Lucius Noctis strode casually through the barracks halls, his expression blank. Soon enough, he'll get the crystal of the most dangerous beast humanity has ever faced, and as promised, he'll be transcended past the demi-god stage and into the god stage.
All in all, this was just a business game that simply stated "Revive the power of an ancient beast and you'll become a god." His life was all about business, he could care less about who the man in the black hood was but as long as they had a deal, then he would carry it out.
FLASHBACK....
Lucius Noctis sat on a large throne-like chair. He was carefully strategizing his next move. His plan to take over all of the city's resources was surely going to work out and when it did, they'd all kneel down to me. I'll be their god!" A mischievous grin spread on his face as he had this thought.
First, he'd take advantage of the feud between the Valenbrook and Voss family to bring them to ruins. He'd silently take them out bit by bit as they were the main strongholds of the city. After that, the wolf-fang hunter guild would be his. He'd be killing two birds with one stone.
"You seek power but do you think it comes so easily?" A sudden voice interrupted Lucius' train of thought. Who dares approach me without my consent?! Lucius was taken aback as to why he hadn't detected the man's presence. In the whole of Astral City, only one man was greater than him, but there was no way that man would be here.
Experience tales at empire
Lucius looked at the man who had interrupted his thoughts but he couldn't see the man's face as he was wearing a dark hooded robe. At first glance, one would think he was a monk. The man gave off a deadly and yet mystic aura. Lucius could tell that this was no ordinary man
"Who are you?"
The man chuckled, his voice echoing through the room like the ghastly cries of ghosts. "It's all about business to you, isn't it?"
"If you're here to make an assassination request then just state it right now and leave!" Lucius instantly retorted. He wasn't in the mood for unnecessary talks.
The man let out a dry laugh and began walking toward Lucius, his face still unrevealed.
Lucius had run out of patience, "Take a step closer and I'll have your head before you even realize it" Lucius spoke but the man ignored him and kept on walking closer.
"Are you a retard? I said I'll kill-
"You can't kill death" The man interrupted
Lucius froze, the man's ominous words striking a nerve deep within him. The air in the room seemed to grow heavier with each passing second, and a cold dread trickled into Lucius' veins. For a man who had made an empire out of power and fear, this was a sensation he hadn't felt in years.
He forced a chuckle, masking his unease. "Death? You talk like some back-alley fortune teller," Lucius sneered, rising from his throne with a confident swagger. His hand twitched, and the an ice spike formed on his hands, bending to his will. "You come here, talk big, and expect me to tremble in fear?"
The hooded man did not falter. He stood a few steps away, his aura filling the room with a ghastly, unnatural presence. His voice echoed again, dark and cold, "I have no need for theatrics. I came for a deal."
Lucius swallowed hard, his usual confidence shaken. Jefferson was the only man he truly feared, and if he was on the verge of godhood, then the challenge ahead seemed insurmountable. Still, the promise of ultimate power dangled tantalizingly in front of him, too enticing to dismiss. His ambitious spirit refused to back down, even if the odds seemed impossible.
The hooded man leaned closer, his ghastly face hovering inches from Lucius. "But you won't be facing him with just your ice abilities," the man continued, his voice as smooth and chilling as a whisper in the dark. "I am prepared to gift you a power befitting a demigod—a shadow ability that will make you more than capable of seizing the crystal."
Lucius' heart pounded faster. "A shadow ability?" he echoed, barely able to keep the eagerness out of his voice. His ambitions were vast, but so far, his ice manipulation had its limitations. The prospect of wielding something as dark and potent as shadow magic was a game changer.
The man's hand unfurled, and dark, swirling tendrils of shadow formed around it. The energy was mesmerizing, both beautiful and terrible. "This power will grant you the ability to meld into the darkness," the man explained. "You'll be able to traverse shadows, making you a specter in the night, unseen and unstoppable. Your attacks will pierce deeper, shatter stronger, and devour your enemies' strength, siphoning their life force to fuel your own. And most importantly, your aura will rival that of Jefferson's."
Lucius' eyes lit up with a mixture of greed and hope. Such an ability would not only make infiltrating the academy possible but also give him the edge he'd need to match even the most formidable of opponents. But he was not a fool. Deals with powerful beings always came at a cost. "And what is the price for this gift?" he asked, his voice careful.
The man's smile widened, shadows playing across his ghastly features. "The crystal," he replied simply. "Retrieve it for me, and the shadow ability will remain yours. Fail, and the power will consume you, reducing you to nothing but a shadow of your former self. A fair exchange, wouldn't you say?"
Lucius felt his breath hitch. The stakes were high, but the reward was everything he had ever wanted. Power, godhood, dominance, everything within his grasp. "Fine," he said, steeling his resolve. "Give me the power, and I'll get you your crystal."
The man nodded, and with a flick of his wrist, the shadow energy lunged toward Lucius. It engulfed him, wrapping around his body like serpentine tendrils. Lucius gritted his teeth, feeling an overwhelming surge of energy coursing through his veins. It was cold, dark, and intoxicating, like a storm brewing within him.
The shadows seeped into his skin, merging with his essence. Lucius' vision dimmed, replaced momentarily by a swirling void, but when his sight returned, everything seemed sharper, clearer. He could sense the shadows lurking in every corner of the room, feel their weight, and bend them to his will.
The man watched with satisfaction. "Now you are truly a force to be reckoned with," he declared. "Remember, Lucius, wield this power wisely. The shadows are not a mere tool, they are alive, and they will demand loyalty."
Lucius clenched his fists, his body now radiating with both his familiar icy aura and a new, dark presence that twisted and curled around him like a living entity. He felt invincible, more powerful than he had ever imagined. The mission to retrieve the crystal no longer felt impossible. He would seize it, and when he did, not even Jefferson would stand in his way.
A grin broke across his face. "I won't fail," he declared, his voice brimming with confidence. "Soon, Astral City will kneel before a god. My godhood is inevitable."
The hooded man gave one last, knowing chuckle. "We shall see," he whispered before dissolving into a wisp of shadow, vanishing into the darkness.
Lucius stood alone, the weight of his new power coursing through him. With shadow and ice at his command.
Flashback over
"And now...that time has come!" Lucius grinned.
A/N: So guys, who do you think this mystery man is?"
Alright, you're probably wondering, "Why's this mischievous author back again?" Well, it's to make a small request!: I'll be blunt. Gifts!!!!!!!!!!!!! Anyway, just wanted to let you know that, starting now, I'll be rolling out offers like, "Gift this and unlock this many chapters," because, well, a little greed never hurt! So keep an eye out. Once exams are over, expect more chapters... and hey, show some love (and maybe a bit of cash) while you're at it! See you soon!