Chapter 3 — Awakening of the Demon System
The battlefield had gone silent. Smoke curled into the crimson sky, the ground scarred from the clash of godlike forces. Ethan stood, chest rising and falling, shadows coiling around him like living serpents. The Demon King had retreated for now.
> [System Notification: Demon Lord Retreat Detected Threat Level Reduced.]
Reward: Demon King's Aura Grants 10% power boost to all future abilities.
Ethan grinned, feeling the surge of energy. The Goddess' blessing pulsed within him like a heartbeat, guiding him, whispering promises of even greater power.
> "This is just the beginning," he muttered. "And I'm going to surpass every being in this world… for you, Goddess."
First True System Evolution
> [System Notification: Level Up Available Choose Evolution Path.]
1. Shadow Manipulator Gain complete control over shadows, including sentient shadow constructs.
2. Demon Lord Awakening Gradually transform into a true Demon King, gaining army-commanding abilities.
3. Divine Warrior Amplify physical and magical capabilities beyond mortal comprehension.
Ethan paused, his crimson eyes glowing. Shadows swirled around him like a storm of black fire.
> "I need to dominate this world… and I need an army strong enough to protect the Goddess. That means…"
He chose: Demon Lord Awakening.
> [System Notification: Demon Lord Path Activated Army Command and Demonic Aura unlocked.]
Instantly, Ethan felt a new connection to the demonic energy in the world. Every demon nearby, even the lowliest, responded to his presence.
> [Skill Unlocked: Command of the Damned Instantly recruit and control demons under your will.]
He raised a hand, and dozens of demons that had been lurking in the shadows bowed.
> "Good. You'll serve me, and together… we'll find the Goddess."
Recruiting Allies
Ethan ventured into the Demon Wastes, each step leaving shadows behind like footprints of darkness. Wherever he went, monsters and demons fell before him not always to be killed, but sometimes to be recruited.
> [System Notification: Demon Recruit Shadow Beast Alpha joined your army.]
[System Notification: Demon Recruit Abyssal Sorcerer joined your army.]
[System Notification: Army Size: 3. Growth Rate Increased.]
He tested their loyalty with a flick of his mind. Each demon responded immediately, acknowledging him as their master.
> "You all exist to protect me… and the Goddess. Fail me, and you'll cease to exist."
The demons bowed again, shadows writhing around them. The power coursing through Ethan was intoxicating, making him feel like he could take on the entire world.
The Goddess' Whisper
As he trained and expanded his forces, the Goddess' voice echoed in his mind, soft but intoxicating:
> "Ethan… your strength grows faster than I expected. But remember… you must surpass them all to meet me again."
Ethan's heart raced. "I'm coming for you, Goddess. And no one no demon, no god, no king will stand in my way."
Suddenly, he sensed a massive presence approaching. Another Demon King? Or perhaps a god sent to test him?
> [System Notification: Unknown Entity Approaching Threat Level: Extreme.]
[System Notification: Suggested Action Prepare Army and Activate All Abilities.]
Ethan smiled, shadows spiraling around him. "Perfect… let's see who dares challenge the one who loves the Goddess."
And with that, the Demon System surged to life like never before, as Ethan's shadow army swelled and the world began to tremble before him.