Riku POV
Daemon Realm - Minutes After Awakening
The first thing I notice is the silence. Not the absence of sound, but the presence of something deeper—a thrumming energy that resonates through whatever I've become. The magicule concentration here is unlike anything I remember from my brief awakening in that alley.
[Archive] catalogs everything automatically: the twisted trees that seem to be made of crystallized shadow, the purple-tinged sky that pulses with its own rhythm, the way distance seems... negotiable here. This isn't just another dimension—it's a realm where the very concept of existence operates on different rules.
I try to take a step forward and find myself gliding instead, my form responding to intent rather than physical motion. When I look down, I can see through myself—translucent flesh that shifts between solid and ethereal, hands that end in claws wreathed in dark energy.
"Lesser Daemon." the Voice of the World had said. But what does that actually mean?
The stirring of curiosity triggers something within me—a desire to understand, to perceive more than just the basic sensory input my new form provides.
Confirmed. Extra Skill: [Magic Sense] Acquisition Successful.
The world explodes into layers of information I never knew existed. Suddenly I can perceive magicule flows like rivers of light streaming through the air, can sense the very fabric of this realm and how energy moves through it. Everything here pulses with magical energy, from the crystallized shadow trees to the ground beneath my incorporeal feet.
But understanding isn't enough. I need control.
Confirmed. Extra Skill: [Magic Manipulation] Acquisition Successful.
The knowledge flows into me like water finding its course. I can feel how to shape magicules, how to bend them to my will, how to transform raw energy into something purposeful.
I use my intrinsic skill [Sea Serpent of the End] to create an orb of water from the surrounding moisture so I could look at my reflection. I see that I have a goat-like head and lower half, one pair of wings, long muscular arms and a long thin tail just like how I remember Lesser Daemons from Tensura in my first life.
"To start." I think while dispelling the water, focusing on the skills I'd gained in those final moments. "Let's analyze my current state."
The response comes immediately through [Archive]'s [Hyper Analysis] subskill:
{Current Form: Spiritual Life Form - Lesser Daemon
Magicule Capacity: 50,000 units
Regeneration: High-Speed
Physical Resistance: Moderate
Magical Resistance: High
Special Characteristics: Incorporeal capabilities, energy manipulation, skill evolution potential}
Fifty thousand magicules. In Tensura terms, that's substantial. Not True Demon Lord level, but far beyond what I had as a human-devil hybrid.
"Let's see what else I can do," I murmur, my voice echoing strangely in this space.
With [Magic Sense] active, I can perceive the daemons moving through the forest—some weak, others radiating power that makes my new form recoil instinctively. But more importantly, I can feel the abundant water in this realm. Not just physical water, but the concept of it—moisture in the air, underground streams, even the spiritual essence of water itself.
My memories surge forward through [Archive]'s [Memory Archive] subskill. Dragon Slayer magic from Fairy Tail. Juvia's water-body techniques. All water-based abilities I'd studied and admired in my previous life.
[Archive]'s [Data Absorption] activates automatically, cataloging the theoretical frameworks and magical patterns I remember. The information becomes searchable, cross-referenced, ready for practical application.
"If I can manipulate magicules, and if water exists here in both physical and spiritual forms..." I focus on the memory of Dragon Slayer magic mechanics, pulling the data through [Archive]'s systems.
[Magic Manipulation] responds to my will, and I feel magicules gathering, taking shape according to patterns stored in [Archive]. Water magic, but not just any water magic—Dragon Slayer magic adapted for my current spiritual form.
The first spell forms instinctively: "[Water Dragon's Roar]!"
A torrent of pressurized water bursts from my mouth, far more powerful than anything I could have managed as a human. The blast carves through several shadow-trees before dissipating, leaving me breathless but exhilarated.
"That worked better than expected." I whisper, then turn my attention to other possibilities.
Juvia's magic had always fascinated me—the way she could become water, manipulate it with such creativity. With my new spiritual form, the boundary between self and element feels more fluid already.
I focus on the memory of her techniques: "[Water Lock]." Magicules respond, and a sphere of pressurized water forms in the air before me, stable and controlled. "[Water Slicer]." Blades of high-pressure water form and slice through the air with deadly precision.
