Shadow Slave: Eternal Madness

[Volume 3: Emperor] Opening Quote:

"I warned you, Sovereigns, but you refused to listen. Now, you shall bear my wrath."

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Raphael looked down at the crowd below, hailing him. He didn't feel anything—still detached from emotions.

He knew the truth. They weren't hailing him because they loved him. No, not at all. He was a prisoner they mustn't let leave.

They needed to protect him at all costs because he was their last hope.

Their last hope for their true Emperor to return.

By taking the Nether lineage, Raphael had become a vessel for Nether to revive in his body.

Raphael chuckled. He knew that for every power, there must be a price, and becoming Nether's vessel was the price.

The good thing was that he was too weak for Nether to revive in his body. It would take a long time before the revival process began.

Raphael raised his hand to silence the crowd.

And they obeyed.

He looked down at Mohg and asked, "Do you know who I am?"

"You are our Emperor and the Ruler of the Underworld, Your Majesty," Mohg replied.

"I didn't mean it like that. Have we met before?"

"No, Your Majesty. This is the first time we have met."

"I see. Then how did you know that I am truly your Emperor?"

"I can feel it inside you—His Majesty Emperor Nether's lineage."

Raphael remained silent.

'If you plan to use me... I will use you too.'

He rose from the throne and looked at the crowds.

"Residents of the Underworld, your Emperor has returned!"

The crowd screamed, hailing and cheering. Raphael looked at them and smiled.

'Don't worry. I will use you all well.'

He looked back at Mohg and said, "Lead the way, Mohg, to the armory."

"As you pledge, Your Majesty," Mohg replied.

While walking toward the armory, Raphael asked, "Tell me about the conditions of the Underworld."

"We're not in a good state, my Lord. The corruption has taken 90% of the Underworld. The remaining 10% is the capital, protected by His Majesty Nether's spells," Mohg replied.

"How did you lose so much land?"

"The one leading the corruption is an unholy titan, Your Majesty."

Raphael chuckled.

'So that's why they want Nether to return.'

"Do you know about the Nightmare Spell?"

"Yes, most of the Awakened in the Underworld have been infected by the spell."

"Do you know how to create Memories?"

"Yes, my Lord," Mohg replied.

"Good. Take this kimono and make it a Memory. Enchant it with self-repair, self-cleaning, temperature control, and high defense against Mind and Soul attacks."

"It will be done, my Lord."

Mohg clicked his fingers, and another kimono appeared. Raphael gave his kimono to Mohg and wore the new one.

"We are here, Your Majesty," Mohg said calmly.

Raphael nodded and entered the armory. Hundreds of armors and weapons were scattered across the room.

"Mohg, give me the best armor you have here."

"If you want armor for yourself, my Lord, come with me."

"Hmm… where are we going?" Raphael asked.

"To the Vault, where every creation of Emperor Nether is stored."

Raphael was stunned.

'Hahaha—no wonder everyone wants to join a clan. How could they not when you're pampered with Memories?'

They reached the Vault. Mohg opened it and walked inside, with Raphael following.

"Your Majesty, please do not be offended by my words, but since you're too weak, most of the armories can't be used. However, I have the perfect armor for you, my Lord."

Mohg approached one of the armors on display.

The armor was a dark masterpiece made of jagged black plates that looked as if they were carved from darkness itself. Sharp spikes and horns jutted out, giving it a menacing, otherworldly appearance. A flowing black cloak behind it seemed to absorb light, adding to its eerie presence. Every detail, from intricate carvings to twisted edges, spoke of ancient power and hidden danger. It wasn't just armor—it was fear and authority incarnate.

"This armor was created by Emperor Nether from the scales and bones of a dragon that once ruled the Underworld. It has abnormal defense against physical, elemental, mind, and soul attacks. Even someone above your rank would struggle to damage it."

"The armor also has enchantments such as self-repair and weight changing. It can accommodate three charm Memories to enhance its enchantments."

'So, Mantle of the Underworld, but ten times better,' Raphael thought.

"I'll take it," Raphael said.

"Yes, but my Lord, I must inform you: it has one side effect. You cannot own another armor. If you do, this one will destroy itself."

"Is this what they call the pride of a dragon?" Raphael chuckled.

Initially, he had planned to take another armor and wear two simultaneously, but it seemed that wasn't possible.

"It's fine. I'll take it."

"Then you need to pour your essence into the armor. It will merge with you."

