[Fang of Darkness]

That was the name of the artifact I was holding.

A dagger made of black iron that could only be found in the Demon Realm.

The dagger's handle was made of real bone.

It was the bone of a legendary hero from the human world that had been killed and then blackened by magic.

The most notable thing about this artifact was its unique ability.

'Cutting power and speed increase in the dark.'

Not only that, but it also allows one to maximize the property of darkness.

The ability of the Fang of Darkness was to convert darkness into mana.

Ripple.

When I added the mana imbued with the darkness attribute to the Fang of Darkness, I could see a rippling black wave.

"And..."

I looked down and picked up the other remaining treasure.

A ring-shaped artifact.

[Full Moon Spirit]

A ring with the ability to sense mana and absorb moonlight.

However, it wasn't an artifact that I particularly needed.

In fact, it would be nice to have, but if I tried to eat it all by myself, I would end up in trouble.

"It's a wonderful ring. How about Lady Rene takes this? I'll take the dagger over there."

"Hmm... Okay."

Rene pondered my suggestion for a moment before agreeing.

After all, since her main weapon is a longsword and not a dagger, she probably isn't that interested in daggers.

I attached the Dark Fang to my waist and picked up the ring.

Then I approached Rene and put the ring on her second finger.

"!!"

Rene's shoulders shook violently.

I wondered why, but then I realized the significance of putting a ring on her second finger.

It was clearly a proposal or a gesture of affection...

Well, I guess it's okay.

Just as the laws of the Demon Realm and the Human Realm are different, this must be different too.

As I had expected, Rene, who had looked a little surprised, focused on the ring's abilities.

"This... is amazing."

Rene exclaimed in admiration.

As soon as she put on the Full Moon Spirit, Rene's mana began to ripple gently.

The Full Moon Spirit had begun to assist Rene's mana sensing.

"I see you like it."

"Yes, I do."

"Then I'll take this too..."

I stealthily reached out towards the pile of gold coins.

However, Rene's cold gaze forced me to retract my hand.

In the end, we decided to split the gold coins exactly in half.

What a shame...

* * *

We returned to the mansion after leaving the territory of the undead.

I spent my time helping Rene with her chores and errands, or practicing my mana technique.

About a month passed like that.

Arsene Adel

: Race - [ Half Demon ]

: Tendency - [ Chaos ]

: Talent - [ Position Exchange ]

: Trait - [ Interest ] [ Absorption ] [ Killing Intent ] [ Darkness ] [ Mana Manipulation ] [ Eye of Arrogance ]

: Mana - [ 1297 ]

Somehow, my total mana had exceeded 1000 and was now approaching 1300.

Now, in terms of mana quantity alone, I was at the level of a mid-ranking demon in the Demon Realm.

A satisfactory result.

In addition to that, I also have the Fang of Darkness and the Eye of Arrogance, so if I do well, I might be able to grow as much as Adel from the original.

As I was making such a satisfying smile.

"The Lord is calling for you."

Crete called out to me.

I followed the servant, and as I entered the office, I could see Rene and Crete.

It seemed like Rene had just arrived as well.

As Rene and I stood still, Crete suddenly opened his mouth.

"The day has finally come for you to enter Sytan."

Those were the first words Crete uttered after calling Rene and me out.

My expression hardened enough to be noticeable.

The time has finally come for me to enter Sytan.

"I never thought this day would come. No, maybe I knew it all along."

Crete spoke with a laugh that contained many emotions.

I didn't know why he was making such a laugh, so I just listened quietly.

"As of today, you will go to the capital to enter Sytan. You must have already finished your preparations."

"Yes."

"Yes."

Rene nodded with a very excited expression.

I nodded as well.

There wasn't much to prepare for anyway.

All I had to do was take the Fang of Darkness and the information papers I got from raiding the territory of the undead.

"Then go, I won't bother to see you off."

Even now, Crete didn't seem to like the fact that Rene was entering Sytan.

Come to think of it, Crete had tried to prevent Rene from entering Sytan.

He had purposely made her raid the intermediate Secret Relm, and that kind of intention was still seeping into his words and actions.

Is that why?

"......"

Rene bowed her head deeply and left the office.

Rene's eyes, which passed by me, were slightly moist.

"Adel."

As I was watching Rene leave, I heard Crete's voice.

I turned my head and looked at Crete.

"I hope you do well."

What does he mean by do well?

I don't understand the meaning.

In the past, I would have cursed Crete inwardly, but for some reason, I didn't feel like doing that.

"Yes."

I bowed my head and replied, then left Crete's office.

I went outside the mansion and glanced back.

"......"

Crete, who said he wouldn't see her off.

He was looking at the carriage that Rene was riding in through the glass window with the curtains drawn back.

I couldn't see Crete's expression clearly because the distance was far.

The only thing that was certain was that concern as a father was seen on Crete's face.