The Demon of Desire: the rise of the slum rat

The oppressive mist of the dungeon hung heavy in the air, clinging to Mikhael and his companions like a shroud. Each step deeper into the labyrinth felt like descending into another world, where time slowed, and the very air vibrated with unseen power.

"This place..." Kael muttered, their sharp gaze darting to the walls lined with glowing runes. "It's alive. Every crack, every pulse—it's watching us."

Mikhael said nothing, his crimson eyes scanning the shifting patterns on the walls. The artifact pulsed faintly against his chest, its whispers coiling around his thoughts like smoke.

"Unleash another. Call her forth. She will guide you..."

To Kael and Koneko, Mikhael was focused, confident—an unshakable force cutting through the dungeon's dangers. Yet, within his mind, doubt and curiosity simmered. The artifact had shown him immense power, but at what cost?

"I've relied on the sins before," he thought, gripping the hilt of his blade. "But creating another avatar... It's a risk."

He glanced at Koneko, who was sharpening her claws near the glowing embers of a fire. Her golden eyes reflected both trust and caution, a reminder of how much she relied on him—and how much he couldn't afford to lose control.

The Decision

The party reached a vast chamber where the air hummed with energy. Pillars of obsidian jutted from the ground, each inscribed with intricate runes that seemed to whisper secrets too ancient to decipher.

Mikhael stepped forward, his hand hovering over the artifact. "Stay back," he said, his voice low but firm.

Kael raised an eyebrow. "What are you doing now?"

"Something... necessary," Mikhael replied, his tone leaving no room for argument.

He focused on the artifact, drawing on its power. The energy surged through him, sharp and overwhelming, like a storm barely contained within his veins.

"Come forth," he whispered, his voice laced with both command and desperation.

The artifact flared to life, its light illuminating the chamber in a dazzling display of crimson and gold. From the swirling energy, a figure began to take shape—a woman with an ethereal presence that radiated both beauty and danger.

Ishtar: Lust's Avatar

The light faded, revealing a sorceress who seemed to embody perfection itself.

Her long, midnight-black hair cascaded down her back, shimmering with a faint iridescence. Crimson eyes, identical to Mikhael's, glowed with a predatory intensity. She wore a form-fitting dress of deep violet, adorned with golden patterns resembling flames and runes. Her movements were fluid, deliberate, and laced with a confidence that bordered on arrogance.

"Master," she said, her voice a melodic whisper that seemed to echo in the mind. She tilted her head, studying him with a smirk. "You finally called for me."

Kael blinked, clearly caught off guard. "What... the hell... is that?"

"Her name is Ishtar," Mikhael said, his voice steady. "She's an avatar. One of the sins."

Koneko frowned, her ears twitching. "Another sin? And you're okay with this? We've barely managed with the others."

Ishtar chuckled, the sound rich with amusement. "Oh, little neko, you'll find I'm far more useful than dangerous. Besides, your master wouldn't summon me if he couldn't handle me... right?"

Mikhael ignored her playful tone, his gaze hard. "You're here to help, not cause chaos."

"Of course," Ishtar said, her smirk widening. "But to help, I need tools. Skills. Shall we begin?"

Teaching and Skill Creation

Ishtar's ability to replicate and master skills quickly became apparent as the group faced another wave of dungeon creatures. Her movements were a blur of elegance and precision, each spell cast with devastating accuracy.

"Pay attention," she said to Mikhael after dispatching a towering golem with a combination of flame and shadow magic. "I'll teach you, but you'll have to keep up."

The Ten Skills

Over several battles, Ishtar demonstrated and taught Mikhael ten new skills:

Arcane Lance: A focused beam of magic that pierces through enemies. Phantom Strike: A teleportation-enhanced melee attack. Mana Veil: A protective shield that absorbs and redirects damage. Spectral Blades: Ethereal swords summoned to fight alongside the caster. Echo Chain: Repeated casting of a spell with increasing power. Crimson Rain: Fiery projectiles raining from above, dealing area damage. Flowing Shadow: Enhanced agility and afterimages for evasion. Temporal Bind: Temporarily slows enemies in a set area. Spell Thief: Copies and temporarily uses an opponent's magic-based skill. Ethereal Resonance: Amplifies magical potency and efficiency for a short time.

Mikhael's godlike comprehension allowed him to adapt the skills almost immediately, merging them with his unique fighting style.

Foreshadowing the Dungeon Boss

After their training session, Ishtar turned to Mikhael, her crimson eyes gleaming. "You've learned well. But this is just the beginning. The true test lies ahead."

Mikhael nodded, his gaze fixed on the massive iron gate at the far end of the chamber. Beyond it, the dungeon's final challenge awaited—a battle that would push them to their limits.