I clutch my chest as pain suddenly erupts from my core. It feels like my soul is being shredded, I drop to my knees as the pain overwhelms me. I really regret my decision as the pain keeps getting worse and worse, and then merciful darkness takes the pain away and me with it.

When I wake up my body hurts all over and I have a pounding headache.

*DING*

Skill lost: Teleport Level: 1

Skill lost: Blue FireBolt Level: 1

Skill lost: Summon Elemental Level: 2

Skill lost: Ignite Level: 1

Skill lost: Extinguish Level: 1

Skill lost: Remote Hand Level: 1

Skill lost: Lightning Bolt Level: 6

Skill lost: Blue Fireball Level: 1

Ability lost: Mana Regen Level: 1

*DING*

Congratulations! An ability has evolved!

For strength exceeding 150 Supreme Strength has evolved into Demonic Strength!!

Demonic Strength

One-handed add Str Stat x 1.5 to damage.

Two-handed add Str Stat x 3 to damage.

Well no more magic for me that's for sure now. What did I just do to myself? I am confused, and I notice my vision is weird. I was just getting used to not having my left eye but now I can see normally again.

I groan as I force myself to sit up, as I do I realize I am lying in a puddle of sweat and blood and other things. I do not know how long has passed but I am starving so it might have been days. First I drag myself to the river to wash off and have a drink.

Then I pull out one of the snack bars and eat it. I try to see my reflection in the river but the water is moving too much. I need to figure out what absorbing the core did to me.

'Status!'

Name: Ash

Race: Black Lion Demon Beast

Type: Unique Demon

Rank: 0

Titles: (2) The Merciful, Blessed by the Light

HP: 1321/1321

DP: 150/150

Str: 158

Agi: 137

End: 114

Int: 119

Wis: 86

Cha: 49

Unspent Points: 40

Fire Resist: 67 Cold Resist: 26 Magic Resist: 20

"What? I am a demon now??"

Drog says "Yes, master. I am surprised that you survived!"

Ruby says "Shut up, you stupid demon! I told you he would live!"

"Ugh, hi Ruby. How long did I sleep?"

Ruby says "Almost a week."

Drog says "I wouldn't call it sleep, more like a coma."

Ruby says "Why would you keep this demon around? You should have killed him!"

"He could prove useful, if nothing else he has knowledge I want."

Ruby comes out of the amulet and takes human form. When she turns to look at me she cringes away after meeting my eyes.

"What's wrong?"

Ruby says "That new eye is creepy! Sorry, I'm not used to it yet."

"New eye? What is wrong with it?"

Ruby says "Well, it doesn't look like an eye so much, more like an angry ball of black fire."

Drog says "It is a demonic eye, your regular eye couldn't regenerate because you lost it fighting me. Demonic wounds never fully heal."

Ruby says "Whatever, you should probably cover it up if you plan to interact with other people."

Drog says "Don't worry, as long as it is not an enchanted item you will be able to see through whatever you cover it with."

"Really?"

I close my right eye and cover my left eye with my hand. Sure enough I can still see although things are a little blurry.

"What else can it do? And what other benefits do I get for being a demon?"

Drog says "The eye sees magic, once you get used to it spell casters and magic items will have an aura around them. Demons are stronger and tougher than any other race, and of course we live forever......Wait! I'm contracted for your lifetime, but if you are immortal..."

Drog's voice fades away to a dull rumble, I am fairly sure he has retreated into the sword and is swearing in the demonic language. I will just let him sulk for a while, I have other things to take care of. I start thinking about what to do first when suddenly Ruby hugs me hard.

"Umm, sorry for worrying you."

Ruby says "I'm getting used to it. Sorry for scaring you when Drog took out my human form."

"Does that mean we are even?"

Ruby says "Only this time, you are way ahead on stupid stunts."

"Guess I can't argue that. Let's head back to camp."

Ruby gives me one more squeeze before returning to the amulet. I look around to make sure I'm not forgetting anything and then jump in the river and take the quick way back to camp.

Once back at camp Ruby returns to human form to keep me company as I start sorting through all the stuff I have collected. All the tools except the leatherworking ones go into the bag. Then I sort through the crafting materials I have.

There isn't enough spider carapace left to make another set of armor, but that is okay, it was a bit too restrictive. The fight with Drog taught me that mobility is my best friend in a fight. So I want to make something lighter and more flexible this time.

I quickly decide on the gator hide as my best bet, it is as light as leather but much stronger. And since I lost Black Razor I can't cut the spider carapace anyway. First things first I hold some up over my eye to make sure I can see through it, then I make myself an eye patch and put it on.

"There, better?"

Ruby says "Yeah, much!"

I smile at Ruby as I start working on my new armor. At least with most of my weapons gone I can make the fittings much simpler this time.

"Drog!"

Drog says "What?!"

"I want you to teach me how to create a soulscape. I need to have a chat with the princess."

Ruby says "Princess? What princess?"