Previously on Vile Evil Hides Under The Veil...
In the eerie stillness of White Raven Island, Eren unwittingly unleashed a wave of oppressive energy from his Sin Series Greater Skills, transforming the environment into a demonic zone reminiscent of his initial arrival in Labh Salem. This dark aura flooded the minds of Azurea and Marina, stirring their deepest emotions and nearly overpowering their will. Despite Eren's attempts to downplay the incident, his companions expressed their deep concern over the dangerous strain this power exerted on his mortal soul. As Eren acknowledged the burden of his demonic heritage, he calmly resolved to endure the pain in pursuit of strength, hinting at the struggles ahead.
Eren clarified his position to the twin dragons, ensuring they understood that he was fully aware of the path he had chosen.
There was no grand display or fiery speech—only a steady, resolute voice speaking beneath the nocturnal sky. It was a firmness that compelled even the dragons to fall silent.
"Eren," Marina eventually spoke, her voice level yet stern.
"This Elder Ichor divinity appears to be more of a curse than a gift. From what I can see, the more you Cultivate, the more it will torment you. It places such a staggering weight upon your soul that I find it hard to believe anyone could endure it without eventually losing their identity.
It might not occur today. It might not happen soon. But it seems nearly certain. The pressure of being the Demon Emperor of all seven Sin Series Planes, ruling over every demon within them, is simply too immense.
You mentioned that the Elder God Alephe was forced to discard his emotions to manage this burden, correct? Will you resort to the same measures if you are pushed to the brink?
Keep in mind that Elder God Aleph was already a deity when he took that drastic step. By then, he had already attained the status of an Immortal.
Thus, when he relinquished intent-based magic while holding authority over the highest tier of demonic intent, he didn't lose much. I am unsure of how he perished, but a lack of intent-based magic likely wasn't the primary cause.
But… can you truly abandon intent-based magic at your current level? If you do, how will you ever hope to rival your enemies?"
Eren shifted his gaze toward her. While his expression remained stoic, his eyes revealed that he was processing her words.
"This isn't merely about trading pain for power," Marina continued.
"You believe you are growing stronger through this suffering. Perhaps you are. However, it feels as though you are justifying it too easily. You speak of it as if it were something noble—something you have simply accepted."
She paused, her expression softening slightly.
"Even if that is the case, you will eventually snap. One day, this incomprehensible strain will catch up to you. Ranking up won't make it vanish. Even as an S-Rank Kaiser, this weight upon your soul will persist."
Azurea leaned forward, entering the discussion. Her tone was sharper, though not devoid of concern.
"Why not seek assistance from other demigods?" she suggested. "I realize the Elder Ichor divinity is exceptionally rare. Perhaps no one else shares your exact plight. Nevertheless, it wouldn't hurt to ask.
There may be others who have survived similar soul-based pressures. Even if they cannot solve the issue, they might provide insights—something to help you manage the passive strain and prevent you from… losing yourself.
I suggest you seek help from someone trustworthy. Specifically, look toward the demonic demigods who possess Demon God Sparks."
Eren remained silent for several long moments. He offered no smile and no witty deflection. Instead, he looked down, appearing to genuinely weigh their advice.
The warm radiance of the fire-element lanterns danced within the gazebo. He took his time before finally shaking his head.
"I have considered it, and it feels like a mistake. Don't misunderstand; I don't enjoy doing everything alone. I would have welcomed help," he said, his voice quiet but heavy with meaning. "Even if I had to pay a steep price for it."
He paused, letting out a short, dry chuckle.
"But I don't believe that's an option. Do you know why?"
He met the gazes of Marina and Azurea with steady eyes.
"Because I have managed to offend nearly every known Immortal in existence," he said, a faint smirk playing on his lips.
"Most of the demigods serving them wouldn't dream of helping me. And the few who might offer? They would only be laying traps, waiting for the perfect moment to betray me."
Marina's brow furrowed. Azurea leaned back, crossing her arms as she listened.
"Certainly, there are Immortals who back me. I am aware of that. But even reaching out to them is a gamble. The moment I do, my enemies will know exactly who is in my corner. All they would need to do to ruin my plans is target those few allies.
People are easily bought or swayed. As someone who manipulates others for a living, I understand this truth all too well."
