Target

What is this power I feel coursing through my body? My skin has become tan, and I have wings that can't retract. They are reminiscent of fairy wings - translucent, with a beautiful spiral pattern. Not only that, but my vision has improved immensely - without using magic, I can see further than a hawk. I also feel strong physically. I walk to a nearby tree. I punch the air, which causes all the trees and snow in the area to disappear. "Did the trees just vaporise?"

"You have the physical strength of a dragon and giant. Your hair is dyed midnight black, your irises are blood-red, and your pupils are stretched out like rubber. Your skin has become tan, like that of the giant race. Your height has shortened, which makes you look like a child. And you have a heavenly aura that places you in league with the Gods."

"This is my new race? An Acceelos. I feel a power surge from deep within me. Is this the power of ALL?"

"Yes. You have merged the powers of every True God - which converged with ALL's mana to create your very own mana pool. This has made you more prone to manipulation by ALL, though. However, it should not cause you immediate problems. And if the need to fight against ALL arrives, you have wonderful friends who will support you, right?"

"You're right. If I ever go down the wrong path, then my friends will be there to stop me. I believe in their power, and I believe they will survive without me."

"Well, then, let us go."

"Go? Where?"

"To Behemoth, of course."

"Right now?"

"Right now."

"Should I bring my friends?"

"Not necessary. You can leave them in the hands of Heilder. He will protect them."

Maybe he's right. This is a fight against Behemoth. He could use cowardice tactics like the Yeti and attack one of them when I'm not looking. Leaving them in King Heilder's castle is the best option. "Ok. Let's go."

He sprouts his wings and takes to the sky. I flap my new wings and follow him. Flying is so much different than before. My wings are smaller than before. I cannot transform into a dragon any longer because I am now an Acceelos - what I can do, though, is beyond my understanding. I should figure out my strengths, and weaknesses, the limits of my body, and the limits of my magic. I do not feel as omnipotent as I felt before. The fusion of my mana pool with ALL's mana pool has created a new mana pool inside my body that does not feel as limitless as before. However, my understanding of magic is endless. It seems I gained ALL's wisdom on everything involving magic, this of course includes the weaknesses of Behemoth's anti-magic.

The demon flying ahead of me looks back. "You seem to be handling that new body well."

"Yeah. It felt weird initially, but I accept my body for what it is. Yes, I have grown shorter, and my mana is not limitless, but there are also positives to my evolution."

"That's a good positive outlook you have there. It will help you in your fight against Behemoth."

"I've been thinking about this, but just what is Behemoth?"

"Behemoth is the product of a foolish experiment conducted by a psychopathic demon."

"A psychopathic demon?"

"Yes. This demon was the ruler of Netherworld; however, one day, Lucifer came down and usurped the throne from the demon. Filled with immense emotions, the demon gained the Seal of Rage - marking him the first of the seven mortal sins. This demon was called Satan."

"Satan? I thought he was a myth."

"No, he may as well be."

"Why is that?"

"Because..." he looks up and says, "You asked what Behemoth was, right? Well, to explain it in simple terms - he is Leviathan's copy."

"Leviathan's copy?"

"Satan used Leviathan's cells and magic power to create a being that rivals the mortal sins."

"Why would he do that?"

"I... don't know. Maybe he wanted to rid himself of his mortal sin. Maybe he wanted to be freed from the rage. His true intentions are beyond me. All I know is that Behemoth was a failed experiment. He is a hungry beast who craves strong opponents. He wants to claim a seat among the Kings, but he doesn't have the power to do so."

"A seat among the kings? What are you talking about?"

"He wants to be a Cardinal King of Netherworld."

"A Cardinal King!? Like Abaddon?"

"Yes. Orobas, Bael, Abaddon, and Lucifer - these four are the Cardinal Kings. Together they rule over and manage all corners of Netherworld. Behemoth wants to steal a seat among the four Kings."

"You said he doesn't have the power to claim a seat. Does this mean he doesn't compare to the four Kings? If so, how will I fare against the Kings if we fought?"

"With your previous power, you would have never stood a chance. However, that all changed with your evolution. Ah!!"

"What is... that!?"

"So, you can sense it from here? That is Behemoth's power. As he said, he is guarding the path to Leviathan. If we want to go to Netherworld, you must defeat him here and now. Haruki, when you face him, hit him with everything you have. That is the only way to completely eviscerate him."

"Everything?"

"Yes. Something more powerful than the attack you used against me."

"Stronger, you say. Well, I think I know what to use."

"Good. I would prefer if you landed a sneak attack..."

"No sneak attacks."

"...but then you will say that. So, I will watch the fight from a distance."

We travel to the source of this immense power. Before I reach him, I notice Behemoth inching closer to me.

"Prepare yourself, Haruki. He has targeted you."

"I know. But this time will be different. Come, Behemoth. I'm prepared for you."