Each successful recreation sends a thrill through me. These aren't just copied techniques—they're evolved, adapted to work with my daemon physiology and the unique properties of this realm.
"[Water Body]." I murmur, attempting Juvia's signature technique. My spiritual form responds eagerly, parts of my shadowy essence merging with created water. The sensation is incredible—I can feel myself becoming the water while maintaining my consciousness and control.
[Archive]'s [Holographic Projection] activates, displaying data on my current magical development:
{Water Magic Mastery Progress:
- Dragon Slayer Techniques: 45% Efficiency
- Juvia-style Manipulation: 60% Efficiency
- Hybrid Applications: 30% Efficiency
- Total Magicule Cost Reduction: 25%}
All of this experimentation has drawn attention. Through [Magic Sense], I can detect three signatures approaching—each radiating hostility and hunger. Lesser Daemons like myself, but with the confidence of predators who've done this before.
They emerge from the crystallized shadows, and I get my first good look at other daemons. Each is unique: one with multiple arms ending in razor claws, another covered in bone spikes, and the third flickering between solid and gaseous forms.
"Well, well, well." the multi-armed one rasps, its voice like grinding stone. "Fresh meat. And such pretty magic displays."
"Been watching you practice, newborn." the spined one cackles. "Did you think that you could just waltz into our territory and play with your little water tricks?"
The flickering one says nothing, but I can sense its hunger through [Magic Sense]. It wants to devour me, to add my power to its own.
[Archive]'s [Hyper Analysis] immediately begins cataloging their capabilities:
{Enemy Assessment:
- Target Alpha (Multi-armed): Melee specialist, high physical damage
- Target Beta (Spined): Ranged attacker, projectile abilities
- Target Gamma (Flickering): Phase-shifting, ambush tactics
- Estimated threat level: Moderate to High for current form}
"I don't want trouble." I say, though I'm already preparing for combat. My water constructs shift positions, moving to optimal attack angles calculated by [Archive].
"Trouble?" the multi-armed daemon laughs. "Boy, we ARE trouble. This is our hunting ground, and you're trespassing. The penalty is absorption."
The battle unfolds exactly as [Archive] predicts. The flickering daemon tries to flank me while the others coordinate their frontal assault. But [Magic Sense] makes stealth pointless, and my analytical capabilities give me a significant advantage.
"[Water Dragon's Barrier]!" I create a defensive dome that doubles as a setup for my counterattack. "[Water Dragon's Burst]!" The explosion sends all three attackers reeling.
I don't give them time to recover. Activating [Dragonification] partially, I feel draconic power surge through my spiritual form. "[Water Dragon's Bullet Storm]!" Multiple guided projectiles strike with precision accuracy guided by [Archive]'s targeting systems.
For my finale, I combine multiple techniques. "[Water Dragon Serpent's Tempest]!" The massive water construct moves with draconic intelligence, overwhelming all three opponents simultaneously.
{Combat complete. Victory achieved. Magicules absorbed: 14,200 total.}
[Archive]'s [Memory Archive] records every detail of the battle for future reference while [Hyper Analysis] processes the encounter data.
{Current magicule capacity: 64,200. Evolution threshold approaching.}
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Over the following weeks, I continue exploring the daemon realm, each battle adding to my strength and understanding. It's during one of these explorations that I sense a different presence approaching—more controlled, more purposeful than the typical daemon.
She emerges from between the shadow-trees with elegant grace, her appearance refined despite the realm's hostile nature. Long dark hair, ancient wisdom in her eyes, and an aura of controlled power that speaks of nobility and strength.
"Well now." she says, her voice carrying a melodic quality that somehow reminds me of home. "What have we here? Such impressive magical resonance, and such rapid development."
She stops a respectful distance away, studying the evidence of my recent battles. "I felt your awakening some time ago, but your growth rate is truly exceptional. I currently have no name but I was once called Shuri."
Shuri. The name hits me like a physical blow. Dark hair, graceful bearing, that particular mixture of gentleness and hidden strength...
"Shuri... Himejima?" I ask, hardly daring to believe it.
