Aiden's armor was suddenly ripped open from behind as though some kind of alien parasite was bursting forth from within him, the force was so great that it forced Aiden from a lying position to a crawling position.
Blood and flesh splashed on the floor, as different bodily fluids leaked from every pore of Aiden's trembling body.
At the same time, Mai watched in terror as she witnessed the terrifying spectacle unfolding before her eyes.
As her apprehension increased, a dark material extended from Aiden's backside, the scene looking straight out of a horror movie.
"What the fuck is going on?" Mai's thoughts screamed, too disturbed to even utter a word. In a bid to keep calm, she took slow breaths as she focused her gaze on the person before her.
Because of the mist, Mai couldn't see clearly enough to discern what this long flexible thing was.
But she could roughly measure it, it had the width of three fingers placed side by side, and as for the length, that was difficult to discern because the flexible material seemed to be extending and retracting at the same time.
"Ah!"
Mai covered her mouth, suppressing the gasp that was threatening to escape her lips, as she thought of something, a rumor she had read about while browsing the web, it read that certain demons enjoyed taking on human forms to catch their prey when they least expected it.
"Calm down Mai. It hasn't gotten to that point yet. There's no way Aiden's a demon right? I mean I didn't let him out of my sight," she muttered under her breath, but upon thinking about it clearly she remembered that Aiden had been separated from her for days, along with the rest of the team.
With this new information, she gazed at Aiden with even more fear as she struggled to calm herself, refusing to lose her cool.
Aiden on the other hand couldn't speak, but he experienced every bit of pain in horrific detail, he felt his mind trembling as he struggled in confusion to form a coherent thought.
"I'm not cut out for this," he admitted to himself.
If Mai could see Aiden's face she would notice that his eyes were trembling violently, seemingly wanting to burst out of his eye sockets, as his mind wailed in helplessness.
The following sensations were one of realization in the relish of a sudden blow followed by a piercing tingling sensation that was accompanied by shocking pain.
Aiden still in a kneeling position suddenly felt the presence of a new limb at his backside, but the pain of having the flesh of his back ripped open caused him to disregard the presence of this limb altogether.
That wasn't the end though, the scorching feeling in his bones suddenly started expanding toward his muscles and organs causing Aiden an unbelievable amount of pain.
Mai watched as Aiden's body emitted even more steam, but unlike before, it didn't smell like cooked meat.
This time, the order was foul, so much so that Mai had to cover her nose.
Aiden on the other hand was experiencing a myriad of painful sensations.
White and hot gooey liquid, seeped out of his pores, sizzling as they made contact with the air.
Although the gooey liquid was hot, it didn't seem to harm Aiden in any way.
Instead, he felt a cooling sensation, a momentary gap of relief to prepare him for what was to come.
Aiden suddenly felt the dreadful soul energy flow toward his head and in a second.
"Pop!"
Aiden heard a pop in his ears followed by a long ring that distorted his mind.
His eardrum had popped, and what followed was his eyes, it felt as though his eyes were being stung by countless bees.
Slowly Aiden's eyes reddened as fresh blood clouded his orbs and in the next moment his vision blacked, the pain was so much that his canines involuntarily extended, giving Aiden a primal appearance.
With that, the soul energy veil around his brain dissolved, returning control to Aiden.
But even with that Aiden couldn't move, instead, he slumped on the ground, passing out immediately.
Even with Aiden unconscious, his evolution hadn't finished, in fact, it was only just beginning.
The soul energy in his body flowed through every atom of Aiden's being healing his damaged tissue, and repairing the damage it had caused.
Dark bodily fluids flowed out of Aiden's pores as his body dispelled unnecessary waste and impurities.
At the same time, the soul energy was working on an intricate level, rewiring his nerves to accommodate his newly arranged bones.
Mai on the other hand couldn't make sense of what was going on with Aiden.
She just watched as he once again lay there like a piece of wood, fully convinced that he wasn't human.
Because of how strange the situation was Mai's astonishment had long since changed to a feeling of apprehensive fear.
