The Damned Demon - Chapter 777

Chapter 777: You Are Now Asher



The suffocating stillness of the dark hall seemed to close in as Lori weakly hissed, her serpentine form curled in Asher's lap. Her once dark yet vibrant scales had dulled to an almost lifeless hue, and her dark purple eyes flickered faintly like the dying embers of a fire.

"Ssss, brat..." Lori's voice was barely above a whisper, each word a struggle as she stared up at him, "If not for this situation... I would have thought you were trying to fool me...to believe all this past life and reincarnation stuff people only see in old stories. Who would have thought... it is all real?" she mumbled, a faint trace of awe in her dimming eyes.

Asher blinked, caught off guard by her response, "Wait...that is the only thing you're shocked about? Nothing else?"

Lori shot him a weak, bored look and coughed, her long tail twitching feebly. "What else?...The fact that you were a human once?...Of course it's sssshocking...but how does it matter now?"

"What-? It matters because I'm a demon now. If people knew who I was, I'd be crucified!" Asher exclaimed, his tone laced with incredulity. "You don't even feel an iota of anger because of my past? Humans must have tried to kill you and plunder your home so many times. Who knows...I might have also tried to do the same if I got a quest related to you."

Lori hissed softly, the sound weaker than usual, as her gaze became a shade dimmer, "Ssso what?...I don't care what other humans did. No matter what you were...it doesn't change that the fact you are now a silly brat named Asher....and my partner. That'sss what...matters to me," Lori said, punctuating her words with a faint wink, though her breath came out labored.

"Lori..." Asher murmured, a warm yet painful ache swelling in his chest. Despite everything- the short time they had known each other, the countless dangers they faced-her acceptance felt profound. It was rare, if not unheard of, for someone to truly look past what he was.

Lori's lips twitched into the shadow of her signature smirk, "But I can see why...your little queen exiled you. I would also have felt great resentment if you did kill my father...even if it wasss in a different life. I'm sssurprised she didn't kill you outright... That only meansss she loves you too much, brat."

Asher nodded, his jaw tight, "I really hope that's true. But wait-Kill me? So you're saying you would have killed me if you were in her shoes?" His voice carried a mix of disbelief and playful accusation.

Lori shot him a weak, incredulous stare, "When did I sssay that?...I would rather use you as my ssslave...to make you do everything as I please...until I feel like forgiving you..." She said with a roguish smile.

Despite the suffocating weight of their situation, Asher rolled his eyes, a faint, dry chuckle escaping his lips. Even in her weakened state, Lori couldn't resist joking like this. Or was she?

The faint light above drew closer, but just as he reached the top, a crippling pain tore through his mana circuit like a fiery lance, "ARGH!" he screamed, blood spilling from his lips as his wings faltered. He barely managed to land on the floor above, collapsing with Lori still clutched protectively in his arms.

His vision darkened at the edges, his body refusing to obey him. The mana backlash was too much. His breath came in ragged gasps as the world tilted and blurred.

Through the haze, a figure approached-tall and imposing, clad in dark armor with a flowing crimson cape. The sharp crimson slit on her helmet glowed faintly in the dim light, exuding an unshakable aura. Asher's heart raced as the figure knelt and scooped him up effortlessly,

cradling him with an unexpected gentleness.

Before he could say a word, darkness claimed him.

"Haaa!" Asher jolted awake with a gasp, his heart hammering in his chest. The cold air stung his face, and the faint sound of a howling wind filled his ears. He blinked rapidly, his vision adjusting to the dim light of a tent. The sheet was thick and sturdy, lined with protective runes that shimmered faintly against the frost outside.

His eyes immediately searched for Lori. Relief flooded his chest as he saw her lying on a makeshift bed nearby, her small form rising and falling with weak but steady breaths. Her complexion had improved, though she was still unconscious.

"You're alive...thank the devils..." Asher whispered, his voice shaking. He clenched his fists, a wave of gratitude and relief washing over him. But as he looked around, confusion quickly set in. How did we get out? The last thing he remembered was collapsing outside the hole. His mind raced with unanswered questions.

The sound of heavy, deliberate footsteps broke his thoughts. Asher turned his head sharply, his eyes widening as a familiar woman stepped into the tent.

The towering figure of his royal protector filled the space, her crimson cape swaying with her movements. Twilight, her twin-tailed demonic cat, peeked out from beneath the cape, its dark red eyes fixed on him with an almost knowing gaze and a sweet greeting, "Meow..."

"Eradicator?" Asher's voice cracked with disbelief as she stopped in front of him, her imposing frame casting a long shadow, "How...?"

"Are you alright, Your Majesty?" Eradicator asked, her voice calm but firm, carrying a stoic undertone that mirrored her nature while carefully observing him.