Her eyes widen in genuine surprise. "You know that name? But how..." She pauses, studying me more intently. "Your energy signature. There's something familiar about it. Something that speaks of the world I once knew."
My heart—if I still have one—aches with sudden understanding. "You died. Killed by humans for loving someone you shouldn't have. You left behind a daughter—Akeno."
The change in her expression is immediate and profound. Joy, hope, and desperate need war across her features. "Akeno... you know of my Akeno? Is she... is she alive?"
"She's alive." I tell her gently, watching tears form in her eyes. "She's beautiful, powerful, and surrounded by friends who care about her. She serves in a devil peerage led by Rias Gremory, and she's become someone you would be incredibly proud of."
We talk for hours as we walk through the twisted landscape. I tell her everything I can remember about Akeno, and she shares what she's learned about the daemon realm during her time here.
"You have remarkable potential." Shuri says eventually. "Your heritage, your retained memories, your analytical abilities... but there's so much more you could learn. This realm has taught me magic systems that don't exist in our old world."
"What kind of magic?" I ask, intrigued.
Shuri's expression grows serious. "If you truly intend to grow strong enough to protect others, to return and make a difference, then you need to understand the Cardinal World's fundamental magic types. Eight core systems that govern reality itself."
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Over the next several days, Shuri becomes my teacher, sharing knowledge she's painstakingly acquired during her time in the daemon realm.
"These magic types operate on principles far more sophisticated than what we knew." she explains, creating a small holographic display of her own. "Each one represents a fundamental force of reality."
[Archive]'s [Data Absorption] works overtime as she demonstrates each system:
[Creation Magic]: "The foundation of all magical crafting. Not just shaping materials, but bringing concepts into reality through pure will and magicules."
Shuri demonstrates by creating a perfect flower from nothing but condensed energy. "With your [Material Creation] intrinsic skill, this should come naturally."
I focus on the pattern she's shown me, feeling the magic settle into my understanding.
[Barrier Magic]: "More than simple protection. These barriers can isolate spaces, prevent dimensional travel, or enforce specific effects within their radius."
She creates a shimmering barrier around us that completely muffles sound from outside. "Essential for any serious magical practitioner."
[Ice Magic]: "Conceptual freezing, not just temperature manipulation. You can freeze time, motion, even thoughts within ice constructs."
The demonstration sends chills through my spiritual form as she creates ice that radiates absolute stillness. "This will complement your water abilities perfectly."
[Spatial Magic]: "Manipulation of space itself. Teleportation, dimensional storage, wounds that bypass normal defenses."
She opens a small rift in space, reaching through to retrieve a crystal from somewhere else entirely. "Your spiritual nature should make this easier to learn."
[Spiritual Magic]: "Direct interference with minds and souls. Fear, confusion, control—all possible through spiritual manipulation."
I feel a brief touch against my consciousness as she demonstrates, then immediately withdraws. "Use this responsibly. It's perhaps the most dangerous magic type."
[Contract Magic]: "Enforces agreements between willing parties. The foundation of civilized magical society."
She creates a simple contract between us—a promise to keep each other's secrets. I feel the magic settle into both our souls. "Never underestimate the power of binding agreements."
[Summoning Magic]: "Calling forth beings or objects from other planes. Requires mastery of spatial magic and deep understanding of what you're summoning."
A small elemental appears at her command, nods respectfully, then vanishes. "Start small. Work your way up to more complex summons."
[Illusion Magic]: "Manipulation of perception at the deepest level. Not just visual tricks, but alterations of reality itself through spiritual and astral manipulation."
For a moment, the twisted daemon realm appears as a beautiful garden, complete with birdsong and sunshine. Then it fades back to normal. "The most sophisticated magic type. Master this, and you can rewrite what others perceive as real."
As each skill settles into my soul, [Archive] catalogs their interactions with my existing abilities. [Hyper Analysis] begins calculating synergies and combination possibilities.
"That is incredible." Shuri breathes, watching my rapid skill acquisition. "Your learning rate is beyond anything I've seen. It should have taken months to master even one of these."
"I have some advantages." I admit, thinking of [Archive] and [Sage] working together to process and integrate the magical knowledge.
