A New World, an immersive game experience

Chapter 401: Justice?

Despite the possible upsides, Eldrian was extremely wary. He recalled how great trying to absorb the energy of the reverent heart had sounded, but the results had just been a desperate struggle. Sure, he had gained a great deal from the struggle itself, but nothing more, outside of the title that had little use.

Naturally, Eldrian was unaware that it was precisely this title and the ability he had gained from his success in surviving the ordeal that had enhanced mana sense and allowed him to see the strings between the Spirited Ackleys.

The ability Scourge of Undeath made him more aware of the weaknesses of the undead, but it also allowed him greater insights into the entire aspect of undeath. Helping him connect the dots and also enhancing his inspection and observation attempts.

Not knowing this, and even if he did Eldrian would likely still not want to take the risk. Especially since this would be even harder than the curse.

Even if it could be confirmed that he would survive and win, Eldrian still did not think he would want to try it.

The biggest problem with taking the risk was he had no idea what he could gain.

'I think I would rather just kill him, or you kill him.' Eldrian said, this time not speaking but rather just thinking the words.

'Are you sure you want to abandon such a chance?'

'Yes. Unless you can guarantee that it will work out and be worth it.'

A few seconds passed, during which Eldrian observed the devil who seemed to have come to some sort of peace. Having realized that it stood no chance and having done its best to try and survive, Milgoroth came to accept that he would die at the hand of someone far more talented than him or be killed by the being even stronger than his father.

Eldrian wasn't sure how he felt about that. Knowing that this devil had killed many people simply for his own growth and possibly entertainment made Eldrian wish that he was struggling for his life.

Yet, Eldrian hoped that when he one day died that he could die in peace. Having accomplished what he had wanted or come to accept his failure. To not take it with him if there was an afterlife.

'Is he even going to get an afterlife?' Eldrian wondered, knowing that people here believed in such things. They did not have proof of their existences, but with magic being a thing and gods being real albeit AI, Eldrian felt there should be an afterlife.

'Yes, there is an afterlife. However, it is not as you all envision it.' Came Ziraili's answer, followed by another explanation.

'Since you do not wish to try and absorb his soul while it is still alive, you can first kill it and absorb the essence. This is normally what devils do as it is far safer, however, you will gain far less from it.'

'That's fine, but...' Eldrian again looked at the devil who was no longer struggling and suddenly he wished that the devil would. 'How should I kill him?' Eldrian asked after taking a moment to reinforce his mind.

He knew that the devil here was not someone good. He was only here because he had tried to steal someone's body. Yet...

Eldrian did not want to kill when he was not struggling.

'This... This feels terrible.' Eldrian mumbled and his fire and ice aura's quivered. It was the first time Eldrian would take a life.

He had fought plenty of beasts, but they were just beasts and fighting back. He had fought plenty of undead, but again they were undead and were attacking them.

Yet, here. The devil was not fighting, he was not struggling. Instead, he was looking at Eldrian and waiting for the job to be finished. This, this shook Eldrian.

'It would be so much easier...' Eldrian's thoughts did not finish.

'It will be quick, simply send out the fire aura as a thin needle and strike at his head and heart.' Came Ziraili's voice and Eldrian nodded but did not do anything.

He stood there silently, looking at Milgoroth for a few minutes. Finally, he managed to build up enough mentally. "I'm sorry," Eldrian whispered as the fire stirred. Quickly forming into two thin strands that struck Milgoroth with pinpoint precision.

'Now quick, absorbed it!' Zirailiy said, but Eldrian stood still for a few seconds as he watched the figure of the devil dematerializing. Bit by bit, parts of the person before him would disappear into the void.

By the time around a quarter of the devil had disappeared Eldrian managed to overcome what he had done and started gathering the essence. Forcing it to his heart where he made an opening for it to pass through his ice shield.

Eldrian didn't feel anything from doing this. Truly it felt like nothing happened, however, the heart now beat faster and stronger. The arouras also seemed brighter than before.

"What did I just do?" Eldrian asked as it all suddenly came rushing at him. He had hoped he would be overwhelmed by absorbing the essence. Yet, instead, all that he was left with was his own thoughts on what he had just done.

"You ended the life of a devil, who had killed countless others."

"But..." Eldrian nodded, yet his thoughts were a mess. Leaving the Mageia Avyssos, he opened his eyes and stared at the sky. 'Why did I do it?' He asked himself, none of his answers holding up after the fact.

Saying he had served justice sounded nice and was what he had gone in with, yet... All his life he had been thought that killing was never the answer. Making him believe he should have found another way.

Saying he had done what it took to become stronger was even worse. And even just thinking it made Eldrian feel like shit.

Saying that he had done what was necessary also did not feel right. For, was it necessary? He could have let Milgoroth go free. 'No, he would have then tried to find some way to survive.' Eldrian quickly denied it and it made him feel slightly better. It did not make him feel great, but better than before.

Hearing the system message Eldrian looked at it but only half took in what it said.

[Quest: Undead Invasion - Goal 5 accomplished]

[Title awarded: Devil's Bane]

[Gain a unique knowledge of devils upon first sight. When encountering a devil you will be able to determine the number of souls they had absorbed. You will also be able to see if they rely on emotional torment for sustenance, this, they will never be able to hide from you. It will be like a beacon in the dark, the more they had relied on it the brighter it will shine.]

[You will also be able to find a devil's unique bloodline abilities upon using Observe or Mana sense.]

Eldrian read through it but not much made it into his mind. The only thing he concentrated on was that they fed on souls and emotions. This made him feel slightly better again, but only for a moment.