A familiar prickling sensation crawled up Korvus's spine as he neared his shelter. Something was wrong. The carefully arranged branches that concealed the entrance had been disturbed, and an unfamiliar scent hung in the air—acrid and sharp, like chemical venom.
Korvus crouched low, his newly developed senses reaching out to assess the threat. His territory had been invaded.
Silently, he circled the massive black tree that housed his shelter, scanning for movement. There—a flash of white against the dark foliage. Webs. Demon spiders had expanded their hunting grounds to include his home.
Perfect timing, Korvus thought grimly. He had just begun to master Flame Breathing, and now he would get to test it against actual opponents.
He closed his eyes briefly, focusing on his breathing. Inhale deeply, hold, exhale slowly. With each breath, he felt the familiar warmth spreading through his body, igniting the pathways he had spent weeks developing. The faint orange glow traced patterns across his skin as he prepared to defend what was his.
A skittering sound above alerted him just in time. Korvus leapt backward as a spider demon—about twice the size of his head with eight glossy black legs and a body covered in bone-white armor—dropped from the branches above.
"First Form: Unknowing Fire!" Korvus lunged forward, his claws trailing fire as they slashed through the air in a precise arc.
The spider demon was fast, but Korvus had been practicing this move hundreds of times daily. His claws caught four of the creature's legs, severing them cleanly as the fire cauterized the wounds. The spider shrieked, a high-pitched sound that sent a chill through Korvus's body.
That's going to attract more of them.
He was right. From the surrounding trees, more white forms began to descend, some as small as his fist, others larger than the first. Korvus counted at least seven spider demons converging on his position.
Drawing on his training, Korvus shifted his breathing rhythm, deepening each inhalation. "Second Form: Rising Scorching Sun!"
His body moved fluidly, claws sweeping upward in a circular motion that left a blazing trail. Two more spiders fell, their bodies consumed by flames before they hit the ground. But the others were learning, keeping their distance and beginning to circle him.
One particularly large spider, its abdomen marked with red patterns that resembled a face, seemed to be directing the others. It remained on a high branch, spinning what looked like a communication web that vibrated with each movement of the other spiders.
The queen, Korvus realized. Take her down, and the rest might retreat.
The problem was reaching her. The remaining spider demons had formed a defensive perimeter, preventing him from approaching the tree. And Korvus knew his current forms weren't going to be enough—he needed something with more range, more speed.
A memory flashed in his mind—another breathing style from the anime he had studied in his human life. Thunder Breathing, with its emphasis on speed and precision strikes. He had planned to develop it eventually, but necessity was forcing his hand.
The Essence of the Blank means I can learn any discipline. And The Essence of Training allows me to progress much faster than normal.
Korvus took a risk. He planted his feet firmly and altered his breathing pattern, making it sharper, more staccato. He visualized electricity coursing through his veins instead of fire—quick, unpredictable, devastating.
"First Form: Thunderclap and Flash!"
For a moment, nothing seemed to happen. Then Korvus felt it—a surge of energy unlike anything he had experienced before. His muscles tensed, then released in an explosive burst of speed. The world around him seemed to slow as he dashed forward, weaving between the spider demons before they could react.
In the span of a heartbeat, he reached the base of the tree. Another pulse of energy, and he was ascending, claws digging into the bark as he climbed with preternatural speed. The queen spider demon began to retreat, sensing the danger too late.
Korvus's claws pierced the creature's carapace just as it prepared to leap to another tree. Unlike the fire that had accompanied his earlier attacks, this time he felt a sharp, crackling energy emanate from his hands. The spider queen convulsed, its body jerking as if struck by lightning before going limp.
As the queen's soul emerged—brighter and more substantial than any Korvus had harvested before—the remaining spider demons froze. Then, as one, they began to retreat, scurrying away from what had suddenly become very dangerous territory.
Korvus absorbed the queen's soul, feeling a rush of power and knowledge. Images flashed through his mind—a vast network of tunnels beneath the trees, hundreds of eggs waiting to hatch, the sensation of spinning webs that could detect the slightest vibration. Useful information, all of it.
But what truly amazed him was how quickly he had managed to execute Thunder Breathing. His first attempt had been crude, lacking the refinement of his Fire Breathing techniques, but it had worked. More than worked—it had given him victory against superior numbers.
Panting slightly, Korvus returned to the ground and surveyed his territory. The spider webs would need to be cleared, and he would have to reinforce his shelter against future invasions. But for now, he had defended his home and gained valuable combat experience in the process.
As he set about removing the spider webs, Korvus's mind was already racing with possibilities. If he could develop Thunder Breathing so quickly in the heat of battle, what might he achieve with dedicated training? The Flame Breathing had taken weeks to manifest visible effects, but he had produced electrical energy on his first attempt with Thunder Breathing.
I need to systematize this, he thought. Create a training regimen that develops both styles in tandem.