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It's while practicing a combination of Creation and Water magic that I sense a truly powerful presence approaching. Not the crude hostility of Lesser Daemons, but refined menace that speaks of evolution and experience.
A Greater Daemon emerges from the crystallized forest—nearly six meters tall, with an aura of absolute authority. This is what I could become with enough growth.
"This is interesting." it says, its voice carrying the weight of centuries. "A Lesser Daemon with such diverse magical knowledge. Most impressive for one so young. I am Nox, I want to see if you are worthy to possess such power."
'This deamon has a name? That is not good. After all in the cardinal world there is power in a name; especially when in some cases recieving a name can cause a monster or a daemon to evolve.' I thought to myself as [Archive]'s analysis immediately identifies this as a serious threat:
{Greater Daemon Analysis:
- Estimated magicule capacity: 150,000+
- Combat experience: Extensive
- Threat level: Extreme
- Recommended strategy: Evasion}
But running isn't an option. This creature—Nox, as it introduces itself—wants to test my strength personally.
"Show me what makes you special." Nox demands, power radiating from its form.
The Greater Daemon doesn't give me time to respond. It launches forward with inhuman speed, covering the fifty-meter distance between us in a single bound. Its claws, wreathed in shadows that seem to devour light itself, slash toward my chest.
[Magic Sense] screams warnings as I throw myself sideways, the claws missing by mere centimeters. Where they pass, reality itself seems to fray slightly—this isn't just physical damage, but something that can wound the soul directly.
"[Water Dragon's Barrier]!" I create a dome of hardened water around myself, but Nox's follow-up strike shatters it like glass. The Greater Daemon's raw power is overwhelming.
Analysis: Enemy magicule output exceeds current defensive capabilities by 300%. Recommend evasive tactics and magical enhancement. [Demon Sage] reports clinically.
"Too slow, whelpling!" Nox roars, its voice carrying enough force to crack the crystallized trees around us. It raises both hands, and pillars of pure shadow erupt from the ground beneath my feet.
I phase through them using my spiritual nature, but Nox anticipated this. As I solidify, its fist is already there, enhanced with dark energy that burns against my daemon form. The impact sends me flying backward, crashing through three shadow-trees before I can arrest my momentum.
Damage assessment: 15% structural integrity lost. Regeneration active.
"How pathetic." Nox says, walking toward me with casual confidence. "You have interesting techniques, but power without strength is meaningless."
I wipe dark ichor from my mouth and grin. "You're right. Time to stop holding back."
This time, I take the initiative. "[Creation Magic: Aquatic Arsenal]!" Multiple weapons of hardened water form around me—spears, swords, hammers—each one infused with draconic energy from my [Dragonification].
I launch them in sequence, not as direct attacks but to control Nox's movement. The Greater Daemon bats away the first wave with contemptuous ease, but I'm already moving.
"[Spatial Magic: Phase Step]!" I teleport behind Nox mid-swing, my claws extended and coated with pressurized water. "[Water Dragon's Claw]!"
My strike connects, tearing through Nox's shoulder and drawing actual blood. The Greater Daemon spins with surprising grace, its own claws catching me across the ribs before I can retreat.
"Better!" Nox laughs, dark energy crackling around its wounds as they seal shut. "You're learning to think like a warrior, not just a magician."
The real battle begins now. Nox unleashes its full power, shadow energy exploding outward in waves that turn the air itself into a weapon. I counter with [Ice Magic], freezing the shadows mid-motion and shattering them with precise [Water Slicers].
"[Barrier Magic: Sanctuary Field]!" I create multiple overlapping barriers, each one designed not just to block but to redirect Nox's attacks. When it charges through the first barrier, the second one channels its momentum into a spatial trap.
"[Spatial Magic: Dimensional Bind]!" The space around Nox folds inward, constraining its movement for precious seconds.
I don't waste the opening. "[Water Dragon's Roar]!" The pressurized torrent strikes Nox center-mass, but the Greater Daemon flexes its aura and disperses most of the impact.
"Clever, but insufficient!" Nox breaks free of the spatial constraint with brute force, reality cracking around it. "Let me show you true power!"
