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[EVALUATION RESULT]
Race: Shadow Walker
Status: Thrilled
Tier: Legendary
"Okay, I am totally screwed," Alex said as he activated his natural aether.
'I doubt your natural aether will keep up with the walker,' Gemi said.
'Yeah, no kidding. Do I look that stupid?' Alex replied. "I know I have to use Umbrella aether, or whatever you call it."
'Exactly. Your only chance of escape is with the use of Umbral aether.'
'Just need to figure my way around it. I would've used Ivy's katana, but I don't want to destroy it.'
The shadow walker darted from place to place so fast that neither of their eyes could keep up. Blows landed from every direction, slamming into Alex.
[CRITICAL DAMAGE]
[CRITICAL DAMAGE]
[CRITICAL DAMAGE]
"Shit, I need to think of something quick," Alex said as he rolled behind a rock.
[WARNING]
[HP - 3%]
[AUTO HEAL WITH AVAILABLE POTIONS IN INVENTORY]
[HP - 100%]
The shadow walker smashed through the rock, sending Alex flying.
[CRITICAL DAMAGE]
[AUTO HEAL WITH AVAILABLE POTIONS IN INVENTORY]
[HP - 100%]
'I have just four health potions left. There's only one thing left I can do,' Alex said.
"Why don't you stop running, and I'll give you a painless death," the shadow walker growled. "I'm surprised you're still alive. I'm sure from the first hit you were dead, yet you keep coming back."
'I have to force the demon egg to hatch. If it kills the shadow walker, and he's bound to me, he won't attack me,' Alex thought.
'That might work, but after that, you'll have to live with it,' Gemi warned.
'I've already been living with it,' Alex replied. 'This shouldn't be that hard. All I have to do is channel all my aether into the Demon King egg.'
"Since you won't come out willingly, let me tell you a story before I kill you," the walker said.
'I don't want to hear no sorry-ass flashback. This is the perfect time to pump my aether into the egg,' Alex thought.
"When I was newly hatched, I thought humans were gods. I admired them. My parents and elders told me how evil humans were, but naïve little me didn't care. Once you adore someone, words can't shake that belief. Until one day, humans attacked. Killed every one of us. I was the weakest in my race, so they couldn't sense me in the chaos. Humans only care about the crystals they take to fight each other. Since that day, I swore to get stronger—and kill them all," the walker said, standing tall.
'Almost there,' Alex muttered, sweat dripping down his face.
[DEMON KING EGG]
[HATCHING PROGRESS - 94%]
From where it stood, the shadow walker locked eyes with Alex, who was crouched on a tree branch near the road.
"You always knew I was here. Why didn't you attack then?" Alex asked, trying to stall.
"Because even humans deserve a chance," the grim voice rumbled.
"Then why don't we end this fight here? Why not look the other way? Humans aren't gods—and you, your family, your race—you aren't monsters. You choose what you want to be," Alex said, jumping down.
'Alex, there's something else you can do to survive. You could make an Aether Covenant,' Gemi said. 'I never considered it before—it's rare—but with the nature of the shadow walker, it might work.'
"I know you already see me as a monster after I killed two of your kind," the shadow walker said as he approached.
"Well, I don't totally hate you for that. You have your reasons. Why don't we make a deal?" Alex suggested.
"Hahahaha," the shadow walker laughed darkly. "Humans... one thing about your kind—you're full of surprises. What's your deal?"
"You never hurt any human, and we never hurt you," Alex said naively.
"That's impossible! You can't vouch for all humans," the walker countered.
"Well, I can vouch for myself. You never hurt anyone who is, or is friends with, anyone bearing the name Hathaway," Alex said.
"I would agree to that," the shadow walker said as he turned to leave.
'Quickly, Alex! Stop him! You have to seal it with a mix of your bloods. That way, neither of you can intentionally harm the other,' Gemi urged.
"Wait!" Alex called out as the walker turned. He drew his sword from his inventory, cut his palm, and stepped forward. "Here, shake."
"Hah," the shadow walker said, slicing his own palm with a claw. He shook Alex's hand. "Goodbye, Hathaway," he said before vanishing into the darkness.
"Shit—where's Ivy? And the portal guy? I didn't notice how far we'd gone from the road," Alex said, scanning around.
"On your knees. Don't even think of trying anything stupid," a deep, chilling voice commanded.
As Alex turned, he saw a group of six approaching, Ivy and Nev already being treated.
[DEMON KING EGG]
[HATCHING PROGRESS - 100%]
[INITIATING HATCH]
Ding
[DEMON KING SUCCESSFULLY HATCHED]
'Why now…'
"Ahhhhh!" Alex screamed as his eye seal began to glow violently.
"Captain Frank! Something's happening—what's going on?!" one of the soldiers shouted.
[UMBRAL AETHER OVERLOAD]
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