The Quest for Truth and Trust

"Why has the 'Energy' stat been modified to 'Skill Energy'?"

[As host is now a physical life form, you don't need energy to sustain yourself]

"Well I guess that's reasonable, anyways wh.... wait why isn't my lifespan showing on the status screen"

[.....]

[What is the host talking about? It is present under the 'Stats' menu.]

"What?!" He quickly looked for it, only to discover that it was indeed present under the "Stats" menu.

"You! You! why are you doing this to me"

[The system is unable to understand what the host is trying to say]

"Bullshit! You deliberately hid it, didn't you"

"Assuming that I wouldn't notice until it was too late, which would then force me into a dangerous situation where I would make a mistake that I'll regret later, isn't that right?"

[The system is unable to understand what the host is trying to say]

"Don't give me that answer. I know you understand what I'm saying." He stopped mid-air while saying this.

Lucifer first took a deep breath to calm his anger and frustration and then continued.

"System, I just want you to be honest with me. Tell me what you really want from me, please."

"Wait, before you give me that answer again, please just listen to me for a moment."

"You might think I'm dumb or an idiot because of the mistakes I've made since I arrived in this world. I know I may not be the smartest, but I'm not naive. I can sense that you have some hidden agenda that you're trying to achieve, and for that you have been manipulating me into becoming a true devil just as you have labeled me"

"Don't deny it. Even if you have your own agenda, just be upfront with me, and I'll be willing to help you. But please, stop trying to manipulate me into making bad decisions. It is really becoming too much for me."

[The system is unable to understand what the host is trying to say]

Disappointment was clearly visible on his face as he resumed his movement in the direction of Emily.

"Alright, forget about it, system. Just tell me how I can extend my remaining 100 hours of lifespan now that energy isn't the cause."

[You can use the skill 'Deal with the Devil to increase your lifespan]

"Ohh, so you did leave me a way survive, as always" Lucifer sighed.

"Before I ask you about the details of that skill and lose all motivation to ask any more questions, can you first explain how I was able to use the skill 'Ghost Transformation' right after evolving, even though I didn't know anything about it?"

[The ghost transformation is nothing but a skill that helps you transform into a ghost-like entity for a period of time using skill energy as the source. As you've been existing as a ghost for the past few days, you started to perceive it as your natural body. That's why you activated the skill immediately after evolving, and even now you continue to use it for flying.]

"So, I can't fly when I'm in my physical form, huh?"

[Yes, you are unable to fly in your physical state]

.....

After locating Emily, he observed her crestfallen and dejected expression once more.

He made an effort to console her using his limited skills in comforting children.

However, due to Emily's maturity beyond her years, she swiftly regained her composure.

He then took her towards the city.

'Should I really take Emily to the city?' Lucifer questioned himself.

He was uncertain about what to do regarding Emily. Based on his understanding, the entire Kennedy family was best presumed to be dead.

He had already asked her if she had any other acquaintances, but she told him that they were the only ones she knew in the entire city.

Therefore, he contemplated the idea of staying in the city with Emily for a while, giving himself time to find a solution.

.....

As he reached the city, he was greeted once again by a group of injured and surviving citizens.

Upon seeing their hopeful gazes fixed upon him, he couldn't bring himself to ignore them once more. Consequently, he made the decision to provide them with some guidance and direction.

Lucifer's authoritative voice echoed through the group of survivors, his commanding presence demanding attention and action.

"Is there anyone among you who has knowledge of the current situation?," Lucifer stated firmly.

Several individuals stepped forward, their expressions revealing a mix of uncertainty and concern. Among them, a rugged-looking man appeared to possess a sense of authority, his gaze meeting Lucifer's with a glimmer of understanding.

"You there," Lucifer pointed directly at the man, "assume temporary leadership of the city. Your first priority is to establish a location for providing immediate medical assistance to the injured. Additionally, gather information regarding the casualties and identify surviving cultivators and martial artists. I need an accurate report on the current state of affairs."

The chosen individual nodded solemnly, accepting the weighty responsibility bestowed upon him.

