[ Unique Bloodline Created ] [ Awaiting System’s Acceptance ] [ Bloodline Accepted ] [ Bloodline - Unique - Bloodline of the Bound Demon ] [ Bonuses Determined ] [ 60% Bonus to All Stats ] [ 25% Bonus to Hit Points ] How many of my kind would kill every one of our kind or do worse for such a chance to possess this kind of strength? He knew that none of what he had would have been possible without Max’s assistance, yet a part of him felt a sense of self-satisfaction for having survived long enough to have that opportunity. Sog’s body shook slightly, partly from excitement and the other part due to the memories of what he had endured to reach this moment. How many times was death so close I could feel my core being torn apart? In the arena… when I filled in for Max, that god Kazrak defeated me with ease. Now… Now I am certain I could rip his limbs from his body. “You’re smiling that way again,” Voktraz stated. “If I didn’t know any better, others might wonder what kind of devilish plans you were concocting.” A deep laugh echoed from the courtyard they stood in as the demonic world champion gazed upon the twelve demons before him. “Perhaps it is better this way,” Sog replied. “Still, these are the twelve… You’re certain half of them are worthy?” His version of a helper, Voktraz, shook her head from side to side, a slight frown upon her face. “You didn’t make this easy, making me look . Most either fear me for what I am or desire me because of it. But I have done as you asked, watching and reporting, and these twelve are the ones who best embody what you profess is most important. Each has demonstrated those qualities while none knew I was there.” Sog nodded and stared at the assorted group of demons. They were all shapes and sizes, some bearing the builds of warriors, others who specialized in demonic magic. One was a crafter, a surprising choice. Thɪs chapter is updated by N0v3l.Fiɾe.net Six male and female demons, none of whom knew why they had been summoned, each kneling against the obsidian stone floor. Only one met his gaze while the rest looked downward. Defiance? No… curiosity. She doesn’t appear afraid and looks almost at ease. He studied her from the corner of his eye. Sharazael… A demonic rogue variant. Six arms, four eyes in front and two in the back. Not physically intimidating, but I can see how she would be fearsome from behind. “You’re staring,” Voktraz whispered. “Is she the one?” “I’m not certain, yet part of me is curious. While I doubt she would lie to my face, speaking as a demon, we are good at it. One who specializes in the path you say she does would be even better at it,” Sog said. “So I’m curious. Is she playing a game, thinking ahead, able to know what I’m looking for, or is she actually what I’m seeking?” The sound of the wind and noises from outside the courtyard filled the silence until Sog glanced at Voktraz, who was standing there in silence. “Well, what is your opinion of her?” “Oh, sorry,” his helper replied. “I didn’t realize you wanted my opinion. Last time I—” “I know,” Sog said, waving a hand and cutting her off. “That was not wise, and I apologized. You know far more about running a city and a capital and trade things. You were correct; I was asking for too much in return from the others. So tell me, do you think she is the one?” Voktraz tapped her sharpened nail against her chin. “She is cunning, smart, and very dangerous. Only a fool would challenge her without your bloodline or your spark. Part of me wondered at first why you didn’t summon that one here, but I believe I know why now. What you offer is not earned and not a guarantee of what is to come.” “Correct,” Sog replied. “Xyrodan is a fine warrior, but he has been a little haughty in his treatment of the others since getting my original spark. That is why I asked for this.” “Then choose her,” Voktraz said. “Out of all the twelve, she has a presence they lack. Even the biggest demon, two spaces over, cannot match hers. I am not sure how she will respond in time, but if you treat her as Max treats his king, perhaps she will also mimic the things you desire.” And I’m still trying to figure all that out. What I desire and what is worth pursuing. “Very well. I appreciate your advice and help in this matter,” Sog replied. He moved toward the group, the other eleven still with their heads bowed and Sog smiled as Sharazael flinched only slightly as he came to stand before her. “I have a question for you, Sharazael. Answer it truthfully. Lie, and I will crush you right here and now as an example. Do you understand?” “My tongue shall only speak the truth, prince of our world,” Sharazael replied. Sighing to himself, Sog ignored the title he sometimes hated. “What is it that I desire from our kind?” Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings. “To find new ways to live, to work together with ourselves and the other races, and to grow stronger.” “And what of your fellow demons? If I told you to kill these eleven and I would grant you strength beyond what you can imagine, what would you do?” Her black eyes flared, illuminating the outer edges of her black skin. “I would do so only if you commanded me to, my prince. To attack and strike them down would go against the very things you bound us to. Wisdom would say that this is a test. Only a fool would believe a god to go against the words they commanded us to obey.” Sharazael paused for a second before adding, “And I am no fool.” Sog chuckled and nodded, smiling so that all of his teeth could be seen. “It appears you are not. Then tell me, daughter of my making. Will you accept my bloodline? Can I trust you to be queen over our kind and to rule as I desire? Are you able to suppress the urges that rise within your chest, wanting to grow stronger, knowing that a blade in the right back can bring just that?” Sharazael hesitated, her coal-black lips quivering for a moment as she blinked rapidly. “I… I would say I would do my best. To promise anything else would be a mistake and a lie. Every day the hunger is there. Every morning I must wake up and choose to obey and honor that which I swore to. I… I will do what I can for many reasons. One, because I know compared to you, I am an insect. If you desire it, you can crush me with ease. The other… is I believe in what you say. Perhaps I can be different.” Sog looked up and then to the northeast. He could sense where Max was. The thread that was tied to them was always there. I’m different for those same reasons. No matter how many times I considered trying to fight for my freedom at first, I knew that Max would crush me, and yet… what changed me in the end was his belief I could change. That I could be different. “Then rise, my child,” Sog said, holding a hand out to her. “Accept what I am about to give you, and know it is a small echo of my own heart.” Four black eyes blinked at him twice before one of her hands took his, and she stood. A red blade appeared in his hand. “Remove your armor, turn around, and bare your back to me. What comes next shall hurt, but know it is pain that shall pass. It serves as a reminder of what we carry and how our actions can cause harm. You, my child, shall have to bear the marks caused by our children who defy the commands you and I give. Any who think themselves above or outside of our laws must be marked accordingly, and you must be the one to give them. Is this a weight you can carry?” “I can,” Sharazael replied. She didn’t hesitate, removing her armor and shirt, turning around, her naked black skin exposed. “Then these runes shall mark you. Know, though, that my blood shall help to ease their pain and make you stronger.” With the precision of a doctor, Sog began to carve the runes of her kind into her back. His hand trembled as he paused. The last one felt so foreign and yet was the most important. It was a curse word in his tongue. Something demons would spit upon without a second thought. Steading himself with a breath, Sog carved the last rune in. Not once did Sharazael shudder or react. Dark blood ran down her skin and began to soak her pants. Sog didn’t wait, taking the same knife and cutting his palm from one side to the other. His blood began to boil, and he willed it not to heal. “May my blood strengthen you,” Sog said as he placed his palm over the first rune. “May it give you the power to endure all that comes your way. May my blood help your mind to know what to do in every situation.” He paused again, blood dripping from his wound and onto the obsidian stone. The other three runes were already healed. Yet the fourth one called to him. “And may my blood be proof that we all need mercy.” He grabbed her shoulder with his left hand and pressed his cut right one against the rune. A grunt came from Sharazael as he felt the power of his bloodline enter her and she shook. [ Bloodline Granted - Sharazael is now Sharazael’thollech ] A noise he hadn’t expected came as the demon before him sobbed twice. Sog put away his knife, summoned a robe, and draped it around her shoulders. “Turn, daughter, queen of our people, and let me see your face.” Clouded tears ran down her face as she spun around. He tightened the cloak, covering her nakedness, and leaned forward, kissing her forehead. “You are my daughter, my blood, and now shall carry my spark.” Sog then placed his thumb into his mouth and bit it. It bled, and he held it out before her lips. “Taste only this once what I give.” Sharazael steadied herself in a single breath and stood tall, chest out and nodded. With a reverent kiss, she drew in the blood he offered and accepted it, light radiating around her dark lips. “Thank you,” she whispered. “I am honored.” Sog chuckled as she licked the blood on her lips after speaking. “No child, I am. Now come. Dress yourself, wear your robe, and let us introduce you to the rest of our people. You have three days. Choose three others to carry my spark. Form a party. You must grow stronger, and your first test shall be that task. In time, more shall come.” He motioned toward Voktraz. “My assistant shall be your guide.” Sharazael’thollech bowed before the succubus. “I shall listen to your words and act.” A soft chuckle came from Voktraz. “It would appear you’ve picked well. At least someone around here might.” Sog groaned and snapped his fingers. “You eleven, rise. Go spread the word around the kingdom. Tell everyone you meet that when the sun sets, they shall meet their new queen. Act well, obey without delay, and perhaps she might choose you to join her.” As one, the other eleven stood and took off, each in a different direction, their voices already calling out the announcement of a queen having been chosen. “You do realize I could have announced to everyone to gather?” Voktraz asked after the eleven had run off. “I do,” Sog replied. “But for those, there is a chance to prove something to their new queen.” He turned and held out his hand to Sharazael. “Come, my child. Let us show you your new home.”