～ Fabled ～

  Chapter - 93

  In the dark but shallow depths of a cave, its crooked winding nature shielding it from the morning light outside, Nyx sat, attempting to center himself. The demon, for one, has had enough of strange old men on these godsforsaken mountains. So when he was making the final preparations for his upcoming evolution, he made damn sure to find some remote and isolated place to do so. A place free from any more complications or disturbances. Ergo, the cave.

  Nyx had found it nearly by the foot of the mountain, towards a ridge dropping down to a huge valley of sorts. The area was rather undisturbed by wildlife and monsters, so after ridding the cave of its only occupant, a snake that barely gave any experience, Nyx closed off the entrance with branches, rocks, and whatever he could find, cocooning himself in the pitch-dark.

  He pulled up his status.

  Looking it over; his stats, in particular, he paused on charisma. It sat at a measly two points, easily his lowest stat. Though, endurance wasn't so far behind. But, so far, he hasn't found any use for charisma, believing it to be a rather useless attribute after an admittedly less than extensive exploration of it. Still, no use had presented itself.

  So... why would he invest in something that did nothing for his ability to kill?

  However, before he completely discarded any consideration for it, Nyx frowned. He stopped for a moment to genuinely ponder why exactly that stat even existed and what it did. For it must do something, right? Recalling now old memories of Aria's lectures, he remembered her speaking of charisma as something that affected his influence on other creatures - be it in negative or positive ways. From inducing fear to inspiring awe, it would subtly impress his presence upon others. It also changed how others perceived Nyx and how they interacted with... him...

  Wait.

  Nyx's frown deepened.

  Could it possibly be... that due to just how low his stat was in that attribute... it actually had a negative effect on his interactions with others?! It explained too much for Nyx to ever admit. Embarrassment painted the demon's cheeks even redder than they already were. But managing to dash those flustering thoughts away, he really took time to reflect on this revelation of his. If his low stat truly had that much of a negative effect, affecting the impression of both others and theirs of him, wouldn't it mean that they would be naturally disposed to be disagreeable and combative to his every word and mere presence alone? Such as humans not even giving him the time of day, respect, or consideration - and generally just treating him with annoyance and irritation.

  He sighed deeply. Maybe - just maybe, he should invest in charisma. He knows - he knows. Non-combat stat and all. But as much as Nyx loathed to waste points on a seemingly useless stat, he had to bring it up to at least a minimum, and he had the points to spare. If it'd stop humans incessantly nagging at him - it would be worth it, even to Nyx.

  That notification was as if a cut to his very soul, his greed. It might as well have been a red damage notification. But he endured it nonetheless. Nyx tried to look at himself as if he almost expected some difference. But of course, there was none. Very unsatisfying. But as much as he swore to never prioritize that attribute anymore, excitement returned to him the very next moment. For it was time.

  "Evolution!"

  The world faded to black.

  ...

  Nyx came to in a familiar place. The endless gray expanse of... wherever this place was - or wasn't.

  Once more, five pedestals were presented in a half-circle in front of him, already rising from the grey matter of the ground itself. He had expected something grand beforehand, but the creatures he saw raised upon them truly had Nyx gaping in awe. Each one looked more opposing than the other - two shadowed figures slowly unveiling themselves as he watched. All five choices had been presented to him. Yet again.

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