Chapter 2: Descent into Power
The slums of the Underworld always felt colder at night. Even with the perpetual gloom and blood-red sky above, the temperature plummeted after dusk, leaving the weakest demons to shiver in the dark. Mikhael sat against the broken wall of his crumbling shelter, the ache in his muscles from the day's training making him wince. His ragged breath misted in the cool air, and the rough texture of stone dug into his back. He didn't care. The pain was proof that he was getting stronger.
He had just finished his daily quest—a grueling set of exercises that made his limbs feel like lead—but the rewards were worth it. His stats were rising, slowly but surely. More than that, he could feel the power within him growing, the whispering voices of the seven sins growing more distinct each day.
He opened his eyes, the crimson orbs flickering in the dim light, and glanced at the system interface that hovered before him.
---
[System Interface]
Name: Mikhael
Race: Demon
Age: 6
Level: 1
Experience: 10/100
Stats
Strength: 14
Intelligence: 11
Wisdom: 10
Durability: 13
Dexterity: 11
Agility: 12
---
His stats were improving, but they weren't enough yet. Not in the slums, where demons stronger and older than him could tear him apart if they chose to. He needed more power—and he had the means to get it.
Mikhael closed his eyes again, reaching out to the seven presences that lived within him. The Seven Deadly Sins—their power was his to wield, but he had barely scratched the surface of what they could do.
"Greed," Mikhael whispered into the void of his mind.
The air around him shifted, and a shadowy figure stepped forward. Greed, with his sharp eyes and restless hands, always eager to clutch something new.
"You called, kid?" Greed's voice was smooth, almost playful. His appearance was subtle, a sly smirk on his face as he eyed Mikhael like he was appraising him for a deal. His dark hair hung loosely around his face, and his ragged clothing gave the impression of a pirate who had long since given up on the sea. "Looking to take something that isn't yours?"
Mikhael narrowed his eyes, ignoring Greed's smug tone. "I want to test something," he said. "Cloning. You can help me."
Greed's smirk widened. "Ah, finally using that little trick, huh? Smart. You could take the whole Underworld for yourself if you play your cards right." He flexed his fingers, the faint jingle of gold coins in the air, though none were visible.
Mikhael focused, reaching inward toward the Cloning ability. He hadn't used it yet, and the uncertainty gnawed at him. The system had said it was chance-based—whether he could duplicate anything would depend on luck. But it wasn't just the possibility of failure that worried him. He could feel the raw energy it required, the strain on his body and mind.
"I don't need to take everything," Mikhael said quietly. "Just enough to stay alive."
Greed chuckled. "Survival's the first step to getting rich, kid."
Mikhael pushed past the voices and reached deep into the power that surged through his veins. A flash of energy coursed through him, causing the air to buzz with a subtle vibration. He clenched his fists, focusing on the Cloning ability.
In the dim light of his shelter, a faint glow surrounded him, and for a moment, the air seemed to ripple. Then, standing a few feet away, an identical version of Mikhael appeared.
He blinked, surprised. It had worked.
The clone stood still, its expression as blank as a puppet waiting for strings to be pulled. Mikhael took a step closer, inspecting it. Every detail was exact, from the dirt smudged on his face to the tattered edges of his clothes. It was unsettling—like staring into a mirror, but the reflection wasn't quite right.
"Not bad," Greed mused from within Mikhael's mind. "One clone. You've got potential. Now, let's see what you can do with it."
Mikhael's mind raced. He needed more than just a mindless duplicate. He needed a way to bring the sins into the physical world, to let them act as his avatars. If he could do that, they wouldn't just be voices in his head—they could move freely, gather information, and act without anyone knowing they were connected to him.
"I can't stop here," Mikhael muttered. "I need more."
He reached out with his mind again, this time calling on the specific energy of Greed. The clone before him flickered as Mikhael funneled power into it, shaping it, molding it. The clone's form shifted, its features changing—becoming leaner, its expression turning more sly, more cunning. Greed's presence filled the clone, transforming it into an avatar of the sin.
When the transformation was complete, the clone no longer looked like Mikhael. Its hair was slightly longer, dark like ink, and tied loosely at the back of its neck. Its eyes were sharp and calculating, and its tattered clothes had shifted into something resembling a long, weathered coat. It looked like a rogue—an opportunist with no allegiance but to itself.
