Building Interstellar Empire With Universal Synthesis
Chapter 76: The Primordial Demon
[ Congratulations! Your synthesis was successful! ]
The system interface before his eyes suddenly fractured into a brilliant cascade of golden data, overwriting the chaotic darkness of the deep sea.
[ Strength +25, Agility +25, Vitality +25, Endurance +25, Reaction Speed +20, Recovery Rate +20 ]
[ Lifespan +100 years ]
[ You have gained a new physique: Primordial Demon Physique (D) ]
Description: The more negative energy you consume, the stronger you get.
Note: Excessive negative energy may cause you to lose rationality and moral values.
[ Your Nether Core is fully formed. ]
Current Nether Force: 25
Buzz!
As the notification finished showing, a violent burst of primordial energy erupted from the center of his chest, forcing Neo to gasp as the new power flooded his neural pathways.
His muscles, already altered by the [Vellsing Transformation], rippled as the dark energy tore through his muscle fibers, shattering his old cellular structure and rebuilding it into something far more durable.
Very soon, the agonizing heat of the Demon Seed vanished, replaced by a cold, predatory power that settled deep within his newly formed Nether Core.
He could also feel his lifespan expanding.
But the sheer rush of dopamine from the massive attribute dump nearly made him laugh out loud.
"Fascinating," Neo thought, balling his newly reformed fist into a tight grip as he felt the heavy density of the nether force swirling inside him.
"The attribute gains alone are massive, but this Primordial Demon Physique is the real prize. A passive power up system that fuels itself on negative energy means my growth potential in conflict zones is practically limitless. In a world full of despair, fear, and hatred, I will have an infinite supply of fuel."
However, as he read the system’s warning regarding his rationality, his crimson eyes narrowed slightly in deep calculation.
He could already feel the side effects.
In the back of his mind, a insidious murmur was creeping, whispering chaotic impulses and a cold detachment from his own morals.
The urge to simply destroy, to give into the base instincts of a demon, was tugging at his consciousness.
"So the only downside is lose rationality and moral values..." Neo mused internally, actively utilizing his cold Eragon nature to suppress the rising tide of malice.
"A brainless monster is nothing more than a weapon for others to use, and I have no intention of becoming a slave to my own biology. If negative energy corrupts the mind, then the solution is clear. I cannot allow the darkness to consume me entirely. To maintain my absolute cognitive edge, I must find a way to harvest light or holy energy to act as a counterweight. A perfect equilibrium between Light and Darkness is the only way to keep my rationality intact while maximizing this physique."
Just as he stabilized his internal energy reserves, a sudden movement in the water caught his attention. Through the murky, unsettled depths, a familiar golden silhouette was frantically swimming toward him, fighting the dangerous undertow.
"Zestia?"
Indeed, it was her. Even though Neo wasn’t in any immediate danger after the chaotic movement in the water, it was still surprising to see her courage.
However, he was still in his Vellsing form. If she saw him in such a monstrous, three-meter-tall state, she might get a severe scare.
Before she could swim any closer, he deactivated the ability.
His muscles shrunk and his dark, cracked skin receding back into his normal human form.
When she reached him and saw that he was completely fine, a profound sense of relief washed through her amber eyes.
Then, without even asking for his approval, she grabbed his hand firmly and began to pull him toward the surface.
Neo easily could have resisted the pull with his newly augmented strength, but he let himself go loose, allowing her to guide him up.
Splash!
When they both broke through the surface and got out of the water, she immediately turned and glared at him.
"What were you doing down there, Neo? Didn’t you feel the raging currents because of the tsunamis?" she berated sternly, placing her hands on her hips.
"Do you think you can just do whatever you want? Do you think no one would care if you die?"
From her hair and bikini, ocean water fell in translucent lines, clinging to her form and accentuating her allure even more.
Neo forcefully moved his gaze away from her, looking instead at the frightened, sheltered mermen gathering along the shore.
"Sorry. I was just caught up in the moment," he replied smoothly.
That single apology echoed like a sudden clap of thunder between them.
Zestia blinked, completely caught off guard.
She certainly hadn’t expected a man of his pride to actually admit a mistake so easily.
For a second, her lips parted, but she couldn’t find a single word to use against him.
Crackle! Crackle!
The sky was dark, thunder striking onto the rolling waves, and the howling wind made their hair flutter violently with the flow.
Against the scenery of the churning tempest, her hair looked like strands of golden leaves, while his was like dark silk. 𝙛𝒓𝒆𝙚𝒘𝒆𝓫𝙣𝓸𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝒄𝒐𝓶
Feeling his gaze, she tucked a few wet strands over her ear, a pure feminine movement that softened her stern expression.
Before the silence between them could stretch any further, Chieftess Marlene came near them.
"Lord, please come inside. You will catch a cold!"
Both of them snapped into reality at once. Night had fallen completely, and so had their chaotic adventure for today.
Turning away from the stormy shore, they followed the elderly merman leader away from the docks.
But as they went inside the wooden house, from the deep, uncharted trenches of the sea, the abyss glanced up at them.
High above the waves, the ambient water vapors near the shore began to distort, slowly manifesting into a dark ethereal shadow.
The phantom silhouette looked toward the distant wooden house and smiled, its eyes burning with a lingering, ancient intelligence.
"Consider it a favor, little fella. One day, I am sure I will get ten times more. Ha ha ha.."
With a dark, echoing laugh that was swallowed by the thunder, the shadow disappeared back into the mist.
An eternal promise was made.