Chapter 14: A Gambit of Demons

Savage battles Saga with the demon, but it became more than just a physical battle of strength; it is a psychological game. The demon teases him by continuously pushing his determination, showing that the artifact is actually much more connected with the dark forces threatening the world. According to it, the System had never been made to serve humanity but to manipulate its users into serving the ancient dark powers that wish to engulf the world in chaos.

Then, the demon is upon him, moving with such terrifying speed that Saga must call upon every last shred of his System-enhanced reflexes and his newfound magic skills if he hopes to survive. Summoning the power of the artifact, he uses it to push the demon back. For a moment, he feels invincible-but then immediately realizes how its power works at a cost: it amplifies his more malevolent emotions, making him more aggressive and reckless.

She proves crucial during the fight, at times distracting the demon to allow Saga to get in important blows. The intense teamwork between the two shows their deepening bond but also the growing tension. After the battle, it is wounded but escapes, promising that the artifact shall be the cause of Saga's downfall.

The chapter also shows the increasing break in trust between Saga and Lysandra as she confesses, in fact, she has always known more about the true intention of the artifact and has never told him. He feels betrayed, and they end up fighting with each other. As they make their way back to the university, Saga thinks through what the demon said, and he also distrusts the System.