Becoming the Dark Lord [LitRPG]

The Sunken Realms Event was over. Luke had won. Now he was at the Olympus Resort Hotel, standing beside someone so impossible he barely seemed real: the Primordial God Asmodeus.

[Winner List: ...]

A massive list began scrolling in front of him. Names appeared one after another. Luke’s name was there too, buried among the rest, highlighted just enough to confirm the obvious.

“Those are the people from your planet who’ll be coming here,” Asmodeus said.

Everyone who had cleared Stage 3 would be sent to the hotel. Some kind of celebration, apparently. A prize for surviving a full year in hell dressed up as an event. Luke scanned the list, searching for Allison.

Then he froze. His eyes locked onto one specific name. A name far too familiar. A name that should not have been there.

“Elizabeth Moon...”

The shock hit hard enough to drag the words out of him before he could stop them.

My mother won.

The thought didn’t fit. Not with the woman in his memories. Not with the mother who had vanished when he was five. That meant too many things at once. The most obvious one: she might be here. But that was not what hit him hardest.

What really sank in was this: his mother, the woman who had only been in his life for his first five years, had somehow leveled high enough to win an event like this.

Rank D...?

It was hard to believe her region of Sunken Realms had been that much easier than his.

What the hell happened to my mother?

It was not just about the event. It was about everything that woman had lived through over the last sixteen years. What had turned a simple mother into someone at Rank D?

“Sorry to interrupt your plot-twist moment,” Asmodeus said, planting both hands on Luke’s back and giving him a light shove forward. “But we’re about to go onstage, and our rock star needs to fix that face and sing his big hit already.”

A set of double doors opened. Harsh white light flooded Luke’s face, forcing him to narrow his eyes. When his vision finally adjusted, he saw a massive hall with a high ceiling and chandeliers hanging overhead. The air smelled like food, alcohol, and the sea.

Ahead of him, several people started rushing toward him. Not all of them looked human. Some looked like monsters. Others were humanoid beasts. There were beings made of slime, creatures with impossible skin colors, warped bodies, too many eyes, or not enough limbs. The ones closest to human-looking wore formal clothes. Soft music played in the background. Decorated tables filled the hall. Trays drifted through the crowd, and the whole place had the kind of expensive-party atmosphere that made calling it a party feel like an insult.

“He’s here!” someone shouted.

Within seconds, Luke was surrounded.

“It really is him,” said a figure that looked like living gelatin.

“It really is you. Luke Moon, in the flesh. An honor,” said an elderly man whose skin looked like sapphire.

“I’ve been betting on you ever since you beat that kraken. That was incredible,” said another.

Luke looked around. Asmodeus was gone. So was the door Luke had just walked through. He was alone in the middle of all those beings. And somewhere in this impossible hotel, Elizabeth Moon might be walking through a room just like this one.

Giant screens were spread throughout the hall, showing scenes from the event. More specifically, scenes of him. One of the screens showed his face, his name, and his information, all laid out like he was a contestant on a reality show.

Not his level. Not just his kills.

His age.

“I became a fan during your solo fight in the crystal city,” said a child. Or at least something that looked like a child.

“Me too!” another shouted.

“Me too!”

More people crowded closer.

“That fight against the gunslingers was brutal. I’ve never spent that much on drink refills in my life. And the damn ads kept cutting in. I hate paywalls.”

“What...?”

“And then you got swallowed by the leviathan,” said a woman with three eyes. “That was a huge cliffhanger for us, because the screen went dark for a while.”

“Cliffhanger...?”

“The hotel’s entertainment service even charged extra for early access so we wouldn’t have to wait,” she went on. “But it was worth it. The service had virtual immersion. It felt like I was right there with you.”

More voices talked over one another. Someone even asked about the whale.

“How does it feel knowing you’ll be reunited with your whale archnemesis turned love interest back on your planet?”

“Love interest...? The whale...?”

“Don’t tell us you’re against interspecies love.”

Luke stared at the creature for a few seconds, unable to tell if that was a joke, an accusation, or both.

“Wait. My life in the event was entertainment to you people?”

The shirts. The screens. The excited faces. They had watched him bleed and called it content. Worse, they had favorite episodes. Only then did he notice that some of them were wearing shirts printed with his face.

“You all should give him a moment,” an older voice said.

An old man approached, and the others immediately stepped aside with respect. “Poor thing doesn’t even look like he knows what day it is. He was fighting to the death a few minutes ago. Give him some space. Besides, the system is requesting his presence in the reward room.”

[Your reward for winning the Sunken Realms Event is available in your hotel chest!]

“You’d better come with me,” the old man said.

The guests backed away, clearing a path. Luke crossed the hall with the old man in front of him, still feeling dozens of eyes on his back.

“We’ll be waiting for you at the party!” someone shouted behind him.

Then they entered a corridor, and the noise fell away.

The silence hit like a slap.

“Some gods enjoy entertainment a little too much,” the old man said with a sigh. “Especially when the mortals don’t know they’re being watched.”

