Unexpected encounter

A couple of days has passed since Alpha had been given her name. During that time, she had slowly learned to adapt to her new changes. Not only can she speak better than before, but she also noticed she was no longer the same werewolf she thought she was.

Not only has she been taking frequent training from Ethan so she could master her new abilities, she was also slowly getting closer to him, so close it felt like she had formed a personal bond with him.

Meanwhile, Ethan Crimson was busy trying to figure out a way he could fully make use of his full potential without his body collapsing on him.

Since his body was one hundred percent human, it was understandable as to why his demonic power was too much for him to handle.

Seated on top of the tree branch, Alpha looked down at Ethan, who was meditating and spoke-

"Alpha doesn't understand why master can't just use his powers to their full extent. Master is so strong, but you keep holding back all the time, even when training Alpha".

Ethan replied, "It's like trying to fill a glass that's already full to the brim. If I pour too much more water in, it'll overflow and shatter. My body can't handle the pressure of my powers at their full strength".

"But what if Master gets into a situation where he needs to use all his strength to survive?"

"That's like trying to stretch a brittle vase to its limits. It might hold for a moment, but eventually, it'll crack and shatter. I need to be careful not to push myself too hard, or I risk losing control completely…. That being said, even without my demonic powers, I am still the hero, I'm sure I can handle myself".

And although he was correct, Ethan worked towards that. Making sure the only demonic powers he ever used were his Order and Control. He continued to get familiar with his Hero's abilities, understanding and manipulating the magic circles only he can conjure.

After tons of research and medication, Ethan came up with a way he could strengthen his body, just enough for him to tap into his demonic abilities without him dying in the process.

His options were as varied -

1) Before he died, Alphard was known to have multiple artifacts, each of which were part of him, something he always used for fighting. But some of them were hidden around the nations he had lived in to keep it away from others.

If he could find these artifacts and absorb them into his body, this would cause his body to not only absorb the energy from the artifact, but also corrupt his body with demon properties, hence strengthening his form to handle his demonic powers.

His other option was to track down his generals, who were still alive and never died after the war since demons live far longer than any other species.

Once he gets his general to submit to him and accept him as their lord again, his status as demon lord should strengthen and his body should gradually adapt to it.

Both options were good, and he considered trying them all, but he had just one small tiny problem….

"Arrrrrgh! I don't know where the fuck I am!!!!" Ethan yelled to the sky, his knees bent and his fist clenched.

"Are you okay?" Asked Alpha before she moved closer to him, her gaze fixed in her face while they took a stroll in the forest.

Tired and exhausted, Ethan looked at Alpha and asked, "Please tell me you at least know someone who can get me out of this damn place. Even when I try to fly to get a look from a bird's eye, I see myself back on the ground in seconds".

"Alpha doesn't know anyo-"

"Ahhhhhhhh!" Ethan screamed, "I've been stuck in this forest for nearly a whole week!!! And no matter how many times I try to leave, I always end up in another dead end. It's like fate is trying to test my patience or something!!!" He scratched his hair furiously.

Just as those words left his mouth, four bandits walked out of the bushes just a few inches away from him. They seemed to be looking for someone as they were all murmuring.

That didn't last long. The moment they all looked to the side and spotted Ethan and Alpha, they paused, Ethan and his partner also having the same reaction.

"The hero".

"A human".

Ethan and one of the bandits uttered simultaneously.

Whoosh!

Ethan instantly grabbed Alpha from her back neck and leaped backwards. The moment his legs touched the ground, he aimed his right hand forward, causing a red magic circle to form in front of him.

While the bandits, also having the same reaction, pulled out their weapons and held it out, ready to cut anyone that stepped in front of him.

"Oi! Oi! Oi! Where the hell have you been hiding." Said the bandit with a grin on his face.

Ethan, suddenly noticing the snake symbol on the bandit scarfs, was quick to know who they were.

'Oh? I see now. These are the same people that kidnapped me.' He said to himself while still aiming his magic circle at them, 'Maybe luck is on my side today'.

Still maintaining his composer, Ethan proceeded to speak-

"Am I to assume you are the same guys that kidnapped me?" He asked.

"Bold of you to say such a thing after killing my men!!!" The bandit yelled, "We've been looking for you ever since, and now that I've found it, rather than taking you back, I'll kill you right here and there".

"You didn't once think maybe I would have left the forest? Who's to say I didn't go to another kingdom to hide from people?" Ethan conversed.

"I was sure you wouldn't…" The bandit grinned, prompting Ethan to feel a bit curious. "You're at the other side of the nation right now, somewhere you've never been, I doubt you'd be able to escape this forest without running into a little trouble….".

Ethan smiled, "The forest is an illusion, that I'm sure of. And yes, I've tried escaping multiple times. But that is about to end, cause you'll be getting me out of here".