Adrian stared intently at Asmodeus, his mind racing with doubt. The possibility of summoning an Abyssal Beast that could break his slave seal was a real threat, even if it seemed remote. He couldn't afford to take any chances.
"System," Adrian called out in his mind, still keeping his focus on Asmodeus. "If Asmodeus summons an Abyssal Beast with mastery over souls or curses, could it undo the slave seal?"
The system's usual mocking tone was absent as it replied. "It's uncertain. Some Abyssal Beasts possess abilities that might interfere with the seal. The chances are slim, but not impossible. However, if you're concerned about this, there might be another option."
Adrian's eyes narrowed slightly. "Another option?"
"The dagger," the system responded. "It has absorption abilities. If you manage to slay Asmodeus using it, there's a chance you could absorb his summoning talent. If successful, you'd gain control over the summoning ability, rendering any threat null. If not, you can still enslave him or end his life without worry."
Adrian mulled over the idea, feeling a wave of relief and intrigue. It was a risk, but one he could control. The dagger's ability to absorb was his key to solving this dilemma.
Summoning the enchanted dagger from his storage ring, its dark blade gleamed ominously. This weapon had absorbed power before, but never anything of this magnitude. Could it truly take in Asmodeus's Abyssal Summoning?
Seraphina, who had been silently observing, stepped forward. "Are you planning to kill him?" she asked, her voice low but curious. "Why not enslave him, as you have done with others?"
Adrian turned to her, his expression somber but resolute. "If there's even a small chance he could summon something powerful enough to undo the slave seal, then I can't risk leaving him alive. But first, I'm going to try something else."
Adrian took a slow, deliberate step toward Asmodeus, his hand tightening around the hilt of his enchanted dagger.
The room felt heavy, the tension thick in the air. Asmodeus watched Adrian's approach, his mind a whirl of conflicting emotions.
Part of him felt relief—Adrian was going to kill him, spare him the fate of becoming a soulless slave. Yet, a deep fear gnawed at him. Was death truly the better fate?
As Adrian loomed over him, Asmodeus's heart pounded in his chest. He knew he was no match for Adrian, not now. His only choice was to push Adrian toward ending his life, but fear and survival instincts screamed at him to resist.
Better dead than a slave...
His thoughts raced with desperation, and he finally made a choice. Asmodeus raised his head, his expression a mix of defiance and resignation.
"You're right, Everhart," he said, his voice steady despite the turmoil roiling within him. "Even I don't fully know what kind of Abyssal Beast I could summon. But if—just if—I manage to call forth one with the power to break your seal, I would surely take my revenge."
He let the words sink in, watching for any reaction from Adrian. "If I couldn't take you down directly, I'd target those weaker than you. Your citizens, your family—anyone I could. And believe me, Everhart, I would find the weakest links and destroy them."
Adrian halted, a faint smirk curling at the corner of his lips. "Trying to goad me into killing you?" he asked, his voice calm but dripping with amusement.
Adrian raised the enchanted dagger, his eyes gleaming as he locked them on Asmodeus's.
The Abyssal Knight's face twisted with a mixture of grim acceptance and faint fear as Adrian plunged the dagger straight into his heart. The blade cut deep, piercing through flesh and bone effortlessly.
Asmodeus gasped, his body convulsing in agony as Adrian muttered under his breath, a silent prayer to the dagger, hoping it would absorb the skill he sought. Almost immediately, the weapon came alive in Adrian's grip.
Dark tendrils of energy flowed from Asmodeus's dying form into the dagger, his soul and abilities siphoned away in a violent swirl of shadowy essence.
The dagger glowed, vibrating with power as it absorbed Asmodeus's skills, pulsing rhythmically in Adrian's hand. The moment seemed to stretch on for an eternity, but soon the process was complete.
Asmodeus's body went limp, his eyes glazing over as his life slowly start to fade away from him.
Adrian took a deep breath, removing the dagger with a swift motion. The blade shimmered with newfound strength, the energy still crackling around its dark steel.
He turned to Isabella, who had been standing nearby, watching with a mixture of concern and readiness.
"Mother," Adrian called out, his tone firm but calm. "Heal him, stabilize his body. I need him alive for now."
Isabella nodded, stepping forward without hesitation. Her hands glowed with a soft, healing light as she crouched beside the lifeless body of Asmodeus.
With expert precision, she channeled her magic into him, keeping his consciousness from fading.
Adrian held the blade up, his eyes narrowing as he activated his Appraisal skill.
[Enchanted Dagger – Shadow Devourer]
Damage: +80
Special Abilities:
Soul Absorption: Absorbs the abilities of a slain target. Effectiveness depends on the target's level and strength.
Shadow Fang Strike: A devastating blow that uses shadow magic to bypass armor and shields. Enhanced by the absorbed skills of Asmodeus.
Abyssal Summon (New): A skill that allows the user to summon an Abyssal Beast and merge its essence with their body, granting increased attributes and abilities of the beast.
Adrian grinned as he saw what he wanted. The skill was there—Abyssal Summon. The dagger had successfully absorbed Asmodeus's summoning talent, and now that power belonged to him.
No longer was there a risk of Asmodeus summoning a creature capable of undoing his seal. Adrian had turned the threat into his own weapon.
He sheathed the dagger, his mind racing with possibilities. The blade now held an incredible power—a power he would wield at his discretion.
"Perfect," Adrian muttered under his breath, a sense of satisfaction settling over him. His gamble had paid off.
With Asmodeus neutralized and his abilities absorbed, Adrian felt a newfound sense of control. He asked Isabella to completely heal him as he used Soul Slave Seal on him.