Staring at his reflection, Roland gently reached out and touched the illusory yet tangible dragonic reflection within the mirror.
When his fingertips met the cold, unyielding surface, he lowered his hand with a hint of regret.
The longer Roland locked eyes with the flame-like pupils staring back at him, the clearer his inhuman visage became.
Even with a broad standard for what could be considered human, Roland knew, he had crossed the line.
Yet, for all the hesitation he'd felt before making the decision, now that it was done, the emotions simply faded.
No matter what he had become, he was still himself. Roland was still Roland.
"Now I see clearly..."
Only now did he begin to examine the changes to his body, starting with the most obvious: his vision.
Throughout his student life, Roland had never needed glasses. His eyesight had always been acceptable, at most. But now, he could clearly see the swirling motes of dust illuminated by the afternoon sun. And when he focused just a little more, he could almost track their flight paths in slow motion.
"Enhanced dynamic vision... and night vision, too?"
He cast a casual glance around the dim room. Even in the unlit corners untouched by lamplight, everything appeared crystal clear.
But these sensory upgrades were nothing compared to what was coursing through his body.
When he clenched his fists, Roland could feel it, power swelling like a tidal force from deep within. He could hear the rhythm of his heart pumping blood. And If he focused on different parts of his body, he could sense the latent strength and explosive energy packed into every muscle fiber.
Yet his physique hadn't changed outwardly. Though his form remained lean and human, it now housed a monstrous force, so much so that Roland even began to doubt whether what flowed in his veins was still blood.
"Let's test it."
Driven by curiosity, Roland bent his knees slightly and jumped lightly. With ease, his palm tapped the ceiling.
He hadn't even used the kind of strength required for a proper leap, and yet he'd already achieved that. If he truly tried, he was certain he could vault onto the roof of a three or four-story building with no run-up whatsoever.
Still, Roland knew this power wasn't merely the gift of a Spirit Contract. It was more like... a bonus granted by the sublimation of his soul.
Even as his emotions shifted back and forth, those deep crimson eyes in the mirror remained unwavering and indifferent.
Just like a human wouldn't spare a thought for an insect, anyone caught in that gaze would feel only fear and unease, like being stared at by a predator etched into the fabric of instinct.
"Is it because the body that influences the physical world is too far removed from the nobility of the inner self?"
There was no logic to that conclusion, no evidence to support it, but it surfaced naturally in Roland's mind, as though it were something he had always known.
Then he smiled.
A faint curl of the lips, followed by a deep breath, only for blazing fire to burst from his mouth.
The once-gilded mirror liquefied under the blast, melting into a blackened puddle that dripped to the floor and vanished into the cracks.
Despite bracing himself, Roland still instinctively reached for his throat, old habits.
But there was no pain, no scalding in his windpipe. On the contrary, his throat felt soothed, almost rejuvenated, as though he had just drawn a few refreshing breaths.
"Lord Roland? Are you okay?"
Sakura, having jumped off the sofa, looked at him with concern.
"I seem fine... for now," Roland muttered, blinking down at the melted remains of the mirror. He turned toward her.
"Sakura, I need another mirror. Could you go to the storage room and—"
He stopped.
The rest of the sentence never left his mouth.
Before Sakura could even move, two figures clad in black ninja garb appeared, their skin blue-gray, their movements as silent as ghosts. They respectfully placed a full-length mirror before Roland.
[T/N: I remember, someone isn't the comments saying Kirei was being gay and I disagreed....I am doubting my words now]
All around the room, shadows began to ripple like liquid, writhing and flowing like serpents. From the darkness emerged more of the same dark-clothed Shadowy beings, each holding a mirror of different shape and size.
Before long, Roland was standing at the center of a labyrinth of reflections.
The shadowy ninjas knelt on one knee, arms raised high to present the mirrors like loyal subjects honoring their king.
Roland's eyes slowly moved across the array of mirrored reflections.
Each surface faithfully reflected the same form, a dragon-headed demon cloaked in human flesh, bearing a cruel, awe-inspiring grin.
He placed a hand over the Key of All Spirits on his finger and called up the information on the contract with the Holy Lord.
---
Spirit Contract: [Soul of the Holy Lord]
Status: Contracted
Manifestation: Your reflection in any mirror reveals your soul's true form.
Effect: The Lord's influence elevates your soul, raising it to his level of nobility. However, due to the Lord's innate disdain for those beneath him, you are not bound to keep promises made to anyone you deem unworthy of respect. During the contract period, you will grow increasingly arrogant, with a rising urge to dominate.
Empowerments:
Demon Soul: You possess an immortal and eternal soul, capable of traversing dimensions and exerting control over beings of lower status. You may be defeated, but never destroyed.
Demonic Energy of Fire: As a Fire Dragon, your flames consume all, heeding only your command. You may use this energy to create followers or corrupt others.
Worn A Thousand Wisdoms: Once a mind capable of shifting stars and rewriting truth, this wisdom has decayed under hell's twisted time. Though now degraded and beastlike, it still remains vast beyond mortal comprehension.
Power of Trapped Shadows: A legacy of supreme mastery, your soul holds the stolen authority of the Shadow Kingdom, once wielded by the Lord. This power is equal to that of General Nega.[😶, someone please tell me that's canon]
Favored by Dark Qi: The dark forces of the world favor you. Fate bends to your will. The stronger the crisis you face, the greater the rebound of your fortune and the richer the gifts granted by the world. You inspire trust in evil beings, and your words carry conviction regardless of your state.
Digestion Requirement: Resurrection
---
"This... is the soul of the Holy Lord."
Even though he had reviewed it before, Roland still couldn't help but admire its majesty.
Unlike Kira Yoshikage's subtle abilities, the Holy Lord's soul required no explanation. Its terrifying potential was self-evident. The cost may have been great, but it was worth every part of it.
Even reduced to a mere soul, the Lord still reigned.