Ch 26: Should I kill these shitheads?

[Core of Abyssal Night]: (Initial-Sprouting Form)

Description: Because of some drastic means, the Core of Darkness has undergone a profound transformation, evolving into the Core of Abyssal Night. This new core is formed by the deepest and most malevolent forces residing within the void, which resonate with the purest essence of darkness—Abyssal Night.

Thus, this grants the bearer unmatched power to control darkness and some point in shadow as well. Yet due to the core being within in sprouting stage, you will only be able to utilize the darkness at some points. Thus, do not get consumed by it, doing overly.

- Ability: Abyssal Resilience (Level 1)

(Expense for ADV Leveling: 300 Hatred points)

Description: The Core of Abyssal Night provides its master with high resistance to both physical and magical attacks against it, making the user practically immune to most lower-ranked enemies. Though as it is now, its ranking remains very low, thus the effectiveness of such abilities are severely lacking.

Locked Abilities:

- Locked

- Locked

...,

Lucifer couldn't help but muse over the recent evolution of his core. "So, the core was evolved to a higher state? Well, good for me then…"

But with this new development, he felt a flicker of caution. Every ability, no matter how formidable, was harnessed with its own set of upsides and drawbacks—which was understandable, even for Lucifer himself.

Well, it was always wise to remain vigilant and consider the potential consequences that might lie ahead and might befall at any moment.

"What is left for me to explore? Ah, yes! My new talent… what was its name? Umbral Infusion, yes!"

[Umbral Infusion]: (Blue Grade)

(Cost to Level Up, 3000 Hatred Points)

Description: Umbral Infusion is a unique blue-grade talent. This ability allows its bearer to harness and control the enigmatic power of shadows. However, because of the low grade it holds at the current time, it might be challenging for you to effectively wield the extensive potential of the shadows at their disposal.

- Ability 1: Shadow Augmentation (Level 1)

(Cost to Level Up, 500 Hatred Points)

Description: Shadow Augmentation is a formidable ability, a part of the Umbral Infusion talent. This skill enables you to envelop your entire body with your shadow to plunge yourself into a Berserk state

In this state, your both physical and combat capabilities will experience a significant enhancement, but it will reflect by the base of the ability's level and this transformation is not without peril; it comes with substantial risks and drawbacks that must be carefully considered before engaging.

"Well, at least this talent is presented more clearly than the Shadow of Darkness…" Lucifer muttered, but his brow began to furrow in frustration after seeing lots of hatred points to level it up. "And what the hell is up with the exorbitant amount of hatred points required to level up?"

As he scrutinized the description of Umbral Infusion more closely, both mixtures of amusement and annoyance washed over him. 

"To level up Shadow of Darkness, 1,000 hatred points are required, which was already tiresome. Yet now, to enhance Umbral Infusion, I had to face an overwhelming demand of 3,000 points?"

"Till when would I gather such a hefty sum? And how?"

[Ego's Reminder: Any living creature born in this world has a talent of their own. Some might unlock at birth, while others discover them later and certain individuals might possess multiple talents, whereas some might only have one—or, in some rare cases, they might have none at all. However, the potential to upgrade these talents is contingent upon acquiring resources and hard work, which is why leveling talent was hard—so it requires a significant number of hatred points to level it up.]

'Umm, point to be noted. But when the hell am I going to accumulate that many hatred points?' Lucifer thought, annoyance bubbling within him as he shook his head in frustration.

'Tsk, looks like I need to torture some shit-heads that…. needs to be' Lucifer grinned, while thinking evil plan forming within his mind.

After allowing himself a brief moment to relax and reflect upon his evolving talents and prowess, he stood up and began to make his way toward the distant town—a place that lay before his eyes.

Well because of the towering defensive wall, he only saw the gate, as for what lay before that was still a mystery for him and it was nestled at the base of the Silver Sparrow Mountain, the town was part of the sprawling jurisdiction governed by Fire-Light Butterfly City. 

After some minutes of walking, Lucifer finally arrived at the bustling settlement of Lumiera Town, in contrast to the more modest Emberfang Town. Lumiera was vibrant, with activity and commerce.

