Chapter:3 The King's Power
Azaroth stood in the isolated room, his heart pounding. The room was empty, save for the oppressive silence and the dim light filtering through cracks in the walls. Confusion gnawed at him—why had his ability led him here? He felt a strange pull, urging him to move forward. With no other option, he began walking, the sense of direction from his ability guiding him through the seemingly endless emptiness.
After nearly an hour of trudging through the barren space, Azaroth's eyes finally caught sight of something—a throne, majestic and ancient, standing alone in the vast room. His heart skipped a beat as he approached, and there, resting on the throne, was a book titled "The Legacy."
Azaroth's fingers trembled as he reached out and grasped the book. The moment his skin made contact, the book began to shake violently. Before he could react, it seemed to dissolve into pure energy, flowing into his body and merging with his very being. A surge of power coursed through him, and he felt his muscles reshape and strengthen. His body, once weak and frail, began to transform.
As the last of the energy settled within him, a window popped up in front of his eyes, glowing with an ethereal light. A voice, ancient and powerful, resonated in his mind:
"Suitable character detected. Beginning the transformation."
Azaroth felt a wave of dizziness as the transformation process began. The voice continued:
"The transformation cannot be handled by the body in its current state. Initiating partial transformation. Welcome, Demon King Azaroth."
A percentage indicator appeared, showing 1%.
Azaroth's mind raced with questions and disbelief. Demon King? Transformation? He looked at his hands, now stronger and more defined. He could feel the power thrumming within him, a stark contrast to the helplessness he had always known.
As the realization sank in, Azaroth understood that his ability, "Legacy Search," had led him to a destiny far greater than he had ever imagined. The power of the First Demon King was now within him, and with it came a responsibility and potential that could reshape not only his own fate but the fate of the entire world.
With newfound determination, Azaroth vowed to master this power, to rise above the limitations that had once defined him, and to embrace the legacy that had been thrust upon him. The journey ahead would be fraught with challenges and dangers, but for the first time, Azaroth felt truly alive, ready to face whatever lay ahead as Demon King Azaroth
The Escape
Azaroth took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing heart. He knew he had to leave the dungeon without attracting attention. The partial transformation had given him strength and power, but he was still vulnerable. He approached the hidden door through which he had entered and cautiously opened it, peering out to ensure the monsters were no longer around.
The dungeon was eerily silent. The bodies of his fallen comrades lay scattered, a grim reminder of the danger he had narrowly escaped. He moved stealthily, avoiding any noise that could alert the remaining monsters. His newly enhanced senses helped him detect their presence from a distance, allowing him to navigate the dungeon more effectively.
Azaroth retraced his steps, heading back toward the dungeon entrance. His mind was focused on the task at hand: getting out without raising any alarms. As he neared the entrance, he encountered a few low-level monsters. The power of the First Demon King surged within him, and with newfound confidence, he dispatched them quickly and quietly.
Finally, Azaroth reached the entrance. The bright light of the outside world flooded his vision as he stepped out of the dungeon. He took a moment to adjust to the light, breathing in the fresh air. His heart was still pounding, but he had made it out.
The site was bustling with activity as usual. Other players and collectors were busy with their tasks, and no one seemed to notice Azaroth's return. He blended in with the crowd, making his way to the registry where he reported the mission's failure due to unforeseen circumstances. His demeanor was calm and collected, masking the transformation and power coursing through his veins.
He explained that the group had been overwhelmed by a sudden, unexpected teleportation to a more dangerous part of the dungeon and that he had barely managed to escape with his life. Given his reputation and rank, no one questioned his account. The authorities marked the mission as a tragic loss, and Azaroth was allowed to leave without further interrogation.
With the paperwork completed, Azaroth left the site and headed home. His mind was racing with thoughts of the future. He had a new purpose, a legacy to uncover, and a destiny to fulfill. The journey ahead would be challenging, but he was ready to face it head-on as Demon King Azaroth.