Although the cave was dark and ordinary people would not be able to see anything, Erasmus did not have this problem. He could see perfectly in the dark as he could see in the light of day.
"Weird.... even though I am used to the dark since most of my life I lived in hiding it should not be like this. Maybe a special talent of this body? Maybe because of these powers?" Erasmus wondered in his mind as he sat down on the cold ground preparing to increase his strength.
Erasmus closed his eyes, focusing his thoughts on the memories within his mind. As he delved deeper into the knowledge, he could feel a surge of energy coursing through his veins, amplifying his senses and strengthening his connection to the darkness.
"I see. So this is what this world feels like. Hahhhaha cultivation is amazing! How many?! How many more could I have killed with powers like these!?" Said Erasmus aloud as he felt the power coursing through him. Instead of wanting to grow his power to obtain unimaginable riches, knowledge or political power to rule his previous world the first thought he had was to kill. Indeed. He was a killer, a cold blooded murderer who took pleasure in seeing other suffering. THIS IS HIM. This is Erasmus the current Lord of Darkness and the king of Tyranny as this world will come to know him.
Erasmus's revelation sent a shiver down his spine, but instead of recoiling in horror, he found himself embracing the darkness within him. The surge of power had strengthened a side of him that many would find repulsive and would not hesitate to suppress it forever—a side that reveled in chaos, domination, and the pursuit of absolute terror.
As he stood in the cave, basking in the newfound strength that pulsed through his veins, a wicked smile curled on Erasmus's lips. He had once sought redemption, but now he saw the futility of such notions. The world had pushed him into the shadows, treated him as an outcast, and now it was time to again, show them the true meaning of fear.
As a few minutes passed Erasmus calmed his emotion and his mind began to clear up.
"No, it is not the time yet. I am too weak right no to be doing whatever I want when there are others who could kill me with a single thought. For now let's see what ability I unlocked." Once again Erasmus closed his eyes and peered inside himself.
That's right. At this moment Erasmus was an [Advanced Qi Gathering] cultivator. From having to cultivation to directly reaching a peak realm, if anyone else in the world could see his achievement right now they would be stunned with no words coming out of their mouth. This should have been impossible for any beginner cultivator and yet here he was. The Lord of Darkness power was indeed incredible but although he would have an easier time breaking through realms because of his knowledge the Qi required to advance even a small realms was at the least 5 times than a normal cultivator.
But there are not just disadvantages. Erasmus possessed a reservoir of Qi far greater than what others could fathom. The potential for growth and strength lay before him like an endless abyss, waiting to be explored.
Erasmus opened his eyes, a determined glint shining within them. He had unlocked an extraordinary power, and he knew that he must wield it with caution and precision. The Lord of Darkness was no longer a mere title but a manifestation of his true self, an embodiment of his deepest desires.
Erasmus first ability was called Darkness manipulation. He could create any weapon or armour he envisioned. This was an incredible ability since in the current cultivation world any manipulation type skill was incredibly rare. Only those that stood at the top of the cultivation world possesed one.
Just as Erasmus was marveling at his new acquired skill a a mysterious figure emerged from the shadows. Clad in a cloak of midnight black, the figure exuded an aura of ancient wisdom and quiet strength.
"Erasmus," the figure spoke, their voice a melodious blend of caution and wisdom. "The path you tread may lead to power and terror, but it also leads to emptiness and despair."
Erasmus's eyes narrowed as he regarded the figure, suspicion and curiosity warring within him. Was this a friend or a foe?
"Who are you?" Erasmus demanded, his voice tinged with a mix of defiance and intrigue.
The figure smiled, their face obscured by the shadows. "I am but a guardian of balance, a guardian who believes in the potential for redemption, even in one consumed by darkness. I offer you a choice, Erasmus. A chance to shape your destiny in a way that goes beyond mere tyranny."
Erasmus was about to consider but a thought flashed across his mind and he once again narrowed his eyes looking at the figure in front of him. His mind spinning at rapid pace trying to figure the other party intention. "What is this choice you speak of?" he asked.
The figure stepped forward, their eyes gleaming with ancient knowledge. "You can continue down the path you have chosen, wielding your power as a tyrant and reaping the rewards of fear. Or you can seek redemption, find a way to use your strength for a purpose greater than yourself. The choice, Erasmus, is yours."
A weighty silence hung in the air for a few second until only Erasmus mad laughter could be heard in the cave.
"HahahhahhahHAHAHHAHHHA"
Erasmus opened his eyes, a mixture of defiance and newfound determination gleaming within them. He realized that this moment would shape not only his own destiny but the fate of all who crossed his path.
The mysterious figure observed the unfolding scene, their presence enigmatic and inscrutable.
And then, without uttering a word, Erasmus's decision was made. A sinister smile curled on his lips as he extended his hand, summoning the darkness around him with a flick of his fingers.
" I choose my own path guardian of balance." a voice could be heard lingering in the now empty cave.