"Jin Sparrow," Mikhael whispered, the name coming to him naturally. A reference to an old memory, a legend from another life. It suited the avatar of Greed perfectly.
The avatar—Jin—grinned, tipping an imaginary hat. "Well, well," he said, his voice a deeper version of Mikhael's. "Looks like I'm finally out in the world. What do you need, kid?"
Mikhael stepped back, amazed at the success of his experiment. "I need you to gather information. Learn about the demons in the slums—who's in charge, who's a threat. And don't draw attention to yourself."
Jin's grin widened. "Leave it to me. No one knows how to keep a low profile like Greed."
With that, the avatar turned and disappeared into the shadows of the slums, moving with a grace and stealth that Mikhael couldn't match yet. He watched him go, feeling a surge of confidence. If this worked, he could bring the other sins into the physical world as well, each under their own identity. Each with their own strengths.
But that was for later. For now, he had one clone and an avatar of Greed working for him. It was a start.
---
As night fell, Mikhael sat back against the wall of his shelter, closing his eyes and letting his mind drift. The use of his abilities had taken a toll on him, but he knew he couldn't afford to rest too long. The slums were unforgiving, and power was the only currency that mattered here.
He reached into his mind, tapping into the power of Record, amplifying his memory as the system activated. His brain began working at an impossible speed, allowing him to simulate potential scenarios—possible dangers and solutions. It was like seeing the future, a thousand paths branching before him. He could feel the energy buzzing in his skull, the power of his mind accelerating beyond human limits.
"Jin's out there now," Mikhael thought, his mind spinning through different outcomes. "What if he runs into trouble? What if he gets caught? Who would target him?"
A hundred simulations played out in his head within seconds. In most of them, Jin evaded detection. But in a few, he encountered dangerous demons—demons who wouldn't hesitate to rip him apart if they thought he was a threat.
Mikhael's eyes snapped open, the simulation stopping as he exhaled. "I need to be ready."
He couldn't rely on just one avatar. He had other powers at his disposal. He could create another clone, though it would drain him even more, and amplify his skills to increase his chances of success.
But for now, he had to rest.
---
Later that Night
Mikhael's rest was disturbed by a sudden knock—a faint, rhythmic tapping against the stone wall of his shelter. His instincts kicked in, his body tensing as he opened his eyes, scanning the shadows.
Emerging from the gloom was Jin, his face still wearing that familiar grin, though there was a faint gleam of mischief in his eyes.
"Got something interesting for you," Jin said, crossing his arms as he leaned against the wall. "The slums are in a bit of a mess tonight."
Mikhael frowned. "What happened?"
Jin chuckled, a sound that held a dangerous edge. "Seems some of the bigger gangs are getting restless. Rumor has it they're looking for something—or someone. Don't know who yet, but they're tearing through the streets like wild animals. Could be nothing. Could be everything."
Mikhael's heart quickened. If the gangs were on the move, that meant the slums were about to get even more dangerous. He needed to stay ahead of them, to gather more information before they found whatever—or whoever—they were looking for.
"Keep a low profile for now," Mikhael instructed. "Don't get involved unless you have to."
Jin gave a mock salute. "No problem, boss."
As the avatar of Greed, Jin, melted back into the shadows of the slums, Mikhael leaned his head against the cold stone wall of his shelter. His thoughts spun. The slums were always chaotic, but if the larger gangs were starting to stir, it could mean a shift in power—an opportunity or a danger, depending on how he played it.
"Experience," he muttered to himself, glancing again at his system interface. The Level 1 notification at the top of the interface felt like a challenge. He needed to level up quickly if he wanted to survive the shifting tides in the slums. If the gangs were moving, it wouldn't take long before their chaos spread to his doorstep.
But gaining experience required more than just daily quests. He needed to fight, to take risks.
Mikhael's stomach growled, reminding him that no matter how powerful his abilities became, his body was still fragile, weak. His muscles ached from the intense training, and the hunger gnawing at him was becoming harder to ignore. He knew he had to eat, and the only way to do that was to venture out into the streets again.
His eyes narrowed as he focused on the system.