The next three weeks passed in a blur of intense training and hunting. Each morning, Korvus would practice Flame Breathing forms on his stone platform. Each afternoon, he would hunt, targeting stronger prey with each passing day. And each evening, he would focus on developing Thunder Breathing, pushing himself to master the technique that had come to him in a moment of desperation.
His progress was astounding. What would have taken years for a human to master, Korvus was achieving in weeks. The Essence of Training accelerated his development exponentially, while The Essence of the Blank removed any biological or metaphysical limitations that might have restricted his growth.
By the end of the third week, Korvus had mastered three forms of Flame Breathing and two forms of Thunder Breathing. His status panel reflected his rapid advancement:
Name: Korvus Meryer Ywatt Alucard Lundisha Bloodborn Skywalker
Race: Demon
Form: Juvenile (Maturing)
Hierarchy: Low rank (Upper Tier)
Attribute: Dark, Fire (Developed), Lightning (Developing)
Strength: 32
Speed: 41
Magic Energy: 28
Vitality: 33
Skills: Flame Breathing (Adept), Thunder Breathing (Novice)
Essences: Involate Self, The Blank, Training
The addition of "Lightning" as a developing attribute had surprised him, but it made sense. His Thunder Breathing was manifesting as actual electrical energy, just as his Flame Breathing produced real fire.
More importantly, his hierarchy designation had changed. He was still within the low rank, but now classified as "Upper Tier." His physical form had changed as well—he stood taller, his muscles more defined, and his dark red skin had developed subtle patterns that resembled circuit boards when he channeled his Thunder Breathing.
Yet despite his rapid progress, Korvus felt restless. He had mastered the basics of two breathing styles, defended his territory, and hunted increasingly dangerous prey. But he was still alone in this vast underground world, with no one to share his discoveries or insights with.
His thoughts kept returning to the gun-wielding demon he had observed on the beach—the one who, like him, seemed to possess a human consciousness within a demon's body. Was he still alive? Had he also found ways to adapt his human knowledge to this hellish realm?
Decision made, Korvus set out to find him.
Tracking another demon in this vast underground world wasn't easy, even with Korvus's enhanced senses. But he had one advantage—a memory of which direction the gun-wielding demon had headed after emerging from the volcano.
Korvus spent days searching the twisted forest, moving cautiously through territories he hadn't explored before. He encountered various demonic creatures, some of which he was forced to fight, others he managed to avoid. Each conflict made him stronger, each soul absorbed adding to his growing power.
On the fifth day of his search, Korvus detected an unusual scent—something that didn't quite belong in this realm of sulfur and ash. It was faint, but distinctive, carrying traces of... gunpowder.
Following the scent, Korvus came to a clearing where the twisted trees grew less densely. In the center stood a particularly massive tree, its trunk wider than Korvus was tall. The entrance to a hollow was barely visible among its gnarled roots, camouflaged with stones and vegetation.
A shelter, just like mine.
Korvus approached cautiously, his senses alert for any sign of traps or ambush. When he was about twenty paces from the tree, he stopped.
"I know you're there," he called out. "I'm not here to fight. I think we might have something in common."
Silence. Then, a slight rustling from within the hollow.
"How did you find me?" A voice, rough but unmistakably intelligent, emerged from the hollow. "And what do you mean, 'something in common'?"
"I saw you on the beach," Korvus replied. "With the gun. You're not like the other demons, are you? You remember being human."
A long pause followed. Then, slowly, a figure emerged from the hollow. It was indeed the demon Korvus had observed—slightly taller than when he had last seen him, with a long, muscular tail that ended in three blade-like protrusions. In his hand, he held what looked like a crude revolver, pointed directly at Korvus.
"Who are you?" the demon demanded. "What do you know about humans?"
Korvus raised his hands slowly, showing he meant no harm. "My name is Korvus. Though in my previous life, I was called Harry Maxfield. I died—fell down a staircase, broke my neck—and woke up hatching from an egg on that beach."
The gun-wielding demon's eyes widened slightly. "You... you're a reincarnation too?"
Korvus nodded. "I was a freelance writer. Mostly fanfiction, some original work. And you?"
The other demon lowered his gun slightly. "Roy," he said after a moment. "At least, that's what I call myself now. I don't remember much about my previous life. Just fragments." He gestured with the gun. "But I remembered enough to make this."
"That's impressive," Korvus said sincerely. "I've been developing other techniques, but nothing physical like that."
Roy tilted his head, curious. "What kind of techniques?"
In response, Korvus took a step back, adjusted his breathing, and executed a simple Flame Breathing form. Fire trailed from his claws, dancing in the air before dissipating.
Roy's jaw dropped slightly. "How did you do that? Are you using souls somehow?"
"Not directly," Korvus explained. "I have these... abilities, essences I call them. They let me learn and adapt much faster than I should be able to. The fire comes from a technique I remembered from an anime I used to watch as a human."
Roy looked thoughtful, then gestured toward his hollow. "You'd better come inside. I think we have a lot to talk about."
The next few days were a revelation for both demons. Roy explained his custom-made system, which allowed him to draw and define objects into existence by consuming souls. Korvus shared his three essences and how they enabled him to develop breathing techniques that enhanced his physical abilities.