He wore elegant clothes: a white shirt, a red jacket with gold accents, white gloves, and shoes polished so brightly they reflected the corridor lights.

“Gods?” Luke asked. “They were all gods?”

“Not all of them. Many, though.” The old man kept walking at an unhurried pace. “While you mortals fight to the death and win wars in their names, many of them are simply enjoying the show. Theater, to them. Blood, applause, intermission. They have no real concern for you.”

If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

As they walked, they passed several doors. Through some of them, Luke caught glimpses of chests, piles of treasure, and even bottles of alcohol arranged with careful precision.

Artemis?

He called out in his mind. No answer. Artemis was offline. Luke tried his pocket dimension next. Nothing.

Then his skills. Nothing again.

“Once gods reach a certain level of power, the complacent ones tend to sink into worldly pleasures,” the old man continued. “Food, drink, games, gambling. Divine boredom, if you want a name for it.”

They stopped in front of a door.

“But who am I to judge?” the old man said. “I’m only an old god who manages part of this hotel. A pleasure. My true name is... far too complicated for a human throat. Three or four extra throats might do it. Let’s go with Host of Flavors.”

He turned the key, and the door opened.

“Where exactly am I?” Luke asked.

“You are in the room where your event prize is being kept. But if you mean the broader question, you are in another universe.”

He said it far too casually for something that big.

Inside the room was a flawless, shining chest resting on a small altar. The room was small, reverent, and absurdly expensive in every detail. The carpet was so soft Luke could feel it even through his boots. Rich fabrics decorated the walls like banners, embroidered with jewels and threads of gold. In front of the chest, a plaque displayed his name.

“Forgive the lack of colored lights, applause, flowers raining from the ceiling, and the usual nonsense,” said the Host of Flavors. “But the event prize is confidential, and each participant receives something specific. Privacy is part of the process. Though you are not forbidden from telling others.”

Seeing no better option, Luke crouched and opened the chest. Inside was a bottle of rum lying on its side.

Luke stared at it. Then at the miniature ship inside the glass.

“You’ve got to be kidding me.”

“Interesting... Mr. Moon. Very interesting. And worthy of you,” the old man said, stepping closer with a magnifying glass. “Flying Dutchman. Part of a series highly sought after by collectors. Hardly produced anymore. The creator despises mass production. To him, these ships are art, so you won’t find many floating around.”

“Sorry, but how is this supposed to be a prize?”

“I understand. Your [Identify] must be showing something like, ‘a bottle containing a miniature ship.’ A little joke. Or perhaps a protection built into the item itself, so to speak.” The old man adjusted his magnifying glass. “I do not recommend removing it from the bottle. There will be no putting it back. But if you want a hint, carefully remove the stopper, use [Identify], and close it immediately.”

Luke did exactly that.

Name: Flying Dutchman #1341

Race: Spirit Tool

Rank: E

A legendary pirate vessel. It is not the original ship, but an authentic replica created in honor of the mythical vessel known as the Flying Dutchman. This ship was offered as a prize, carrying with it the appearance, presence, and a piece of the legend that inspired its creation.

Skills: [Mana Repair], [Flight], [Spirit Tool], [Evolution]

“Okay. Now that’s a prize.”

[Mana Repair]: When supplied with mana, the ship can mend its own damage, sealing cracks, reinforcing its hull, and keeping itself seaworthy. As long as it has enough mana to draw on, the Flying Dutchman will continue sailing under its captain’s command, as if bound by a curse that refuses to let it sink.

[Flight]: The vessel can take flight as long as it is supplied with beast cores, which serve as fuel to keep it airborne. While those resources last, the vessel is no longer bound to the sea, allowing it to sail across the skies like a true ghost ship.

[Spirit Tool]: There are countless kinds of Spirit Tools, and this one was born when the soul of an ancient pirate poltergeist awakened within it. Now cursed and alive, the ship sails at its captain’s command and can operate on its own. Its sails shift by themselves, its masts turn, its doors open and close, and its anchors rise and fall, all guided by its own will to sail toward the most dangerous adventures.

Its spirit is wild, stubborn, and starving for freedom. Even so, perhaps a captain every bit as obstinate as the ship itself could calm it, earn its trust, and command not just a vessel, but a living legend. Like other spirits, the Flying Dutchman can rise in Rank, growing stronger over time and developing new skills as it evolves.

[Evolution]: The spirit of the Flying Dutchman can grow, awaken new powers, and raise its Rank, becoming an increasingly powerful ship more deeply attuned to its captain. The more it experiences, the more its pirate soul matures, bringing this replica ever closer to the greatness of the legend that inspired its creation.

Luke almost cursed out loud as he read.

It still flies? That’s broken as fuck.

He remembered seeing a flying ship once before. It had belonged to the Rhiannon royal family, when they came to take Allison away.

Wouldn’t that be a nice twist of fate, Allison? Me stealing you back from your family with a flying ship too.