---
[Daily Quest: Basic Training]
Complete:
100 push-ups
100 sit-ups
100 squats
10 km run
Reward: 20 stat points
---
It was tempting to rely solely on the daily quests for stat points. Completing the quest would earn him 20 points, and that alone would give him the edge he needed over the other slum rats. But time was against him, and training wouldn't be enough on its own.
He needed real experience. He needed to fight.
---
Later that Night
Mikhael stepped out of his shelter, the cool night air stinging his skin. The streets were eerily quiet, and yet the sense of something stirring in the distance was palpable. He had lived in the slums long enough to recognize when danger was brewing.
He moved cautiously through the narrow alleys, his sharp eyes scanning every shadow, every corner. His worn-out clothes fluttered slightly in the cold wind, but he ignored the discomfort. His senses were heightened, his connection to the seven sins sharp in his mind.
As he crept along the alleys, Mikhael heard something—faint voices up ahead. He slowed his steps, pressing himself against the wall, and edged closer. Peeking around the corner, he saw a group of older demons gathered in a dimly lit square. They were rough-looking, with sharp horns and jagged claws. The largest among them, a demon with blackened skin and glowing red eyes, seemed to be in charge.
Mikhael's heart raced. This was one of the smaller gangs in the slums—barely more than a collection of thugs—but they were still stronger than most of the slum rats. The leader was Dregar, a demon known for his brutality. If Mikhael wanted to gain experience quickly, this might be his chance.
He focused, tapping into the system.
---
[Target: Dregar]
Level: ???
Health: ???
Mana: ???
Strength: ???
Abilities: ???
---
Mikhael frowned. The system couldn't provide detailed information about anyone more than fifty levels above him, but Dregar was clearly beyond him for now. If he fought Dregar head-on, he'd be crushed in an instant.
But the thugs surrounding Dregar were different. They were just lackeys, hanging around for scraps of power. He could handle them, and maybe, just maybe, he could get close enough to take Dregar by surprise.
Before Mikhael could form a plan, a sudden rush of whispers filled his mind. The voices of the seven sins.
Envy was the first to speak, his voice low and calculating. "They have what you don't. Power. Control. Wouldn't it be better if they were at your mercy?"
Lust purred, her voice laced with temptation. "Or perhaps you could charm them? Let them bend to your will, make them desire what you offer…"
Wrath growled, his rage bubbling just beneath the surface. "No. Crush them. Rip them apart. Show them what happens when they think they can prey on you."
Mikhael's fingers twitched, his body trembling with a mix of excitement and caution. Each of the sins urged him toward a different path, a different use of his power. But he wasn't ready to lose himself to their influence—not yet.
Instead, he focused on Envy. Amplifying the desires of others, bending them to his will—that was a power he could use here.
Mikhael stepped into the shadows, his eyes narrowing as he focused on the group of demons. Slowly, carefully, he reached out with his mind, tapping into the desires that pulsed through them. He could feel their hunger for power, their fear of Dregar, their envy of his control.
He pushed, amplifying those desires, twisting them to his advantage.
---
The effect was immediate.
The demons, once gathered around Dregar in fearful reverence, began to shift. Subtle at first—a glance, a whisper. But then, the envy began to spread like wildfire. One of the thugs, a short demon with razor-sharp teeth, clenched his fists and took a step toward Dregar, his expression darkening with resentment.
"Why should we keep listening to you?" the demon growled, his voice shaking with barely restrained anger. "We do all the work while you sit back and enjoy the spoils."
Dregar turned, his glowing red eyes narrowing in disbelief. "What did you say?"
The short demon hesitated, but the amplified envy surged through him again, fueling his rebellion. "You heard me. We deserve more than the scraps you throw at us."
The other demons began to murmur in agreement, their own jealousy stoked by Mikhael's influence. Dregar's eyes flared with rage, but before he could react, the short demon lunged at him, teeth bared.
Mikhael watched from the shadows as chaos erupted in the square. The thugs, once loyal to Dregar, turned on him, their envy overriding their fear. Dregar fought back with brutal strength, but he was outnumbered, and the distraction gave Mikhael the opening he needed.
Without hesitation, Mikhael stepped forward, focusing on Gluttony. The power surged through him, his hands tingling as they became charged with the ability to absorb. He rushed into the fray, unnoticed in the chaos, and grabbed one of the thugs by the arm.
