Demon Tamer's Ascension-Chapter 28: Unmistakable Twist 1

The inn itself was completely dark. The only area that gave way to light was just behind the door that separated the living room and the kitchen. The kitchen has always been the same area that Alex never attempted to go and check.

Cassie never introduced him to her mother, not once. He didn’t bother interfering with further personal matters with Cassie and her lifestyle, as that was never Alex’s business.

Though within the complete darkness that surrounded Alex, he wondered just one simple thing.

’Has her mother never left that kitchen? Now starting to think about it, I’ve never seen her leave.’ But then, something along those lines pondered in his mind, ’It isn’t like me to not gain curiosity. Then again, it isn’t my business to interfere with such matters.’

Alex continued to walk forward, making sure not to make any noise. He was determined to see what was truly behind that kitchen.

Maybe it was nothing, but he couldn’t care less about that. Alex just wanted to finally see and understand what was behind that door.

The thought of Cassie lying about it being a kitchen was definitely possible, but if that’s the case, where would the food Alex has been eating all this time be coming from?

He didn’t want to believe it, or rather, he couldn’t. The vegetables, meat, and fruits, all of them, just tasted too pleasant.

Alex continued creepwalking, looking around at every new step he made, to identify that nobody was watching him.

"Adoff, come out." Alex whispered, stopping for just a second as his tamed beast started to come out suddenly, appearing on top of a magical circle, "Listen..."

"What is it this time?" Adoff spawned and took his form just over the magic circle that now dispersed, "I’m busy here." His voice came back telepathically, sounding just like a king.

"This is serious," Alex whispered, "Look where the light’s pointing. I need you to smell and check ahead for me. I’ll wait here. And whatever you do, do not make a sound. The door is slightly unlocked, so you can open it slightly wide, just see what’s inside, and come back here."

"Got it." Without further instructions, Adoff agreed, kind of weary but sought no more information, "I’ll start my move."

And Adoff went off, barely protruding a sound, while Alex stopped to take a look around, "Interconnected Vision."

Then and there, Adoff’s eyes became one with Alex’s view. The shade coming off his vision was now a bright green, the same feature Adoff had.

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[Interconnected Vision]

[Description]

└ E-Rank

└ A sensory ability formed through the demonic contract between Alex and his tamed beast, Adoff. By channeling demon energy through the bond, Alex can temporarily link his sight with Adoff and see the world through Adoff’s eyes.

└ Duration: 2 Minutes

└ Cooldown: 24 Hours

└ Cost: 10 DE per activation

[Limitations]

└ While the skill is active, Alex’s own vision becomes unfocused, leaving his body vulnerable.

└ Alex cannot control Adoff’s body, only observe through his senses.

└ If Adoff is stunned, injured, or loses consciousness, the connection immediately breaks.

└ Sudden sensory overload from Adoff’s perspective may cause dizziness after the skill ends.

[-10 DE]

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A strange pressure pulsed behind Alex’s eyes, like two visions trying to exist at the same time. The colors around him dulled, the edges of the room turning blurry, as if his own sight had been pushed into the background.

And suddenly, the darkness ahead lit up in a faint green hue. Not from his own eyes, but from Adoff’s.

The world now appeared sharper and colder. Shapes that once blended into the darkness now stood out clearly through the creature’s vision. Every movement, every flicker of motion inside the corridor became painfully obvious.

Alex could see every movement Adoff made clearly. But he couldn’t feel it, he couldn’t control it, he was nothing more than a silent observer, riding behind the creature’s gaze.

Back in the real world, Alex’s body stood still. His own eyes remained open, but their focus had faded, staring blankly ahead as if his mind had stepped somewhere else entirely.

Through Adoff’s perspective, the world felt... different.

It was lower to the ground. The smell of damp stone from just beyond the door that only stood a couple of meters in front of Adoff seemed stronger. Even the smallest vibrations across the floor traveled through Adoff’s senses, and Alex could see it all.

Alex grinned, ’A cool way of seeing the world.’ He thought.

Step. Step. Step.

Adoff finally reached the door where the light came from, but the little opening didn’t allow him to see anything.

"Alex, I’m going to open the door wider." Adoff spoke telepathically, "So, if you don’t see me, that’s the case."

"Sure," Alex responded, "Just be careful."

He watched Adoff use his right paw to widen the door.

The light spread massively across the room, and the darkness within dimmed.

"What the fuck..." Alex whispered, "What in the world is that..." He saw through the view of Adoff, and it was, in fact, a kitchen.

But it wasn’t just any kitchen. And that wasn’t a mother, no, it wasn’t at all...

It was a terrifying beast that illuminated with a darkened purplish aura. That creature or thing, whatever it was, turned its head around, spotting Adoff’s small body.

’That’s exactly how Victor looked when I met him, but much smaller,’ he thought, ’Would that mean...’

"Adoff, get out of there, now." Alex’s shocked face said it all.

"I’m trying but-" The telepathy glitched, "mmmmmm...."

In that moment, Alex’s vision through Adoff’s eyes began to glitch, until it completely shut off.

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[Interference!]

[Interference!]

[Interference!]

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Alex regained his vision and immediately rushed towards Adoff.

Step. Step. Step.

A figure stepped into his line of sight, its silhouette clearly feminine. He froze, scrutinizing the stranger before him.

"How unfortunate..." It sounded like Cassie’s voice, but deepened, "I was planning on keeping you alive for just a little while. What a waste."

She swung a sharp metal sword from left to right, blood splattered all over the wooden base, "Humans truly disgust me."

In that moment, Alex’s world started to turn, as he gripped his [Abyss Blade] tightly.

Her voice sounded too jolly and horrific all at the same time, "It’s really terrible," she uttered.

"I wanted you for myself."

Who was Cassie truly...?