CHAPTER 74: CHAPTER 74: TRUTH OF REINCARNATION

The cavern was quieter than usual, the heavy breath of the ancient earth weighing down on the three figures inside. Richard sat on a jagged stone, the fingers tightly curled against his knees as Akumo’s words resonated within him. He had heard many strange things in his time: magicians who turned mountains to dust, warriors whose blows split rivers, spirits that whispered curses into the wind. Nothing compared to the revelations from this ancient man who had revived him.

For several long moments, he sat in silence, watching the dim blue flames flicker across the cracked walls. Raviel stood like a shadow behind Akumo, enormous and not moving, the faint glow of darkness wrapped around his enormous form. Richard’s mind twisted through everything he had seen: the failed summoning, Raviel’s overwhelming power, Akumo’s effortless command. He remembered with humiliation how weak he’d felt moments ago.

But a truth settled in him slowly:

Alone, he was unable to do anything.

Not anymore.

Finally, Richard raised his eyes. His breathing steadied. His decision fell like iron within him.

"...Fine," he said softly at first, then louder, firmer. "I agree, Akumo. I’ll work with you. I understand now—I need you. Your power... your knowledge... your experience. I can’t walk this path without you."

Akumo smiled, his old face stretching into something cold and satisfied. "Good," he murmured. "You finally learned to think before reacting. That is the first step."

Richard ignored the sting in his tone. He’d already been humbled enough today.

But before he could say more, Raviel stepped forward, looming over Richard. His eyes shone with a profundity that made Richard shiver.

"You made the right decision, human," Raviel said, his voice rumbling like a far-off storm. "Without Lord Akumo, you would have died today. And were I not present, your soul would be devoured by now."

Richard flinched—Raviel had sensed his fear earlier. For a moment, panic surged through him.

Was Raviel aware of his private thoughts? Did he sense his doubts?

As if reading his expression, Raviel’s tone softened slightly. "Calm yourself. I do not read every thought in your mind. I only speak when danger rises... or when your intent shakes. I cannot reveal your secrets to Akumo unless you choose them to be heard."

Instantly, the tension in Richard’s shoulders loosened, and relief washed through him like cold rain. He had been terrified that everything he thought—his hidden motives, his past regrets, his small unspoken ambitions—could be exposed at any moment.

Akumo chuckled. "Raviel can’t betray your mind, boy. He only advises. That’s the nature of darkness contracts.

Richard nodded slowly. "Good... good. I thought he could see everything.

"He cannot. Yet he will correct you when you stray." Akumo leaned on his worn staff. "Now, since you finally agreed... it is time you hear the next truth."

Raviel stepped back, folding his monstrous arms as Akumo began to pace.

"Listen, Richard. If you want strength—real strength—you shall have to fathom the path of the Darkness World. And a ritual much greater than that of simple reanimation exists. A ritual of summoning. Not just one monster... but an entire army of beasts from the deepest layers of the abyss.

Richard swallowed. "Army...?"

Akumo nodded. "Yes. But it requires a summoner of unwavering focus. One who can bear the weight of darkness. These monsters aren’t gentle. They only obey when the bond is absolute. Your blood must sign the contract. Your soul must bear their pressure.

He paused, his gaze boring into Richard’s eyes.

"And if you fail the ritual, you die instantly. Your life force collapses. Or worse... the wrong monster appears and tears you apart."

Richard shivered, remembering the earlier failure when the beast had almost smothered him.

"I understand," he whispered.

"No," Akumo said sharply. "You think you understand, but you still have much to learn.

He stepped backward, raising both hands. Black smoke drifted from his fingertips, curling in the air like living ink.

"WATCH CAREFULLY."

He whispered ancient words—words Richard had never heard before, words that felt like they came from a world older than time. The cavern trembled. Energy rippled outward in violent waves.

Then Akumo roared:

"SUMMONING—

THE MONSTER OF DARKNESS, RAVIEL!

Light burst. Energy swirled. Reality twisted.

And Raviel materialized—larger than any creature Richard had ever seen, his massive frame striking the earth with the force of a falling star. His aura itself was suffocating, the weight of pure darkness vibrating through every stone.

Richard lurched backward.

"This— this monster... he’s stronger than before," Richard gasped.

Raviel bowed his huge head in respect towards Akumo. "Lord Akumo, why have you summoned me?