The demon's eyes widened in shock, but before he could react, Mikhael's Gluttony ability activated. A dark, swirling energy enveloped the demon's body, and Mikhael could feel the power being siphoned from him, draining into his own body.
The demon collapsed, his life force absorbed by Mikhael, who felt a surge of strength as the experience rushed through him.
---
[You have absorbed the essence of a demon.]
Experience Gained: 30
---
Mikhael's heart pounded as he backed away from the fight, his body trembling from the rush of power. He had gained experience—real experience—from the battle. It was working.
As the remaining thugs continued their attack on Dregar, Mikhael slipped away, retreating back into the shadows. He could feel the experience building inside him, pushing him closer to the next level.
He glanced at the system interface again.
---
[Experience: 40/100]
---
Not enough to level up yet, but he was getting closer. He needed to continue absorbing more demons, draining their essence and gaining power. But he couldn't afford to be reckless. The slums were dangerous, and one wrong move could get him killed.
He moved quickly through the streets, his mind racing. The sins were restless, urging him to take more risks, to push further. But Mikhael knew he had to be patient. The gangs were stirring, and there would be more opportunities to strike.
For now, he would bide his time, grow stronger, and prepare for what was to come.
---
As Mikhael returned to his shelter, his mind was buzzing with thoughts of what had just happened. He had used Envy and Gluttony effectively, but his other abilities—Cloning, Amplifying, and Pause—were still untapped potential. He had to figure out how to combine them, how to use them strategically to gain an edge.
He sat down in the corner of his shelter, closing his eyes and letting the tension drain from his body. His connection to the system and the sins was growing stronger, but with it came more responsibility. He had to stay in control. If he let the sins take over, he risked losing himself in their desires.
But as he drifted into a light sleep, the faint whispers of Lust, Wrath, and Pride echoed in his mind, promising power, dominance, and glory. And Mikhael knew that, no matter how much he tried to resist, part of him would always crave what they offered.
---
End of Chapter 2
---
As Mikhael drifted into a light sleep, the whispers of the sins didn't fade. Instead, they lingered like a constant presence, their promises of power tugging at his mind. Each one urged him to use more of their abilities, to dive deeper into the darkness. But Mikhael forced himself to resist, knowing that losing control would mean becoming a puppet to their desires.
His eyes flickered open after only a few moments of rest, and he stared up at the jagged ceiling of his makeshift shelter. The slums were quiet, but Mikhael knew that danger was never far away. He needed to continue growing stronger, faster.
Without warning, the familiar chime of the system echoed in his mind.
---
[System Alert: Daily Quest Complete]
Stat Points Earned: 20
New Experience Gained: 30
---
A faint smile tugged at the corners of Mikhael's lips. The daily quest had been completed while he fought, and the system rewarded him with more stat points. His mind raced as he opened the interface, staring at the growing pool of potential power.
---
[Stat Points Available: 20]
---
Mikhael quickly allocated the points, focusing on his most critical needs.
---
[Stats]
Strength: 14 → 18
Durability: 13 → 16
Agility: 12 → 15
Wisdom: 10 → 12
---
As the points were applied, he felt a surge of energy course through him. His muscles tightened, his senses sharpened. He was stronger now, faster. The pain from his earlier fight dulled as his durability increased, and his body seemed to recover faster than it had before.
The Level 1 tag at the top of the interface still taunted him. But he was close. He needed just a bit more experience to level up.
Mikhael stood, stretching his now slightly stronger limbs, and stepped out into the cool night. His mind replayed the earlier events—the envy he had spread among Dregar's lackeys, the chaos it had caused. That had been his first real taste of what his powers could do. But there was so much more.
He made his way through the winding streets, his senses on high alert for any threats. He knew the slums too well by now—danger lurked around every corner, especially for someone like him, trying to rise above his station. But Mikhael wasn't just any slum rat anymore.
As he moved through the alleys, he felt the presence of the sins shifting inside him again, each one urging him toward a different path.
Lust purred in his ear, her voice soft but filled with suggestion. "You've tasted power, but don't forget—people can be tools, too. You don't have to fight for everything. Sometimes, they'll give you what you want… willingly."
Mikhael ignored the tempting voice, but her words lingered. He could use charm, manipulation—Lust's abilities weren't just about physical desire. It was about control, about getting others to follow him without even realizing it.
