Becoming the Dark Lord

Chapter 528: Demons Never Yield

The young demon standing before Vaelor had said something unexpected. He claimed to possess something Vaelor might actually want.

"You? A mere Rank E, claiming to have something of interest to me?" Vaelor scoffed. "I find that hard to believe."

"Something tells me that you, like the gods, need followers on your Path," Luke Moon replied calmly. "Otherwise, you wouldn't be handing out power for free."

The young demon wasn't wrong. Still, that alone wasn't enough.

"So the one who said moments ago that he had no interest in becoming a blacksmith is now willing to submit himself to my Path in exchange for knowledge of the second core?" Vaelor asked, a hint of mockery in his tone, though curiosity slipped through.

Having someone carry his Path into a newly integrated universe would be advantageous, especially if that person was somehow connected to the Order of the Primordial of Darkness.

"No. I'm not interested in the Path of your profession," Luke Moon said plainly.

Vaelor kept his expression neutral, though inwardly he was confused. "Then you have nothing to offer me. If you were inclined to accept my Path, I might have considered sharing knowledge of the second core."

"I'm offering something better than a single follower," Luke said. "I'm offering you the chance to establish a branch of your Order in my universe. Not one disciple, but many."

"And how, exactly, and why would you do that?" Vaelor asked.

"For my kingdom," Luke answered. "I will establish one. I can find someone who fits your standards, someone worthy of your interest as a blacksmith, and grant them free passage. Your blacksmiths would be welcome in my realm under my protection, growing along the Path of your profession. Security and resources for your Order would be part of the arrangement."

Vaelor narrowed his eyes, weighing the words carefully. It was, in truth, an excellent proposal. That universe was newly integrated. His temple had only appeared there by chance, and there was no guarantee that whoever claimed his treasure would spread the name of his Order. It could just as easily end up in the hands of another leech, someone who would exploit his legacy and discard it.

"And you already have a kingdom? Subjects under your banner?" Vaelor asked.

"No," Luke replied instantly, so fast that for a brief moment Vaelor almost thought he had said yes.

"Oh, let me see if I understand this correctly," Vaelor said, laughing. "You want ancient knowledge from my clan, and in return you're offering a position for my Order in a kingdom that doesn't even exist yet? I see no reason to agree to something like that."

He stroked his chin thoughtfully. "It would be far more advantageous for me to wait until someone with far greater resources comes along and claims the Profession."

"You're absolutely right," Luke Moon said without hesitation. "Outside, there's the daughter of a general, there's even a baron. People with far more political and financial power than I have." He didn't seem bothered admitting it. "But I have something they don't."

"And what would that be?"

"A territory where your Order is born as a foundation, not an accessory. Gods value investment, and that's what I'm offering. A high-ranking position in my kingdom for your chosen heir. And to be clear, you will have full authority to approve who inherits your Path. Even if it takes decades, I'll wait for someone you deem worthy. And of course, I'll build your Order properly. Statues and all, just like the one I found here."

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Vaelor studied the young demon in silence, measuring every word.

"And tell me," Luke Moon said calmly, "are you going to stay here waiting for someone who might use the power of your Path and maybe, just maybe, share it with another… or will you accept my offer and truly establish your Order within an important kingdom? And believe me, I'll make it the most important one on my world."

Vaelor considered it for a moment, his gaze drifting to the floating hammer. A branch of my Order in this universe, guaranteed. A tempting offer. Very tempting. Still…

He looked back at the demon. "And what happens if you fail to build your kingdom? What becomes of my side of the deal then?"

"If that happens, I'll still honor the agreement. I'll give the hammer to someone of your choosing, even if that person is my enemy."

Vaelor extended his hand. "I accept the terms."

"You'll teach me how to create the core of a Spectral Beast?"

"Yes."

"And the process that would allow me, somehow, to absorb that core?"

"I will."

The young demon reached out.

[Demonic Contract Activated]

Vaelor activated his skill. Red threads erupted the instant their hands met, intertwining tightly around their wrists like living bindings. "This is a promise you cannot escape. Remember that."

"I said I would honor it."

The contract manifested before the young demon, a transcription of their spoken terms.

[Contract Sealed]

The red thread vanished.

"The agreement is now complete," Vaelor said.

"Then how do I create the core?"

Vaelor laughed, the sound echoing through the chamber. "Fool. You should have asked more questions. The process is exclusive to the Wraith-Demon race. It won't work for you."

His laughter rang louder.

"I would never give away a secret of such power so easily. And since you aren't compatible with it, I come out ahead in the end. You'll still have to find a successor for my profession, one way or another. I'm an experienced demon. I'm never one step ahead of a contractor. I'm a hundred. Take it as a lesson, young demon. Learn how to make contracts next time."

Vaelor turned toward the Primordial of Darkness. "Well? What did you think, Great Sovereign?"

"You certainly didn't go easy on him," the Primordial replied.

The young demon's face twisted in apparent despair. "So you never intended to tell me the secret?"

Vaelor smiled thinly. "Of course not. Why would I reveal the technique that made me powerful enough to build my empire to a fool?"

The young demon's expression seemed to crumble further. Vaelor was ancient, cunning, merciless when it came to contracts. He knew exactly how to break someone.

"I only used it as bait to secure the contract. A small punishment for your initial disrespect. Let this be a lesson. Watch your words. Read between the lines. When a demon agrees too easily to a contract, it's never a good sign."

Then the young demon turned away. But he was smiling. There was no despair at all.

"Thank you for the advice," Luke Moon said. "I hope you follow it yourself next time."

Vaelor froze, confusion flickering across his face.

"Well now, Vaelor," the Primordial said with a smile. "You lost this one."

"I lost… no. I didn't lose."

"You agreed to give him your technique far too easily. I'm genuinely surprised," the Primordial remarked.

He wasn't a fool, and Vaelor knew it. Still, he tried to justify himself. "Great Primordial, I was clever. I didn't lose. I tricked him so he would learn a lesson."

"Your technique is compatible only with wraith-demons," Luke Moon said calmly. "At least, that's what I inferred from the murals on the walls. The problem is, I am a demon."

"That much I know," Vaelor replied, chin lifted with pride. "But that alone guarantees nothing."

"Vaelor, Vaelor," the Primordial said, amusement lacing his voice. "The young demon here possesses a power called Wraith Form."

"W-what?"

Luke Moon dissolved into black smoke, his body unraveling into shadow. From the swirling darkness, a cloaked figure took shape, darker and heavier than before.

"And do you know what that means, Vaelor Vath'Ironak?" Luke Moon asked, his voice now deep and resonant, no longer entirely his own. "It means that in this state, I am a wraith-demon."