Chapter 469: The Black Membrane

Helag closed his eyes, sensing the changes within.

Previously absorbed demonic aura, which had been integrated throughout his body, now seemed to be vibrating, establishing connections.

After a while, Helag felt something from the outside infusing into him.

The demonic aura began transforming into a black membrane, covering his internal organs, bones, and flesh, enveloping every cell.

After some time, Helag opened his eyes, standing in the cold wind.

He now understood the changes within his body.

He had awakened an exorcist’s innate ability, officially becoming an exorcist.

The black membrane within him was his ability, significantly enhancing his body’s strength, resilience, and defense.

Additionally, his physical power would increase substantially.

Curiously, Helag noted that his status panel showed no attribute increase.

This meant that while the black membrane made his physical strength and durability greater, it didn’t do so by boosting his attributes; it was due to the membrane’s inherent properties.

Helag raised his hand, clenching his fist, feeling a distinct difference from before.

The sensation wasn’t due to increased strength but a fundamental change in his body’s nature.

Helag didn’t fully understand the membrane’s principles and hadn’t heard of similar abilities in other exorcists.

Jim had once mentioned that an exorcist’s abilities often reflected their personality, habits, and lineage.

However, this was more of a mystical belief, akin to astrology.

Helag was satisfied with this ability, feeling it suited him well.

He believed that using Titan Power now would make him much stronger than before.

After assessing his body’s changes, Helag turned to the bear’s corpse.

The bear had been poisoned, its body full of toxins.

Leaving it there could be dangerous if animals ate it, or worse, if it accidentally poisoned people.

Helag decided to use a corrosive agent from his spatial ring, pouring it over the bear’s body.

The bear’s corpse began to dissolve, sizzling and smoking.

One dose wasn’t enough for the massive bear, so Helag used two more to completely dissolve it, leaving only some residue.

He meticulously cleaned the area before leaving, taking extra care due to the use of potions, leaving no trace behind.

Returning to Fireland Ranch, Helag found it deserted except for the animals.

Bowen and the others were nowhere to be seen, even outside the detection range.

Helag didn’t concern himself with them, returning to his cabin to continue his meditation.

The next morning, Bowen and his men cautiously returned.

They observed the ranch from a distance before entering.

Seeing the animals unharmed and no signs of blood or carcasses, they were puzzled.

On the plains, they spotted Helag practicing swordsmanship, surprised to see him unharmed.

Helag greeted them, saying, “I chased the bear away. It shouldn’t return.”

He didn’t elaborate, treating it as a minor event, and headed back to his cabin.

“Chased it away?” Bowen was incredulous, but with Helag unscathed and the ranch intact, he had to believe it.

Watching Helag walk away, Bowen pondered.

Two weeks passed.

No more demons attacked, likely due to the bear’s presence, keeping others away.

Helag decided not to stay longer, as winter approached and demons would become scarce.

Travel would be difficult once the snow fell.

When Helag announced his departure, Bowen didn’t try to stop him, personally escorting him to the road and handing him a pouch. “Here’s your payment.”

Helag glanced inside, puzzled. “Why twenty gold coins? I didn’t stay three months.”

Bowen puffed his pipe, saying, “You may not have stayed three months, but chasing away the bear saved the ranch from great loss. You earned it.”

Helag nodded, accepting the pouch without further comment, mounted his horse, and rode off.

Bowen watched him leave before returning to the ranch.

***

Back in Amy City, Helag returned to the inn, where the staff informed him that Jim had visited days earlier.

While Helag was at Fireland Ranch, Jim had left a message for him.

The next day, Helag went to the address Jim had given him.

Jim lived in a small courtyard.

Helag knocked, and Jim answered.

“You’re back. I thought you’d return after winter. It’s good you’re back now; winters there aren’t pleasant, with shortages,” Jim said, inviting Helag in.

Helag asked, “What happened at Thousand Lakes Town?”

He hadn’t heard anything since returning to Amy City.

Jim sat by a table in the courtyard, saying, “It was an Apostle-level demon, a jellyfish.”

“A jellyfish?” Helag recalled the white tentacle resembling an enlarged jellyfish appendage.

Jim nodded, continuing, “The jellyfish was strong. Lord Arrios fought it to a standstill; neither could gain the upper hand. It seemed stronger in water. Eventually, the demon left, disappearing from the lake.”

“Disappeared?” Helag inquired.

“Lord Arrios believes it used special means to leave. There’s no trace of it now, and it’s uncertain if it’ll return. The area’s now deemed dangerous, making life hard for those who rely on fishing,” Jim explained.

They discussed the details of the Thousand Lakes incident, giving Helag a clearer picture.