After saying that, in the ground around them a small portal that look so eerie and devious that portal look like it connect directly to the abyss, in that portal a figure of spectral demon start to climb out of the portal,
To their amazement, the first portal was quickly followed by another, and then another, until there were fifty of these eerie and devious gateways summoned by Daniel. Each portal oozed with an unsettling energy as spectral demons began to crawl out of them one after another, filling the area around them with their otherworldly presence. Emma, Lisa, and Eva watched in awe and trepidation as the spectral demons formed a circle around the group, waiting for Daniel's command.
Daniel turned to Emma, a confident smile on his face. "Mom, with these fifty spectral demons by our side, we're a team of fifty-four now" Daniel expended half of his mana to conjure fifty spectral demons.
Yet, despite the considerable mana expenditure, Daniel remained undaunted. His confidence stemmed from the knowledge that he could rapidly replenish his magical reserves through the [Soul Devourer], a skill that allowed him to absorb the mana of defeated foes.
"Daniel, this is... incredible," Emma said, her voice filled with amazement. "I didn't know you had such abilities. But are you sure about this? It's not just the numbers; these creatures look... otherworldly."
Daniel nodded, his confidence unwavering. "I understand your concerns, Mom. But I believe we need all the help we can get in this gate. These spectral demons are under my control, and I'll make sure they won't harm us."
With a mental command, Daniel brought up the status menu for the spectral demons.
Spectral Demon
Level : 10
Health (HP): 1000/1000
Mana (MP): 600/600
Stats
Strength: 95
Dexterity: 75
Intelligence: 60
Vitality: 110
Skill :
[Spectral Cleave]
Description: A devastating melee attack skill that allows the demon to cleave through multiple enemies in a single strike.
[Shadowstep]
Description: A mobility skill that enables the demon to swiftly teleport behind an enemy, gaining a strategic advantage in close combat.
[Soulrend]
Description: A melee attack skill that inflicts grievous wounds and weakens the target's defenses, making it vulnerable to follow-up strikes.
[Dreadful Onslaught]
Description: A relentless melee assault that lets the demon unleash a flurry of strikes, overwhelming opponents with sheer aggression.
[Ethereal Form]
Description: A defensive skill that temporarily renders the demon immune to physical attacks while in ethereal form, allowing for tactical repositioning during melee engagements.
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As he scanned through the information, he noted their levels, and abilities. Each spectral demon possessed its own set of skills, and Daniel was pleased to see that they were formidable in their own right.
"Mom, you don't have to push me around anymore," Daniel declared with a hint of playfulness in his voice. He extended his hand toward Emma, the corners of his lips curled into a warm, reassuring smile. "Just let one of those demons handle the wheelchair, and here, take this as well, Mom."
Daniel extended his hand to Emma, offering her the set of equipment he had retrieved from his dimensional ring. Mortessa's preparations had included outfits and gear suitable for the family's venture into the gate. Emma accepted the equipment, her eyes scanning the items with a mix of curiosity and gratitude. However, it just basic items provided to all Outer Members of the Shadow Covenant faction. Mortessa had actually wanted to give them better equipment, but she refrained from doing so to avoid further angering The System.
"Thank you, Daniel," she said, her voice filled with appreciation. "But where did you acquire all of this, my dear?"
"It's all from the same person who granted me these powers, Mom," Daniel replied with a knowing smile. Turning to Lisa and Eva, he distributed their respective items.
Emma found herself holding a formidable Giant Hammer, Lisa wielded a Fiery Wand with flames that danced along its length, and Eva received a Blessing Wand that seemed to radiate an aura of purity. Additionally, each of them was provided with a cloak and a mask, ensuring they were adequately equipped for the challenges that lay ahead. Daniel couldn't help but be amazed by how thoroughly Mortessa had foreseen their needs.
Lisa and Eva both expressed their gratitude to Daniel for the equipment he had provided. They marveled at their new gear, each piece tailored to their unique abilities.
Emma, holding her Giant Hammer with a sense of determination, turned to Daniel with a serious expression. "Daniel, if you ever get the chance, you should thank that powerful being who has given us these tools and powers. We owe her our lives, and it's important to show our appreciation."
