's hand, with a diameter of 2.5 meters. The attack was so swift and potent that the wolf had no time to react before it was engulfed, disintegrating instantly. The blast continued for another 20 meters, obliterating several trees before dissipating.

Surprised by the extent of the attack's damage, Zatiel couldn't help but wear a surprised expression. Even though he had yet to become a Rank 1 Neo-Demon, this attack was nearly as powerful as that of a newly ascended Rank 1 Magus.

"Hahaha, Neo-Demons truly are the strongest race," Zatiel laughed, overcome with excitement and pride at his creation's extraordinary power.

"However, there's no doubt that I cannot truly contend with a Rank 1 Magus at this moment. Even if they were to stand still and do nothing, their defensive spells would be sufficient to withstand at least the first attack. Besides, this spell has an obvious limitation."

The Abyssal Blast was undeniably formidable. One of its strengths lay in its utilization of the Abyssal Aura stored within the Chaotic Core. The aura was augmented by the chaotic mental impact filtered from the Abyss Aura in Zatiel's body. Consequently, it not only inflicted immense magical damage but also affected the enemy's consciousness. However, it could only be used once a day, rendering it impractical for prolonged battles.

"As my Chaotic Core grows, I will be able to use this attack more frequently, and its power will increase. Speaking of which, A.I. Chip, show me the results," Zatiel inquired.

[Bip...

Abyssal Blast: The user unleashes a concentrated beam of pure and concentrated Abyss Aura generated within the Chaotic Core. It carries a mental impact upon reaching the target. Usable once per day. As the Chaotic Core grows, energy storage capacity and quality will improve, leading to more potent attacks and increased usage. Current damage: 28 degrees.]

"Excellent! It's a shame there's nothing left of the wolf; it would have made a good meal," Zatiel mused, his thoughts shifting to satiating his hunger.

Meanwhile, Ezequiel, standing 5 meters away, remained stunned.

From the beginning, Ezequiel had no intention of intervening, as he considered the fight with the beast a mere game for his master. However, witnessing the wolf's severe injuries early on confirmed his assumption.

What truly shocked him, though, was the Abyssal Blast executed by Zatiel. The attack was so powerful that it disintegrated a beast twice the size of a bull. Moreover, Ezequiel knew that he, too, could employ that spell. The method of using the spell had been implanted in his brain since his transformation into a Neo-Demon.

"Can I truly be that powerful?" Ezequiel wondered, examining his hands in awe.

"Hey, little brat, stop daydreaming. It's time to leave this boring place," Zatiel called out, breaking Ezequiel from his reverie.

Embarrassed at being caught lost in his thoughts, Ezequiel simply nodded and followed Zatiel, refraining from saying anything further. Together, they departed the Grey Swamp, embarking on their journey toward their next destination.