They were different approaches to power, but both rooted in their human memories and knowledge. And both had given them advantages that ordinary demons lacked.
"So you're saying you can learn anything, even things that should be impossible for demons?" Roy asked, fascinated.
Korvus nodded. "The Essence of the Blank removes all limitations on what I can learn. And The Essence of Training lets me progress much faster than normal. That's how I developed Flame Breathing and Thunder Breathing in just a matter of weeks."
"And The Essence of the Involate Self protects you from control and imprisonment," Roy mused. "That could be incredibly valuable as we encounter stronger demons."
"What about your system?" Korvus asked. "You mentioned you're planning to modify your body directly?"
Roy demonstrated his modified tail. "I've already started. This tail gives me a significant advantage in combat. But I have bigger plans—upgrading my hands to have steel claws, maybe even introducing a virus from a game I played that enhances the entire body."
They spent hours comparing notes, sharing observations about the demon realm, and discussing strategies for survival and advancement. Despite their different abilities, they found they worked well together—Roy's analytical mind complementing Korvus's adaptability.
By the third day, they had made a decision. They would combine their territories, creating a larger, more defensible area. Roy would use his system to create tools and weapons, while Korvus would provide protection through his combat techniques. Together, they would hunt stronger prey, gathering more souls to fuel their respective powers.
But more than that, they found something neither had expected in this hellish realm—companionship. A connection to their shared humanity that made the demon world slightly less terrifying.
"It's strange," Roy said as they reinforced the entrance to their new shared shelter. "When I first woke up here, I thought I was completely alone. That I'd have to fight against everything and everyone just to survive."
"Same," Korvus admitted. "It's a brutal place. But maybe we don't have to face it alone."
Roy nodded, a rare smile crossing his demonic features. "Partners, then?"
"Partners," Korvus agreed, clasping Roy's hand.
The partnership proved immediately beneficial. With Korvus's combat abilities providing protection, Roy was able to focus on creating more sophisticated tools. And with Roy's creations augmenting their hunting capabilities, Korvus was able to absorb more powerful souls, accelerating his mastery of the breathing techniques.
Together, they established a routine. Hunting expeditions in the morning, exploration in the afternoon, and training in the evening. They expanded their territory, marking boundaries with symbols Roy had designed that would ward off lesser demons.
Two weeks into their partnership, they encountered their first significant challenge—a middle-rank demon that had wandered into their territory. It resembled a massive bull with six legs and armor-like plates covering its body. Its horns glowed with an eerie blue light, and when it charged, it left scorched earth in its wake.
The battle was fierce. Roy's bullets barely penetrated the creature's armor, and Korvus's flame attacks seemed to have minimal effect. It was only when Korvus switched to Thunder Breathing, targeting the joints between the armor plates, that they began to gain an advantage.
"Third Form: Lightning Kick!" Korvus shouted, executing a technique he had just developed days earlier. His foot connected with the demon bull's head, discharging a powerful electrical surge that momentarily stunned the creature.
Roy seized the opportunity, firing precisely into the bull's exposed eye. The demon collapsed, its soul—larger and brighter than any they had seen before—emerging from its body.
"That's... incredible," Roy breathed, staring at the pulsating orb of light. "Do you know what this means? With a soul this powerful, I could create something truly significant."
Korvus nodded. "Take it. I've absorbed plenty recently, and I'm curious to see what you can make with something this strong."
Roy accepted the soul gratefully, already contemplating the possibilities. But as they returned to their shelter, both demons noticed something strange—a growing lethargy that seemed to seep into their bones.
"Do you feel that?" Korvus asked, his steps becoming heavy. "Like something's dragging me down?"
Roy nodded slowly. "It started after the fight. I thought it was just fatigue, but..." He paused, a realization dawning. "Wait. I've heard about this. Some demons enter a hibernation state after significant growth or consuming powerful souls. It's like a cocoon phase."
"Hibernation?" Korvus frowned. "For how long?"
"I don't know," Roy admitted. "But from what I understand, we'll emerge stronger. It's a natural evolution process for demons."
By the time they reached their shelter, both were struggling to stay awake. They quickly secured the entrance, ensuring they would be protected during their vulnerable state.
"If we're both going to be unconscious, we need to make sure nothing can get to us," Roy said, using the last of his energy to create a simple barrier across the entrance.
Korvus nodded, already settling into a corner of the shelter. "See you on the other side, partner."
As consciousness began to fade, Korvus reflected on how much had changed since he had hatched on that magma beach. He had developed powers he never imagined, established a territory in this hostile world, and most surprisingly, found an ally—perhaps even a friend.
His last thought before the hibernation took him was of the possibilities that awaited when they awakened. With Roy's system and his essences, there seemed to be no limit to what they might achieve.
The two demons slept, their bodies beginning to change even as the first hour of hibernation passed. Outside their shelter, the demon realm continued its cruel existence, unaware that within that humble hollow, two beings were evolving in ways that might one day reshape the very nature of this world.