Chapter 35: The Serpent's Fang

Chapter 35: The Serpent's Fang

With Liana now a part of our team, we felt a renewed sense of purpose. Our next move was to gather more allies and continue training, pushing our limits to prepare for the battles to come. We decided to rest in the village for a night before setting off again.

The village inn was quaint but cozy. We gathered in the common room, discussing our plans. Flynn was excitedly recounting our latest battle to a group of villagers, his energy infectious.

Elara was in deep conversation with Lyra, discussing strategies and potential threats. Fiona was sharpening her weapons, her eyes occasionally drifting to the window, keeping watch.

As for me, | was speaking with Liana. Her insights into combat and strategy were invaluable, and | knew her experience would be a great asset.

Suddenly, a commotion outside drew our attention. The door to the inn burst open, and a hooded figure stumbled in, clutching their side. Blood dripped from their wound, and they looked around frantically.

"Help... they're coming," the figure gasped before collapsing.

We sprang into action. Lyra and Elara tended to the injured stranger while Flynn, Fiona, Liana, and I rushed outside to see who or what had attacked them.

The night was eerily silent, the village streets deserted. As we moved cautiously, a chilling voice echoed through the air. "Ah, so the heroes have come to play."

From the shadows emerged a tall, sinister figure. Their eyes glowed with an unnatural light, and their smile was cold and cruel.

Seraphis, the Alchemist of Shadows:

* Current Rank: B *

Abilities: Dark Alchemy (Expert)

° Shadow Manipulation (Advanced)

Elements: Darkness: 90%

Poison: 70%

* Physical Stats:

Strength: 60

Agility: 55

Endurance:50

Mana:75

Intelligence:70

Seraphis's presence was menacing. He moved with a predatory grace, his eyes locked onto us. "I've been sent to deliver a message," he said, his voice dripping with malice.

Flynn stepped forward, his fists clenched. "What do you want?"

Seraphis chuckled. "Not what I want, but what my master wants. You see, Alex Solara, you have something very valuable. And my master has decided to expedite your growth."

Before we could react, Seraphis threw a vial at me. It shattered on impact, and | felt a searing pain as the liquid seeped into my skin. | tried to fight it, but my vision blurred, and I fell to my knees.

The world around me seemed to warp and twist. | could hear my friends shouting, but their voices were distant. Seraphis's voice cut through the haze. "Consider this a gift. The Mythical Warrior Serum will

either make you stronger... or it will destroy you."

My body convulsed as the serum took hold. Pain coursed through every fiber of my being, and | felt my muscles tearing and rebuilding themselves. It was agony beyond anything | had ever experienced.

Darius's voice echoed in my mind, urgent and worried. "Alex, you have to fight this. The serum is designed to enhance your abilities, but it's unstable. You need to control it!"

With a monumental effort, | focused on my core, drawing upon the power of the Demon King System. | felt the serum's effects merging with my abilities, amplifying them. My vision cleared, and | staggered to my feet.

Seraphis watched with interest, a sinister smile on his lips. "Impressive. Most would have succumbed to the serum's effects. But you're different, aren't you, Alex?"

| could feel the power surging through me, but it was wild and unpredictable. | needed to harness it, to control it. "You're going to regret this, Seraphis," | growled, my voice resonating with newfound strength.

System Update:

* New Ability Unlocked: Mythical Warrior Enhancement

*Physical Stats increased:

° Strength: 70

° Agility: 65

°Endurance: 65

° Intelligence: 50

° Mana: 70

With a roar, | launched myself at Seraphis. The world seemed to slow as | moved with a speed and strength | had never known. Seraphis countered with dark tendrils, but | tore through them, my fists blazing with elemental energy.

The fight was brutal and intense. Seraphis was a skilled opponent, his shadow manipulation making hima slippery target. But | was relentless, my rage fueling my attacks.

Flynn, Fiona, and Liana joined the fray, their combined efforts forcing Seraphis to retreat. He sneered at us, blood dripping from a cut on his cheek. "This isn't over, Alex Whitaker. My master will be pleased to know you're progressing nicely."

With that, he vanished into the

shadows, leaving us breathless but victorious.