I Become A Mob Character In A Novel

[Samael Ashwood's POV]

I steadied myself, a rueful chuckle escaping my lips despite the exhaustion. The battle had drained me, but it had also ignited something deeper within—a hunger for knowledge, for power, and for understanding the legacy I'd inherited.

I took a deep breath, forcing myself to move forward. The forest was quiet now, but I knew it wouldn't stay that way for long. I had to find a safe place to rest and recover before continuing my journey. My thoughts drifted to my family—to Alice, Sionna, and even to the stubborn, unyielding Lord Ashwood. And to Lily, who was still grieving Ethan.

They were my anchor, my reason for fighting through every ordeal.

The path ahead was uncertain, filled with dangers and challenges I could barely comprehend. But I wasn't alone. With the First Warlock's memories and my own growing strength, I felt more prepared than ever to face whatever lay ahead.

As I made my way through the forest, my mind replayed the battle with the beast. The technique I'd used—the "Eventide Eclipse"—had been devastatingly effective. It was a taste of the power I now held, a glimpse into the potential that lay within the First Warlock's legacy. I would need to master it, hone my skills, and learn to wield that power with precision and control.

The clearing gave way to a denser forest, and I pushed through the undergrowth, my senses alert for any sign of danger. The adrenaline was wearing off, replaced by a deep, bone-weary fatigue. I needed to rest, to regain my strength before I could continue.

After what felt like hours of trudging through the forest, I finally stumbled upon a ruined sight... which looked like a fortress as I took in the scene, My senses picked up traces... traces of mana.

But this Mana felt like those of demons but almost faint as if fortress. I approached with caution, my mind racing with possibilities. The structure was partially collapsed, vines snaking through the cracks in the stone walls. It was clear that this place had not been touched by human hands for many years.

I saw footprints in the muddy ground, I knew I wasn't alone. The footprints were fresh, indicating that someone or something had been here recently. The mix of demonic and ancient mana suggested that whatever was in this fortress, was not to be taken lightly.

As I looked at the footprints' size, It was... small compared to a grown human size. It looked like... a female- Raven! It has to be her!

But instead of blindly charging forward, I slowed my pace, my mind racing with possibilities. What if it wasn't her? What if it was a trap? I needed to be cautious, to think this through.

I took a deep breath and moved quietly, my senses heightened. The footprints led me deeper into the fortress, through a maze of corridors and rooms that had long been abandoned.

I paused at the intersection of the core chamber and a long hallway. The footprints here became intense as there were many other footprints but they looked disturbed, almost as if someone had been moving hastily through the area. The chaotic arrangement of tracks suggested a struggle or a desperate attempt to leave in a hurry.

I decided to follow the trail of disturbed footprints, which led me to an imposing set of double doors, half-opened and ajar. The demonic mana emanating from beyond the doors was palpable, a dark and unsettling presence that sent a shiver down my spine.

I approached the doors cautiously, peering through the narrow gap. Inside, the chamber appeared to be a grand hall, adorned with faded murals depicting scenes of ancient rituals and battles. At the far end of the room was a raised dais with a large, intricately carved stone slab at its center. Surrounding the slab were several arcane symbols etched into the floor, glowing faintly with an eerie light.

The room hummed with an almost imperceptible energy, the faint glow of the symbols casting long shadows that danced across the walls. The air was thick with the lingering scent of old magic and burnt incense. It was clear that something significant had happened here, and the demonic mana was stronger than before.

I slipped through the gap in the doors, moving silently as I surveyed the room. The stone slab on the dais was the focal point of the chamber, its surface covered in runes and symbols that pulsed with a dim, otherworldly light. I could sense a powerful enchantment radiating from it, one that resonated with the demonic mana I had detected earlier.

My thoughts raced as I examined the symbols. They seemed to be part of a complex ritual designed to channel or amplify demonic energy. This ritual could be related to the strange occurrences and disturbances in the area. It was evident that whoever had been here was not only familiar with demonic magic but also had a specific goal in mind.

As I studied the chamber, I noticed a figure collapsed at the altar-like slab. The figure was hunched over, clearly exhausted or injured, and the robes they wore were tattered and stained with what looked like both blood and soot. The figure's presence was a stark contrast to the imposing grandeur of the chamber.

I approached cautiously, my senses alert for any sign of danger. As I drew closer, the figure's features became visible, and I recognized her immediately—it was Raven. Her face was pale, and she seemed like she exhausted her mana dry.

Her long fury crimson locks were splayed out around her like a halo of fire against the cold stone floor. Her breathing was shallow, each inhaling a labored effort as she clutched the tome tightly against her chest. Her skin was light for a demon, but her small cute horns peeking through her tangled hair were unmistakable.

The exhaustion and strain on her face were evident, and it was clear that she had been through a significant ordeal.

I picked her head and placed it on my lap, I felt a surge of relief mixed with concern.

"Hey! Stranger~ are you alright? wake up!" Raven's eyes fluttered open at the sound of my voice, her gaze hazy but focused on me. There was an intense fear and determination as she strung into action even with her battered body.

"Who are you? I WILL NEVER SUBMIT TO THE COUNCIL!!!" But as she tried to forcefully use her mana, she screamed and started to fall forward.

I gently caught Raven as she fell forward, her body trembling from exhaustion. "I am not from the cult, I am Samael Ashwood, a... traveler. I... accidentally stumbled upon this place while following the trail of mana. I'm here to help."

Raven's eyes, though clouded with fatigue, locked onto mine. She seemed to struggle with her thoughts, her mind racing despite her physical state. The tension in her body slowly eased as she processed my words.

"You a-are not from t-the c-cult?" I nodded, trying to convey sincerity through my eyes and voice. "No, I'm not. I'm here to stop whatever was planned in this place. It looks like you've been through a lot."

Raven's breath came in ragged gasps, and her eyes darted to the tome she clutched. "I... am Raven- just Raven... thank you for coming."

I quietly took a water bottle out of my space ring which I keep to disguise my system inventory and gently helped Raven drink. Her hands were shaking as she took the bottle, but she managed a small, grateful nod.

"I don't know how long I can stay awake," Raven murmured, her voice weak but filled with a hint of resolve. But you should leave, people behind will kill you too if you linger."

I shook my head firmly. "I'm not going anywhere without you, Raven. You're in no condition to be on your own, and I need to make sure you're safe. Besides, if there's a threat here, I can't just walk away."

Raven's eyes softened slightly, a mix of gratitude and resignation in her gaze. She tried to sit up, but her body was clearly too weak. I helped her back down gently, making sure she was comfortable against the cold stone floor.

"And if you are talking about some Azazel guy then don't worry, I took care of him."

Raven's eyes widened slightly at the mention of Azazel. "Azazel…? You fought him? But that's—"

"Yes," I said, cutting her off gently. "I encountered him and dealt with him. I'm not sure if he's dead or just incapacitated, but the immediate threat should be neutralized."

"Azazel was just a team captain of the demon army, The one who is after me is an elder of the Cult of the Infernal Eye, a far more dangerous entity. The Elder has been orchestrating plans involving demonic power and dark, forbidden rites meant to alter the balance between realms."

I nodded, absorbing the gravity of her words. "It sounds like we're dealing with a much larger threat than I anticipated. Do you know what their ultimate goal is?"

Raven shook her head, wincing at the effort. "The Elder... his goal is to merge the mortal plane with the upper planes, I don't even know who else is involved with him."

[Ding...]

.

..

...

[To Be Continued]

-------------------------

Please leave your thoughts in the comments.

Give your reviews, It helps.

Thanks for reading.