'Tsk, how disappointing.'
Jack saw his attack didn't even put severe damage to the shapeshifter in front of him. He is thinking of slicing its throat, but I doubt that would kill it. It's not that I want to kill it, but this shapeshifter won't die just because I cut off its head.
I knew this shapeshifter wasn't just any ordinary artifact when I felt his aura. The fact that it can mimic a human form on its own demonstrates that this artifact is of high caliber.
'This artifact is extremely powerful, My Lord. It's the one who rescued me from the Temple of Fate's hands and introduced me to you.'
'Are you kidding me? 'Are you serious? You were aware of the shapeshifter's ability to morph into a human all along? '
'My Lord, please accept my apologies. It warned me not to tell you everything because it would be dangerous if your mind couldn't handle it. It also said that after he finished testing you, this artifact will tell you everything. I'm genuinely sorry, My Lord. I had no idea this scoundrel would hurt you.'
Knave was in a state of panic as it explained the situation.
'It's fine.'
I groan and glance in front of me.
"I surrender, you win. tell me what you want from me."
While glancing at the shapeshifter, Jack admitted defeat. I've already used up all of my cards. I can't fight any longer.
'Hansel,' just look at Jack, cold sweat dripping down his brow. He smiled as he remembered how Jack had outwitted him. If it were a Beyonder in that situation, it would be lying on the ground with its cold body.
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA"
"You are incredible, Jack! I am very proud of you after fighting you! Alright, you passed. let me introduce myself, but first I shall return to my original form."
Jack, watch it being devoured by the shadows, and as the shade is lifted from its body, it transforms into an entity with no distinguishing features. It was merely a shadowy thing wearing a black scaramouche mask. It has no physical form and is shrouded in floating black fog.
"My name is Umbra, and I am also known as the [Enigma Mask] and [Tier 2] artifact. will you please accept me as one of your artifacts and take control of me?"
Jack was taken aback when he heard what the artifact was saying.
'Is it typical for an artifact, especially one of high rank, to seek a master?'
'No way, My Lord. When Umbra introduces me to you, you have already been chosen to be its master. When you're ready, you'll understand why we chose you'
"What do you expect in return?" As jack gaze at the being in front of me.
"I simply want a suitable master, and I will be with you all the time, just like that annoying 'card' you have, I will be your shadow, keeping you safe in the dark."
I sighed, when I heard it utter something that made me wince.
"All good, but only if you don't call me 'My Lord.'"
"That won't be possible"
"Huh? Didn't you already address me by my given name?"
"However, if I come to be your possession, you will be my master."
Jack grunts with annoyance.
"Alright, fine."
"All I need is to be contracted to you, right?"
"You must place blood on my vessel, which is this mask, and consider becoming one with me."
"Oh, alright."
Jack approaches Umbra while slicing his fingertip and making a mark on it while closing his eyes. Without Jack's knowledge, the shadows encircled him as soon as he attempted contracting with it.
He suddenly experienced a scorching sensation, as if his souls were being defiled. Despite the suffering he is experiencing, Jack keeps his eyes closed and feels the pain, but he also feels his own existence become stronger.
The scaramouche mask, which is a pitch-black mask that barely covers the eyes and has a sharp snout like a crow's beak, remains in Jack's hands. Umbra sank inside Jack, becoming its shadow.
Jack sat down and leaned against a nearby tree, breathing deeply as the moonlight shone on him. He casts a feeble glance at the mask in front of him. He remembers to check his abilities and immediately searches for the tattoo on his palm. The tattoo is becoming clearer, and the symbol of A and V joined shines majestically, but he has no idea what it represents.
'This symbol is similar to an ancient script, but I couldn't figure it out.'
To check his stats, Jack softly feels the tattoo on his palm.
[Jack Morgan]
[Ascension: The Jack]
[Title: Magician]
[Evolution Level:20 (Lesser entity)]
---> Artifact:
[2] Enigma Mask]
It must remain in its master's shadow because otherwise it will fool and beguile its master in other matters. It will gladly speak of divinity, the creation of the world, himself, and the other fallen angels once it has found its master and becomes the shadow. Provides an answer to everything (Past, Present and future)
[4] Cursed Card]
The one-of-a-kind artifact that will be combined with its owner as a single entity. It is similar to having another person inside the body who will support its Master. Will evolve by feeding on the other artifacts. The owner will evolve as the artifact grow. As this item picks its own owner, no one knows how strong it can go.
--->Skill:
[C] Copycat]
The mask allows the user to mimic the person he once saw. It is difficult to tell who is genuine and who is a copycat because it appears to be a flawless replica of the original. The metamorphosis is not restricted to humans; it will imitate all living things. Though it cannot duplicate all of the original's skills and special abilities.
[E] Shadow Manipulation]
A skill that permits the user to enter the shadows. He may disappear into the shadows and remain hidden for as long as the user does. It can also be used to detect a nearby entity. Be aware that, while impressive, it is not omnipotent because the user can be discovered.
[E] Card Summoning]
A skill that allows the user to summon up to fifty-four cards with a three-hour cooldown after all the cards used up and wield them as a weapon. Be wary of those cards since they may be used as a bomb, cut sharper than a knife, and are thrown as rapidly as a pistol.
[E]Matter Manipulation]
A skill that allows the user to exchange with a card. Breaking down into cards and appearing in the space at near instantaneous speed before reassembling himself at the designated point with the card. Transform into a card.
'Ho, Copycat? I'd like to give it a shot right now, but I have to get home now.'
"Hey, Umbra, are you there?" I was searching for Umbra when I noticed my shadow flicker. Umbra slowly emerges from my shadow.
"Thank you for accepting me, Master."
'Master huh?'
'You didn't endanger my family, did you?' Jack had a ferocious grimace on his face.
'N-no, my only objective is to see if you can find out who's fake.' I didn't put your family in risk, Master.' Umbra trembled as it explained its intentions.
"OK, I'll hear about it later, I'm tired. I'll need you when the time comes, and I also have a question for you, but for now, I'll have to go home."
"As you wish, Master."
When I got home, the first thing I saw was my family in the living room. I promptly rushed to my room after joining them in prayer.
'Umbra?'
'I'm here.'
'I thought only knave could communicate inside my head.'
'Heh, I'm stronger than that card, Master'
'My Lord, Umbra can only speak inside your head when it is connected to your shadow.'
'Why you!?'
It's a little annoying to hear two different voices within my head.
'Wait a minute, does that mean you can leave from my shadow freely, Umbra?'
'Yes, I can, Master.'
'Say, can you morph when you're removed from me? How does it function? Will you require the mask in order to transform?'
'No, Master. I don't need my vessel when I morph, but I can only do so for a limited duration. Because I am already under contract with you.'
Is that correct? It is possible that it will disconnect from me. The issue is the information that has been presented about Umbar.
'He must remain in his master's shadow; otherwise, he will deceive and beguile him in other matters.'
I have to be cautious while it is separated from me. Everything is fraught with danger, isn't it? Is this the price I'm willing to pay for this power?