The streets resounded with distant mirth and boisterously energetic dialogue. The town was but utter evidence of progress and development and drew anyone who sought betterment in life.

Here, one could see youth walking, with all vitality, which was clear in the eyes, as if fed by an unnamed ambition. For them, this place was where the dreams seemed to begin and opportunity really appeared to lie at every corner.

Before him, opening to the grandeur of Lumiera, the grandiose entrance, with great gates that heralded the insignia of the Fire-Light Butterfly City. The guards in place were powerful, to say the least.

His eyes swept them, and he couldn't help but notice that their auras were stronger than his—everyone distinctly felt vigorously alive.

[Ego's Suggestion: Do not do anything stupid. They are at Mid-Level Earthbringers. Stay out of trouble with them if you can.]

"Oh? So the guards here are this strong?" Lucifer pondered, amused at Ego's warning. But at the back of his mind, his inner demon was whispering to him something unusual.

Why do you care? Just think of the best part when kicking their heads off—the thrill when their heads snap back from their head and go flying… hehe.

"..."

He walked to the gate, not caring about the tall figures in front of him. The noisy chatter of people and laughter was covering him from all sides, adding to the energy of the town.

It became almost unreal, amidst such activity…. his inner demon was kept musings—Wanting to make their laughter into despair.

Thus, there was that little demon within himself, whispering temptations from the very deep: insidious ideas that guided him: Wreak havoc, extract every hatred point that you can gather from these punny humans.

[Warning: Host's mental stability is nearing the brink of instability.]

"..."

"Huh? I'm not an idiot, okay? Ahem... I can control my emotions, at least." He mentally reassured Ego, but his thoughts were abruptly interrupted by the voice of one of the guards.

"Hey, boy! What's your name? What are you doing loitering around there? Don't block the line!" the guard barked, his tone laced with authority. He was clad in polished armor and wielding a spear by the side. The guard's imposing stature demanded respect.

Strangely, the guard didn't even flinch at Lucifer's disheveled and bloodied appearance.

The apathy extended beyond just the guards—passersby too, their eyes were indifferent towards the life around them. Their lack of concern for anything beyond their immediate affairs felt almost surreal.

But that did not mean all were like this, there were some individuals cast glances of genuine disgust in Lucifer's direction, and he felt a sense of ironic satisfaction as he recognized the latent hatred brewing within them.

Did he care about their opinions— what other thoughts towards him? Absolutely not. To him, they were nothing but hatred points machines, a tool to use toward the power and domination that he wanted to achieve.

Lucifer lived by one philosophy—that was, if any of the enemies had the courage to offend him, he took his revenge on not only that person but his whole bloodline. He knew no bounds, as he never got respect from society nor did he care.

He was going to crave his fate as he seemed like and be anything he wanted to be, no matter how many bodies he had to step on in the process.

But, for not caring about other things, he replied to the guard.

"Umm… my name is Lucifer," he replied, trying to stay calm with that indescribable feeling in the pit of his stomach that told him the guard was reading too much into things.

The sentry gave him a blank stare as he observed Lucifer from his head to his toes before he passed judgment that he appeared to be poor and weak, an epitome of nothing but a stray.

Disgust flickered quickly on the guard's face before he could repress it; not wanting to show his arrogance before the bustling crowd—as if he respected his dignity.

'Where did this beggar come from? Tsk,' the guard thought, his condescension palpable but unspoken, the presence of countless eyes serving to temper his contempt.

"Umm, for the entrance fee, you must pay 10 silver coins," the guard stated hurriedly, the tone of his voice revealing a hint of impatience.

Ten silver coins was a hefty sum; it represented nearly two to three days' worth of labor for an ordinary commoner. This exorbitant toll was just another indication of the rampant exploitation present in areas bustling with trade and opportunity.

Still, those wishing to enter Lumiera Town, eager to attend the grand Tournament or to reach the illustrious Fire-Light Butterfly City, felt compelled to pay this steep price, regardless of their means.

'Should I kill these shitheads?'

"…"