"The Fated Rival of the Moon"

The atmosphere in the black market auction hall was thick with tension. Nobles, merchants, and underworld figures all sat in their respective seats, their gazes sharp as they assessed each item that was presented on stage.

Azrael Kaelthorne remained seated in the VIP section alongside Veyrin Malzev, his fingers lightly drumming against the armrest of his chair. His expression was as composed as ever, but his gaze sharpened the moment the necklace was brought onto the stage.

A relic of the First Kaelthorne Family Head. Abyssal Crown Insignia.

It was his.

The auctioneer, a refined-looking man with a well-practiced smile, cleared his throat.

"We now present an item of immense historical and magical significance—The Necklace of the Abyssal Crown! A relic from an era lost to time, imbued with mysterious power. The starting bid is 15 million gold!"

The room buzzed as figures began considering their bids, but before anyone could speak—

"100 million."

Silence.

Every single person turned to look at Azrael Kaelthorne. Even Veyrin Malzev, who had been lounging lazily in his seat, nearly choked on his wine. He turned to Azrael with an expression that screamed, "What the hell, bro?"

"…Going for overkill, are we?" Veyrin muttered under his breath.

Azrael ignored him, his piercing gaze fixed on the auctioneer. The man hesitated for only a moment before slamming the gavel down.

"Sold! To the esteemed bidder in the VIP section!"

The tension in the room eased as the auction moved on to other items, but Veyrin still gave Azrael a long look.

"You really didn't have to do that. Nobody else was about to throw even 50 million at it."

"I didn't have time for their games," Azrael replied smoothly. "This belonged to me before it even touched that stage."

Veyrin let out a dramatic sigh. "Ah, the rich and their priorities."

Azrael simply retrieved the necklace and inspected its properties:

---

Necklace of the Abyssal Crown

Effects:

Spirit Energy +100

Mana +50

Requirement: Successor of the Abyssal Crown Eclipse Tyrant

---

The moment his fingers clasped around it, he felt the power hum against his skin.

And yet, this was only a fragment of its true potential.

As the auction continued, Azrael also purchased several other items:

Master-Level Spell Book (Element of Umbral)

Master-Level Spell Books (Other Elements)

Advanced Teleportation Spell Scroll

The total amount spent? An absurd amount of gold.

Veyrin just chuckled. "You're making enemies today, my friend. But hey, at least you're broke in style."

Azrael didn't care. He secured what he came for.

---

A Meal Between Friends

After the auction concluded, the two headed to a high-class restaurant in the city. Veyrin, ever the charismatic noble, engaged in casual conversation over the meal, occasionally throwing in some lighthearted jabs at Azrael's "insane spending habits."

Over the course of the dinner, their dynamic changed—gone was the air of formality from earlier. Their conversation was casual, natural, and for the first time, they spoke informally.

As their plates were cleared away, Veyrin leaned back in his seat and finally spoke of his favor.

"Come to my office tomorrow."

Azrael raised an eyebrow.

"To help me talk to someone," Veyrin clarified with a grin.

Azrael, still chewing, gave a simple nod. "Sure, as long as it's reasonable."

Veyrin chuckled. "Oh, it'll be very reasonable."

They parted ways for the night, and Azrael returned to his inn, placing his new acquisitions in his inventory before resting.

---

The Next Morning – A Meeting of Fate

Dressed and prepared, Azrael made his way to Veyrin Malzev's office the next morning.

The black market owner was already seated, reclining in his chair, a knowing smirk on his face.

"Come, sit," he gestured.

Azrael took a seat, his patience steady.

Then, the office door opened.

A familiar presence entered, and Azrael's gaze snapped toward the figure walking in.

Elaris Velmira.

His fiancée.

His future executioner.

His rival.

He barely concealed the flicker of shock in his eyes before he turned sharply to Veyrin Malzev, who was now smiling mischievously.

---

Azrael Kaelthorne's Updated Status

Stats:

Strength: 220

Agility: 215

Endurance: 225

Mana: 380 (+50 from Necklace of Abyssal Crown)

Spirit Energy: 310 (+100 from Necklace of Abyssal Crown)

Senses: 210

Aura: 200 (Aura Level 8)

---

Titles:

[Abyssal Crown of the Fated Eclipse Tyrant]

Increases regeneration ability by 200%.

Grants the power of a Sovereign—but requires absolute arrogance and pride.

If Azrael does not act prideful, he loses the ability to speak.

[One with Absolute Willpower]

Azrael cannot be mentally broken by illusions, fear, or external forces.

Increases resistance to mental and soul-based attacks.

His determination can push his body beyond normal human limits.

[One Who Killed a Demon Lord]

Demons instinctively fear him.

Increases damage against demons by 20%.

---

Techniques & Skills:

Kaelthorne Swordsmanship (Mastered)

✅ Beginner Level

✅ Intermediate Level

✅ Advanced Level

Kaelthorne Family Advanced Footwork

A specialized movement technique allowing rapid and unpredictable movement in battle.

New Spells Acquired:

Umbral Rupture (Darkness) – A massive explosion of dark energy. (Master Level)

Ignis Tempest (Fire) – A storm of blazing flames. (Advanced Level)

Shadow Step (Darkness) – Teleports short distances in the shadows. (Intermediate Level)

Infernal Burst (Fire) – Condenses fire into a single destructive explosion. (Intermediate Level)

Void Suppression (Darkness) – Suppresses an enemy's mana temporarily. (Advanced Level)

Crimson Overdrive (Fire) – Enhances all physical abilities using fire energy. (Intermediate Level)

Teleportation Spell (Scroll-Based) – Allows instant teleportation to a pre-marked location. (Single-Use)

---

Equipment:

Weapon:

Sword of the First Family Head (Sealed)

Aura +100

Strength & Agility +50

Mana +150 (Sealed)

Damage against Demons, Demi-Gods, and Gods +120%

Forged from the blood and bones of gods, evil gods, and an elder dragon's heart.

Armor:

Abyssal Crown Coat

Agility & Endurance +40

Accessory:

Necklace of the Abyssal Crown

Spirit Energy +100

Mana +50

---

Inventory Highlights:

Master-Level Spell Books (Various Elements)

Teleportation Spell Scroll (Single-Use)

---

Azrael Kaelthorne had planned for an ordinary auction.

Instead, he walked away with powerful relics, a new friend, and an unexpected confrontation with the very person fated to kill him.

And Elaris Velmira had just entered the room.

End of Chapter 17