My Living Shadow System Devours To Make Me Stronger Chapter 870 - 871: Shadow Drones

Damon followed them into an unfamiliar wing of the subterranean vault. The mere existence of this area confirmed his suspicions; this section had been constructed during his absence.

Upon crossing the threshold, Damon’s pace slowed.

The atmosphere shifted instantly.

The air here was crisp and sanitized. Beneath his boots, the floor was a polished surface so reflective that his own shadow seemed to watch him from below. The walls were lined with bizarre apparatuses—arcane tools, containment arrays, and enigmatic machinery that hummed with a low, controlled vibration of power.

However, his attention was immediately seized by the black cocoons.

They occupied every available space.

Resembling biological capsules, they were integrated into the architecture itself, pulsing with a rhythmic cadence as if harboring living, breathing entities.

Damon felt a momentary sense of unease, as if he had stumbled into the hidden laboratory of a rogue alchemist. It was the kind of place spoken of in dark rumors, where the pursuit of immortality was fueled by malice and human lives were treated as mere reagents.

In a twist of irony, this was indeed a site for inhuman experimentation.

It simply wasn't focused on eternal life.

Advancing further, Damon noticed a youth who looked to be in his late teens standing before a cocoon. The boy held a quill and parchment, diligently recording the minute fluctuations within the capsule’s structure.

Noticing their arrival, the young man offered a relaxed smile.

"Welcome back, Damon."

His eyes scanned Damon’s features, pausing for a fraction of a second too long. A single eyebrow arched in curiosity.

"Why the long face, my friend?"

Damon absentmindedly touched his cheek.

Was his irritation truly that obvious?

"It’s a long story."

Suddenly, Sithara rushed past him, her excitement palpable as she bounded toward the young man.

"Show him! You have to show him the advanced combat drones!"

The young man chuckled softly, patting her hair affectionately.

"Of course. Of course."

He turned and led them deeper into the laboratory, signaling for them to keep pace.

"We haven't been idle while you were away. Initially, the drones Maw birthed—like the skull models and floating shades—were designed exclusively for reconnaissance."

Damon’s brow furrowed as he walked.

"The shades are included in that, then?"

Lyn gave a firm nod.

"They are integrated into the hive mind. We conducted tests to see if Maw could produce shade-like entities, and the results were successful. While they possess more offensive potential than the skull models, their primary role remains gathering intelligence."

Damon nodded, processing the update until they reached a much larger hall.

The energy here was different.

A full squad of knights stood in perfect formation, but unlike previous versions, these were clad in obsidian armor. Nearby, cavalry units sat atop monstrous, unnatural steeds that remained eerily motionless.

Then, Damon’s gaze shifted to the back.

Five gargantuan creatures with wings tucked tight against their flanks rested there, looking more like wyverns than any known beast.

Lazarak pointed a hand toward the obsidian-armored knights.

"These represent our third-generation combat units. In contrast to the basic models, these are capable of a limited degree of autonomous thought."

He folded his arms, looking quite satisfied with the work.

"Impressive, isn't it?"

Damon raised an eyebrow.

He could sense it beneath the plate—shadows. It wasn't just a metaphor; it was literal. It was the same essence as Maw, only more concentrated and refined.

"What was the cost of these?"

Lazarak looked toward Lyn and Sithara, both of whom wore knowing grins.

"You should probably just check the report."

Damon took the parchment and scanned the text until he reached the resource tallies.

He nearly choked.

"...This many corpses?"

Lyn held up a finger to add to the list.

"Don’t overlook the magical ores, mana crystals, and mana cores."

Damon’s eye twitched in annoyance.

"These are far more costly than maintaining a regular knightly order."

"Their sheer power makes the investment worth it," Lazarak countered smoothly.

"Give one a test run," Sithara urged with a gesture.

Damon observed them for a moment. They were at the third class advancement level—the same stage he currently occupied in this realm. Commanding even a small group of such units was a significant advantage.

He walked up to one and issued a basic directive.

"Step forward."

The knight moved instantly.

Damon then voiced a different command.

"Destroy me."

The unit didn't budge.

Sithara shook her head at his attempt.

"I don't believe their programming allows for that. You should try sparring instead."

Damon nodded and adjusted his order.

"Fight me."

The world became a blur.

Before Damon could react, he was sent crashing into a wall.

Its speed was incredible, far exceeding his expectations.

Matia looked over at him.

"That specific model has already integrated my combat patterns into its memory. It would be wise not to underestimate them."

Damon shoved himself back onto his feet. Utilizing a flash step, he reappeared at the drone's flank and slammed his palm upward, launching the construct several meters into the air. It crashed down hard.

Before he could press the advantage, the drone rolled across the floor and lunged for his legs.

His vision spun as he was once again thrown into the stone wall.

Damon grinned.

He dissolved into the shadows and surged forward, manifestating directly above the unit. He threw a heavy, meaningful punch—

A shield materialized in an instant.

The collision sent a powerful shockwave through the room.

A blade whipped out from behind the shield, cutting through the air and clipping a few strands of Damon’s hair.

He tried to circle around, but the shield tracked his movements perfectly to protect the drone's rear.

Damon noticed a small dent in the armor.

It was already knitting itself back together.

"...Remarkable."

And he had an entire squad of these at his disposal.

"Let’s see how you deal with heat."

Ashborn flames flared from Damon’s hand—

The drone sank into the shadows and vanished.

It struck from directly beneath him.

Damon twisted in mid-air to evade the strike, then brought his foot down with crushing force.

"Hmm. I’ve seen enough."

With a fluid motion, he gripped the drone’s arm, ripped it from the socket, and tossed it to the side.

They were formidable, but Damon still held the upper hand.

Nevertheless, these units would be a nightmare for his enemies.

"That black-armored unit is an infantry type," Lazarak explained calmly. "The one you just tested was a tank variant."

Sithara nodded in agreement.

"We have cavalry, archers, assassins, and even mage types." She pointed toward the wyvern-like creatures. "And the air units are the most expensive of all. Constructing flying shadow drones consumes an incredible amount of resources."

"Every model keeps a fragment of independent intellect," Lazarak added. "Though their loyalty is absolute to the hive."

He looked toward Maw, which was shifting its shape nearby.

"Because they are born from Maw, they all share shadow traits. Unfortunately, we've run out of raw materials for the time being."

He gave a faint smile.

"Shadow drones. It’s a fitting title. How does it feel to command your own shadow army?"

Damon crossed his arms over his chest.

"...Still too weak to truly change the world."

He paused, then gave a slight shrug.

"But it’s a start. Given a few years—and a few wars—I could raise a true legion. Provided I survive that long."

Lazarak met his eyes with a knowing expression.

"You will."

Sithara looked at the mangled drone on the floor.

"Also, can you stop showing off? Did you really have to break it? These things aren't cheap!"

Damon rubbed the back of his head, looking slightly sheepish.