Death Heir’s Devouring System

A bright light assaulted Azrael's vision. In an instant all of his injuries were healed, and his exhaustion vanished, as did the pain that had been resonating through his whole body.

[Winners: Ashen Vow!]

A second after hearing the announcement, he was transported back to the ruined knighthood, the base of the Ashen Vow.

'I managed to win,' he thought, a subtle smile spreading across his lips.

It was indeed an invaluable experience, being under the assault of so many Champions, racing against time, and having to outplay them in order to win.

Taking a few steps towards the circular table that showed the Ashen Vow's current lands, he felt a sense of great satisfaction seeing the new patch of land under their name.

With this the Crimson Accord had lost 1% of their territory control while the Ashen Vow had gained it.

He wasn't the only one staring at the table; many members of the Ashen Vow had swarmed, surrounding it, staring in stunned silence.

"We won a battle?"

"When was the last time we gained territory?"

"Who participated in the battle?"

Thankfully the news that Azrael was the one responsible for the victory hadn't yet hit the members of his faction, though it was only a matter of time.

Unwilling to be bothered with the Chosen that were about to swarm him, he exited the mode.

Finding himself back at the lobby, he saw Chunk staring at him. The man's expression was hidden behind his demonic mask, yet the way his left hand was trembling slightly made it clear what he was feeling.

"You actually managed to do it… You brought Ashen Vow a victory…"

Azrael shrugged.

"All I did was train a little, nothing that special."

Before Chunk could speak, Azrael's next word stopped him.

"I had enough VR for now. Thanks for showing me around."

In a flash Azrael disconnected from the game, leaving Chunk alone.

The man took a deep breath, opening a window with ArcLancer's stream. The entire fiasco had been recorded and broadcasted to the world, with the unbelievable event being captured. It was only a matter of time until it exploded all over the internet… if it hadn't already.

"I guess Azrael doesn't care about fame…" Chunk exhaled, his shoulders dropping.

*****

Taking the VR gear off his head, Azrael cracked his neck. Staying in one place for long wasn't good for his body no matter how powerful he might have gotten.

Since a lot of things had happened, a proper rest was in order. Just because he could avoid sleep for a few days didn't mean it was recommended.

Before his head hit the pillow, he glanced at his Corruption Progression.

Corruption Progression: [20/100]

The number had risen quite quickly, and this was just from the corrupted monsters he had killed that had emerged from the Reaver Rift.

It wasn't enough to cause him side effects for now. But sooner or later it was going to become a problem.

"Maybe I will have to visit Seraphina soon for a cleansing…"

The next few days were quite unremarkable; all Azrael did was train with the VR gear against other Chosen and duel with the recreated Death Knight.

It wasn't long before he would be able to challenge its Remembrance. Still, failing even once in that regard meant death, so he wasn't going to rush the process unnecessarily.

For some reason when he was playing against other Chosen, they had the tendency to either group up against him or run with a tail between their legs, almost like they were able to recognize him…

But he didn't pay attention to things like that since even if he had gotten famous, it wouldn't really concern him.

"Pupil."

Going through his day as usual, Seyra's voice echoed behind him.

"There is another mission I have for you."

He sighed, meeting her gaze.

"Let me guess: a monster wave or a Rift?"

She shook her head slowly.

"No, this is a dispute with other Chosen. Specifically the Wavecrest clan. For some reason they want the right to a specific Rift, and we can't allow that."

There was no surprise there; while Rifts were dangerous, they also presented the opportunity for unlimited resources. Monsters would endlessly come out, and as long as there were people to take care of them, they would have a steady supply of Items, Skill, and Remembrances.

With an arched eyebrow, he asked, "I am meant to kill them?"

He guessed that everybody would want to avoid a bloodshed by sending Champions or stronger troops, and him being a Proven, meant that he was among the perfect candidates.

A subtle smile spread across Seyra's lips, liking the way he was ready to kill fellow Chosen at a moment's notice. A valuable trait few Chosen had.

"You will be stationed there to keep guard among many others. As long as the Wavecrest clan doesn't step out of line, you won't have a reason to engage them."

"What about my safety?" Since the Wavecrest clan had most likely learned what he had done in his first Rift, they must have an agenda against them.

"I can guarantee you that no individual beyond the Proven Level will engage with you."

'That is reassuring at least.' He thought.

"Oh, by the way, one of the Chosen sent to keep guard should be familiar to you," she added. "After all, you survived the Rift together. Victor is quite a powerful fellow."

Azrael's eyes narrowed briefly. 'Now that I think about it, it will be nice to measure my rate of progress with him.'

Just when he was about to accept the request, another question came to mind.

"Hey, this isn't one of your tests, right? Like the Rift evolving in the middle of the night, or an army of eager Proven trying to take my life as soon as I step near them?"

Seyra laughed, placing a hand on his white hair and ruffling it.

"Ah, pupil, you are too smart for your own good."

After a few seconds her laughter died out.

"I guess you will have to figure it out yourself."