Chapter Nineteen: Legacy of Terror
Malphos stood before Rin, his long black cloak swaying gently, the crimson runes etched along its edges glowing faintly.
He spoke in a calm, steady voice:
"Tomorrow, I will depart… with Liana, and the Sacred Death Legion of House Aldritch. But I will relieve Knight Commander Kieran of his duties… so he can train you."
He stepped forward and extended his hand, holding a scroll wrapped in dark leather that pulsed with a faint, sinister mana.
"This technique… I created it myself. It's one of the main reasons the world fears me."
Rin's eyes narrowed as he took the scroll. Malphos continued, his voice growing heavier:
"This technique resides in the eyes. The right eye analyzes and reduces whatever it sees to ashes in a single glance. The left eye… kills living beings instantly."
Rin held his breath.
"Watch."
With a wave of his hand, two massive beasts were summoned, radiating corrupted, roaring mana.
Malphos turned his right eye toward one of them.
A single pulse. The creature's body began to decay, crumbling into fine ash within seconds, as though it had never existed.
Then, without warning, he cast a glance from his left eye at the second beast.
It died instantly. Its heart stopped, and it collapsed lifelessly before it could comprehend what had struck it.
Rin stared, stunned.
Malphos said quietly:
"Train in it… I expect much from you."
He placed a firm hand on Rin's shoulder.
"You're currently ranked B-. That's impressive… but your body is still young, and hasn't fully adapted to Death Mana."
He looked at him with a rare expression—cold, yet tinged with pride.
"Don't try to rush through the ranks… Just aim to reach Rank A within the next six years. By then, your body and soul will be deeply attuned to Death Mana."
He turned away slightly, then added:
"I'll supply you with Death Mana… I'll send you humans and demons as captives. You'll torture them… and absorb their Death Mana. That will give you a major advantage over others your age."
He paused for a moment, his eyes gleaming with ancient knowledge.
"Even among prodigies, few reach Rank B within six years. Most never come close."
Malphos's voice was low… but it echoed through the hall like distant thunder:
"Let them crawl… while you rise."