Raphael did as instructed. The onyx armor opened from the middle and lunged at him like a beast devouring its prey.

Raphael didn't resist.

The armor fully enveloped him and began merging with his body, becoming one.

After five minutes, it was complete. He heard the Spell's voice whisper in his ears:

[You have received an Attribute.]

Raphael summoned his Attributes rune.

Attributes: [Fated], [Time Traveler], [Absoulate Regeneration], [Flame of Divinty], [Ruler of the Underworld], [Dragon Wrath].

Attribute: [Dragon Wrath].

Attribute Description: [In the deep darkness of the underworld, a prideful demon forged seven suits of splendid armor for his favorite creations. This suit was created from the blood and flesh of the dragon that wreaked havoc in the Underworld.]

Attribute Traits: [Living Stone], [Feather of Truth], [Adamantine], [Underworld Armaments], [Mantle], [Shell], [Bound], [Berserker].

Raphael recognized most traits but noted changes. Stalwart became Adamantine, as it was stronger than Marble Shell. Underworld Armament was now Armaments, as it could hold more than one charm. There was also a new trait: Berserker.

Attribute Trait: [Berserker].

Attribute Trait Description: [The more blood you shed, the stronger you become

.]

'Sigh… I truly pity my enemies.'

"Your Majesty, are you pleased with the armor?" Mohg asked.

"Yes, Mohg, I am."

"Then we will need a weapon for you. What weapon do you use?"

"I'm not much of a fighter and have never wielded a weapon. So, here's my order: you will train me."

Mohg knelt. "It will be my honor to train you, Your Majesty."

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It had been three days since Raphael began training with Mohg.

"Your Majesty," Mohg said, concern evident in his tone, "please forgive my bluntness, but you have no talent in swordsmanship or any other weapon."

Raphael sighed, wiping the sweat from his brow. "Is that so?"

"Yes, but I can see you have potential in martial arts."

Raphael raised a skeptical brow. "And what can martial arts accomplish against a swordsman who will cut me to pieces?"

"Your Majesty," Mohg said respectfully, "when you merged with the armor, your body became as strong as a transcendent weapon. You can cut and destroy anything, even one rank above you."

"I see," Raphael replied thoughtfully. "Then let's focus on martial arts."

"I must admit, my Lord, I do not possess extensive knowledge in martial arts. However, worry not—I have already summoned someone for this purpose."

From behind Mohg, a massive figure emerged. A towering man, at least three meters tall, stepped forward. Raphael recognized him as the being who had stood to the right of the throne during his coronation.

The man knelt before Raphael and spoke, his deep voice reverberating through the chamber. "It is an honor to meet Your Majesty. I am Kratos, one of the Seven Dukes of the Underworld."

'Supreme rank,' Raphael thought, assessing him.

"And the pink-haired one?"

"Yes, Your Majesty," Mohg confirmed. "Her name is Lilith. She is also one of the Seven Dukes."

"I only saw two," Raphael remarked. "Where are the others?"

"Three of them have fallen, and two have been corrupted," Mohg said, his voice laced with anger.

"I see… Sigh. Let's begin training," Raphael said, turning his focus back to Kratos.

"As you command, my Lord," Kratos replied.

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Three weeks passed, and Raphael's progress was astounding. Though still far from mastering his abilities, he had grown exponentially stronger.

'I can last five minutes against Nephis now,' Raphael thought, a small smirk tugging at his lips. It was a significant improvement, especially in such a short time.

He was sparring with Kratos. The air crackled with tension as Raphael dodged a series of relentless attacks—right punches, left kicks, and brutal uppercuts. Kratos allowed no opening for a counterattack, pushing Raphael to his limits.

In a moment of desperation, Raphael made a small error—a slip of footing.

Kratos capitalized instantly, delivering a crushing blow to Raphael's stomach. The impact sent him flying across the room, coughing blood as he hit the ground.

Lying flat on the floor, Raphael groaned. "That's enough for today."

"As you command, Your Majesty," Kratos replied, bowing slightly.

Mohg approached with a towel in hand. "Your Majesty, the four humans and the Nephilim you ordered us to watch are gathering in one place."

Raphael's lips curled into a predatory smile.

"Then I will leave the Underworld for about a week," he announced.

"As you pledge, my Lord," Mohg said.

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Volume 3 is here! You know what it means? It's the Antarctica Arc!!

Thanks for reading.. and I'm really sorry for being late, I fucking slept like a log for a whole fucking day.