For example, if the additional stats are lost or not equipped, they return to 0.
But if the stats are increased purely, they are permanently applied.
Even if the skill is lost.
'It breaks the level limit and increases the stats. Indeed, it's a skill worthy of being called a unique skill.'
There are set limits for each level.
Usually, the limit is 10 stats per level.
In my case, it's 12, but I can't increase it further without leveling up.
However, the 'King of the Dead' skill has the function of raising this limit.
Even if I lose the 'King of the Dead' skill, it will be permanently maintained, making it the top-tier ability among all the rewards I've received so far.
-You, damn it... Gaaaaah!
Perhaps his authority being stolen was painful.
Ahram writhed in agony.
The Gingoa was automatically causing Ahram pain.
"Think good thoughts, speak good words, caw. Then the pain will go away, caw."
There's no automatic correction mechanism.
The Gingoa causes pain when the sealed entity has bad thoughts.
Moreover, Ahram, who had his skill stolen, became even smaller.
From the size of a child, he is now the size of two adult fists.
'I need to break him and extract some information.'
No matter how strong Ahram is, that pain looks severe.
He will eventually break, and then I need to extract information about the Demon World and the Demon King.
Not just the skill, but Ahram has many uses.
Most importantly.
'Ahram is also a dead entity.'
Ahram is also a dead entity.
Though it's difficult now, I can dominate him if he submits or if I grow stronger.
"Who... are you?"
Then, a faint voice suddenly came out.
Andasar.
She, placed in the Dullahan's hand, spoke to me.
"Do you know Priest Andrew, caw?"
"That is... who?"
She has even forgotten her biological father, Priest Andrew.
A dead entity.
A lost entity.
I had hoped, but it seems all her memories have completely vanished.
"Do you remember when you were Eldritch, caw?"
"...I don't know. Apart from my name, Andasar, and that you are my new master, I remember nothing."
Her white hair and red eyes.
Though her body and head are separate, Andasar is Andasar.
When she became the core of the hybrid, she was pure madness, but it seems her sanity has returned under my control.
The problem is her memory.
'Perhaps it's for the best.'
But, perhaps it's fortunate that she doesn't remember.
She became Eldritch due to the cursed black magic book, became a Dullahan by the Demon King, and became the core of a giant hybrid by the King of the Dead, Ahram.
'...What a tumultuous life.'
Thinking about it again, such memories are only harmful.
It's a billion times better to just forget.
Priest Andrew will weep, but what can be done?
A terrible nightmare is worse than creating new, good memories.
If it's discovered that I have a daughter who is a Dullahan, I'll be excommunicated from the Goddess Church, but... that's not my concern.
"Oju-ryuk, can I come in?"
"Come in, caw."
Soon, the Demon King appeared.
This place is his castle, so he must have been curious about what I was doing.
The Demon King was greatly surprised when he saw Andasar and Ahram.
"Hmm, impressive. You've completely subjugated both of them?"
"One is being tamed, caw."
-Gaaaaah!
It's obvious who is being tamed.
"Hmph. Not only sealing the gatekeeper of the Demon World, but taming him as well... You always exceed my expectations."
"What do you want, caw?"
"The White King has decided on a reward for you after much deliberation."
The Demon King's tone when speaking to me was strangely different.
At first, it was just out of curiosity, but now it seems he recognizes me.
"I'm curious, caw."
"A territory. I will give you a city of your choice. All the main forces have their own cities. By the way, Kramdel is jointly owned."
"Which city, caw?"
"Which city do you want?"
Wait.
...Which city do you want?
I felt strange.
He didn't list the cities they dominate but simply asked, 'Which city do you want?'
The intention behind this was strange.
"...? Any city will do, caw?"
"Ah, there are exceptions. The cities in the southern continent guarded by the Black King and the cities owned by the 'Arkon Empire' are excluded."
"Choose one from all the cities except those two, caw?"
"Exactly."
Crazy.
Only then did I understand the Demon King's words.
'Even if I have to conquer and take it, I will give it to you.'
Just, crazy.
There is no more outrageous offer.
If I want a city, he will take it and give it to me.
Of course, it's just 'giving it' and not 'protecting it.'
In other words, after handing it over, I'm on my own.
But this is a crazy offer.
Is there a city that the White King and the Four Great Forces can't conquer?
'No.'
There is no city they can't take if they decide to.
The City of Gold, Arcana?
The Garden of Knights? The Ruined City?
The major cities of various kingdoms?
They can't be stopped.
The only place that can defend against their invasion, except for the 'Arkon Empire,' the only empire on the continent, is the Arkon Empire, which has not yet been touched by players.
If my prediction is correct, the ultimate goal of all players and factions is to 'take over' the Arkon Empire.
'I need to be more cautious than ever.'
This... This can't be decided immediately.
I need to carefully assess the situation on the continent and choose a place that will bring me the maximum benefit.