Chapter 71: Chapter 71: MANAS ( 2)

Under the full moon's silvery light, Ethan's figure was bathed in its ethereal glow. Yet, instead of being illuminated, it seemed as though the light was being consumed by the darkness that surrounded him, swallowed into a void that defied the natural order.

His body, now enshrouded in a sinister darkness, was scarred by streaks of crimson that pulsed like malevolent veins through the inky blackness. The transformation was unmistakably demonic, a grotesque fusion of shadow and corruption that marked him as something otherworldly.

But even in the horror of the moment, a glimmer of hope emerged. Ethan's eyes, once burning red with pain and despair, began to shift. The crimson hue drained away, replaced by a vivid, glowing blue that radiated with an intense, otherworldly light.

The blue light grew brighter and more intense, casting a brilliant glow that pierced through the surrounding darkness, illuminating his face with a fierce and determined energy.

"Universal Synthesis, synthesize skills: Lava Juggernaut (D) + Rage of The Titan (D) + Berserker's Might (D). Create a body fortification skill," Ethan's internal AI, MANAS, commanded with unwavering precision.

As soon as the command was given, his three powerful skills began to merge, intertwining and melding into a single, cohesive force. The synthesis process flawlessly engraved this new power into his very soul.

[ Synthesis successful! Your skills have evolved into a new active skill: Doombringer Fortification (C) ]

[ Doombringer Fortification: Upon activation, it increases the user's overall physical capabilities by 1200% ]

[ Activate Doombringer Fortification ] MANAS commanded in the span of a millisecond, her thought processing speed far beyond human comprehension.

In an instant, Ethan—or rather, MANAS—felt the surge of power flood through his body, fortifying and empowering him beyond anything he had ever experienced. His dark, transformed body was now coated with a thin layer of energy, enhancing his physique and making him stronger than ever before.

But the next command she gave was far more ominous.

[ Universal Synthesis, synthesize the host's body with the demonic core ]

MANAS commanded, her thought processes calculating and exchanging data with other skills as if this was the norm for her.

She meticulously calculated all the variables, determining that the synthesis was now possible with minimal damage. Yet, what would happen to Ethan after this synthesis? Only time would tell.

[ Initiating synthesis...]

The process began.

[ 1%... 2%... 10%...]

Instantly, the chaotic movement of the dark entity within him began to slow, its influence diminishing as Ethan's body became encased in a cocoon of bright, ethereal light—the effect of Universal Synthesis.

They watched Ethan's transformation with their prying eyes through the void, with increased curiosity.

....

Meanwhile, within the depths of his mind, MANAS felt her own power diminish. Her level dropped to A-Rank, a significant decrease from her previous stature. The cost of aiding Ethan had been steep. Memories of her past, once vivid and clear, had become completely erased, and her abilities were now limited.

But She still had a level of intelligence far surpassing most beings in this world. Though her capabilities were reduced, she never forgot her responsibility..

Like an obedient, advanced intelligent assistant, she was prepared to achieve astonishing feats to protect Ethan and ensure his survival, no matter the cost.

....

In the void nearby, a group of entities conversed in a language both ancient and archaic, their voices resonating with a dark, guttural cadence.

"Mistress, did you see that? It's a miracle!" an elder demon exclaimed, addressing the demoness who stood at the forefront.

The demoness was unlike any other. With white flawless skin and long lustrous black hair, she boasted an array of striking features: Captivating purple eyes; long, wavy horns curling elegantly from her head, large dark-angelic wings extending from her back.

She was a succubus of exceptional allure, standing about 1.8 meters tall. Her curvaceous figure—big breasts, ample bust, slender waist, and well-defined hips—was accentuated by the minimal, thin dress she wore. She embodied a seductive blend of beauty and danger, a paragon of sensuality and power.

"I can see that!" The succubus demoness replied observing the young man's sudden transformation. It left her in awe. It was the first time a human turned into a demon. Although there are demonised humans, most of them are grotesque with no bloodline purity.

But, the young man was clearly radiating powerful bloodline aura. A powerful one at that.

Her captivating purple eyes glinted with unnatural light as she revealed a seductive smile, licking her luscious crimson lips. She was clearly someway attracted to Ethan.

"Let's go. We need to save the boy. He is one of us now," the succubus commanded, her voice carrying a mix of authority and urgency.

Her alluring, curvaceous figure moved with a fluid grace as she stepped out of the void, her black wings unfurling behind her like a shadowy shroud.

Behind her, her servants and attendants followed, their eyes glowing with a dark, ethereal light, obediently trailing their mistress.

The succubus could feel it—a dark, ominous force was on the horizon, creeping closer with every passing moment. It was a presence that sent shivers down even her spine, a foreboding sense of doom that threatened to engulf everything.

She knew they had little time.