High-rank demons take things to the next level by invading planes and using other races as their cattle. Their needs grow with the increase in strength and so does their appetite. Other races are better than demonic beasts because they have complete souls, which means more soul essence for each kill.
The difference in value between killing a demon and other races of the same power reduces to 10 times instead of 100 for demonic beasts. Killing other races is more than 10 times better than killing demonic beasts.
No matter the level of the demonic hierarchy, competition and conflict are a staple. It could occur because of resources, a clash of sins or ideas, or simply distaste. Demons of greed like to steal and demons of wrath like to get angry. Those two examples are more than enough to cause conflict in any society.
So Aeternus didn't run out of opponents. He always met someone willing to fight him either because they didn't like how he looked or for some other cogent reason. Some were capable mid-rank demons while others were mediocre, but none of them impressed him until he met Viron. A mid-rank demon that could cast spells.
You would think creatures with the power of transcendents should be able to cast spells easily but spells need an agile mind to cast. The minds of demons are not too agile until they become high-rank demons. Demon spells are also different from normal spells. They are more difficult to cast. But once demons master spells, they are able to amplify the power of their spells with sin energy to make it on par with abilities fuelled with origin energy.
NAME: Viron
RACE: Demon of Lust.
BLOODLINE/SIN: Lust.
DEMON RANK: Mid-Rank Demon.
HEALTH: 100%
STAMINA: 91%
MANA: 812
SIN ENERGY: 754
ATTACK RATING: Physique:44. Spirit:81. MAGIC:81+27.
DEFENSE RATING: Physique:42. Spirit:78. MAGIC:81.
SIN RANK: Mid-83%
STRENGTH: Low-22
CONSTITUTION: Low-23
ACTIVITY: Low-23
AGILITY: Low-25
MAGICAL POWER: Mid-27
PHYSICAL RESISTANCE: Low-21
MAGICAL RESISTANCE: Mid-27
SPIRITUAL RESISTANCE: Mid-26
SPIRIT: Mid-27
PERCEPTION: Mid-27
OTHERS
MANA AFFINITY: 49%
LAW AFFINITY: 0%
CHAOS AFFINITY: 1%
SIN ABILITY: The Lust for Power(EPIC)- Magic Power +9.
STATUS: Alert.
Viron the demon of lust could cast spells but it came at a cost. He sacrificed all of his physical stats in favor of his magical ability. Even the sin ability he acquired was at the Epic quality providing a boost of +9.
A normal mid-rank demon has stats between 19 and 27. Viron has already reached that limit and has even pushed further than that into the domain of high-rank demons with his sin ability. This has pushed his magical power rating to 108, far above the 81 of a normal mid-rank demon. Viron would make for a top-notch high-rank demon when he evolves.
Aeternus took out his weapon for the first time. He couldn't underestimate Viron. His defenses are equal to his opponent's magical power rating but he doesn't intend to test it. His own magical power rating is also equal to Viron's magical defense rating. They were equal on that front but Viron outclasses him in physical stats. So Aeternus needs his own edge. What has more edge than a very sharp weapon?
He held his claymore and approached steadily. But it was only a facade of an approach. He was simply walking around Viron but the way he stepped made it look like was moving forward.
He maintained a safe distance while giving off the impression that he was moving closer. He didn't know what spells Viron had mastered, but his sin ability indicated that he must be familiar with the usage of magic power.
Viron's eyes lit up when he saw a weapon suddenly appear in Aeternus' hands.
'A spatial artifact. This is great. It will be mine.'
Viron spoke. "You must be the low-rank demon kicking up a storm around here."
Aeternus wasn't surprised that news of his exploits had begun to spread. Fights in the demon realm are not secrets. A territory might be secluded but all it needs is for a single demon to witness a fight for it to spread around the vicinity.
The confidence that Viron was showing made Aeternus increase his alertness. Viron is a dangerous opponent, a careless mistake will lead to his death. His divine sense was scanning the surroundings for any hints of mana manipulation.
"What is your name?" Viron asked.
Aeternus didn't answer. There was no need to inform someone he is about to kill his name. It wouldn't matter unless there's a third party listening in. Then he should be warier of making his name known.
"You are very talented. Why are you going about risking your life by fighting? You should pledge allegiance to a high-rank demon instead. I can help you with that. What do you say?"
Aeternus said nothing. He was already thinking about making the first move. Viron was still smiling but he was feeling agitated inwardly. He is a demon of lust and he could feel something within Aeternus that was special. It is something worthy of lusting over. All he needs to do is to kill Aeternus then it will be his.
But Viron didn't make any rash moves. He had gotten news that a low-rank demon was killing mid-rank demons. He had rushed here and hoped to meet this demon so that he can confirm if the demon is special or not. He has confirmed it now. But he isn't stupid as to think he could get what he came for easily. He understood that the more valuable something is, the more dangerous it is to acquire it.
That's why he hoped to sway Aeternus and make him less careful. What he said about helping Aeternus pledge to a high-rank demon is the truth. High-rank demons invade worlds and take mid-rank demons with them as soldiers.
If Aeternus pledges to one, he won't need to hunt other demons. He himself is pledged to one. He stays in one of the fortresses in the domain of high-rank demons and he would be willing to take Aeternus there. But anything can happen on the way there.