Part of this was because of the new limb that grew out of Aiden's rear.
Right now a faint purple bioluminescent glow could be seen on Aiden's back, tracing his spine all the way to this new limb of his.
And for some inexplicable reason, this sight unnerved Mai more than anything else.
The cave's dim atmosphere, illuminated only by the magma flowing through the thin cracks on its walls. The water vapor that slightly obstructed one's vision. And the slight pressure that pushed at one's eardrums.
The cave's atmosphere only seemed to heighten Mai's fear, like adding fuel to a spark of flames.
"Aiden, what the fuck are you?" Mai thought in her mind as she stared intently at Aiden's unmoving body, wondering how she would defend herself in her state.
Fortunately, Aiden didn't seem to move again after that, minutes turned into hours, and hours stretched into longer hours.
By now Mai was starting to feel a wave of drowsiness wash over her, but just when she was about to fall asleep she heard something.
"Ha!"
Aiden his form moving for the first time in hours suddenly let out a heavy gasp as he breathed in large amounts of air.
"I'm alive," he thought as his disoriented gaze scanned his surroundings.
He seemed to be in a cave of sorts, illuminated by thin strands of lava.
The cave was misty, but it did nothing to hinder Aiden's vision as he could still see everything quite clearly.
"Wait, I can see," Aiden muttered to himself, shuddering as he remembered the painful sensations he had felt in his eyes.
Fortunately, he didn't seem to have suffered for nothing as he was already noticing improvements.
The first thing Aiden noticed was his heightened senses, they had improved considerably.
Because of this Aiden was able to smell the nauseating odor that emanated from his being.
He also noticed that his body armor was foiled, and a layer of dried-up gooey liquid lay on his skin.
Although disheveled, his hair had grown longer as well, reaching his back, a stark difference from his original shoulder-length hair.
Unable to bear the smell around him anymore, Aiden got up but something strange happened.
"Bam!"
The sound of a small thud sounded out as Aiden fell, luckily he managed to cushion his fall, by using both arms to support his body weight.
At first, Aiden was confused, so much so that he scratched his head, but then he noticed something.
Both of his hands were on the floor supporting his body weight so how was it possible for him to scratch his head?
Turning towards his backside, Aiden saw what seemed to be a slender spine-like tail about five feet long, it was black in color and had glowing bioluminescent dots at the tip.
Unlike what one would expect, Aiden didn't freak out, instead, he was oddly calm about the situation.
Taking into account the fact that the Soul Sovereign had a tail, Aiden expected to get one sooner or later, he didn't just expect it to be this soon.
Unlike normal people, Aiden thought the tail was mesmerizing, but the time of its appearance seemed a bit inconvenient.
Ignoring the tail for now Aiden tried to stand up but this time, he supported his body by holding onto a wall.
Fortunately, Aiden didn't fall again, although his posture was hunched.
With a resigned sigh, Aiden shed his clothes and body armor, revealing the chiseled contours of his transformed physique.
Standing in nothing but his underwear, Aiden's body was truly a sight to behold.
Although he was still slender, his body hid layers of well-defined muscles that were painfully apparent to any observer.
Scrutinizing his body, Aiden noticed that the muscles in his back had become more defined, as though welcoming the presence of his new limb.
He also noticed three bioluminescent dots with a purple glow on his back.
Fortunately, these glowing dots seemed to be temporary as they slowly dimmed down before disappearing altogether.
Now that Aiden had roughly assessed his situation, it was time for him to take care of another glaring problem.
"You haven't said anything since," Aiden suddenly spoke, his voice deep and emotionless.
In response to Aiden's voice, was utter silence, like a mute, the person he was speaking to had said nothing.
"I have to kill you," Aiden's voice suddenly sounded out again, lacking the threatening tone it was supposed to have.
"What are you?" Mai suddenly asked in a venomous tone, completely ignoring Aiden's death threat, but her question was met with stifling silence.
"Tap!"
"Tap!"