The Greater Daemon raises both hands, and the very realm responds. Shadow energy coalesces into a massive spear, easily thirty meters long and crackling with malevolent force. "[Greater Daemon Art: Void Lance]!"
The spear moves faster than my eyes can track. Only [Magic Sense] saves me, letting me feel its trajectory and barely dodge. The weapon punches through the ground where I stood, leaving a crater that radiates absolute nothingness.
*Warning: Enemy technique operates on conceptual level. Direct contact may result in existence erasure.*
"Now you understand," Nox says, forming another Void Lance. "This is the difference between a Lesser Daemon and—"
"[Illusion Magic: False Terrain]!" I cut off its monologue by rewriting the battlefield's appearance. To Nox, the ground suddenly appears twenty meters lower than it actually is. The Greater Daemon's footing shifts as its perception conflicts with reality.
I exploit the momentary confusion. "[Water Body]!" My form dissolves into pressurized water, flowing around Nox's next attack and reforming behind it. "[Summoning Magic: Elemental Confluence]!"
Three water elementals burst from the ground—not particularly powerful, but enough to distract and harass while I prepare something bigger. Nox destroys them with casual swipes, but each one explodes into high-pressure water that further limits its vision.
"[Contract Magic: Temporary Bond]!" I create a magical contract with the ambient water in the area, giving me absolute control over every droplet within a hundred-meter radius. The technique drains a significant portion of my magicules, but the effect is immediate.
Every bit of moisture in the air responds to my will. Water rises from underground streams, condenses from vapor, even extracts from the crystallized trees themselves. In moments, I'm surrounded by a veritable ocean's worth of liquid, all of it under my direct command.
"What is this?" Nox demands, finally showing concern as water begins to swirl around us in massive torrents.
"[Spiritual Magic: Dominion Assertion]!" I layer spiritual control over my physical water manipulation, turning the technique from mere elemental magic into something that affects the very concept of water itself.
Now comes the hard part. I need to combine everything—all eight Cardinal World magic types, my Dragon Slayer foundation, and my inherited devil bloodlines—into a single cohesive technique.
[Archive]'s [Skill Blueprinting] activates, showing me the theoretical framework for what I'm attempting. [Demon Sage] calculates optimal magical flow patterns. My [Sea Serpent of the End] bloodline resonates with the massive amount of water I'm controlling.
"[Dragon Slayer Secret Art: Leviathan's Cascade]!"
The technique builds in layers. First, [Creation Magic] provides the foundation, giving structure to what I'm creating. [Spatial Magic] defines the boundaries and ensures the construct can exist in real space. [Barrier Magic] contains the enormous energies I'm channeling.
[Ice Magic] adds permanence and cutting power, while [Spiritual Magic] gives the construct a form of intelligence. [Contract Magic] binds all the disparate elements together. [Summoning Magic] calls upon the primordial concept of the sea serpent itself.
And finally, [Illusion Magic] makes the technique partially conceptual—not just water shaped like a serpent, but the idea of a sea serpent given form through water.
The result is magnificent and terrifying. A massive serpentine construct of water and spiritual energy, easily fifty meters long and radiating the authority of ancient seas. Its eyes burn with draconic intelligence, and when it moves, reality bends slightly around it.
"That is impossible." Nox breathes, its confidence finally cracking. "A Lesser Daemon cannot—"
The water serpent strikes with the force of a tsunami concentrated into a single point. Nox tries to block with shadow energy, but my construct operates on too many levels simultaneously. Physical water overwhelms its defenses, spiritual energy bypasses its magical resistance, and the conceptual weight of the sea serpent itself crushes its will to resist.
The Greater Daemon is driven to its knees, dark ichor streaming from wounds that won't heal. Its form begins to destabilize as the technique's multiple magical systems work in concert to unravel its existence.
"You are indeed Worthy." Nox says simply, respect replacing its earlier arrogance. "Take my power and become what you were meant to be."
As the water serpent dissipates, I feel the familiar pull of magicule absorption, but this time it's different. Stronger, more complete. Nox isn't just dying—it's offering its power willingly, recognizing my victory as legitimate.
