My Living Shadow System Devours To Make Me Stronger Chapter 836 - 837: Finesse

Deep within a lavish subterranean vault located right under the city's heart, Damon reclined on plush rugs. He held a human heart in his grip, his brow twitching with visible irritation.

"Ahhh... ahh"

With a frustrated scowl, he snapped his wrist and tossed the organ toward Lazarak.

"I just don’t understand it. This is infuriating. Why is soul modification such a difficult task?"

Lazarak nearly chuckled at the Young Master’s exasperated tone, though he managed to keep it to a simple smile.

"Soul modification demands an incredible level of precision," Lazarak explained with composure. "I take it you weren't the one responsible for altering Matia’s soul."

Damon sank deeper into the soft carpets, leaning his weight back.

"No," he replied bluntly. "I received assistance from a true god. It’s no wonder her Cultivation and form are so flawless."

Lazarak shifted his gaze toward Matia.

She instinctively bowed her head, her composure wavering despite her efforts to remain stoic.

"And what of Ghost?" Lazarak inquired, a spark of interest in his eyes.

Exhaling a long breath, Damon massaged his temples to stave off a growing headache.

"Matia manifested him after my arm was severed. As for the specific requirements..." He trailed off, looking annoyed. "She claims she just did it. Apparently, the method just 'came to her.'"

Matia offered a slight, apologetic bow.

"I apologize," she whispered. "In my current state, I cannot replicate those exact conditions. Perhaps once I attain the fourth or fifth class..."

Hearing her plea, Damon shook his head dismissively.

"It’s alright," he stated firmly. "Don't stress yourself over the matter."

Lazarak looked away, focusing instead on Lyn and Sithara. The two were busy carving radiant magic seals around the massive cocoon they had retrieved from the depths of Eidolon.

"What is your plan for that object, anyway?" Damon asked, eyeing the shell. "You insisted we drag it all the way from the lowest levels of Eidolon."

His questioning was logical.

To Damon’s knowledge, the thing was a living disaster—a race of creatures that consumed everything in their path to spawn offspring, creating hive-mind swarms that adapted their forms based on their prey. It was a species that had nearly wiped out existence before the lesser gods stepped in.

Lazarak let out a heavy sigh, his expression darkening.

"My intention is to hatch it."

Damon winced, raising a skeptical eyebrow.

"And yet people call me the crazy one."

Lazarak shook his head in disagreement.

"That isn't the insane part."

He locked eyes with Damon.

"The real challenge is finding a way to transform this entity into your shadow. If we cannot do that, we won't be able to control it once it emerges. Taming a beast of this magnitude is a lost cause."

Damon’s gaze sharpened as he processed the information.

"So that was your motive," he said slowly. "You believed I could assimilate it into a shadow. That explains why you've been so curious about my shadow-creation abilities lately."

He folded his arms and let out a breath.

"How long have you been plotting this? Or was this just a sudden whim?"

Lazarak’s voice grew hushed.

"Based on your current rate of progress, we should be ready in ten or twenty years. That timeframe is sufficient."

Damon tightened his crossed arms, feeling a sting of pride.

"I'll have you know it’s been less than two years since I gained this power. I’ve climbed three ranks in mere months. Just because I haven’t achieved perfect mastery doesn't mean I'm lagging; these techniques usually take decades."

Lazarak nodded in acknowledgment.

"Indeed, your talent is that of a prodigy. However, given the threats we face, even that may not be fast enough."

He rested a small hand against his chest, still confined to the body of a five-year-old.

"Because of that, I will assist you. We will create your most formidable shadow yet. You had divine help before, so why not accept mine now?"

Damon stood up, his focus centering on the cocoon enveloped in glowing seals.

"You’re actually serious about this..."

Lazarak gave a firm nod.

"I am. We require raw numbers. Even though we’ve seized a large portion of the Grinding Gate, those forces are too insignificant for the war to come."

His voice turned cold.

"Seraph Null is merely the first obstacle. If we depart from this world, we will eventually face my brother, who is far more dangerous than anything here."

He turned his eyes toward a small pool located in a far corner of their sanctuary.

"I’d rather not depend on what I can summon from the Lake of Tears," he murmured. "Though I must admit, it serves as a powerful last resort."

He bit his lip pensively.

"We need every tool, every ruse, and every conspiracy at our disposal. I am prepared to do whatever is necessary."

"Except for getting your own hands dirty," Damon interrupted with a mocking smirk.

Lazarak smiled back.

"Precisely why I have you."

Damon crossed his arms once more.

"Feeding that beast will be a nightmare, let alone the hatching process. It’ll be a nuisance if it takes decades to reach maturity."

Lazarak brushed the concern aside with a wave of his hand.

"I will handle those minor details. And it appears one of our agents has just successfully placed a brand."

Damon grinned.

"Hurry up and play the recorded message."

"I'm already on it," Lazarak answered, laughing as he sensed the influx of new devotees.

A moment later, a man was warped into the secret headquarters from a location within the city. Upon arrival, he immediately dropped to one knee in front of Damon.

"My lord, the task is finished. I have the coordinates for the leader of the Black Crow."

Damon took the parchment, unfurling it with a casual air.

"Excellent," he remarked. "With this, we can tie up these loose ends and cement our control over the Grinding Gate."

Lazarak watched him, arms folded in thought.

"Your efficiency is quite impressive. I find it hard to believe we've gained this much ground in just a few days, all while you remained hidden here."

Damon looked toward the information broker, the sole outsider who knew their location.

The process had been simple enough.

Using the broker, Ghost, and his own shadow, Damon didn't need to lift a finger personally. By possessing Ghost, he could handle the violence. The rest was just a matter of execution, intimidation, bribing people with mana cores, and making strategic promises.

"I see," Damon muttered. "That Black Crow leader should have accepted my terms when he had the chance."

His grin turned predatory.

"I suppose I’ll just have to end him now."

He rolled his shoulders to loosen up.

"I’ve been cooped up in here for too long. It’s time for some exercise."

He looked at Matia, who stepped forward instantly.

Damon then gave the information broker a sharp smile.

"Show me the way."