Chapter 592
Perplexed by the angelic warning, the ancient mage temporarily ceased his attempts at direct contact. But then, he encountered Vellok. In Vellok, the mage recognized an elemental talent that almost close to his own and a purity of light he had only ever sensed in his fleeting, repulsed attempts to contact angels. From his millennia of research and those brief, chilling angelic encounters, the mage understood one crucial thing: beings like Vellok, with their untainted light, were considered the "most beloved souls" by the angels.
This revelation ignited a new, sinister plan within the mage. He lavished Vellok with attention, showering him with what appeared to be genuine love and guidance. He even stooped to actions far beneath his usual disdain for lesser beings, taking the time to teach Vellok concepts of morality and kindness. All of this was a calculated charade, a meticulous waiting game for the opportune moment.
Vellok, innocent and unaware of the sinister machinations at play, readily absorbed this unexpected affection. He embraced the lessons, believing in the sincerity of his master’s care. His world, once a brutal existence as a lab rat, now seemed to hold a glimmer of warmth and acceptance.
This lasted until the day his master taught him his first spell. Vellok was naturally ecstatic, brimming with the excitement of a new power. Yet, even in his youthful naivety, a flicker of unease should have warned him. The spell was not taught in any conventional way, hinting at the profound and unsettling nature of the magic Vellok was about to wield, and the true, horrifying purpose behind the mage’s twisted affection.
The ancient mage, meticulous in his manipulation, knew that for his sinister plan to succeed, Vellok’s first spell had to be cast under extreme duress. To increase Vellok’s chances of "succeeding" in the mage’s twisted definition, he introduced a terrifying element: a low-tier demon. The creature’s sudden appearance instantly terrified young Vellok, but his master quickly reassured him, claiming it was merely a necessary component for a more successful summoning.
In a horrifying way, the mage wasn’t entirely lying. He skillfully faked a look of surprise, feigning a loss of control as the demon, playing its pre-assigned role, lunged and "chased" the young goblin. Vellok, utterly clueless, missed all the subtle cues that indicated the demon wasn’t genuinely after him. He stumbled, fell repeatedly, his legs growing numb with fear. He’d find temporary hiding places, but the demon, a masterful actor in this cruel charade, ensured it felt like an inescapable nightmare.
It was in this moment of pure terror, when Vellok was at his most vulnerable, that he heard the "saving grace" of his mentor’s voice echoing in his mind, implanting the summoning spell. The mentor’s voice was deliberately weak and fractured, selling the deception perfectly. "My mind is fractured and I have lost control," the mage whispered telepathically, "use the spell. Your summon will help eradicate this demon."
Shuddering in his hiding place, Vellok clung to the weak, desperate voice of his master. The kindness he’d been shown since the mage’s sudden shift in demeanor fueled a brave, if naive, resolve within the young goblin. He had to be brave.
The summoning spell, surprisingly, flowed with an effortless ease for him. Just as the magic began to coalesce, the demon, playing its part to perfection, "discovered" Vellok’s hiding spot and lunged forward, feigning an attempt to grab him. In a surge of pure panic, Vellok unleashed the summoning spell.
Mid-air, a shimmering magic circle materialized. From it emanated a heavenly sound, followed by a blinding flash of light that forced both Vellok and the demon to shut their eyes. As the intense glow subsided and Vellok dared to open his, his eyes widened in astonishment.
Standing before him was a tiny, ethereal being: a baby with small white wings, radiating an innocent charm. It offered Vellok a sweet, trusting smile. "A cherub," the memory resonated with Ikenga as he briefly remembered a religion from his past life.
The cherub, its innocent gaze still fixed on Vellok, turned its attention to the low-tier demon. "You," it chirped, its voice a surprising blend of cuteness and indignation, "how dare you go after such a pure child!"
The demon, however, saw only opportunity. A look of cautious hunger spread across its face. "I get to eat an angel and a pure soul of light," it snarled, lunging towards both of them. "What a delicacy!"