The studies of Kin

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[09:30] Upon arriving inside the fortress, the figure would stop in the center in front of the throne and then return to the others. His hand was raised and then the claw was used to point towards the ground.

Huh.

"I need to study.. The body of one of you, we are.. Similar, even if the way we are made are different in some ways - I want to observe your bodies and nodes.

It will be quick, but painful." He begins to explain, looking between each of those present, "Who.. offers itself for this?" He would question next, before then waiting.

His wings now remained contracted, covering part of his body as before, while he remained curled between them.
(Sak'noth)
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[09:30] Sak'noth says, "It cares not, do as desired."
[09:30] Nocens says, "Yes, yes..."
[09:31] Nocens says, "I will be the one."
[09:34] The demon would step in front of the Bird demon without hesitation. They sent another telepathy blast to the three demons.

"I'm used to much pain. I offer myself to the observation."

The little demon would lie on the soft carpets of the room. They would place their head behind the bird demon. The shadow creature would stare at the top of the room awaiting the pain that was sure to come.
(Nocens)
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[09:35] Vortissax says, "2970"
[09:40] The army of gigantic demons swaddles into the fortress, storming it at an alarming rate, some screeching, some clanking, clawing and smiling... Smile, on the other hand, was dancing.

Always full of spirit and life.
There is never a dull moment.

Though it appears they will be experimenting once they reach the depths of the citadel. An attempt to advance with the Demonic corpses.

To push their race past the usual.
Smile gives a silent nod.

Wondering who would step up first when Sak'noth extended its wings and gave commands. Our magical affinities differed despite the fact that we all shared a similar structure.

"Smile, make himself available for tests. Whatever it takes to see our race develop beyond the ordinary."

He joined his kin on the floor.
Hands formally at his side.
His eyes staring into the ceiling.

His heart pounded...
What could be lurking in the future?
(Smile)
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[09:48] The demon's body was interesting. The main body was a hard black carapace, while the limbs were an ethereal, liquid-like substance that shifted constantly. Their mask appeared to be filled with such things. It looked like its evolution didn't have enough time to properly convert all its mass into solid matter.
(Nocens)
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[09:56] Perfect, two guinea pigs he could use as desired.. As much as their kin were well similar, they were still beings with mana and so - he could learn to understand their functionality better.. To change himself in the future.

Of course he would still have to run tests on mortals.

But for now, that would do.

"Wait for a moment, Smile.

Your time will come." He said as he approached Nocens, the first to volunteer.

The abomination's hand was raised and slowly approached the vessel of his brother.. And just like that, that claw it has pierced the demon's rigid carapace! The creature in turn, in addition to the physical pain, could feel 'invaded', as the mana of the demonic bird snaked through its interior.

Oh no.

Such seemed to be.. Analyzing the interior of the being and mainly its circuits, how they worked... How they acted with that incomplete form that they had. Yes, he was studying him from the inside out..

As needed.

And clearly, it was something extremely uncomfortable due to the archaic method used.

"Intriguing... Interesting..." He muttered, his beak flapping and emitting a sound that echoed through the room.
(Sak'noth)
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[09:59] Vortissax watched as the other demons did their thing, Seeing as Sak'noth was training he too took the time to train. As he would be the leader of their tribe he would need to hold power, Power beyond that of the Knight that defended him with his very own prized element.

Lightning still super charged beyond his control yet he would aim to harness this overextension of magics. Lightning was conjured into a ball before powerful and dangerous volts of electrical discharges scattered around the throne room.

Dangerous for anyone too close to the demon as they practiced their skills yet as Sak'noth was doing their own practice Vortissax stood a good distance away. The scales around his hands were insufficient to insulate the power of the lightning that would soon whirl out of control before dissipating into static charges

"GRAAAAAAH" the demon would erupt as its hands would burn smoke rising from the claws now singed by their own magics. Vortissax only knew hatred for the Knight that wounded him so.

