The Devil Summoner in Shadow

Chapter 4: Weird Dream and New Demon

It's been hours since I started trudging through this damn desert. The sand grinds into my shoes with every step, an incessant annoyance. Strangely, I haven't encountered a single demon. In a place like the Vortex World, you'd expect to be knee-deep in them.

I spot what looks like an oasis up ahead, a shimmering pool of water beside a grand stone arch. Hope flares briefly; maybe I'll find something interesting there. As I draw closer, I notice several silhouettes moving in the water. They have fins instead of feet, darting beneath the surface.

I couldn't help but make a mental joke, wondering if they were like Pokémon and weak to electric attacks. It was a shame most of my recent opponents had been susceptible to electricity; I had already used up my only Zio stone and hadn't yet acquired any electric skills.

Grumbling about my lack of variety in attack options, I drew my katana, cast Sukukaja on myself and issued a command to Burroughs. "Burroughs, initiate analysis."

As I advanced I could finally see the demons in the water. They had a humanoid form but with distinct fish-like features. Their skin was a smooth, iridescent blue, suggesting an affinity with water. Their heads were elongated and streamlined, with glowing red eyes that added a sinister touch. Their mouths were open, revealing sharp teeth and long, whisker-like appendages extending from their faces.

Their arms and legs were long and thin, ending in webbed, clawed hands and feet, enhancing their aquatic nature. Along their backs and limbs, fin-like structures likely assisted in swimming. Their bodies tapered off into powerful, fish-like tails, further emphasizing their capability for swift movement in water.

Suddenly, all the demons noticed me. They paused momentarily before launching themselves at me with remarkable speed. Despite their quickness, they weren't fast enough to escape my enhanced vision. Thanks to Sukukaja, I could track and dodge their attacks without too much difficulty.

As I evaded their strikes, Burroughs' voice cut through my thoughts with the results of her analysis. "Analysis complete."

The information appeared on my screen:

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Name: Azumi
Race: Brute
MP: 250/250

Resistances: [Ice]
Weakness: [Electric]

Strength: E-
Endurance: E-
Magic: E
Agility: E
Luck: E

Skills: [Bufu][Scratch Dance]

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I chuckled inwardly. They were indeed weak to electricity, confirming my earlier suspicion. Their stats were all inferior to mine except for agility, but even that was manageable with Sukukaja in play. My thoughts were abruptly interrupted by a stalactite launched by one of the Azumi. I dodged it, only to see several more preparing their magic.

Deciding to test a theory, I reminded myself that unlike a human, a demon's use of magic wasn't dependent on the COMP. If I could enchant my weapon with Mudo, it could potentially turn my katana into a cursed blade. I focused inward, trying to feel the Magatsuhi within me, just as the COMP guided me during spellcasting. As I began to channel Mudo, I shifted the flow of energy, directing it towards my katana.

The process was intricate. First, I visualized the dark energy swirling within, concentrating on its ominous, life-draining essence. Instead of letting it manifest as an external spell, I willed it into the blade. The katana vibrated slightly, the metal absorbing the dark energy. It felt as though the weapon itself was thirsting for Magatsuhi, hungry for the power I was channeling into it.