"Tap!"
Aiden's light step could be heard resonating in the cave as he walked up to Mai, and upon reaching her, he squatted, his gaze meeting hers, as the warmth of his breath brushed against her face.
"Being feisty isn't helping your case at all, Mai. Beneath that exterior, I can smell your fear, hear your pounding heartbeat, see your dilating pupils, and sense your increased perspiration," Aiden said, his voice deliberate.
The way Aiden spoke, seemed vastly different from his usual way of speaking, for one, he actually seemed threatening.
Right now Aiden's aura was calm and merciless as though he would really kill Mai for discovering his secret.
This was due to a number of reasons, because of the Soul Sovereign, Aiden had been forced to mature, although he wasn't ruthless by nature all he had to do was tune into that state of mind he was in when the imaginary barrier shattered, he remembered that feeling of nothingness, if he didn't want to lose his world, he would have to be ruthless.
As Aiden spoke, Mai's fists clenched at her sides, her breaths shallow and rapid. She avoided meeting Aiden's gaze, her eyes darting around the cave in search of an escape route.
Although the cave was dim, she could see it clearly, his eyes, dark and abysmal seemingly wanting to devour the world around it.
"Badump!"
"Badump!"
Her heartbeat increased even more, threatening to break her calm exterior as she thought of a way out of her predicament.
"I saved your life," Mai's suddenly quipped, her voice abrut, like a sudden breeze.
Although Mai's voice revealed a trace of weakness, her gaze was fierce and resolute, as she looked towards Aiden without fear.
Aiden was silent for a while until he suddenly reached out and grabbed Mai by the neck, his movements slow but sudden as he said, "The fact that you saved my life, isn't enough."
"Argh!"
Mai groaned slightly as her abrut movements simulated her injuries, but apart from that she showed no further reaction.
The duo stared at each other for a while, none daring to blink, and their breaths the only thing that differentiated them from statues.
This kind of silence could be suffocating to some, but Mai true to her calm nature managed to swim in it.
As time went on Aiden heard Mai's heartbeat stabilize as she got more comfortable with the situation.
Eventually, the silence became too pointless for her to bear, prompting her to speak, "You don't come off as an ungrateful person Aiden, I know you don't want to kill me, and I promise I'm not going to talk."
"And how do I believe you?" Aiden asked.
"I don't have a reason to speak of, you just have to believe me, and besides what use would killing me do when you have that situation behind you," Mai said referring to Aiden's tail before darting in, "I can be your cover, I can teach you how to blend in and live among humans."
Hearing this, Aiden fell silent, "something doesn't add up," he thought as he stared at Mai with an odd look in his eyes.
"I'm not a demon," Aiden said to Mai as though he could read her thoughts, but by her unchanging expression he could tell she didn't believe him.
Seeing this Aiden's brows furrowed as he wrestled with conflicting thoughts and emotions, he didn't seem to like the fact that he was mistaken for a demon.
Snapping his fingers Aiden's voice sounded out, his expression impassive as he addressed Mai. "I am not a demon," he stated firmly, his tone devoid of emotion, but he still received no answer.
After a minute, he seemed to have made a decision.
"You win, I don't have a reason to kill you," he said in defeat.
Aiden never planned to kill Mai in the first place as doing so would go against his morals, he just wanted to threaten her a bit.
Since Mai wasn't an enemy, he would spare her.
"How did we get here?" Aiden suddenly asked changing the topic, his tone as though he wasn't threatening her just a minute ago.
Hearing Aiden's question, Mai slowly started explaining the events that took place after Aiden had passed out, of course, she made sure to mix in a few lies that would validate the fact that she had saved Aiden on purpose instead of by mistake.
After being updated, Aiden was once again left to his thoughts, but before he could say anything Mai asked, "I've answered your question, so it's your turn to answer mine, what kind of demon are you?"
"I already told you, I'm not a demon," Aiden muttered, faint amusement visible in his tone.
"What did you do to the real Aiden?" She asked again.
"I am the real Aiden," Aiden said.
