The Demon of Desire: the rise of the slum rat

The forest canopy grew denser as Mikhael led the group deeper into its shadows. The artifact's whispers had quieted since the ambush, but the tension in the air remained thick. Shirone trailed behind him, her golden eyes darting nervously between the trees, while Kael walked with a wary stride, their hands occasionally brushing the pouches at their belt.

"Do you even know where we're going?" Kael asked, breaking the silence.

"Far enough from Kuoh to avoid attracting more rogues," Mikhael replied.

Kael frowned. "And close enough to keep risking our necks if the artifact draws attention?"

"It's not up for debate," Mikhael said sharply. "We move until I say we stop."

A Hidden Sanctuary

The group emerged into a clearing dominated by the ruins of an ancient structure, its crumbled stone walls covered in moss and vines. Faint traces of magic lingered in the air, hinting at its past significance.

Shirone tilted her head. "What is this place?"

"An old hideout," Kael said, their voice tinged with nostalgia. "Rogues used to meet here before the Syndicate took over. The wards should still be active—it'll keep us hidden for now."

Mikhael moved toward the entrance, his Mana Sense scanning the area. The wards were weak, but intact. "It'll do," he said, stepping inside.

The Weight of the Artifact

As the group settled in, Mikhael removed the artifact from his coat, placing it carefully on the floor in front of him. Its glow was dimmer now, but the whispers remained a constant presence at the edge of his thoughts.

Kael crouched beside him, their sharp eyes studying the artifact. "You're not just carrying it, are you?"

Mikhael's jaw tightened. "It's... connected to me."

Kael exhaled, their tone grim. "That's worse than I thought. If the artifact sees you as its host, it'll do everything it can to consume you."

"I won't let it," Mikhael said, his voice low but resolute.

Shirone approached cautiously, her gaze fixed on the glowing object. "Can't we destroy it?"

Kael shook their head. "Not without destroying him, too."

Shirone's eyes widened. "What?"

"The connection's too strong," Kael explained. "If we tried to break the bond now, it would rip his soul apart."

An Unwanted Visitor

Before anyone could respond, Mikhael's Mana Sense flared, a sharp spike of energy cutting through the ambient magic. He rose to his feet, his crimson eyes narrowing.

"We're not alone," he said.

The faint rustle of leaves and the crunch of footsteps echoed from the edge of the clearing. Mikhael motioned for Kael and Shirone to stay back as he stepped outside, his blade already drawn.

A figure emerged from the shadows—a tall, slender man clad in dark armor, his silver hair catching the faint moonlight. His eyes glowed with a pale blue light, and a cruel smirk played on his lips.

"Ah, so you're the one carrying Greed," the man said, his voice smooth and mocking.

"Who are you?" Mikhael demanded, his stance low and ready.

The man chuckled. "You can call me Lucien. Let's just say I've been looking for you—and that artifact."

The Duel Begins

Lucien moved first, his form a blur as he closed the distance between them. Mikhael countered with Shadow Step, vanishing just as Lucien's blade slashed through the air. He reappeared at Lucien's flank, his own blade flashing in a precise arc.

Lucien blocked effortlessly, his smirk widening. "Fast, but predictable."

Mikhael pressed the attack, his movements fluid and relentless. He combined Muay Thai elbow strikes with swift slashes, his speed forcing Lucien to stay on the defensive.

Lucien retaliated with a burst of dark magic, a wave of energy that shattered the ground beneath them. Mikhael leaped into the air, twisting into a Taekwondo tornado kick that connected with Lucien's shoulder, forcing him back.

Skill: Taekwondo Tornado Kick

A high-speed rotational kick that generates significant force, ideal for breaking an opponent's defense.

"You've got skill," Lucien admitted, brushing dust from his armor. "But you're holding back. Let me guess—the artifact is whispering to you, isn't it? Promising power if you just let go."

Mikhael's grip on his blade tightened. "I don't need it to beat you."

Lucien laughed, his tone mocking. "Then you're a fool."

The Artifact's Influence Grows

As the fight dragged on, Mikhael felt the artifact's whispers growing louder. Its energy pulsed against his chest, tempting him with visions of overwhelming power.

Lucien's strikes came faster, each blow laced with dark magic that burned on contact. Mikhael's movements became more desperate, his breathing ragged as he struggled to keep up.

"Stop fighting it," the artifact's voice echoed in his mind. "Let me help you."

Mikhael hesitated for a fraction of a second, and Lucien seized the opportunity. His blade slashed across Mikhael's side, drawing blood and forcing him to the ground.

Shirone's voice rang out from the ruins. "Mikhael!"

Unleashing Greed

The pain sharpened Mikhael's focus, but it also weakened his resolve. The artifact's power surged, flooding his body with raw energy.

"Fine," Mikhael growled. "Just this once."

The air around him crackled with dark energy as the artifact's glow intensified. Mikhael rose to his feet, his movements faster and more precise than before. He activated Rising Dragon, the strike infused with the artifact's power. The blow connected with Lucien's chest, sending him flying into a nearby tree.

Skill: Rising Dragon (Amplified)

A finishing move enhanced by the artifact's energy, delivering devastating force to the opponent.

Lucien coughed, blood staining his lips as he struggled to rise. "So, you finally gave in. I was starting to think you didn't have it in you."

Mikhael didn't respond, his crimson eyes glowing faintly as he approached. The artifact's whispers were deafening now, urging him to finish the job.

The Choice

Before Mikhael could strike again, Shirone stepped in front of him, her golden eyes pleading.

"Stop," she said. "This isn't you."

Mikhael froze, his blade hovering inches from Lucien's throat. The artifact's energy pulsed violently, resisting his hesitation.

"You're better than this," Shirone said softly.

Mikhael exhaled slowly, the glow in his eyes fading as he lowered his blade. The artifact's whispers quieted, retreating into the recesses of his mind.

Lucien smirked weakly. "Mercy? How disappointing."

"Get out of here," Mikhael said coldly. "And don't let me see you again."

Lucien staggered to his feet, his smirk still in place. "You'll regret this, boy."

With that, he disappeared into the shadows, leaving the group in tense silence.