This hatred manifested darkness that dripped out of the demon as an occultic membrane would soon cover the demon purely out of instincts as a form of protection from the unyielding force of the lightning.

It was no small feat to say that Vortissax in this moment had to retrain themselves in order to tame the lightning that poured from every inch of its body. Battling with the furious bolts as he aimed to control it more intently.

Each attempt caused more damage to him, Yet the Aura of occultic magic protected him from such damage. A battle to control the elements despite the Mega class demon being uncertain on how to do so...
(Vortissax)
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[10:14] The demon simply stayed quiet during the invasion of privacy. The pain it endured was nothing compared to the pains it had survived with its pathetic body. Not like the creature can express pain with its featureless mask.

The circuits of the demon reflected the body. It was barely functioning. The nodes were incomplete, with entire blind spots where circuits did not exist. Convergence points are less concentrated than they should be for a demon... But for a mortal? Yet to be seen.

The lines were functioning, but not in the way they should. Thanks to the half-evolved form of the demon. Their body was practically on the verge of mass organ failure. The only reason they haven't met death yet is that the mana it held empowered their body constantly. Their blood pumped, every heartbeat a struggle, every fiber screaming to be cut, but the corrupt soul soldiered on without hesitation.

The occult blood is far too busy doing the body functions that it seemed practically impossible for it to manifest outside the body. The shadows only twist because there is enough mana for excess. But... Thanks to constant empowerment. The lines that did exist were far stronger than usual. Growth through adversity seemed to work for this demon.

The flesh that functioned was conditioned and strengthened because of the mana flooding it every time to make them move. Shell and carapace hardened as occult blood reinforced the broken parts. The pain was likely unbearable for most mortals, but the demon is no mortal.
(Nocens)
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[10:16] Subjects of investigation.
In order to achieve...
New heights in the Demonic culture.

Subject #001


Though Smile is lying on the floor, the order is given for him to rise and stand at Sak'noth's side.

'Your chance will come.'

Sak'noth's words reverberate through his mind, and he rolls out of the path before rising to his feet again, clanking its claws at Sak'noth's side.

"Very well, wherever I can be of assistance."

Its claws fell officially at its side while he maintained his gaze on the test subject and his antennas clear to pay close attention to what Sak'noth said or thought.
Sak'noth's eyes widen as its claw pierces the flesh of the test subject who lay on the floor, an unsettling feeling permeating the region.

Slowly, blood oozed.

Smile could feel the flow of  Sak'noth's mana being sucked into Nocens, and it appeared Sak'noth was completing the experiment from the inside out.

Getting to know the Demonic body as much as possible, and what better method than with such horrific tactics?

"Interesting, Sak'noth, what do you see?"

Smile saw it as the impending growth of devils.
(Smile)
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[10:23] Honestly it was amazing and also concerning, since.. how was he alive? This is clearly a display of demonic strength. He was underdeveloped, with flaws all over his body - but he was still on his feet. Probably, during future evolutions, his situation would improve..

Maybe.

And that served to demonstrate to Sak'noth the possibilities of the bodies they held, how they could advance and modify themselves if necessary - to achieve...

The Perfection.

"That, will do.. Yes, yes.." he said as the claw was slowly removed, until at last it came out of Nocens' body, "Rest kin." He commanded, before his attention..

Changed to Vorti. Which seemed to be testing something in addition to also suffering? Apparently everyone opted to test things for the time being. It was fitting, yet unexpected, as he only expected him to undertake the tests.

"If you require anything Kin, ask." Said, before turning around - "Now... Smile." The voice echoed, as steps were taken towards the slime.

His hand was already being extended, the claw slowly moving towards the blob... Ready to undertake the tests, the studies now in his loyal kin.
(Sak'noth)
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[10:25] The demon picked itself up from the soft carpets and dragged its malformed body to the side. It would heed the words of rest as it sat down on the bricked floor.
(Nocens)
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[10:27] The electrical flow of lightning wasn't something Vortissax could control and more often than not he was struck with bolt after bolt of relentless lightning and ass the smoldering mega demon would slowly recover from the flesh wounds he would ponder more deeply of what he could do.