Daniel nodded in agreement with his mother's words. "You're right, Mom. I'll make sure to express my gratitude when the opportunity arises. Now, let's focus on the task at hand. We have a gate to clear, and with our new equipment and allies, we stand a better chance than ever."
With that, Daniel gestured for one of the spectral demons to take over pushing his wheelchair. The demon obeyed, allowing Emma to walk alongside him as they ventured deeper into Shadowthorn Woods.
As they ventured deeper into the Shadowthorn Woods, the atmosphere grew increasingly eerie and foreboding. The dense canopy above cast long, shifting shadows that seemed to whisper haunting secrets. The air itself carried a chill that crawled under their skin.
Their footsteps came to an abrupt halt as they stumbled upon a lifeless body sprawled on the forest floor. It was not a creature of the forest, but a human. A human with skin as unnatural as it was unsettling—purple, a stark contrast to the healthy hues of the living. Lisa and Eva's bodies trembled in fear and disbelief, and Emma struggled to maintain her composure. This was the first time they had encountered a lifeless body that had not succumbed to natural causes, and the grim sight sent shivers down their spines.
Daniel order the demon who pushed his wheelchair to bring him to lifeless body more closer, his gaze focused on a peculiar wound—a small, venomous-looking arrow protruded from the unfortunate man's chest. It was clear that this was no ordinary arrow; the goblins had crafted it with malevolent intent.
"He was poisoned by a goblin arrow, only goblin was doing something like this" Daniel explained somberly, his eyes scanning the forest around them. "The goblin nest must be nearby, and if this man was here, there could be others in the vicinity."
His words hung in the air, a sober reminder of the dangers that lurked within the Shadowthorn Woods. The presence of another human in these woods hinted at the need for caution and the potential for a larger group of humans—potentially allies, or adversaries, in their quest to clear the gate.
"What are we gonna do if we encounter another human in here, Daniel?" Eva asked, her voice laced with concern.
Daniel looked at her with a serious expression. "It will depend on them, Eva," he replied. "If they show any hostility, I won't hesitate to eliminate them. But if they're peaceful, and it's clear they won't pose a threat, we'll let them be. Our survival comes first.". We need to be cautious and make quick judgments."
Eva swallowed hard, grappling with the weight of Daniel's words. She had never imagined herself capable of taking another person's life, even in self-defense. The thought of killing a chicken was one thing, but a human being was an entirely different matter.
As doubt and anxiety washed over her, Daniel decided to illustrate his point with a more personal example. He fixed his penetrating gaze on Eva, his voice carrying the weight of the scenario he was about to describe.
"Eva, imagine if someone were to threaten Emma's life, someone who intended to harm her. What would you do then?"
Eva's initial response was one of unwavering determination. "Of course, I will defend her," she declared with resolve.
But Daniel's follow-up question added a layer of complexity to the scenario. "What if that person keeps trying to harm Emma and refuses to let her go?"
Eva's eyes widened at the thought, her mind racing to comprehend the deeper implications of Daniel's words. She knew the answer without hesitation, her voice unwavering as she spoke, "I would do whatever it takes to protect her."
In that moment, Eva understood the profound truth that Daniel was conveying—the importance of addressing threats at their root, of safeguarding their loved ones not just in the heat of the moment but ensuring their long-term safety.
"That's the spirit, Eva. In this new era, we will do whatever it takes to protect each other and not easily trust others. At least, that's what I learned from that vision," said Daniel emotionally.
Lisa and Emma nodded in agreement, their determination matching Daniel's. They understood the gravity of their situation and the importance of protecting each other in this unfamiliar and perilous world.
"Alright, let's press on," Daniel began, his voice firm and commanding. He turned to his spectral demon companions, his eyes locking with theirs. "Listen up, all of you. I need you to stay out of sight. You can hide atop the branches or behind trees; it doesn't matter. Just don't stray too far from our group, and keep a vigilant watch over us, especially from the shadows. Five of you, I want you to scout ahead. If you find anything unusual, report back immediately." Daniel's authority and confidence resonated in his orders, and the spectral demons nodded in understanding, dispersing silently into the surrounding woods to carry out their assigned tasks.
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