He leaned closer, resting his forearms on the table.
"Not every demigod is like En—easy to manipulate. Or like Shir—easy to crush and convert. The others?" He shook his head. "They have been playing this game for millennia. They understand their God Sparks perfectly. Compared to them, I am still just learning to crawl."
The light in his eyes dimmed momentarily.
"So, no," he stated. "I cannot depend on them. I cannot afford to show weakness. I cannot risk anyone seeing the extent of what I am enduring."
Silence hung in the air for a time as the weight of his confession settled.
Finally, he looked at Marina with a faint, weary smile.
"I understand your skepticism. You have every right to feel that way. We are allies, and my fate impacts yours. You are simply being cautious."
He let out a long breath, as if releasing a hidden tension.
"But do not worry too much. I know how I appear to the Immortals and everyone else. Perhaps even to you two. Like a man acting with reckless abandon."
His smile grew slightly, touched by a quiet defiance.
"Just give me time," he said.
"I don't require applause or a cheering crowd. I will grow in the silence. I will remain in the shadows where no one thinks to look. And when the moment arrives—"
He looked up at the starlit sky, the celestial lights reflecting in his pupils.
"Those first impressions will be obliterated—wiped away entirely. They will see me for what I have become… not the man I used to be.
Some are born into privilege. Some possess raw talent, while others are blessed with incredible luck.
Then there are people like me, who must seize success from the clutches of fate through pure willpower. I am not complaining, though.
You might believe the blessed have the upper hand because of their head start. But the thing about tearing success away from fate is this—what we have claimed can never be stolen back. It remains ours forever."
Azurea watched Eren with a grave expression. she mulled over his words before speaking again.
"Then I assume you realize people will come for you," she said.
"If so many Immortals want you dead, don't you think seizing this island was a mistake? It’s like lighting a beacon to signal your location to your foes. Now they know exactly where to find you."
She leaned in, her voice cutting.
"How do you intend to handle the threats that will soon arrive at your gates? Even if every major power on White Raven Island supports you fully, do you truly think that will suffice?
Some of your enemies will be far more powerful than Shir, and they will bring an army with them."
Eren listened without interruption. He leaned back slowly, glancing at the sky for a second before a small smile touched his face.
"You speak as if I had a choice," he said, turning his attention back to her.
"The second I accepted the Elder Ichor’s divinity, this outcome was set in stone. Whether I claimed this island or not, my enemies would have hunted me down regardless."
He paused, his voice turning firm.
"The reality of becoming a demigod is that there is no turning back once the journey begins. There is no off switch. No emergency exit. It is a path that only goes forward."
He leaned over the table, planting both hands firmly on the surface.
"I have two paths now," he continued. "First—I give in to fear. I discard my God Spark, I flee, and I hide like a cornered rat for the rest of my days. I never show my face and never achieve my goals.
Given my skills, that is entirely possible. But if I chose that, every struggle and every effort I've made would be meaningless."
He gave a small, joyless laugh.
"Second—I acknowledge the fear but move forward anyway. I continue toward my objectives. I keep ascending. I push through the terror, the uncertainty, the pressure—all of it."
"Aren't you afraid?" Marina asked softly. As a draconic being with S-Rank power, she was a peak existence in Labh Salem.
Yet, she knew she was far from the strongest. There were demigods and SS-Rank entities who could easily overwhelm her and her sister combined.
Eren inhaled deeply, meeting Marina’s gaze with total honesty.
"Of course I am afraid. Who wouldn't be? But I am not retreating. I'll take the blows. I'll bleed if I have to. But I will keep moving.
I know the road ahead is treacherous. I understand the laws of cause and effect that govern the cosmos. It is a fact that millions died on this island by my hand. A reckoning is coming for me.
Regardless of my justifications, I must answer for my choices. And that answer will take the form of my enemies.
I might very well face death in the days to come.
But… the fabric of cause and effect is as just as it is heartless. If I confront these trials head-on, my past debts will be cleared from my ledger.
This is what I meant when I said some pain is worth the cost.
Some burdens are worth the weight. Some pressures are worth enduring.
They wash away your past and permit you to step into the future.
So… whether I am afraid or not, happy or sad… I will keep walking. That is the only real choice I have."