Before he could dwell on it further, a flicker of movement caught his eye. He ducked into the shadows, his senses honing in on a figure standing in the middle of a dilapidated square. The figure was tall, muscular, and covered in armor that was cracked and rusted. His horns were jagged, his skin dark like charred coal. Mikhael's eyes widened as he recognized the figure—Galgos, another mid-tier thug in the slums.
Unlike Dregar, Galgos ruled a smaller faction of demons, mostly scavengers and hunters who survived by taking what others couldn't protect. He wasn't as powerful as Dregar, but Galgos was known for his cruelty. He didn't just kill—he made his victims suffer.
And now, Galgos stood alone, seemingly waiting for something—or someone.
Mikhael's instincts screamed at him to retreat, but the opportunity was too great to ignore. If he could take down someone like Galgos, he'd gain a massive amount of experience—and maybe even level up. But he couldn't do it directly. Galgos was too strong to face head-on. He needed a plan.
Pause. The thought came to Mikhael like a whisper from deep within. He hadn't used that ability yet, but this was the perfect time.
Mikhael closed his eyes, feeling the tug of the unique power inside him. Pause wasn't just a simple slowing of time—it created a separate space where time moved 100 times slower. He could step into that space and make his move, while the world outside remained frozen.
He focused, drawing the power from deep within. The world around him seemed to ripple, like water being disturbed. The air became thick, almost heavy, and everything around him began to slow. The flickering torchlight dimmed to a crawl, the distant sounds of the slums dulled to a low hum. Galgos, who had been pacing the square, froze mid-step.
Mikhael exhaled as the Pause ability took full effect. Time had slowed, and he now stood in a space where only his thoughts and movements remained at full speed. It wasn't easy—the ability drained a significant amount of energy from him—but it was necessary. He couldn't take risks.
He moved quickly, assessing the situation. Galgos was stronger, but Mikhael had the element of surprise. He could strike now, while Galgos was defenseless. But instead of attacking, Mikhael decided to test his Amplifying ability.
He reached inward, channeling his focus on his physical strength. If he could amplify his abilities, even just a little, he could increase his chances of victory.
The familiar surge of power coursed through him, and he felt his strength spike. His muscles tightened, his energy amplified. He was stronger now—at least 2 to 3 times more than before.
Satisfied with the amplification, Mikhael ended the Pause. Time resumed its normal flow, and Galgos continued his step, oblivious to the fact that anything had changed.
Mikhael stepped out of the shadows, his movements quick and deliberate. He was behind Galgos in an instant, his amplified strength giving him an edge. Before Galgos could react, Mikhael's hand shot forward, his fingers charged with the draining power of Gluttony.
Galgos's body tensed as Mikhael's hand made contact with his neck. The thug turned, snarling in fury, but it was too late. Gluttony activated, and the familiar dark energy swirled around Galgos's body. The demon's strength began to drain into Mikhael, siphoning his power, his life force.
Galgos roared in pain, thrashing wildly as he tried to throw Mikhael off, but the younger demon held firm. The absorption was complete within moments, and Galgos's body crumpled to the ground, lifeless.
Mikhael stood over the fallen demon, breathing heavily. The rush of power surged through him, and the system chimed once more.
---
[You have absorbed the essence of a demon.]
Experience Gained: 60
Level Up!
---
A surge of energy exploded within him, and Mikhael felt his body growing stronger, his mind sharper. He had leveled up.
The system flashed again, showing the rewards of his new level.
---
[Level 2]
Experience: 0/200
Stat Points Available: 10
---
Mikhael smirked as he allocated the points.
---
[Stats]
Strength: 18 → 20
Durability: 16 → 19
Agility: 15 → 18
Intelligence: 11 → 13
Dexterity: 11 → 13
---
The level up brought with it a sense of accomplishment, but also a hunger for more. Mikhael could feel his power growing, but it wasn't enough. There was always more to be taken, more to be gained.
As he turned to leave the square, his mind was already racing with thoughts of what came next. He would continue to grow, continue to test his limits. And with the sins by his side, there was no telling how far he could go.
But one thing was certain: Mikhael was no longer just a slum rat.
He was a predator now.
And the Underworld had no idea what was coming.