"That heart can only be used once, for something specific. What you're suggesting is practically impossible."
"Then, I would like what Aegus suggested. There will be more chances for a weapon I reckon, even though it might not be legendary."
Max almost said that last part with regret.
"Alright, absorbing energy now."
Max could feel the remaining shadow energy coming towards his form, but this time, the moment it touched his skin, it burnt him.
"Ow!"
"Sorry! It's cause you have all this light thing around you. Can't take shadow energy when you're still a Beacon of Light."
"So you're saying…"
"You have to switch track to me, and let me take control."
"No, I forbid it.", Thea came in again.
"And since when do you have a say it what the host wants."
"Max, you should understand.", Thea ignored Aegis.
"Aegis and I are very different systems from very different worlds. To become powerful with him, you'll have to do things that you're not used to and become someone you're not."
"Oh please, you sugarcoat too much. Basically what tinkerbell over here is saying that you'll have to be all good-two-shoes with her, and all Velda with me."
"So basically…"
"I will reward you based on how ruthless you can become, while she will reward you for giving to the poor and needy."
Max pondered over this info. It suddenly seemed like he had two consciences all of a sudden. An Angel, and a devil. He was used to Thea, but didn't fully trust Aegis.
Partially because the system came from an all powerful evil god. What if Velda still had control, and would make Aegis betray him when he got the chance?
Aegis must have sensed his doubt.
"I know you're used to Thea, so you can use her more often than me. Frankly, I don't care. I'm used to being a trophy on a pedestal. Just switch to my track and claim all this dark energy first. I can feel the power brimming."
"Alright then, but I'll still have the both of you talking in my head no matter what track I switch to?"
"Of course.", they both answered in unison.
Max heaved a sigh of relief. At least, he would be able to get advice from both sides, even if what they did most of the time was argue.
"Alright. Aegis, your turn."
The screen before him flickered, turning shadowy and twisted.
[You have now become the Beacon of Shadow.]
[Absorbing raw, untapped shadow energy.]
[XP, + 1250, Level - 5]
[Gained Items: Dreadweaver's heart]
[Converting item essence to shadow ability.]
[Equipped rewards:
Invisibility shroud: Twist the shadows all around you to your benefit, concealing yourself in plain sight.
Damage: None
Magic Drain: 50
Duration: 3 minutes]
Shadow Flare: Basically the same thing as Solar Flare, but with shadows instead. Do with this info whatever you wish.]
Max released a breathless laugh. Aegis couldn't even be bothered to show him some details.
[Basic attack spellcasting has been equipped with level up: Shadow blast.]
Now that Max was in shadow track, he felt different, like he wanted to conquer a realm and kill all of its inhabitants. This thing basically had the nature of Velda.
"Feeling the evil, aren't you?" Aegis asked.
"Well, yes. It's quite distracting to be honest."
"Listen to me, Max. You don't have to do whatever it is you're doing. Your world has fighters, let them handle it. And this world is gone, but I know some other worlds we can go to conquer if you want a world so bad. Let's ditch that nightlight and have some real fun."
"I heard that! You're forgetting I'm still here, poison? " Thea suddenly cut in.
"Look, Max. Don't forget your mission. We have hope to do what we came here for. Don't lose it.", Thea cut in.
"I know, I wasn't going to give everything up so easily. Sorry Aegis, but you'll have to do better than that."
"Your loss, Host. But I'll be here whenever you're ready."
Max could feel Aegis slowly withdraw to the background.
[Host had now become the Beacon of Light.]
Thea didn't waste time taking over again.
"Now that that's over. Let's get back to the gang shall we?"
****
"So, did you find anything useful?"
"Yeah actually, but nothing too useful for you guys though."
"Oh that's alright." Slavia said.
"Dimitria and I have actually been talking strategy while you were away."
"Strategy?"
"Yeah, we can't just storm into Noctira unannounced. We'll stick out like Borna. We have to put up a front."
"So what are you thinking?"
"You know how we initially wanted to sell you as our prisoner for some coin, we could still try that. The kingdom is under stress and needs all the business it can get, so the guards wouldn't bat an eye at an opportunity for trade within their walls."
"So I'll still have to play prisoner for you guys."
"Precisely."
"At least now we're putting up an act."
Max nervously laughed when Dimitria looked him dead in the eyes.
"You seem to appear stronger than when you came."
Dimitria gestured, her eyes scouring Max's muscular frame. Max looked at his arms, they were bulging with a bit more muscle, and he seemed to be getting the start of a six pack.
That must have been the physique stat boost he got. Slavia's eyes roamed his stature in what seemed to be lust, her large nipples protruding erratically.
Dimitria also remained transfixed for a while, before reverting to her normal composure.
"We need to get moving if we want to have any hope of reaching the city."
Noctira was a grand spectacle.
Max couldn't help but mutter under his breath.
"Wow!"
Slavia glanced at him, smirking. "Wow indeed! The kingdom of Noctira."
The walls alone stretched incredibly high, with an iron gate that dwarves anyone who came near. Max was just beginning to take it all in when he was suddenly shoved to the ground.
"Move, slave."