Another year passes by. It's been 3 years now since I started training in the Talvit estate. My power seems to be around Tharnomath's level, but his experience is still far superior to mine. Cornelius decided to help Eli with her new physical training. Now that Araam isn't hindering her physical state anymore, changes in her training regime had to be made. Her body seems to be recovering at a fast rate, as she resembles a skinny but healthy child at the moment.

Ergillaz seems very focused as it's almost time for the blood tournament. Tharnomath is in the same boat, but he acts more than my personal overseer compared to Ergillaz.

A decision was made that I should probably wear something else if I'm going to the blood arenas. A cloak is a no-go, as I don't wish to trip and get a hammer in my face. Leaving the cloak behind, I'm still wearing a black shirt that exposes way too much of my abdomen. For some reason, the shopkeeper insisted that I should keep it that way. I was never really one who knew much about clothing, so I simply agreed to her demands. My black shirt is long-sleeved, but the sleeves are made of these light enchanted steel chains that strap tightly around my arms. It helps in defense, and they surprisingly don't really hinder my movements. The pants that I'm wearing seem to be of high quality. It's black, filled with all kinds of gems that also seem to be carrying a meaning. Rubies that represent a line of streaming blood. Green amethysts that form a green eye that reminds me of Eli and Araam. Dark blue sapphires underneath those eyes in the pattern of a wave representing the sapphires embedded underneath Ergillaz's very own eyes. Six gold dust lines on top of a moonstone layer represent Tharnomath's golden eyes and his pale complexion. And finally, some embroidery that isn't made of any gems that represent the card of the joker.

'I don't think I even want to know the value of this thing.' I think to myself, worried I would be unable to fight knowing that I'm wearing something worth millions.

Going out of the store, I can see Cornelius waiting for me. He immediately walks up to me and starts to speak.

“They do say clothes make the man, and I must admit that they are right.” He says, seemingly impressed.

“Thank y-” I say before I get interrupted.

“You finally look like a true gigolo.” He calls out, looking at the chains and exposed abdomen.

A sense of shame comes over me as I cover my body with my hands and some strings of darkness.

“Shut up,” I say in a calm, cold tone. My ears burn red as I make my way toward the blood district.

Cornelius POV:

Seeing how little Ed was clothed, I simply found it in my duty to play some tricks on him. After having some fun with him, he responds in a calm and cold tone.

'He's clearly been around that Tharnomath fellow for too long.' I think to myself, seeing how he's able to mimic the same tone of voice. I might have been intimidated if I didn't notice his red ears that gave away his embarrassment. He quickly turns around to leave, as I use this chance to appraise him.

- Greater shade demon-

Name: not chosen

Name before crossing: Edwin Gwayne

Information:

[Reincarnate] [Dark Vision] [Experienced In the Arcane ways]

[Fire Magic] [Darkness magic] [Blood magic]

[spiritual companion] [Boundless] [Mark of the watchers]

[Greater Regeneration] [Experienced Duelist] [Seer's Blessing]

[Greater Ritualistic Knowledge] [Trickster] [Teacher]

[Soul Devourer] [Soul Mage] [Magical Resilience] [Way of Sojutsu]

[Potent Blood] [Contracted]

Further Information:

[mark of the watchers]: He carries the watcher's mark. This grants the possibility of calling upon these entities. Repercussions are unknown.

[Potent Blood]: This person is an experienced blood mage and has succeeded in numerous healing blood rituals. This has made evolved the blood flow and blood value of this person.

[Soul mage]: The individual is capable of manipulating souls to an arcane form.

[Way of Sojutsu]: An individual who's greatly experienced fighting with a spear. Art of the spear.

[Magical Resilience]: The individual is more resistant to the arcane than the average barrier. Spells have to be cast at a greater level to do significant damage.

[Seer's blessing]: This sight can be used to aid in the understanding of rituals and the arcane ways. This is a blessing and can be revoked at any moment by the one who granted it.

[Contracted]: This person has made a deal with another.

Reading Little Ed's information, a smirk blooms on my lips.

'He's gotten quite strong, and he will become even stronger.' I think to myself, licking my lips.

A cynical look escapes me as I read the text of the mark of the watchers.

'I hoped that that annoying marking would have been gone by now. But it seems that there are more eyes than I can imagine.' Worrying thoughts start plaguing my head as unknown factors could hinder my dear Little Ed's growth.

“Is something the matter?” He asks me in a calm tone as he turns around to face me.

“You seem rather quiet.”

I've known this boy for half a decade now and the changes are clear for the eye to see. At first, his soul was suffering, weeping in a tone of despair, his eyes used to have this gloomy tone with eternal darkness lying beyond them. Now the boy has grown up. His conflicting emotions of humanity and being a demon have merged, his soul has strengthened from surviving the despair, and those gloomy eyes with darkness have turned to ice-cold eyes with the fire of determination and domination behind them.

“I was just saddened that I will have to watch you get completely dominated at a tournament. Of course, you would probably like that.” I say diverting the attention back to the tournament.

Little Ed doesn't answer as he turns around to ignore me. Quickening his pace to the blood district. A quick demonic smirk escapes his usual calm facade.