I clutch my chest as the pain suddenly bursts inside me. I feel as if my soul is being torn apart, I fall to my knees as the pain overwhelms me. I regret my decision so much because the pain gets worse and worse, and then the merciful darkness takes the pain and me with it.
When I wake up, my whole body aches and I have an excruciating headache.
⟨⟨-DING-⟩⟩
- Missing skill: Teleport Level: 1
- Missing skill: Blue FireBolt Level: 1
- Missing skill: Summon Elemental Level: 2
- Missing skill: Ignite Level: 1
- Missing ability: Ignite Level: 1 Extinguish Level: 1
- Lost skill: Remote Hand Level: 1
- Lost skill: Lightning Level: 6
- Missed ability: Blue Fireball Level: 1
- Missing skill: Mana regeneration Level: 1
⟨⟨-DING-⟩⟩⟩
- Congratulations, a skill has evolved!!!
- By strength over 150, Supreme Strength has evolved to Demonic Strength!!!!
√ Demonic Strength.
- One-handed adds Strength x 1.5 to damage.
Two-handed adds Strength x 3 to damage.
Well, no more magic for me, that's for sure now, what did I just do to myself? I'm confused, and I notice that my vision is strange. I was getting used to not having my left eye but now I can see normally again.
I groan as I force myself to sit up. As I do, I realize I'm lying in a puddle of sweat, blood and other things. I don't know how long it's been, but I'm starving, so it may have been days. First I crawl to the river to wash up and get something to drink.
Then I pull out one of the sticks and eat it. I try to see my reflection in the river, but the water is moving too much. I have to figure out what the core absorption has done to me.
"Status!
- Name: Klein
- Race: Black Lion Demon Beast
- Type: Unique Demon
Drog says "It's a demon eye, your normal eye couldn't regenerate because you lost it fighting me. Demonic wounds never fully heal."
Ruby says "Anyway, you should probably cover it up if you plan on interacting with other people."
Drog says "Don't worry, as long as it's not an enchanted object you'll be able to see through whatever you cover it with."
"Really?"
I close my right eye and cover my left one with my hand. Indeed, I can still see, although things are a bit blurry.
"What else can you do, and what other benefits do I get from being a demon?"
Drog says "The eye sees magic, once you get used to it spell casters and magic items will have an aura around them. Demons are stronger and more resilient than any other race, and of course we live forever...Wait! I'm hired for your lifetime, but if you're immortal..."
Drog's voice fades to a dull rumble, I'm pretty sure he's taken refuge in the sword and is cursing in demon tongue. I'll let him sulk for a while, I have other things to take care of. I start to think about what to do first when suddenly Ruby hugs me tightly.
"Umm, sorry for worrying you."
Ruby says "I'm getting used to it. I'm sorry I scared you when Drog took my human form."
"Does that mean we're even?"
Ruby says "Only this time, you're way ahead in stupid acrobatics."
"I guess I can't argue with that. Let's get back to camp."
Ruby gives me one more squeeze before turning back to the amulet. I look around to make sure I'm not forgetting anything and then jump into the river and take the quick path back to camp.
Once back at camp, Ruby reverts to her human form to keep me company as I start sorting through all the things I've collected. All the tools, except for the furry ones, go into the bag. Then I sort through the crafting materials I have.
There's not enough spider carapace left to make another suit of armor, but that's okay, it was too restrictive. The fight with Drog taught me that mobility is my best friend in a fight. So this time I want to make something lighter and more flexible.
I quickly decide on alligator skin as the best option, it's as light as leather but much more durable. Also, since I've lost the Black Razor, I can't cut the spider carapace. First I put some over my eye to make sure I can see through it, then I make a patch and put it on.
"There, better?"
Ruby says "Yes, very much so!"
I smile at Ruby as I start working on my new armor. At least, without most of my weapons, I can make the adjustments much easier this time.
"Drog!"
Drog says "What It happens!"
"I want you to teach me how to create a soulscape. I need to have a talk with the princess."
Ruby says "Princess? What princess?"