"I cannot control lightning....no matter how much I try...so instead I will eat it and become lightning!" The demon chortled to itself as it opened its gaping maw to reveal rows of fangs, Going towards the orb of lightning he'd aimed to create to ingest it.

The lightning blasted and bored through its stomach he burped sending cascades of lightning to crash into the walls and floors of the throne room. Breaking furniture and scorching the walls of Abendrot castle yet the demon cared little.

Distorted grumbles of pain and suffering erupted from Vortissax as he continued his foolish attempt to ingest lightning, However through adversity did demons grow, As each of his demonic cells were burned and incarnated by the lightning more would grow in its place

More resilient than the last, Its body spurning growth as its occultism manifested their desires upon its body through foul arcane manifestations began to enrich their cells. "I will become lightning and feed on all who carry it...." the demon stated as its body glowed from the inside out the smell of burned flesh of its internals being roasted inside out.

The words from Sak'noth gave some comfort but not much as the demon continued its horrid variation of electro-shock therapy forcing its unnatural body to adapt to what lightning was.

"GRAAAUUUGAH" pain was all the demon felt the membrane of occultism could not protect its insides and yet the powerful lightning continued to rage within them as black smoke filtered from its orifices

Yet as their mind was in the throws of pain he would begin to understand lightning in its totality the destructive force and what it was capable of now became clear to them as their mind was forced to expand as it consumed the volatile energy Vortissax would begin to define lightning to itself.


(Vortissax)
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[10:38] All of the delicate demonic beings were amazed that the fellow test subject survived such a brutal tactic. First row seats to observe directly how durable they can be.

How much would it cost to actually kill one?
A simple nod was given in response.

Smile continued to pay close attention as its claws twisted behind its back. Their future was unfolding right before his eyes, and he wasn't going to miss a thing.

However, what has occurred merely demonstrates that the demonic body can modify itself and advance to new heights.

To safeguard one's survival.

Sak'noth's claw is taken from his fellow Kin's body, and those eyes are drawn to Smile.

"It appears that we are making progress."

Even if it is minor.

Smile's gaze darted from Sak'noth to Vortissax, his fellow other kin appeared to be testing something?

Perhaps power?
Suffering?

In any case, Smile has returned his focus to his brother, and it looks that its time for Sak'noth to begins his experiments on Smile.

The claw itches closer to the slimy thing, but with a swift leap, the claw is thrust into Smile. What would he discover?

The entire world is curious.
(Smile)
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[10:43] "If any is found, it will be brought to you." He informed his kin that he seemed to be seeking more of the elemental mana, that was good...

They could certainly strengthen him and that would be positive for everyone. At least for Sak'noth, because the stronger his kin got - the more they attracted attention, which allowed him to work without too much being targeted.

Which was hard enough being what it was, but... He knew how to adapt.

He knew how to find ways to get out of trouble.

And avoid the mortals for now.

Now, with the slime ready, the claw then arrived and dug into its gelatinous mass. The demon's mana then made itself present and like a wave, flowed through the body of the creature that was certainly one of the most distinctive due to its shape.

And so the studies continued.

How did it work? How his body was developing.. He would find out now.
(Sak'noth)
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[10:52] {NARRATION} Smile died.
[10:53] Smile says, "I was getting ready to rp accordingly."
[10:53] Sak'noth says, "..."
[10:53] Electrical flashes surged through the demons brain and as the occultic membrane seeped within it gave knowledge hidden to him prior. Lightning was generated through Air magic, by vibrating particles in the air did lightning and thunderclouds form

When cool winds met hot swirls did swirls of horrendous winds take form into mighty storms, And so Vortissax rejoiced in this knowledge as he continued to suffer for such things.

A form of natural energy that came from the heavens, Yet that was not the true nature of lightning. It was a force of destruction a power that burned and destroyed everything in its wake, Pure devastation in elemental form.

