Chapter 831 – Absorb

A sharp metallic clang echoed across the arena.

From the fading remnants of the Abyssal Chain Warden, a small object tumbled onto the cracked stone floor. It pulsed faintly with demonic energy, its presence heavy and ancient. Lux’s gaze locked onto it immediately.

He extended his hand.

The artifact lifted from the ground and floated toward him, responding to his authority. It resembled a dark seed, smooth, obsidian-like, veined with crimson light that throbbed like a heartbeat.

[Artifact Detected]

[Name: Abyssal Seed of Consumption]

[Class: Demonic Relic]

[Description: A parasitic infernal artifact used to siphon and transfer power from bound entities to an unknown recipient. Grants the skill Absorb upon consumption.]

[Warning: Extreme integration with host. Compatible with Infernal Sovereign-class entities.]

Lux’s expression darkened with realization.

"So that’s how," he murmured.

For years, perhaps millennia, someone had been draining the ancient dragon’s power. Not merely binding her, but using her as a living conduit. The Warden had not been just a guardian. It had been a harvester. A courier. A parasite.

"Absorbing the power," Lux said quietly, "and sending it to someone else."

The implications were chilling.

He didn’t hesitate.

"Consume."

The seed dissolved into black mist and surged into his palm, spreading like liquid shadow along his veins. A surge of infernal energy flooded his body, but instead of pain, Lux felt clarity, control. The power recognized him. Accepted him.

[New Skill Acquired: Absorb]

[An ancient sovereign ability, allowing the user to siphon curses, demonic energy, and external power sources with absolute authority. The absorbed essence can be converted into his own reserves or purified at will, severing parasitic links and reclaiming stolen power. This skill grants him resistance to corruption, marking him as a true master over infernal forces and a living conduit of controlled devastation.]

Lux exhaled slowly, a satisfied smile forming. "I guess I’ll try it then."

The group approached the dragon once more. The creature’s immense form loomed over them, its chest rising faintly beneath layers of suppression. The demonic chains glowed intensely as Lux neared, reacting violently to the presence of someone capable of dismantling them.

Lux placed his hand against one of the bindings.

[Absorb Activated]

Dark energy flowed from the chain into Lux, swirling like smoke being drawn into a vortex. The runes flickered, destabilizing under his influence. However, just as the process began, a surge of draconic power erupted from the dragon itself, reinforcing the chains and forcing Lux to step back.

[Failed]

A deep, resonant grunt filled the air.

The voice returned... ancient, powerful, unmistakably draconic.

Lux glanced at Mira. "What does it say?"

Mira listened intently, her expression tightening. "It asks... if you are sure you want to release her. It says she is cursed. She is here by choice."

Lux’s eyes hardened as he studied the bound dragon. "It doesn’t look like a choice to me," he replied calmly. "If the choice was to sacrifice herself or pass the curse to her children, then it wasn’t a choice at all."

Another rumbling response followed, longer this time. The dragon’s voice carried layers of emotion, resignation, caution, and something deeper, something ancient and weary.

Mira listened intently, her brows knitting together as she translated. "It’s warning you," she said softly. "It says releasing her will bring danger. That the curse is not meant to be broken. It wants you to stop, Lux."

Lux let out a quiet, incredulous huff. "You tested us. You summoned monsters. You judged our worth... and now you want us to stop?" He tilted his head slightly, a defiant smirk forming. "How about no?"

A sharp, guttural grunt echoed through the chamber, vibrating through the ground beneath their feet. Before Mira could translate, Lux spoke again, his eyes fixed on the dragon.

"I understand," he said calmly. "You know our language. Perfectly. Yet you choose to speak in your own. That means this isn’t about communication. It’s about distance. About control."

The dragon’s massive form remained still, but the faint glow behind its eyes intensified.

Lux took another step forward, unfazed by the crushing pressure in the air. "I’ve answered your concern," he continued. "I’m not here to cause harm. I’m here to end it."

He paused, then added with quiet authority, "Can we talk? Like in person. Not through a translator."

Silence fell.

For a heartbeat, nothing happened.

Then the air changed.

Pressure descended upon the chamber, heavy and suffocating, as if the world itself were bowing. The darkness above rippled, and ancient draconic mana surged outward in waves. The chains trembled, their glow intensifying in response to the awakening will within the dragon.

Lux did not move.

He stood his ground, meeting the unseen gaze with unwavering composure.

The atmosphere thickened further, gravity itself seeming to increase. The girls felt it immediately, the weight of an ancient consciousness focusing entirely on Lux.

Something was about to happen.

The air thickened, heavy with ancient authority, until even breathing felt like a deliberate act. The chains binding the dragon vibrated, resonating with a deep, primal frequency. Mira suddenly froze mid-step.

Her body stiffened.

Golden draconic light flickered across her eyes, then vanished, replaced by an ancient, molten glow that did not belong to her.

When she spoke, her voice was layered. Mira’s tone remained, but beneath it echoed something vast and timeless.

"You want to talk to me," she said, gaze locking onto Lux. "Now talk. I only have little time."

Lux didn’t flinch. If anything, his expression softened into calm satisfaction.

"Great," he replied evenly. "Then I’ll be direct."

He stepped closer, meeting the ancient presence without hesitation.

"I will release you. No... I will take the demonic power that binds you, claim it as mine, and then you will be free."

A faint tremor passed through Mira’s body as the dragon’s consciousness processed his words.

"This isn’t as simple as you think, demon," she responded. "You do not know who bound me here."

Lux’s lips curved into a knowing smirk. "Let me guess. The King of Hell. Kaelmor."

Mira’s, no, the dragon’s, eyes widened in unmistakable shock. "How do you know?"