Awakening Of The HollowShadow

Chapter 16

At the northern region, when the darkness was just starting to extend its plague, to the atmosphere of the northern sky. Robbing the people of the brightness of the day, and the original color of the sky, as it spread. Leaving nothing, but a cold and gloomy view, of what was the warmth of the day, as the alluring sky-blue turned grey, then eventually black.

And the weather was left with a certain sense of chill, making most believed it was about to rain, as some took cover, and business owners took all needed precautions to protect their goods.

While at the rundown building in the ghetto not too far from the woods in the northern region. Lord Oka, his party members, and the remnant demons were all attentive to the words of the general, in regards to his proposed plan of invasion, as he explained their roles, aim, and objectives to all present.

Putting it, in the simplest of terms, so all could comprehend their roles, and better execute them. The general made it clear that their aim was to cause chaos in the city, in order, to increase the level of negativity in the city.

By putting to rest all thoughts, and emotions of positivity the people had. To further increase the rate at which the darkness spread, in order to speed up the completion time needed for the darkness circulation.

Therefore weakening the city barrier, if not eradicate it, in order for him to gain entry to the city, and kick start his actual invasion amongst other plans, he failed to mention to them. All in belief they would have detected, or sense the darkness plaguing certain parts of the city.

But unaware that was not the case, due to them being distracted by his present, and none dared to draw his attention to it, instead they patiently wait for him to conclude things first. While they listened.

He continued, explaining that in line, to achieving their aim, certain objectives must be fulfilled. One being, each has to secure certain parts of the plagued region in the city, by whatever means necessary, or available to them. Two, each has to increase their death count, by gorging on most in the city.

Giving none a place to hide in the location they pick. Making fear, despair, and hopelessness to be the order of the day, and constant thoughts for the humans. Snuffing all forms of hopes, and positive thoughts from them.

“Lastly, all hunters you encounter, especially the ones that killed lord Omiha and Lord Yu must suffer horrific deaths… And here… It’s an item I personally crafted for the occasion…”

“You can consider it a token of my devotion to our course, and belief in you all… The items are power crystals that will aid in making all stated objectives a reality… It’ll boost your strength in ways you can’t imagine…”

“Making even low level demons evolve to a high level demons status, regardless of how weak they might have started up” the general said, as his flowing mirror poured out crystals, to the living room of lord Oka’s base. Each having the size of an index finger, as he advertise the use of it, while giving a summarized detail of the purpose of the items.

Believing that would be enough to persuade lord Oka to believe in his supposed goodwill, which would in turn prevent him from making any further objections, as the issue of them being out matched, by the hunters was supposedly solved, with the aid of his items.

All demons present were overwhelmed by the general’s offer of power, as the actualization of his stated objective seemed more realistic with each uttered words. Making them excited by the progress of things, while drawn to mainly the use of the crystal, which made the thoughts of the uttered words and mystery of the darkness start to escape them.

The general went further narrating, that the crystal provides a jump to any of the 3 classes, and possibly to even the ranked level. The highest category demons power and energy level could fall under. Depending on the demon’s original class, before utilization.

However in order for them to fully comprehend his craft, and value of what was before them. He gave a bit of elucidation to things. Explaining that the three classes, also known as the common class was one that grades each demons based on their demonic power and energy level.

The first, that stood at the apex of it was the A class. Giving a summary of the class, he stated that the class was, the second and final grade for high level demons, with a partially extreme energy level and power. Sharing that, some are even lucky to possess multiple unique abilities, in addition to the one obtained, in acquisition to the class, depending on the bloodline.

Adding that, the class was one that came with the title lords, and consist of mostly nobles, since one could obtain the power by bloodline, but mass consumption of humans could also provide such power, and could be consider the fastest route to take for non-nobles.

The second class, was the B class. Explaining that, they were strong demons who are considered the first grade of high level demons. He stated that they possess a relatively high power, and energy level. But has partially high capacity to consume or produce much demonic energy, or dark energy by themselves.

And the last was D class, stating them to consist of low level demons, ones who were yet to consume a significant amount of humans, or negativity. Making it painfully known that they were considered to be lowborn. The weakest in the lot. And compared to the other classes, their power and energy were nothing, but a droplet from a small leaf.

“However, with the crystal, D class will be a thing of the past… Given how even they, will be able to ascend to a high level demon with it… With no risk or danger involved…”

“I was going to send it to the demons in the frontline, but given how bad things are going here… I think it safe to say you need it more…”

“However, I haven’t been able to produce much yet, but I think this should be enough to go around, provided you don’t get greedy, and take more than one” the general continued with a blunt expression, advertising his crystal further, while making it obvious how good of a deal he was offering. In order for him to mask the abnormality of his timing to be him showing off. And at the same time being concerned, but in an arrogant kind of way.

Convinced, his choice of words would make him seem quite generous to lord Oka’s subordinates, regardless of how he phrased it, since he believed he had won them over. But knew that was not likely the case with lord Oka. Speculating, he would likely see only his arrogance, which he won’t think it’s out of character for him, since he believed demon generals were not capable of feeling any sense of concern for their subordinates.