The air vibrated gently as Vortissax would learn lightning magic from scratch aiming not only to ingest it but to

Become lightning itself

Forging bonds and connections within their mind the cursed magics within gave the demon the knowledge it needed. Lighting like occultism was a force that could be used to destroy ones foes, and the two blended well together, The demon clasped their hands, Instead of thinking of the two as separate entities he would think of their similarities instead.

As the waves of shocks and discharges continued he meditated using the pain as a catalyst for his power. Testing his capabilities to further his knowledge in his chosen magics. "Lightning strikes while occult curses....each choosing to destroy to concquer...to eliminate all traces of my enemies..." holding back was no longer an option

A mighty roar erupted as occult and lightning energies intertwined for just a mere moment as a burst of crimson streaked through the air, unrelenting power far worse than the lightning he conjured prior.

Pure crimson lightning that incinerated all life. That small spark was the inspiration the demon needed. And so...from this training did they gain much knowledge on how to further develop their abilities.

Beyond the occult and Lightning lied a power he was still far too weak to manifest, But now? He knew it existed. The power to decay life in a singular blot of devastating demise.

"Good....much to learn...much to harness..." The lightning orb in the pit of its stomach began to rage unrelenting, He would keep it there for now. Using it as a seed that would continuously store the excess lightning he manifested within.

In order to further spur his evolution into a demon that could control both Lightning and Occult with ease.
(Vortissax)
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[10:54] Nocens says, ". . ."
[10:56] The little demons sway on the ground. The pain that once prevented it from sleeping eased. They felt like sleep was as easy as cutting flesh
(Nocens)
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[10:57] The little demon sways on the rock floor. The pain it once felt was eased by the efforts of Smile. The sleep that once was nearly impossible felt much more possible.
(Nocens)
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[11:04] It hasn't been an easy journey spanning realms ascending from the abysmal pits of Helheim to the surface of the realm of the living. But when was it ever?

Even in Helheim, the weak are cast aside, and only the strong survive. Those at the bottom of the barrel are striving, suffering, and simply waiting for death to lay claim.

That was a terrible life...

Then one day, a doorway opens, bringing the slime with it as he emerges among the horde. By all means, his fate will alter.

Wouldn't that be true?

Sak'noth's mana begins to flow into Smile as the claw plunges into the gelatin body, creating a suction sound that fills the chamber.

Nothing appears to happen at first.
They are silenced.

. . .

Smile begins to shimmer after a few seconds, its mana circuits lighting and becoming transparent, and its body itself growing increasingly translucent.

It's almost as though a Smile diagram has developed.

Its core is raging out of control, like radiation when active, and is about to erupt.

As a freezing crisp air begins to submerge itself throughout the chamber snow steadily building up, its slimy appearance appears to alter and evolve, becoming more solid.

Sak'noth's claw, if not quickly withdrawn, could cause frostbites or, worse, tear Smile's tummy.

Its teeth double in size, and the Demonic monster appears to have a negative impact on whatever was transforming and taking on a new shape.

Prior to finally...
Collapsing onto the floor face first.
(Smile)
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[11:13] Smile was certainly a figure.. Very different from the others of their kin, more.. Gelatinous and intriguing. Compared to the others who were physical, the figure was.. A blob and clearly, unique in its own way.

Quite the way one could evolve.

The demon seemed interested in continuing the experiment, it was learning more than it previously could - first with Nocens and now with Smile. However, the influx of mana posed over its brother proved volatile - it didn't take long for a reaction to occur!

Oh no.

Because of this the hand was subsequently removed from the act, his gaze falling on the now fallen figure of Smile.

"Ah.. He couldn't stand it unfortunately, let him rest for now, that will be enough and I have what I need." He looked at the others, nodding a few times - "Take a rest all of you, I'll go hunting.

I'll be back soon." Now, with the experiments over, he began to leave.

He stalked towards the door, his claws tapping against the stone floor of the fortress. He had learned a lot and now, it was time to put this acquired knowledge into practice.
(Sak'noth)
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