Chapter 82: Demon Fiends!
’There is definitely something wrong with this kid,’ Darius said decisively in his mind.
If it were not for the sudden change in fighting style...from a weapon-wielding fire mage to a literal warrior...James would have been blasted to pieces by the Eldest Prince by now.
Though James was at a disadvantage in their clash, he remained composed and calm. Whenever he defended, he would also press forward with an attack, and every move carried an explosive burst of power.
What special technique could that be?
Darius observed very closely when a system notification rang in his ears, the familiar robotic voice of the system explaining.
"Ding! Host, do you know the history of mages? You probably don’t, so I’ll explain, since this will be related to your future interactions with mages."
When Darius heard this, he couldn’t help but swallow hard. Was there truly something special about mages? Had he made the wrong choice by selecting the Golden Bell Shield, essentially making himself a warrior? Although he hadn’t fully embarked on the path of cultivation yet, since he was merely in the first realm, the heart method he had chosen was not easy to replace and would require considerable risk to abandon.
At this moment, he was genuinely worried about hearing something that might shatter some of his hopes for the future.
"Host, in this fantasy world, the mage population is actually close to one percent. By now, I think you’ve noticed how everyone behaves and how the culture greatly resembles that of martial artists and cultivators rather than mages, no? There is a reason for that.
"In reality, this information was supposed to be revealed much later, but due to the current circumstances, I decided to tell you in advance."
Darius listened attentively, his curiosity piqued.
"As there are demons, there also exist demon fiends. Demons are beasts that absorbed Spiritual Energy after the Great Calamity, evolved, and stepped onto the path of cultivation. Demon fiends, on the other hand, are creatures that have lived alongside humanity since ancient times. They can shapeshift, see us while remaining unseen themselves, and often aid humans in their pursuit of power...in exchange for their souls, of course."
’But what does this have to do with mages?’ Darius was greatly confused. All of this explanation, yet still no answer regarding why mages were so scarce. However, he knew the answer was coming.
"Cultivators, also known as martial artists, directly interact with Spiritual Energy to strengthen their bodies and attacks. Mages, however, do not interact with Spiritual Energy directly. Instead, they call upon these demon fiends and, through them, gain control over fire, water, and other elements.
"At first, mages were unaware of this. They believed they were cultivating through ordinary means. However, over time, some began to realize that mysterious entities were interacting with them. In exchange for greater power, greater control, the ability to become both warrior and mage, plunder resources, kill enemies, and indulge in every evil imaginable, many accepted their offers."
’Spirits... demonic cultivators?’
These two names immediately surfaced in Darius’s mind. Was this the origin of demonic cultivators? Seeking greater power and faster progress by interacting with these demon fiends? And in exchange, they sold their souls?
A chill ran down Darius’s spine as he gazed at James. A flicker of killing intent appeared in his eyes before quickly disappearing. ’Let me guess, System. Modern mages don’t know much about this and simply follow the normal path without entering such contracts?’
He wasn’t stupid. Otherwise, his panel would have reacted to Annie, James, and every other mage he had encountered.
"Correct. However, once a mage reaches a certain threshold of strength, the demon fiends will begin interacting with them directly, attempting to lure them onto the evil path. Very few mages successfully resist. Those demon fiends will make their lives a living hell until they submit. In truth, they have very few choices from the start."
Darius was deep in thought when several loud impacts rang out, drawing his attention back to the battle.
Hong! Hong! Hong!
James and the Eldest Prince clashed endlessly. There was nothing but brute force behind every punch, without the slightest trace of technique. As their fists collided, the resulting impacts generated visible shockwaves that spread in all directions, forcing the spectators to continuously retreat.
’Hmm?’
Darius noticed that James’s complexion was becoming increasingly bright and pale, and it was definitely not due to the use of Spiritual Energy. It seemed more like that was his body’s natural color being revealed.
"Could it be... demon fiends at work?" he muttered. Though he remained uncertain, he was already nearly convinced.
From what he had learned, those who interacted with demon fiends gained access to extraordinary powers. At this moment, it looked as though James possessed the ability to reflect incoming attacks, as if his body were a mirror reflecting light itself.
However, Darius was certain James had not yet stepped onto that path. This was most likely a preliminary temptation...a small display of value before any future contact.
"Host, you’re overthinking things again. James isn’t at a level worthy of their attention yet, just like Annie and Shen. Although their paths of cultivation may eventually reach a dead end, that point is still far away.
"What he is using is the Mirror Light Body, a special physique. Your observation about reflection was correct, Host. However, even special physiques are divided into categories based on bloodline purity. There are roughly three grades of the Mirror Light Body.
"The weakest is the Bronze Mirror Body, capable of reflecting roughly ten percent of incoming attacks.
"The second is the Silver Mirror Body, which increases the reflection rate to twenty percent.
"The strongest is the Gold Mirror Body, capable of reflecting approximately thirty percent.
"Do not underestimate a reflection rate of ten to thirty percent. It not only weakens an opponent’s attack, but can also convert that reflected power into one’s own strength and direct it back at the opponent.
"To simplify, imagine ten points of attack power against ten points of attack power. Even if it becomes nine points versus eleven points, the gap has already increased dramatically. When it becomes seven points versus thirteen points, the difference is practically overwhelming.
"Judging from appearances, that young man possesses a Silver Mirror Body and can reflect roughly twenty percent of incoming attacks. It is precisely this reflected power that compensates for the two-layer cultivation gap between James and the Eldest Prince.
"As a result, although James remains at a clear disadvantage, he has not been defeated."
’That’s not right!’ Darius shook his head.
’System, since when have you become so helpful? Didn’t you say you knew nothing about this world before?’
