Deception

Ethan's POV

"For the first steps, close your eyes, calm your mind without any distracting thoughts, and try to focus on your consciousness. That way, you will be able to see your situation," the face instructed in a hoarse, commanding tone.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady the tumultuous thoughts swirling in my mind. With deliberate effort, I calmed myself, pushing aside all distractions and allowing the void to consume my awareness. Darkness surrounded me, and for a moment, there was nothing but silence. I could feel my heartbeat, steady at first, but growing louder with every passing second. The rhythmic thumping intensified until, suddenly, an explosion reverberated in my brain.

In that instant, a vivid image appeared in my mind. I could see my own body not as flesh and bone, but as a glowing map of intricate networks. Blood vessels, organs, and muscles shimmered faintly in the void. What captured my attention, however, was something far beyond the ordinary. Interwoven with my natural anatomy was a dense network of faintly shimmering black threads, spreading across my body like a spiderweb. These threads followed the paths of my blood vessels and capillaries, forming an almost identical structure. They were utterly black, absorbing every trace of light, but now and then, a sharp ice-blue shimmer pulsed through them.

A surge of joy and relief overwhelmed me. This was it. I had taken my first steps into the realm of magic. I was no longer an ordinary person. The network I saw was my mana veins and it was the proof that I had become an acolyte mage. But there was more to it. My mana veins were nearly complete, a sign that I had directly advanced to the realm of a grade two acolyte mage. The unique hue of the veins, black with intermittent ice-blue flashes glaringly indicated my magical affinity. Darkness was my primary element, with a lesser but still potent affinity for the ice element.

My excitement was short-lived as the demon's voice echoed again, interrupting my thoughts. "As you can see, your mana veins have formed," it said with an air of smugness. "Your talent in the darkness element rivals that of regular descendants from the Hell Spire World's branch of the Lucent Void Clan. Now, it's time to transfer the Nightmare Dream Arts to you. Be mindful as these arts can only be cultivated by one who possesses the bloodline of the clan. Without it, attempting to learn these arts would lead to immediate death."

Its words were both a promise and a warning. My mind raced, piecing together what it meant. I had no teacher to guide me, no manual to explain the workings of the dark affinity, and no pathway to ascend in this new realm of magic. The Nightmare Dream Arts were my only chance at growing stronger.

A sudden black flash illuminated my mind's eye. The demon face on my wrist quivered with energy before detaching, moving toward me. A sharp, instinctive dread shot through me. Before I could react, it leaped into my forehead with a malevolent cackle. My mind exploded with agony as I crumpled to the ground, twitching uncontrollably.

Its voice rang in my ears, filled with triumphant glee.

"Finally! After thousands of years, I am free! This body, brimming with potential, will be mine! I will rise as the most powerful expert in this world. Wealth, women, power—I shall have it all!"

I could barely move, my body wracked with pain, and the demon's presence clawed at my mind like a predator tearing through its prey.

I realized with a sinking heart that it was trying to devour my soul, to take over my body entirely. Panic and despair flooded my thoughts.

I was helpless, pinned by the sheer force of its will. But in the darkest corners of my mind, a spark of defiance ignited.

No. I refused to let this happen. Even if it meant sacrificing everything, even if I had to cripple myself forever, I would not let this monster win.

With every ounce of my willpower, I began concentrating on the network of mana veins in my body. My resolve to destroy them was clear.

Without mana veins, my body would lose all potential for magic, and the demon's ambitions would be forever thwarted. It might cost me my life, but at least I would not let this creature fulfil its vile aspirations.

"Do you think you can escape me, boy?" the demon snarled, sensing my intent. Its voice echoed with anger and desperation as it fought harder to subdue my soul.

My body trembled as I pushed against the invading force, my thoughts razor-focused on the task. The pain intensified, threatening to overwhelm me. I could feel my strength ebbing, but I clenched my jaw, determined to see this through. If this was the end, then I would make sure it was the demon's end too. 

But fate seemed to be on my side as I suddenly heard the demon's voice but this time it was filled with fear and terror.