Rising Shadows: The Fight for Freedom I

Chapter 123: Within the Demon Sword

Could it be that Darn's soul has been tainted by the demon sword, invaded by the essence of a devil? Ha, I have already examined my student thoroughly; spells designed to detect evil have proven utterly ineffective!

Casting a glance at Darn, Grand Mage Ambrolor paid no heed to the impending light spell he was about to cast, for he had long since conducted a comprehensive assessment of his pupil. The holy-tier mage was confident that, given his level of magic, even the weakest of lowly demons, abyssal demons, or even chain demons and lust demons could not elude his detection. As for higher-tier devils...

While it was conceivable that devils of such caliber might evade my scrutiny, their power would be far too overwhelming for Darn. If such a devil sought to invade and possess the body of a sixteen-year-old boy, Darn would have long since lost his sanity, transforming into a demonic form!

With this conclusion firmly in mind, Grand Mage Ambrolor prepared to wait a moment longer, eager to witness the expression of disappointment on the high priest's face before returning to the mage tower to continue his magical experiments. However, as a pure, radiant energy enveloped Darn in an instant, the expression of the holy-tier mage gradually solidified.

A milky-white luminescence surged forth from the high priest, continuously pouring into Darn. From that radiance, everyone present felt an overwhelming force of light, a power that had long surpassed the mana required for detecting evil. Yet, the high priest continued to release mana ceaselessly, gathering and channeling the nearby light elements!

What on earth is this high priest doing? Something is amiss! Indeed, something is terribly wrong! Hmm, why do I sense that this cleric seems unable to control himself!?

With a grave expression, Grand Mage Ambrolor observed the high priest, who was still releasing mana uncontrollably. He hesitated, raising his arm, but before the holy-tier mage could act, several other clerics, having also sensed the anomaly, reached out to their companion.

To interrupt a cleric's spellcasting, especially one of considerable rank, requires great skill and a certain level of power. Thus, the clerics attempting to intervene between Darn and the high priest, to halt the latter's abnormal mana release, each cast the most potent light protection spells upon themselves before cautiously approaching the high priest.

Initially, everything proceeded smoothly; the clerics captured the high priest without any resistance. They began to channel their mana, preparing to collectively stop the high priest's ongoing mana release. However, after a quarter of an hour, the clerics remained frozen in place, while visibly new streams of mana emerged, merging with the high priest's light mana and surging toward Darn.

How could this be! This is impossible! What on earth is happening! Grand Mage Ambrolor's expression turned grave, and the surrounding clerics and mages displayed shock, their gazes irresistibly drawn to one individual-Darn, who was continuously absorbing the light elements!

Is it the devil that has instigated all of this? With cautious, piercing eyes fixed on the boy, such thoughts arose in the minds of all present.

As Grand Mage Ambrolor and the others grappled with their suspicions, Darn, who had remained motionless, focused entirely on his own mind and soul. In a vast expanse resembling a sea of clouds, the devil Ramis and the light mage Epictetus stood in a tense standoff.

"Damn you! Heliu's lapdog! Foolish mortal! How dare you threaten the great demon lord Ramis! You will surely regret this! I swear, you will face the most dreadful punishment! One day, you will endure the cruelest torment this world has to offer!"

Ramis cursed vehemently, his expression twisted with rage, while across from him, Epictetus remained silent, yet his demeanor radiated excitement.

"Look at what you've done! You dare to siphon the power of the innocent! What difference is there between your actions and those of us demons! Ah! Despicable wretch, not only do you drain the strength of those annoying fools, but you also manipulate their bodies!"