I will return

66

I felt a surge of dark satisfaction as I slowly removed my mask, allowing my tail to emerge and swing strongly behind my back. The amazement on Zarkos and Daphne's faces was... exquisite. I could see the disbelief in their eyes as they processed that what they were seeing was real, not a prank or a disguise.

-What's happening? Aren't you glad to see me? —I said, holding back a laugh—. Or is it my new form that scares them?

My laughter echoed around the ring, causing Daphne to take a step back, her eyes filled with wonder.

"You... you can't be here," she said, incredulously. You're supposed to be in jail.

I looked at my chest, allowing them to notice the Daemon Ritus that beat there, like a dark and powerful heart, fused with me. Daphne and Zarkos were speechless, staring at that object in terror. She murmured, almost in disbelief.

—No... it can't be...

"That's right," I smiled, allowing myself the luxury of savoring the moment. The Daemon Ritus missed me almost as much as I missed him. So this time, I made sure no one else could take it from me.

Taking a step towards them, my movements became more aggressive, more predatory.

—Now... let the show begin.

Daphne tried to punch me, her fists filled with fury and desperation, but her every move was predictable. With a simple movement I dodged their attacks, my body agile and powerful like that of an unleashed beast. Then, when Zarkos advanced towards me, I took him by surprise, throwing him to the ground with ease.

—Do you remember when you were the one who knocked me down? —I mocked as he tried to get up.

—Of course... damsel.

With a push of my legs, I pushed him hard, making him stagger back.

Then, I grabbed Daphne and knocked her down in one swift movement, effortlessly throwing her at Zarkos, who was barely able to react.

"What's wrong, Daphne?" "You're not so strong when you face someone truly superior," I said, as they both tried to get back on their feet, their gazes full of hate and terror.Zarkos seemed shocked, his eyes reflecting the helplessness of someone who, in the end, understood his mistake."I can't believe you chose to follow others instead of me," I continued, fixing my gaze on him. I could give you so much, Zarkos.Zarkos raised a hand, in a gesture of supplication.—I always served you... you don't have to do this...I laughed contemptuously.—Of course, Zarkos.I swung my tail, a fierce movement that knocked them both down once more, leaving them vulnerable. A dark smile spread across my face.—Ah, how I would have liked to have this wonder when I transformed the first time...As I watched them try to get up, I made a sign. My henchmen began to close all the doors, making sure that no one could escape. The desperate gazes of the spectators looked for a way out, but everything was sealed.—It's funny how things don't go in your favor... but in mine.The Daemon Ritus began to shine on my chest, emitting a supernatural light that resonated in the environment. Daphne and Zarkos watched, stunned, as their own souls began to separate from their bodies, a terrifying and painful process. They weren't the only ones: the desperate screams of the spectators filled the stadium as their souls were sucked in, unable to escape.The energy flowing from the Daemon Ritus towards me was an indescribable force. I felt how each captured soul strengthened me, filling every fiber of my body with raw, dark power. When the Daemon Ritus finally closed its capture, my muscles began to expand. My torso grew, my arms became more robust, my tail and legs firmer, and my height reached new heights.The clothes I was wearing shattered, unable to contain my new form, my limbs swelling with pure energy. I looked at my hands, my claws longer and more deadly than ever, and realized I had grown almost an extra meter. My muscles glistened with every movement, radiating a strength I could barely contain.And then I remembered the first test, that incomplete transformation. If he combined that with this power... he could reach a size that would fill this stadium. In my mind, a burning desire grew, insatiable.—I want more.