Therefore, making him conclude all his act wasn't that of kindness, but only that of him showing off. In order, for him to showcase his new invention, in a form of kindness, so they'll aid his case, just so, he’ll gain more favour of the demon king, which would in turn suppress his thought of suspicion of things, and at the same time make him less difficult to suade.

In other words the general was trying to use his sense of caution, and believed brilliance to suppress his hostility, and caution over his every act in order for things to go his way. Since forcing his way to things could make things worse.

However in the case, that his prediction of lord Oka’s act was wrong. He believed the curiosity of his claim about his crystal supposed ability, would be enough to tempt him not to object to things, given how power was all demons craved, especially those in the common class. With that, he knew for a fact that things would go his way, regardless.

While he neglected to speak anything about the ranked level category. Believing it’s best to leave all to the suspense of things. Given how otherwise would make him seem out of character, putting all his effort to waste.

The atmosphere in the living room was filled with anxiety, and excitement as most, if not all the demons were eager to get their hands on one of the crystals, as the thought of both the darkness, and ranked level category escaped them. Overwhelm by the thought of the ability of the crystal, and credibility of the general, if what he said was true.

While awaiting the order to take one, and the knowledge of how to use it became harder to do, as they all fell short of questioning their circumstance. Believing it was a once in a life time opportunity, as even lord Oka couldn’t help but felt tempted.

“Could it be possible...? No-No… His an ambitious, cocky bastard that takes pride in being brutally blunt, and arrogant, so there is no way he would lie about the crystal effects... And if things are as he said, in the sector… Then that would explain the free time he has for an invasion, and why he would offer the crystal to us… Even so, I doubt his doing this without an ulterior motive…”

“No-No, that doesn’t matter now… All that matters is taking advantage of the situation… Given how he has presented a once in a lifetime opportunity… I can’t afford missing out… I have to secure it, and become a ranked demon…”

“Yes… I need this… I deserve it!” lord Oka pondered, overwhelmed by the opportunity before him. Speculating on the possibility of the uttered words of the general. While short sighted by the temptation of the chance of immerse growth, which made him ignore his sense of caution, as he convinced himself that there wasn’t much of a risk to taking the crystal. And the chances of the words of the general being true was highly likely.

While trying to conceal his thoughts of things, as he struggled not to rush, to grab one of the crystal, from where he sat. Knowing, if what the general said had any truth to it, the crystal could ascend him to become a ranked level demon, and probably one of the new demon king’s general.

Given, how that’s the category all his general falls under, and even if, he wasn’t granted such he knew things would change for him massively, regardless. Since there were only a hand full of demons that has reached such level, and the power acquired would be nothing short of incredible, as that of its benefits.

“Oka, could you have your men distribute the crystal to them…? I’ll like to know, if it’ll be enough… Before I proceed any further”

“Yes-Yes, sire… Indeed” lord Oka replied, trying to conceal his excitement of things, as the general made his request known, in hopes to confirm his speculation of lord Oka's reaction, while all the demons present were excited by the new development, and some frighten of if the crystal would be enough, most especially the rogues, and remnant demons as they kneeled.

It took a moment for one of lord Oka’s subordinate to distribute the crystal to all present, as they assembled all demons outside in first, after their lord was the first to be given a piece. And fortunately for them the crystal got to all present, both the ones assembled in, and the ones already inside. As each were filled with excitement of the chance of growth with little effort.

And power with no required risk of death, or chase by hunters. Leaving no question asked, as to the kindness, or their circumstance. Even lord Oka was overwhelmed by the opportunity, so much so, he loosen the grip of his caution. As most doubts, and suspicion of the general acts escaped his mind.

While the general was please by their reaction to his gift. But Surprised by how willing lord Oka was, which exceeded his expectation. Confirming his claim that no matter how smart, or cautious a high level, or low level demon might be, when it comes down to it. Power is all one needs to persuade them, or change their mind set, so he concluded, after noticing the reaction of lord Oka to his gift.

He was amused by the sight of how excited they were to get the crystals, and that of how well his plan was going for the most part of it, at least. When the distribution was done, and all were settled. He then made it known that the darkness in the city was of his doing, and was partially same to the one plaguing certain parts of the soul sector.

Neglecting to state anything about what he meant by his exact words, but made it known that lord Omiha had a significant contribution to the actualization of it, given the onslaught he orchestrated. He gave no details, as to what he meant, or how that was connected to the darkness, while he continued.

Stating it to be partly the reason why his, trying to make most of the opportunity given. So their death would count for something. Believing his uttered word would help him obtain more of their devotions, and at the same time block all thoughts of suspicions. Making them loyal dogs, he could do as he please with.

“Although, am not a fan of the lords… But as the one who sent them here, and their general, I must take responsibility and make sure their death wasn't for nothing...”

“With that said, let’s make most of this opportunity, and make sure to ensure the success of the invasion” he continued, suading them to belief in his goodwill, and making sure not to act out of character, by retaining his bluntness of things. With hopes that each uttered words would pulled them to his palm, increasing their devotion to him, enough to at least use the crystals.