Conditions for Evolution have been met.
Commencing evolution.
The exhaustion hits me like a physical blow. The technique took everything I had and more. As consciousness fades, I hear Shuri's voice: "Sleep now. Evolution is taxing even for those prepared for it."
Darkness takes me as the transformation begins.
[Poison Resistance] Acquisition successful.
[Paralysis Resistance] Acquisition successful.
[Spiritual Attack Resistance] Acqusition successful.
Extra skill: [Sage] has evolved into Unique Skill: [Demon Sage].
Evolution to Greater Daemon Complete.
Demonic core has been strengthened.
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-2 days later-
I awaken to the sensation of fundamental change. My spiritual form has grown to nearly six meters in height, more defined and solid than before. The shadowy wisps that once surrounded me have condensed into something more substantial, more real.
The evolution of [Sage] brings immediate changes. Where before it was a simple advisory skill, [Demon Sage] feels like a distinct consciousness—analytical, calculating, but with an understanding of demonic nature and power structures.
Analysis: Current magical systems show unprecedented integration. Recommend continued development of hybrid techniques.
The voice carries the same clinical detachment as Rimuru's Great Sage, but with subtle undertones that speak of cunning and strategic thinking.
[Archive] has also evolved during my transformation:
{Enhanced [Archive] Capabilities:
- [Data Absorption] now works on Ultimate-level phenomena
- [Mind-Link Transmission] range increased to continental scale
- [Holographic Projection] can create complex battle simulations
- [Hyper Analysis] approaches Great Sage-level computation
- [Memory Archive] now includes perfect recall of magical phenomena
- [Encrypted Firewall] protects against Demon Lord-level intrusion
- New: [Skill Blueprinting] unlocked - can analyze and theoretically recreate observed abilities}
"Magnificent." Shuri says, approaching with genuine pride. "You've achieved in weeks what takes most daemons decades. Your growth rate truly is exceptional."
"This is just the beginning." I reply, marveling at my enhanced capabilities. "But I feel like there's more I could learn."
"There is." she agrees. "But first, you should test your new abilities. And I suspect you won't have to wait long for that opportunity."
As if her words were prophetic, reality around us suddenly begins to distort. A summoning circle forms beneath my feet, glowing with power that dwarfs anything I've experienced in the daemon realm.
"Riku!" Shuri calls out, but the dimensional barriers are already forming.
"This feels different." I say, recognizing the energy signature. "This is coming from the Cardinal World itself."
The transport is forceful, demanding—someone with significant power is calling, and they won't be denied.
"Remember what I taught you!" Shuri's voice grows distant. "Use everything you've learned!"
"I will." I promise as reality shifts completely around me. "And I'll find a way to return or summon you to the cardin world and give you a body to incarnate in."
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Cardinal World - Vega's Laboratory
I materialize in what appears to be an underground research facility, surrounded by sophisticated magical equipment. The magicule density here is staggering—far beyond even the daemon realm. This world feels ancient, established, shaped by powerful beings for millennia.
"Fascinating." says a voice from behind me. "The summoning worked perfectly, though you're not quite what I expected."
I turn to see a humanoid figure with an athletic build and predatory bearing. His appearance seems human at first glance, but something about him feels fundamentally wrong—as if his very existence is an imitation of life rather than the genuine article.
"You were expecting something else?" I ask carefully, letting [Magic Sense] analyze my surroundings.
[Demon Sage] immediately provides analysis: Individual shows characteristics of artificial modification. Cellular structure appears non-standard. Recommend caution.
"I was attempting to summon something powerful to test myself against." he replies, grinning with too-white teeth. "I am Vega. I follow strength and devour weakness. And you..." His aura flares, pressing against my spiritual form. "You might actually be worth the effort."
The way he says "devour" carries literal weight. This isn't going to be a scholarly discussion.
"I appreciate the summoning," I say, readying my magic, "but I'm not interested in being your test subject."
Vega laughs, the sound containing undertones that no natural throat should produce. "Test subject? You misunderstand. I want to see if you're strong enough to earn my respect. The weak become nourishment. The strong become... interesting."
