## Chapter 39: Azzy's Revelation
Arthur woke up and immediately felt the aftermath of the battle. His body ached, and the sight around him was a grim reminder of the recent conflict. He called out for Baal, but there was no response. Panic set in as he tried again, his voice growing more desperate each time.
"BAAL!"
Silence.
Arthur felt a sense of loss, like a piece of his soul was missing. Tears welled up in his eyes, and he let them flow freely. He had lost not just a companion but a part of himself. As he sat there, overwhelmed with grief, a voice interrupted his thoughts.
"Hey, big guy, why the long face?"
Arthur jumped, startled by the unfamiliar voice. It was distinctly feminine, with a playful tone.
"Who's there?" Arthur demanded, looking around frantically.
"Calm down, it's just me, Azzy. Or Azazel if you prefer the formal version."
Arthur's eyes widened. "Azzy? How are you talking to me?"
Azzy sighed dramatically. "Baal used the last of his strength to save your sorry ass. He linked me to your life force to keep you safe. And between you and me, he really did care about you."
Arthur felt a lump in his throat. "He... he did?"
Azzy's voice softened. "Yeah, he did. Now, dry those tears, big guy. We've got work to do."
Arthur chuckled weakly. "You're not what I expected."
Azzy laughed. "Oh, I get that a lot. Now, let's get moving. There's a treasure chest with our name on it."
Arthur moved to the chest, still processing everything. Inside, he found gold and rare materials, including ancient scrolls glowing faintly with magical energy. One item in particular caught his eye: a black crystal with a dark aura.
"Azzy, why was all this hidden in the chest with you?" Arthur asked, curious.
Azzy's voice took on a serious tone. "These are powerful items, Arthur. Some of them were Baal's, some belonged to other powerful beings. They were kept here to keep them safe... or to keep others safe from them."
Arthur picked up one of the scrolls, feeling the weight of its power. "I need to learn how to use these."
Azzy giggled. "Oh, you will, big guy. I'll help you with that. But first, we need to get out of here and back to the city."
On their way back, Arthur found Mira still alive but severely injured. She looked up at him with wide, fearful eyes. Her body trembled as she tried to back away, but she was too weak.
"Stay away! I saw the demon... I need to warn the guild," Mira muttered, her voice shaky.
Arthur knelt beside her, trying to calm her down. "Mira, it's okay. I'm here to help you. Let's get you back to the city."
Mira hesitated, her eyes darting around as if searching for an escape. "No, I can't go back. They'll come after us. We need to warn them."
Arthur's mind raced. He knew he couldn't let her reveal what she had seen. He forced a comforting smile. "I promise, Mira. I'll take care of everything. Just let me help you."
Mira's breathing slowed, and she seemed to relax a little. "Okay, Arthur. I trust you."
As she looked up at him with a glimmer of hope, Arthur's heart pounded. He hated what he had to do, but there was no other way. He gently placed his hand on her shoulder and drew his knife with the other.
"I'm sorry," he whispered.
Mira's eyes widened in shock as she felt the cold steel against her throat. She tried to scream, but Arthur swiftly cut off her air, silencing her. Her hands clawed at his arm, desperation in her eyes, but her strength faded quickly.
From Mira's perspective, the world started to blur. Pain and betrayal mixed in her final moments. She couldn't understand why Arthur, someone she had trusted, would do this. Her thoughts were a jumbled mess of fear and confusion.
As her vision darkened, Mira felt a strange calm wash over her. Her last thoughts were of her family, of the life she had wanted to live. Then, everything went black.
Arthur felt a heavy weight settle on his shoulders. He had done what he believed necessary, but it didn't make it any easier. He closed Mira's eyes and took a deep breath.
"Azzy, what have I become?" he whispered.
Azzy's voice was gentle. "You did what you had to do. Remember, Arthur, the path to power is never easy. But you're not alone. We'll get through this together."
Arthur gathered the remaining items from the chest. Among the treasures were ancient coins, mystical herbs, and enchanted gems. There were also weapons of intricate design, clearly imbued with magical properties. He found a set of runes that seemed to pulse with an eerie light, and a dark, metallic book that practically hummed with power.
"What's this book?" Arthur asked, holding it up.
Azzy's voice took on a serious tone. "That's the Grimoire of Shadows. It contains powerful spells and forbidden knowledge. Handle it with care, Arthur. It's not something to take lightly."
Arthur nodded, understanding the gravity of what he held. He carefully packed the items, ensuring they were secure for the journey back.
As he moved to leave, a voice echoed in his mind, startling him.
"You killed a human," the voice said, emotionless and mechanical. "You are ruthless. You have acquired a soul."
Arthur froze, confusion and fear gripping him. "Azzy, what is this? What's happening?"
Azzy's voice sounded puzzled. "I'm not sure. Are you hearing voices now? Schizophrenia doesn't suit you, Arthur."
Arthur tried to ignore the comment and focused on the voice. In the upper part of his vision, he saw something glowing. He reached out to touch it but couldn't grasp it.
He remembered the virtual reality games he played during his military academy days in his previous life. He focused on the glowing point, and suddenly, a blue screen floated into his vision.
"Congratulations! You have acquired a magic tower. Possession parameters have been updated."
Arthur blinked in surprise as the system continued.
"Parameters of the tower have been updated. Arthur has received the title 'Lesser Demon' and has unlocked the 'Demonic Eye' of Baal."
Arthur felt a surge of power and clarity as the information flooded his mind. He could feel the connection to the tower strengthening, and with it, a new sense of purpose.
Azzy's voice broke the silence. "Well, look at you, big guy. Seems like you've got some new tricks up your sleeve."
Arthur smirked. "Yeah, it looks like I do."
He gathered the remaining items and the broken pieces of Baal's equipment, planning to find a way to restore them.
As Arthur gathered the remaining items from the chest, he noticed Orin starting to stir. He quickly made his way over, helping the healer to his feet.
"Arthur? What happened?" Orin asked, his voice weak.
"It's a long story. Let's get back to the city, and I'll explain everything," Arthur replied.
As he walked, Azzy kept him company, their banter lightening his mood. "So, Arthur, what's the plan now? World domination? Or are we going to take it slow and steady?"
Arthur laughed. "Let's start with getting back to the city and figuring out what these new powers can do. Then, who knows?"
Azzy's voice was playful. "Sounds like a plan, big guy. Just remember, I'm here to help you every step of the way."
Arthur felt a sense of comfort knowing that, despite the loss of Baal, he wasn't alone. With Azzy by his side, he was ready to tackle whatever lay ahead.
As they approached Aranthia, Arthur's mind raced with possibilities. The city loomed before him, full of opportunities and dangers. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for the future.
"Let's do this," he said, stepping forward with Azzy's laughter ringing in his ears.
The battle was over, but the war had just begun.