“You are authorized to store this item in your pocket dimension,” said the Host of Flavors. “Here in the hotel, certain functions are restricted.”

Luke stored the item away. It was a great prize. Even if he had absolutely no idea where someone was supposed to park a flying pirate ship in Maine.

“We still have a few matters to resolve before I take you to the hall where the champions’ party is being held,” the old man said. “You’ll be able to meet important figures from several divine orders. Ah, and we also need to discuss the auction.”

“Everyone who appeared on that list will be at this party?”

“Exactly. You earned it. You spent a year of your mortal life inside that event. Now you may enjoy yourself. And, of course, receive certain advantages no one from your original world will have on the New Earth.”

“Elizabeth Moon will be there too, right? Can I see her now?”

The old man checked a file.

“Participant Elizabeth Moon is on the list. You should find her at the party once you leave this room.”

“Then I want to go now.”

“It isn’t that simple. And I still have a job to do. That participant, like you, is probably in another room with a hotel employee.”

“What else needs to happen before I’m allowed out of here?”

The old man snapped his fingers.

A screen appeared in front of Luke.

[Activating your Event Shop...]

[Calculating your Event Points...]

“Every point you earned in the event will become currency you can spend in the shop or at the auction over the next few days.”

“Auction?”

“Participation in the auction is optional. I cannot tell you whether the best products will be in the shop or the auction. But if you are not interested, simply spend all your points now. Your participation will be withdrawn automatically.”

“Can I access this shop after the auction?”

That sounded like the best option.

“No. Only now. You will have to make your decision.”

Sunken Realms Event Shop

Exchange Event Points (EP) for items, equipment, weapons, and skills. Choose carefully. Purchases cannot be returned or exchanged.

[Total Event Points: 2,629,682,553,882]

A new screen opened.

[Sponsor Bonus detected...]

[Adding 20% of your points as a bonus!]

“Sponsor Bonus?”

[Total Event Points: 3,155,619,064,658]

That is a fuckload of points.

“A god wagered a great fortune on you as the winner of the event. Part of the reward from that bet was used to purchase this bonus for you. The largest bonus a sponsor could grant.”

Yeah. That was a lot of points.Luke still had no idea how the shop or auction economy worked. But twenty percent was twenty percent. And gods did not hand out advantages that large without a reason.

“That god bet a considerable fortune on you,” the old man continued. “The strange part is, the bet was placed the instant you stepped into the Battle Royale. It was the earliest bet in the entire event. Most high-value wagers began near the end of Stage 1, but this god bet in the first minute. Either your sponsor is absurdly rich, or absurdly wise. Either way, they think very highly of you, Mr. Moon.”

Luke did not like the sound of that. Gods did not think highly of people for free.

“Was that god Samael?”

“Samael? Oh, no.” The old man let out a quiet laugh. “That old demon is probably one of the people who hates you most in the Primordial order. Do not worry, Mr. Moon. I am aware of your connections. This hotel exists under its own rules, and everything discussed here remains confidential.”

“Then who was the god who bet on me?”

“He requested secrecy. But you will see him soon. He will be your Advisor at the auction, should you choose to participate.”

[Analyzing participant information...]

[Important Information: Assassin, Witch, Botanist.]

The shop opened.

[Assassin Items]

[Witch Items]

[Botanist Items]

[Utility Items]

[Skills]

It was similar to the screen at the end of the tutorial and the Battle Royale.

“I’m participating in the auction,” Luke said.

If the gods wanted to turn his life into entertainment, he might as well rob their gift shop.

The shop is tailored to me. But the auction... there, I can buy things for Charlie, Angie, maybe even my family.

He had not seen the Baummns since the event began a year ago. But one thing was certain: they already had a system, a class, and even a profession. Except for his sister, who would only have access to a limited system. Either way, they might all need items.

I don’t know why my mother hasn’t looked for me. But if she’s avoiding me, keeping my place in this auction might give me another chance to see her.

Luke touched the screen.

“After a flying ship, I doubt this shop has anything left that can surprise me.”

He opened the [Witch] category. He needed a new ring. The strongest one he had was destroyed when he opened the King’s Tomb during the event. Then, out of curiosity, he tapped [Witch Skills].

That was when he saw it. A familiar skill. A skill he had rejected in the past.

[Arcane Witch Golem (Legendary)]: Using [Advanced Magic Conjuration] and the alchemical power of [Transmutation], the Witch creates a mana-made golem identical to herself. The creature is controlled like an extension of her own body. It copies her appearance and can be used for infiltration, distractions, or even battle. While controlling the golem, the Witch’s awareness of her real body’s surroundings is considerably reduced, and she cannot activate other Witch skills. The golem can use some of her powers, but only those belonging to the Witch class and subject to certain power restrictions. Even so, few tools are as valuable to a manipulator as a second version of herself walking through the world.

Price: 800,000,000,000 EP

Luke stared at the price. Eight hundred billion.

Last time, he had walked away. This time, the skill was staring back.