Thomas stood amidst the remnants of the battlefield, the silence a stark contrast to the chaos that had unfolded moments earlier. His breath came in measured intervals, his senses sharp and alert. Around him lay the unconscious forms of defeated candidates, their bodies slowly being transported away by the artifacts bound to them. The air was thick with the scent of blood and the lingering energy of powerful attacks. He took a moment to assess his armor, now showing signs of wear and tear, before storing it away and summoning his towering mirrored suit.
As he moved through the rocky terrain of Ferrus, Thomas knew the battles ahead would be even more challenging. The planet was vast, its zones filled with candidates fighting for survival. He had to stay vigilant, not just for the other contenders but also for the environmental hazards that Ferrus was known to harbor.
Suddenly, he heard footsteps approaching. Thomas tensed, ready for another fight, but the figures that emerged from the shadows were not hostile, at least not immediately. A group of candidates, each with their own unique aura, stood before him. Among them was a tall, muscular demon with dark red skin and a mane of black hair. His eyes glowed with an inner fire.
"I'm Arthon," the demon introduced himself, his voice a low growl. "We've been watching you. We could use someone with your skills in our group."
Thomas eyed them warily. Forming an alliance could be advantageous, but it also came with risks. "And what do you want in return?" he asked cautiously.
"Survival," Arthon replied simply. "We face a greater chance together than apart. But make no mistake, when the time comes, it's every demon for themselves."
Thomas considered the offer. He could sense the power emanating from each member of the group. Joining them would give him temporary strength in numbers, allowing him to conserve his energy for the inevitable confrontations ahead. He gave a curt nod. "Fine. But if any of you turn on me, you won't get a second chance."
With their uneasy alliance formed, the group moved through the desolate landscape of Ferrus. They encountered numerous obstacles, from sudden lava eruptions to shifting terrain that threatened to swallow them whole. Thomas's keen senses and quick reflexes proved invaluable, guiding the group through these hazards with minimal casualties.
As they navigated the treacherous terrain, the group was ambushed by a rival faction. Energy blasts and weapons clashed in a frenzy of violence. Thomas fought with precision, his movements a deadly dance as he struck down opponent after opponent. Yet, amidst the chaos, he noticed something disturbing, one of his allies, a sly demon with silver eyes, had begun to act suspiciously.
Thomas's suspicions were confirmed when the demon turned on them, attacking Arthon from behind. The group was thrown into disarray, their unity shattered by the betrayal. Thomas reacted swiftly, intercepting the traitor's attack and disarming him with a well-placed strike. The battle was intense, but the traitor was eventually subdued, leaving the group more wary and distrustful than before.
"Trust is a fragile thing," Thomas muttered, as he watched the traitor's unconscious body being whisked away by his artifact. The remaining members of the group nodded in grim agreement.
The betrayal didn't left them shaken as it was to be expected amongst demons and they pressed on, knowing that hesitation could mean death. They soon encountered another challenge, a vast chasm that split the ground before them. Ferrus's environment was as deadly as its inhabitants, and they had to find a way across.
Using a combination of their abilities, the group managed to create a makeshift bridge. Thomas led the way, his enhanced senses on high alert for any signs of danger. As they crossed, a sudden earthquake shook the ground, threatening to throw them into the abyss. With quick thinking and agile movements, Thomas and the others managed to reach the other side, though not without a few close calls.
The group continued their journey through Ferrus, their path fraught with danger and uncertainty. Each battle tested their resolve, their alliances, and their skills. Thomas fought with a careful balance, never revealing the full extent of his power. Though not on the level of mastery he had access to every the conceptual powers of every greek deity for one as well many others. This made it harder for him to hide the powers he assimilated, he had to make sure no divinity escaped as he used only his heart's sin force.
He knew that the true test was yet to come, and he needed to conserve his strength for the challenges ahead.
The air crackled with energy, and he knew they were walking into another fierce confrontation. The group steeled themselves, ready for whatever lay ahead.
As they approached another battlefield, Thomas sensed a powerful presence, thought it was not the demon they would soon meet.
a demon wielding a massive warhammer that radiated dark energy. The ensuing battle was fierce, with each member of the group fighting for their lives. Thomas engaged the demon, their weapons clashing with a resounding boom. The demon was strong, but Thomas's strategy and skill gave him the upper hand. He maneuvered with precision, using his armor's capabilities to outmatch his opponent.
Just as victory seemed within reach, the ground beneath them began to tremble. A wave of energy surged through the battlefield, causing the very earth to shake. Thomas barely had time to react as the power overwhelmed them. He looked around, seeing his allies struggling to maintain their footing.
Though he felt a presence that was more threatening than any demon he had ever encountered, Thomas kept his composure as a deity should. He acted as if he was weaker than he truly was, masking his true power. His senses were on high alert, but he didn't let it show, maintaining a calm facade even as he felt the unseen eyes upon him.
As the battle subsided and the group gathered themselves, Thomas couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched. He sensed a wicked presence lurking somewhere in the distance, its eyes fixed on him with a malicious intent. Yet, he didn't react visibly, continuing to move with calculated ease, his demeanor betraying none of the tension he felt.
From a hidden vantage point, emerald green eyes watched Thomas with a wicked smile at the being's lips. The figure's eyes gleamed with a mixture of amusement and malevolence as they observed their prey from afar, unnoticed by the other candidates.
"Interesting. The little godling the higher ups warned about, not sure if it's him but I should warn the higher ups." The being licked it's lips. "The real fun is yet to begin."