Energy erupts around him—not refined magical formations, but raw overwhelming force. This confirms [Demon Sage]'s analysis: he's powerful but lacks the sophisticated technique I've learned to expect from truly skilled opponents.
"Let's see what you can do, Greater Daemon."
This time, I don't underestimate my opponent. Vega's humanoid appearance might be deceptive, but [Demon Sage]'s analysis is clear—this being operates on principles I don't fully understand yet.
Vega opens with a direct charge, moving faster than his form should allow. But I'm no longer the inexperienced Lesser Daemon who struggled against three weaker opponents. My evolution has enhanced every aspect of my capabilities.
"[Barrier Magic: Adaptive Defense]!" Instead of a simple wall, I create a barrier that shifts its properties based on incoming attacks. When Vega's fist strikes it, the barrier becomes elastic, absorbing the impact and redirecting the force.
"That is an interesting technique." Vega acknowledges, his grin widening unnaturally. "But let's see how you handle this!"
His form blurs, and suddenly there are five of him attacking from different angles. Not illusions—[Magic Sense] confirms they're all real, all carrying the same magical signature.
Analysis: Target appears capable of cellular division while maintaining consciousness distribution. Caution advised.
"[Spatial Magic: Dimensional Anchor]!" I lock the space around me, preventing teleportation or phase-based attacks. Then I counter with my own multiplication technique. "[Creation Magic: Aquatic Mirrors]!"
Four water-clones of myself burst from the ground, each one a perfect copy infused with my memories and combat knowledge. The clones engage Vega's duplicates while I focus on what I hope is the original.
"[Water Dragon's Roar]!" My attack punches through one of Vega's forms, but instead of blood or ichor, I see silvery liquid that quickly reforms. Definitely not human physiology.
"You're learning!" Vega laughs as his destroyed duplicate simply regrows from the remaining mass. "But you're still thinking like someone who fights normal opponents!"
He demonstrates by having all his forms merge back together, but the resulting creature is no longer humanoid. Instead, I'm facing a shifting mass of silvery substance that constantly changes shape—sometimes sprouting additional limbs, sometimes becoming nearly liquid, always moving with predatory intent.
"[Ice Magic: Absolute Zero Field]!" I flash-freeze the area around Vega, hoping to slow his shapeshifting. The technique works partially—his movements become more sluggish—but he adapts quickly.
"Cold, yes, but not cold enough!" Vega's form sprouts what look like heating elements, steam rising as he begins to melt free of my ice. "I've absorbed the properties of many opponents. Temperature manipulation is child's play!"
Warning: Target demonstrates adaptive capabilities exceeding normal parameters. Recommend unconventional tactics.
Time to get creative. Instead of fighting Vega directly, I'll use the environment against him.
"[Summoning Magic: Planar Resonance]!" I call upon my connection to the daemon realm, opening small portals that flood the laboratory with daemon realm atmosphere. The twisted magical energy clashes with the Cardinal World's more stable reality.
Vega's form shudders as the conflicting magical energies interfere with his cellular cohesion. "What are you—"
"[Contract Magic: Elemental Binding]!" I create a magical contract with every water molecule in the area, giving me absolute authority over them. This includes any water that might be part of Vega's composition.
The effect is immediate. Parts of Vega's form suddenly stop responding to his commands as I seize control of their water content. His shapeshifting becomes erratic, unstable.
"Clever!" Vega forces his form back together through sheer will, but I can see the strain it's causing. "But two can play that game! [Scavenger: Adaptive Absorption]!"
Suddenly, Vega's attacks begin incorporating techniques I recognize—a Water Slice here, a spatial distortion there. He's copying my abilities in real-time by analyzing the magical patterns.
Analysis: Target possesses skill similar to [Archive]'s [Skill Blueprinting] but with immediate implementation capability. Extreme caution advised.
"You're not the only one who can learn." Vega says, his form now partially resembling my own Greater Daemon physiology. "Every technique you use, every magical pattern you create—I can absorb and improve upon!"
The battle becomes a deadly game of escalation. Every technique I use, Vega copies and enhances. When I create water constructs, he makes them faster and stronger. When I use spatial magic, his version has longer range and better precision.