With a sense of purpose, he began organizing the survivors and directing them towards the necessary tasks.

.....

After finishing this, Lucifer left them alone and began traveling to Emily's house in the outer city.

When he got there, he used his telekinetic powers to quickly rebuild the house to some extent.

This way, Emily could at least have a place to rest until he could do something.

"Big Brother Noah, are Big Brother William and the others dead?" Emily asked, mustering her courage.

As Lucifer observed the courageous expression on Emily's face as she posed her question, a wave of sadness washed over him.

It dawned on him that this young girl had encountered a greater number of deaths than he had witnessed throughout his entire previous life.

"We can't be certain about that yet, Emily. You go and get some rest while I search for them, alright?" He replied trying to sound as optimistic as possible.

She nodded, hiding her tears, and swiftly made her way to the undamaged bed.

.....

"System, now tell me about the 'Deal with the Devil' skill"

[Host, I would suggest using the skill 'Devil's Subordinate' before utilizing any other skills.]

"Hahaha, do you really think I'll actually listen to your advice?

[....]

"Fine, but could you at least provide me with a reason why I should use it in the first place?"

[Host, at this moment, you are in an extremely vulnerable state due to your mortal body. Even an accidental blow from a martial artist could potentially result in your demise]

"I can always use the 'Ghost Transformation' skill to become invisible and invulnerable to physical attacks"

[Yes, it is important to be aware that while the skill "Ghost Transformation" allows you to achieve invisibility and invulnerability to physical attacks, there is a significant risk to consider. If an opponent utilizes an energy-based attack or even if you are exposed to the residual energy from such an attack, it could potentially result in your death.]

"Death? Wouldn't I enter the energy-saving mode instead?"

[No, now that you have obtained access to the complete version of the Devil Transformation System and acquired a physical body, it is important to be aware of certain limitations. The system will not be able to save you in the unfortunate event of your lifespan coming to an end or if you sustain fatal injuries.]

"Well it's not like I fear death more than the Energy Saving Mode"

"Anyways, tell me about this 'Devil's Subordinate' skill" Lucifer said with a defeated tone.

[Devil's Subordinate]

[Description: This ability allows the host to transform lingering souls who remain in the physical world even after death into subordinate demons. To accomplish this, the host must entice them by fulfilling their obsessions or making promises. Once converted, these demons become completely loyal to the host.]

[Slots :- 0/3]

"Hmm, what happens to the lingering souls if they are left alone?"

[If the lingering souls are not destroyed due to various reasons, they gradually transform into mindless evil spirits over time]

After thinking for a while Lucifer said,

"System, tell me everything about this skill, all those dangerous terms and conditions that you 'accidently' didn't show in its description"

[The system is unable to understand what the host is trying to say]

"Hmph, fine. Tell me how the power of these subordinates is determined."

[The subordinate created through this skill will begin with a cultivation level of Qi Condensation Realm. However, their ability to further develop and enhance their power will be determined by the talent inherent in their original soul.]

"Alright, now display the details of the three most talented souls within my absorbable area."

[Souls]

[1. Name: William Kennedy] - Obsession: Hatred of Wolves

[2. Name: Frederick Kennedy] - Obsession: Wounded Pride

[3. Name: Henry White] - Obsession: Unexpressed Confession

"What! How is it possible for these three guys to linger without passing away... Wait, if you mentioned lingering souls, then where do they go if they don't linger?"

[Souls that do not linger in the physical world proceed to the cycle of reincarnation. However, the reason these three individuals continue to linger as souls is because talented souls possess strong willpower, which amplifies the intensity of their obsessions, preventing them from moving on to the next phase of existence.]

"Okay, I can understand why William and Henry are talented, but how can Frederick be talented? And what's with his strange obsession?" Lucifer said while shaking his head.

.....

Lucifer spent considerable time contemplating his decision.

The internal struggle stemmed from the fact that this skill was suggested by the system.

Although he doubted the system's intentions, he acknowledged that he was in a vulnerable position.

Recognizing the potential benefits of having loyal subordinate cultivators until he becomes stronger, he ultimately made up his mind.