Richard stared, eyes wide. "You... you talk with him like that? You two fought together?"

Raviel spoke before Akumo could get a word out. "Yes, I pledged loyalty to him centuries ago. Together we crushed armies; together we destroyed kingdoms. His command is absolute.

Akumo sneered, a cold smile playing on his lips. "There was a time when even the strongest warriors would shiver at the sound of our names.

Richard listened in awe as Akumo told stories of how Raviel had torn through legendary magicians, how armies collapsed at their feet, how whole clans vanished in one night. His words were chilling yet fascinating, mesmerizing in that way only true power could be.

Richard had pictured himself standing beside them...winning battles...regaining his lost glory...taking revenge on those who defeated him in his past life...

Slowly, fire lit inside him once more.

Then Raviel’s eyes landed on Akumo, his voice rumbling softly. "Lord Akumo... you said that you are not as strong now. Is that true?

Akumo grunted, annoyed. "Of course it’s true. I have lived beyond my natural years. Three hundred years, Richard. Three hundred. Without reanimation. Without dying. Without rest. My power remains—but not like in my prime.

Raviel bowed his head. "Then that is why I am stronger now. You carried me for centuries. I grew. But you... you are fading."

Richard blinked. Raviel was stronger than Akumo now?

He didn’t know if that was reassuring or terrifying.

Akumo growled, annoyed. "Only one thing can return me to my prime form."

Richard watched him carefully. "What is that?"

Akumo slowly turned toward him, shadows coiling around his body like living snakes.

"We must find the boy."

Richard frowned. "The boy? What boy?"

"The boy written in ancient pages, the magical boy of history, the reincarnation of the strongest warrior: born in darkness yet the light of peace." Akumo’s voice echoed, almost ritualistic. "He possesses both powers-magicians and warriors-like me.

Richard’s heart almost stopped. "You... YOU possess both powers?

Akumo smirked. "Yes. Why do you think I lived this long? Why do you think I revived you? I am not just a magician, Richard. I am a warrior. I am the strongest."

Richard swallowed, unable to breathe for a moment.

Truly, he was standing before a monster of legends.

Akumo furthered, "That boy... that reincarnation... his power surpasses anyone who possesses only two abilities. If we find him--if I take so much as a portion of his cells and power--I will return to my prime. And if I were to sacrifice him entirely..." Akumo’s grin spread, sharp and merciless, "I will be the strongest life form in existence."

His laughter boomed through the cavern, shaking loose stones from the ceiling.

"I’ll destroy all weak people! I’ll rule this world with you by my side, Richard! Your dreams... my dreams... fulfilled!"

Richard didn’t say a word. He couldn’t. His mind was racing wildly. The proposition was horrible... yet intoxicating. Power—boundless power—was being offered to him.

Akumo stepped closer. "So tell me, Richard. Will you accept this final step? Will you walk beside me to find the reincarnation boy?"

Richard hesitated... but before he could answer—

Raviel’s head jerked up.

"I must say something."

Akumo stopped and turned. "What is it, Raviel?"

Raviel’s eyes were a deep crimson, glowing brighter than before.

"It is about the boy."

Akumo narrowed his eyes. "What about him?"

Raviel’s voice dropped to a tone that sent chills ripping through the cavern.

"The boy... he is not what you think." Akumo froze. Richard stared. Raviel leaned forward.

"He is also powerful, so my Lord you should remind that he can’t lend his sell or power to us. He is not so moron that he lend his own power to you".

Richard shouts "who requested him to lend his powers to us. We captured him, then we grab his sells and power for Akumo".

No Richard this is not easy, what’s you think. He is enough competition for us.

Said Akumo. Akumo sighed deeply, and his eyes narrowed to look at Richard. "Listen carefully," he said. "This boy.when he reaches eighteen, his real journey actually starts. At that age, he unlocks all his unique variant powers-every ability hidden in his bloodline. And once that happens, he keeps getting stronger and stronger. He just keeps updating his powers one by one, evolving way faster than any magician or warrior in history. That’s what makes him dangerous."

Akumo went on, "Right now, before he turns eighteen, he’s only partially awakened. We still have a chance. But after he unlocks everything... capturing him will be near impossible. Fighting him will be even worse. Every level he reaches will push him beyond what normal humans-or even monsters-can compete with."

Then..