But he's making a crucial mistake—he's copying my techniques without understanding the underlying principles that make them work together.
"[Illusion Magic: Cognitive Cascade]!" I layer multiple false realities over each other, creating a maze of conflicting perceptions. Vega sees me attacking from twelve different directions simultaneously, each attack using a different magical system.
He tries to copy all of them at once, and that's when his weakness becomes apparent. His absorption ability works by analyzing and replicating, but he can't process the deep integration that comes from truly understanding how different magic types synergize.
"[Spiritual Magic: Memory Palace]!" I project a portion of my consciousness into Vega's mind, using the connection he created when copying my techniques. Inside his mental space, I can see how his absorption process works—and more importantly, how to disrupt it.
While my spiritual projection creates chaos in his mind, my physical form prepares the finishing move.
"[Dragon Slayer Ultimate Art: Leviathan's World]!"
This time, I don't just create a technique—I rewrite the local reality. [Spatial Magic] defines a spherical area fifty meters in diameter. [Creation Magic] provides the framework for what I'm building. [Barrier Magic] ensures nothing can escape.
Within this space, water becomes the fundamental force. Not just the physical substance, but the concept itself—flow, adaptation, the relentless pressure that carves through stone given enough time. My [Sea Serpent of the End] bloodline grants me absolute authority within this domain.
[Ice Magic] adds structure and cutting power. [Spiritual Magic] ensures the domain affects not just the physical realm but the spiritual one as well. [Contract Magic] binds the space to my will. [Summoning Magic] calls upon the primordial sea itself.
And finally, [Illusion Magic] makes the domain partially conceptual—a place where the rules of reality bend to accommodate the eternal nature of water.
Vega tries to adapt, his form shifting frantically as he attempts to process and copy what I'm doing. But the technique operates on too many levels simultaneously. He can copy individual magical effects, but he can't replicate the deep philosophical understanding that allows different magic types to work in perfect harmony.
"This is impossible!" Vega protests as his form begins to destabilize. The domain's conflicting pressures—physical, magical, conceptual—overwhelm his absorption abilities. "I can copy any technique! I can adapt to any attack!"
"That's your weakness." I explain as the domain continues its work. "You copy techniques, but you don't understand the principles behind them. You're like someone trying to write poetry by memorizing individual letters without understanding language."
When the domain finally dissipates, Vega lies defeated, his form struggling to maintain cohesion. His humanoid shape wavers, revealing glimpses of the silvery, bacteria-like substance beneath.
"You are strong." he admits, satisfaction in his eyes despite his defeat. "You've proven yourself worthy of respect."
As his essence begins to scatter, I feel the familiar pull of absorption, but this time it's more complex. Not just power, but knowledge, equipment, techniques—everything Vega had accumulated through his existence.
I move closer and consume him completely and posssessed his body, adding his capabilities to my own.
Confirmed.
Unique Skill: [Scavenger] Acquisition successful.
Confirmed.
Extra Skill: [Ultraspeed Regeneration] Acquisition successful.
The knowledge floods my mind, but unlike Vega's crude copying, I can understand the deeper principles. [Scavenger] doesn't just steal abilities—it integrates them, finding ways to make them work together harmoniously.
Standing in the ruined laboratory, I realize I've gained far more than just new skills. I've learned how to fight opponents who can adapt to my techniques, how to use the synergy between different magical systems as a weapon itself.
The Cardinal World operates on principles of strength and evolution, but also on understanding and integration. Raw power isn't enough—you need wisdom to know how to use it effectively.
And with [Scavenger] now part of my arsenal, every future battle will make me not just stronger, but more complete.
And with [Scavenger] added to my growing arsenal of abilities, I'm finally ready to thrive here. Each opponent I consume will make me stronger, accumulating not just power but knowledge and equipment that could never be developed alone.
For the first time since awakening as a Lesser Daemon, I feel truly ready for whatever comes next. I have knowledge from multiple lifetimes, skills that synergize in unprecedented ways, a mentor who understands both power and loss, and now the ability to grow stronger through every victory.
The Cardinal World awaits, and I intend to make my mark on it.