[CH598+ Continued] Dungeon Diver: Stealing A Monster's Power

At these words, the holograms of the warlords dissipate, and I make the divine energy manifestations of my generals evaporate too.

Though, I do keep them on the call. A fifth general pops up in the void within our linked consciousnesses, and Ava looks through my eyes.

She turns to the other four human minds watching, but I tune out of everything said after her words of, "Nice to meet you all..."

I just finish activating my concealment technique and use real demonic energy from my core to cover my body.

Ember flaps his wings and slowly glides around the back of the room, leaving trails of demonic energy behind.

I take a deep breath in and out, then press the accept button to allow the foreign call to connect to the Ellipsia Citadel central tower.

–

The room goes silent, and I retract my aura inward, using the full extent of my power to conceal my true being and replicate a believable disguise of the first Noble Demon I killed.

My mind is calm as I feel prepared for anything, but curiosity and caution still cloud my outer senses.

The residual fear and loyalty of the memories from the exile guardian and Andras Vermillion surface in my mind.

They are not my own memories. But when the holographic call connects, and I see a towering shadowy figure appear with two long horns, there is no mistaking this domineering being.

The first thing I feel is cold air washing through the room, and extremely strong vibrations of a noble bloodline shake the space.

I don't flinch, as no physical or mental attack is being sent out. It feels like some kind of illusion.

There is no face on this figure that stands over double my Noble Form's stature, and as the call connects, all I hear from it is a low growling sound.

To keep up appearances, I place both arms behind my back and do not dare speak until spoken to. However, I decide not to bow in the Family Head's presence. While this is common courtesy for a newly ascended in the presence of their king, I have different plans.

The room grows colder the longer I wait, looking directly into the dark, black shadowy void where the Demon's face should be.

Its low growl ceases, and we wait in silence even longer, until the Demon's raspy throat, as if it just screamed for hours, begins to turn to a slow chuckle. The massive hologram leans forward.

"Drako Vermillion. Quite bold of you to directly send me proof of you breaking one of the sacred family rules: to never kill a fellow demon."

Wisps of dark black energy drain behind the hologram as it leans closer. The wisps that leave its body dissolve into threads of green divine energy, then dissipate into the atmosphere once out of range from the transmission device.

It reminds me that we're not actually in the same room, but the vibrations and cold feeling I get just from looking at this massive demon make me second-guess myself. So, I stay on guard while answering.

"I was taking out the trash. If you expect me to work alongside a cowardly demon that cannot stare death in the eyes with a smile, then this family is not what I came to the Upper Realm to serve."

I stare up at the shadowy horned hologram without a hint of fear in my eyes, and the cold presence of the Family Head returns, though its vibrations speed up and become stronger.

"Your resolve is what all True Noble Demons should have. To act without care for the consequences, for the only goal is progress, strength, and prestige for the Demon Race. There are no races stronger than us. Your infractions will be permitted just this once..."