Fangs and Fury : Dual System of the Godslayer

The sun dipped below the horizon as Terry and Soden finally approached Mr. Wesdon's fortress. The journey back from the cavern had been mercifully calm, though it had done little to erase the strain of the battles they had fought. Terry's mind churned with questions about his two systems, their differences, and the implications of his newfound abilities.

As they entered the gates, Curl was the first to greet them. The young woman's fiery hair was tied back in a braid, her sharp green eyes scanning them for any signs of injury. She stood with her arms crossed, trying to appear nonchalant, but the concern in her voice gave her away.

"About time you two showed up," Curl said. "What happened? You look like you've been dragged through a battlefield."

Soden smirked, brushing off dust from his shoulders. "You're not wrong. Terry decided to take on a cavern full of Sural Archons. Guess who had to keep him alive?"

Curl's gaze shifted to Terry, her expression a mix of disbelief and annoyance. "Is that true? What were you thinking?"

Terry shrugged, a faint grin on his face. "It wasn't that bad."

"Not that bad?" Soden scoffed. "You fought eight of them after already killing one. You're lucky you're still breathing."

Curl shook her head, exhaling sharply. "You're reckless, Terry. But…" She paused, her tone softening. "I'm glad you're okay."

Terry met her eyes briefly before looking away. "Thanks, Curl."

---

The three of them moved inside, settling around a small fire in the fortress's communal hall. The warmth of the flames provided some comfort as they recounted their journeys. Soden, ever the storyteller, took the lead.

"You should've seen him, Curl," Soden began, gesturing animatedly. "He was jumping around like a crazed squirrel, using all these fancy abilities. And that final blow—pure brilliance."

Curl leaned forward, her curiosity piqued. "What kind of abilities?"

"Wind, earth, moonlight—he's got a whole arsenal now," Soden replied. "It's not normal. Not for someone his level."

Terry shifted uncomfortably under Curl's scrutinizing gaze. He wasn't ready to reveal the full extent of his powers, especially the existence of the Elf Lord System.

"What about the elf village?" Curl asked, changing the subject. "And that werewolf lord, Dikon. What was he like?"

Terry hesitated, unsure of how much to share. Soden, however, jumped in.

"Dikon's a piece of work," Soden said. "Powerful, sure, but smug as hell. And his slaves—there's something off about him."

Curl frowned. "You think he's hiding something?"

"Definitely," Soden replied. "But that's not our problem. We got what we needed and left."

Terry stayed quiet, his thoughts drifting to Dikon's demeanor and the aura of control he exuded. The memory of the Ark Seal's weight in his hands lingered, a reminder of the immense responsibility he now bore.

---

Later that night, as Curl and Soden retired to their quarters, Terry found himself alone. The fortress was silent, save for the faint crackle of the fire and the distant howl of the wind. Taking the opportunity, he retreated to a secluded corner of the hall, ensuring no one was watching.

System, display current stats.

The familiar blue screen materialized before him, glowing faintly in the dim light.

Slave System Stats

Strength: 192

Agility: 186

Speed: 196

Luck: 189

Abilities: Enhanced Command, Binding Chains, Subjugation Aura

Elf Lord System Stats

Strength: 192

Agility: 186

Speed: 196

Luck: 189

Abilities: Elven Grace, Nature's Wrath, Soul Link, Shadow Bind, Starfire Strike, Ethereal Vision

Terry frowned, his eyes darting between the two lists. On the surface, the stats appeared identical, but the Elf Lord System boasted a far more versatile set of abilities.

"Compare the two systems," he whispered.

The screen shifted, displaying a detailed comparison.

Slave System

Focus: Control and domination over others.

Strengths: Enhances leadership abilities, allows for subjugation of multiple beings.

Weaknesses: Limited personal combat applications.

Elf Lord System

Focus: Personal strength and connection to nature's magic.

Strengths: Powerful combat abilities, adaptability, and enhanced agility.

Weaknesses: Requires energy management; abilities are resource-intensive.

Terry leaned back against the wall, digesting the information. The Slave System had been invaluable in certain situations, but it lacked the raw power and flexibility of the Elf Lord System.

"Show abilities for both systems," he said.

Slave System Abilities

1. Enhanced Command: Issue irresistible orders to subjugated beings.

2. Binding Chains: Temporarily immobilize enemies with magical chains.

3. Subjugation Aura: Intimidate and weaken opponents within a certain radius.

Elf Lord System Abilities

1. Elven Grace: Enhanced reflexes and agility in combat.

2. Nature's Wrath: Summon natural disasters like storms or earthquakes.

3. Soul Link: Boost allies' abilities while draining energy from enemies.

4. Shadow Bind: Immobilize enemies with shadowy tendrils.

5. Starfire Strike: A celestial fire attack with immense destructive power.

6. Ethereal Vision: Detect illusions and hidden enemies.

The Elf Lord System was clearly superior, offering a variety of offensive and defensive options. Terry's heart raced as he realized just how much potential lay at his fingertips.

---

"Still awake?"

Terry flinched, quickly dismissing the system screen. He turned to see Curl standing in the doorway, her silhouette framed by the faint glow of the hallway lanterns.

"Couldn't sleep," he replied, forcing a casual tone.

Curl stepped closer, her gaze searching his face. "You've been acting strange since you got back. Is everything okay?"

Terry hesitated, debating whether to share his thoughts. Ultimately, he decided against it.

"I'm fine," he said. "Just… a lot on my mind."

Curl didn't look convinced, but she didn't press the issue. Instead, she sat down beside him, her expression softening.

"You've changed, Terry," she said quietly. "You're stronger now, more confident. But you're also more distant. Don't forget you don't have to face everything alone."

Her words struck a chord. Terry nodded slowly, appreciating her concern but unsure how to respond.

Curl stood, giving him a small smile. "Get some rest. We've got a long day ahead."

As she walked away, Terry leaned back against the wall, his thoughts swirling. Curl was right—he had changed. And while his growing power thrilled him, it also brought new responsibilities and uncertainties.

But one thing was clear: the Elf Lord System was the key to his future. And he would do whatever it was to secure the system.