Rising Shadows: The Fight for Freedom I

Chapter 140: Journey on the River of the Dead (Part Two)

In truth, it is not uncommon on the continent of Isilia for one person to selflessly and without any cost bestow their power upon another. In fact, there are many instances of this, especially during the ancient wars between gods and demons, when powerful beings of any intelligent race would choose to contribute all their strength to combat formidable foes or to leave a legacy for their kin before their demise.

However, transferring power to another is not a process that can fully convey one's abilities; it is significantly weakened and requires a certain level of mastery to accomplish such a complex feat. Yet, throughout the millennia of Isilia's history, Dahn had witnessed and heard of numerous instances of transferring fighting spirit and magical power.

What Dahn had not anticipated was that a devil, known for its selfishness, would engage in such self-sacrificial acts, generously channeling its power into the boy's body during those brief ten days, allowing Dahn's strength to grow rapidly.

Nevertheless, while Dahn had not foreseen the devil's actions, he was acutely aware of the reasons behind them. The consequences of receiving the devil's power had begun to affect him, making the boy realize that with gain comes loss-a truth that holds for every being in the multiverse.

I cannot continue like this; I must find a way to suppress the demonic nature within me. Otherwise... otherwise...

Suddenly standing up, Dahn strode purposefully toward the cabin. Just moments ago, while gazing at the thousands of corpses in the River of the Dead, he had felt an uncontrollable bloodlust surge within him, a desire to unleash a killing spree.

Ah, has it begun to take effect? Heh heh heh, at this rate, this boy's soul will inevitably fall. If it weren't for the short time frame and the fragility of this flesh, perhaps I would have already claimed this human's soul.

The powers of those demons have nearly all been transferred into this human boy's body. Ha ha! Not only have I slain those fools, but I have also nudged this human boy toward the direction I desire. I am truly a genius, Ramis thought with satisfaction deep within Dahn's consciousness.

"Jeseta!" Upon entering the cabin, Dahn called out loudly. Gradually, a flicker of agitation appeared in his previously emotionless gaze, a hint of undeniable eagerness.

In a corner of the cabin, Jeseta, now fully restored, noticed Dahn's gaze. However, faced with the intense emotions that suddenly erupted in the boy's eyes, the female priest merely responded with a cold demeanor, showing no sign of being moved, even exuding a strong aura of murderous intent.

This was a desire to dismember the boy before her, to reduce him to ashes-entirely different from the murderous intent Jeseta had previously displayed in her quest for light and justice, to eradicate evil. Though the priestess held steadfast beliefs and was willing to do anything for her faith and the light, what neither Jeseta nor Dahn realized was that something within the girl's soul had quietly begun to change.

"Jeseta, I need your help! I need your light!" Dahn exclaimed, rushing to stand before the priestess, his hands outstretched, eager and frantic as he reached for her.

"Help? Of course! I am more than willing to assist you! Shield of Truth, Sacred Fire!" For the first time in over ten days, Jeseta spoke to Dahn, quickly casting two light spells. One forced Dahn's hands to retract, while the other sent him leaping back several meters.

The scorching light spells erupted in the cabin, casting a brilliant glow. As the radiance gradually dimmed and finally faded, Dahn returned with a resigned expression.

Didn't I inflict any harm on him? Dahn's power is growing stronger; I fear what may come... Jeseta felt a mix of frustration and anger, but soon, a determined, unwavering light flickered back to life in her eyes.