"Prove it," Mai said narrowing her eyes as she looked towards Aiden.
She squared her shoulders, her gaze unwavering as she locked eyes with Aiden. "I need to know the truth," she insisted, her voice firm despite the risks.
"What do I have to prove? How are you so sure I'm a demon?" Aiden suddenly asked Mai, fully indulged in the topic.
In response to Aiden's question Mai scoffed as she said, "First there's the fact that your appearance was a little too convenient, how did you survive being submerged underwater for days?"
"I heal faster than normal people, it's a well-known fact among our group isn't it?" Aiden asked before darting in, "Don't tell me that you concluded that I am a demon based on that alone."
Mai wasn't discouraged by Aiden's question, instead, she said, "You have superior senses, superior strength, superior speed, and faster healing, but you don't have a price, only demons can use their powers like that, you don't expect me to believe that all you have to pay is being weakened for a month."
"But that is my price," Aiden defended himself before darting in, "and besides, aren't physical changes common among Contractors, you have crimson hair."
"Haha," Mai chuckled before darting in, "a change in hair and eye color Is indeed normal among Contractors, but you have a fucking tail Aiden, have you ever seen a Contractor with a fucking tail? Why don't you just tell the truth demon, when you fell into the water you were weakened causing your disguise to waver."
Hearing what Mai had said Aiden was speechless, "think whatever you want then," he said as he got up.
"Then if you're not some kind of demon, what are you?" Mai asked, but her question was left unanswered as Aiden stood up.
"How do we get out of here?" Aiden asked, changing the topic yet again as he scrutinized his surroundings, but his question was left unanswered as well.
Looking towards Mai, Aiden discovered that she had closed her eyes at some point, maybe trying to fall asleep.
Seeing this, Aiden decided to leave her alone, as he too had things to take care of.
"Sniff!"
Aiden sniffed, and the rotten odor that wafted through his nostrils made him frown.
Looking around, Aiden discovered that the smell was coming from him, and by the look of things needed to wash up.
With that Aiden walked towards the entrance of the cave and examined it carefully.
"The water seems to be blocked by some kind of force," a voice suddenly sounded out in Aiden's head.
Upon hearing this voice, Aiden's eyes widened in disbelief, his muscles tensing as if preparing for a threat. "Landon?" he stammered, his voice betraying his surprise.
"Landon!"
Aiden exclaimed in his mind once more, his expression relaxing a bit.
"It seems you missed me huh?" Landon chuckled his voice hitting Aiden with a wave of familiarity.
"It's good to have you back man, it's been... Lonely without you," Aiden muttered in his head, but when he processed what he had said, he turned silent.
True to Landon's nature he didn't let such an opportunity slip as a light chuckle escaped his lips, "you going soft on me dude? Turning into a freaking romantic now huh?"
"It's a slip, forget about it," Aiden muttered before changing the topic, "when did you wake up?" He asked.
"I've been awake for a while now, around the time you jumped into the river, " Landon said solemnly before darting in, "That was a close call, I thought you would die for sure."
"Yeah, I was forced to cross the first gate ahead of time-" Aiden said calmly before pausing strangely, "you've been awake for how long?" He asked again.
"Relax," Landon reassured before adding, "It's not like I could talk to you if I wanted to, I needed some time to process everything. But hey, you've grown stronger. You even have a tail now."
Stroking his chin, Aiden calmed himself before saying, "As I said, I was forced to cross the first gate ahead of time, and ended up here, I'm down on soul energy."
"Yeah, that was a close call, but right now soul energy is the least of your problems, we need to find a way out of here," Landon warned.
Hearing the urgency in Landon's tone, Aiden muttered, "Relax, you sound so urgent, we'll figure something out, we have to wait for Mai to recover first so we have plenty of time."
But Landon didn't sound pleased to hear that, "It's good that you didn't kill her for nothing, but now you're putting yourself in harm's way for her, time is exactly what you don't have, check your abilities and you'll understand what I'm talking about."