From Failure to SSS-Rank: The Demon Lords Rebirth

Morrath stood at the edge of the clearing, the weight of the god's words still fresh in his mind. His chest glowed faintly beneath his armor, the ethereal mark left by the god a quiet reminder of the second chance he'd been given. In the distance, the Abyss Wyrm loomed, its monstrous form coiling menacingly as it closed in on the young woman. Her terrified cries cut through the tension, spurring Morrath to action.

[Engage Abyss Wyrm: Yes/No?]

The system notification flashed before his eyes, stark and unyielding. Morrath's breath caught in his chest as he stared at the glowing options. The roar of the creature reverberated through the valley, and the young woman's fear struck a chord deep within him.

He clenched his fist, the warmth of the god's mark radiating faintly. "No hesitation," he muttered, his finger hovering over the glowing [Yes].

[Engagement confirmed.]

The system's calm tone contrasted sharply with the chaos below. Morrath tightened his grip on the Shadow Blade, but as he prepared to charge, he caught his reflection in the translucent interface. His crimson eyes, horned helm, and shadow-clad armor painted him as something monstrous. The thought of adding to the woman's terror stopped him cold.

"She's going to think I'm just another monster," he muttered. A notification appeared as if in response.

[Spells available: Prestidigitation, Disguise Self.]

Morrath's eyes widened. "Disguise Self? Perfect." He selected the spell, feeling a faint warmth ripple through him as the shadows around his form shifted and coalesced. His armor softened into gleaming silver plate adorned with celestial insignias, his horns vanished, and his crimson eyes faded to a soft blue. A holy glow radiated from him, completing the illusion of a saintly paladin.

He allowed himself a small smirk as he glanced at his reflection. "Not bad. Let's hope this works."

The Abyss Wyrm reared back, its massive head blocking out the moonlight as it prepared to strike. Morrath stepped into the clearing, the Shadow Blade humming faintly in his grip.

"Hey, ugly!" he called out, his voice ringing with authority. The creature paused, its crimson eyes snapping toward him with a guttural growl. The young woman turned as well, her tear-streaked face shifting from terror to confusion at the sight of his radiant form.

[Warning: Abyss Wyrm engaged. Threat level: Severe.]

The wyrm lunged with shocking speed, its jaws snapping inches from Morrath as he rolled to the side. The ground shook violently as its massive head slammed into the earth, leaving a deep crater. Morrath rose to his feet, positioning himself between the woman and the beast.

"Stay behind me!" he shouted, his voice steady despite the pounding of his heart. He raised the Shadow Blade, its dark energy thrumming in contrast to his holy disguise.

The wyrm coiled, its tail lashing out and sending debris flying. Morrath sidestepped, his mind racing. The creature was massive, far more powerful than anything he'd faced before. His gaze darted to the jagged rocks surrounding the clearing, searching for an advantage.

The young woman clutched her broken staff, her wide eyes fixed on Morrath. "Who... who are you?" she stammered, her voice trembling. "Are you here to save me... or something worse?"

Morrath hesitated for a moment, glancing at his shimmering armor. "A friend," he said firmly. "You're safe with me, I promise."

Frank hesitated for a heartbeat. "A friend," he said simply, keeping his focus on the wyrm. "Stay back, and let me handle this."

The woman bit her lip, her expression torn between doubt and hope. "Safe? Against that?" she asked, nodding toward the wyrm. Despite her fear, she stepped back, placing herself behind Morrath.

"Just stay close," Morrath said, his focus returning to the creature. The wyrm's eyes glowed brighter, its anger palpable as it coiled once more. The ground trembled beneath them, and Morrath's mind raced.

[Combat Assistance: Defensive options available.]

A new interface appeared, listing spells and strategies. Morrath quickly scanned the options, selecting Prestidigitation. He flicked his free hand, conjuring a burst of blinding light that exploded in the wyrm's face. The creature recoiled, roaring in anger as it thrashed wildly.

"Got your attention now, don't I?" Morrath muttered, gripping the Shadow Blade tighter.

The wyrm lunged again, its jaws snapping dangerously close. Morrath sidestepped, swinging the blade in a wide arc. The enhanced edge connected with the wyrm's scales, leaving a deep gash that oozed dark, viscous liquid. The beast howled, pulling back momentarily.

Behind him, the young woman's voice shook. "It's... it's hurt. Can we kill it?"

"Not yet," Morrath replied, his tone sharp but measured. He glanced at her. "What's your name?"

"Kaela," she said, her hands trembling around her broken staff.

"Kaela, do you know any spells?" Morrath asked, his gaze flicking back to the wyrm as it began to recover.

"I... I'm a priestess," she stammered. "I can cast Holy Shield and Heroism."

Morrath's eyes lit up with realization. "Perfect. Cast them now—I'll handle the rest."

Kaela hesitated, then raised her staff, her trembling hands steadying as golden light began to emanate from her palms. "Holy Shield," she whispered, encasing Morrath in a shimmering barrier. The warmth of the magic washed over him, steadying his breath.

"Heroism!" she cried, a second wave of energy surging through him. The oppressive weight of the wyrm's presence lifted, and Morrath's confidence solidified.

He glanced back at her, nodding. "You're doing great. Stay ready—I'll need more support."

Morrath turned to face the wyrm, which had begun to coil again, its anger undiminished. "Come on, you overgrown snake," he growled. "Let's finish this."

The wyrm lunged, its massive form barreling toward Morrath. He sprinted toward a jagged rock formation, skidding to a stop and dodged as the beast struck. The impact sent debris flying, and the wyrm roared in frustration as it pulled back, dazed.

Morrath seized the opportunity, surging forward with the Shadow Blade glowing fiercely. He drove the weapon deep into the wyrm's exposed wound, twisting it as dark energy pulsed through the creature. The wyrm writhed in agony, its tail whipping violently and forcing Morrath to retreat.

"It's not enough," he muttered, watching as the creature began to recover once more. Sweat dripped down his brow as he turned to Kaela. "Can you fight?" he called out.

Kaela flinched but nodded, gripping her staff tightly. "I'll try."

"Good," Morrath said. "We're finishing this together."

Kaela stepped forward, her voice steady as she chanted another spell. Golden light erupted from her hands, striking the wyrm and momentarily halting its advance. Morrath capitalized on the opening, darting forward and slashing at the creature's weakened flank.

The wyrm howled, its movements growing more erratic. Morrath pressed the attack, his strikes precise and unrelenting. Kaela continued to support him, her spells bolstering his strength and protecting him from the wyrm's counterattacks.

Finally, with one last surge of power, Morrath drove the Shadow Blade into the wyrm's heart. The creature let out a deafening roar before collapsing, its massive body trembling as life drained from it. Dark energy rippled through the air as the wyrm dissolved into ash.

Kaela sank to her knees, her chest heaving as she clutched her staff. Morrath turned to her, his expression softening as the adrenaline began to fade. "You did great," he said, offering her a hand.

She hesitated before taking it, her fingers trembling. "You're... not just a paladin, are you?" she asked, her gaze searching his face.

Morrath hesitated for a moment before replying. "No, but I am here to help." He glanced at the faint glow of the god's mark on his chest, his resolve hardening. "And that's a promise I intend to keep."

Kaela nodded, a flicker of trust crossing her face. Together, they turned toward the horizon..