The Moon Altar was even more impressive than Korvus had imagined. Set within the hollow caldera of an extinct volcano, the massive stone structure seemed to both absorb and reflect the purple-tinged light that filtered down from the distant ceiling of the underground realm. The altar itself was circular, easily thirty meters in diameter, with intricate patterns carved into its surface—a six-pointed star in the center, surrounded by an Ouroboros symbol and rings of text in what Korvus recognized as ancient demonic script.
"It's magnificent," Roy murmured, wings folded tightly against his back as they stood at the edge of the structure. "Just like the descriptions from the souls I consumed."
Vexior loomed behind them, his massive form casting long shadows across the altar floor. "The Moon Altar has existed since before any living demon's memory," he rumbled. "Some say it was created by the first demon kings who shaped the Abyss itself."
Their escort to the altar had been surprisingly dignified—no chains or obvious restraints, just a contingent of Vexior's elite guards led by Malakar himself. The champion had been professional, even respectful, since their combat in the arena. Perhaps defeating him had earned more than just access to the altar.
"How does it function?" Korvus asked, studying the intricate patterns that seemed to shift subtly when viewed from different angles.
Vexior gestured toward the center of the altar. "The magic formation acts as a gate between realms. When active, it allows demons to travel to other worlds—typically in response to a summons from beings in those realms."
"And if there is no summons?" Roy inquired, his tail swishing with barely contained excitement.
"Then the altar remains dormant," Vexior replied. "Only a summoning from another world can activate the passage. This is why access to the altar is so valuable—those who wait here have first opportunity to respond to any summons that comes through."
Korvus exchanged a knowing glance with Roy. This confirmed what they had suspected—the altar was essentially a portal, but one that required external activation. They couldn't simply choose a destination and travel there; they needed someone on the other side to open the way.
"How frequent are these summons?" Korvus asked, carefully maintaining a tone of casual interest despite his intense curiosity.
"Variable," Malakar answered before Vexior could speak. "Sometimes several in a single cycle, sometimes none for many cycles. The quality varies as well—from powerful sorcerers offering high-quality souls to dabbling fools who barely manage to establish a connection."
"And what happens to the demon who answers a summon?" Roy pressed, his eyes fixed on the center of the altar.
Vexior's burning gaze shifted to Roy. "They are bound by the Ouroboros Mark—a protective enchantment that preserves their essence. Even if their physical form is destroyed in another realm, they will return here with their soul intact, though often... damaged."
"Which is why many prefer to avoid answering summons from unknown sources," Malakar added dryly. "The return journey can be most unpleasant if one encounters hostile forces on the other side."
As if triggered by their discussion, a low humming suddenly emanated from the altar. The carved lines began to glow with a soft blue light, and the air above the center of the formation shimmered like heat rising from desert sand.
"A summons," Vexior observed, his tone sharpening with interest. "Quite a strong one, judging by the intensity of the activation."
The shimmering air coalesced into a swirling portal of darkness, from which emanated... something. Not quite a scent, not quite a sound, but a sensation that tugged at Korvus's senses. It felt like power—raw, refined, concentrated.
"A high-quality soul," Malakar murmured, his white eyes widening slightly. "The offering is substantial."
Vexior stepped forward, raising one massive hand. "As lord of this domain, I claim first—"
"Wait," Korvus interrupted, surprising both himself and those around him with his boldness. "You promised us access to the altar. Does that not include the opportunity to respond to a summons?"
A dangerous silence fell. The guards tensed, hands moving to weapons. Malakar's expression remained neutral, but he shifted his stance subtly, ready to move if needed.
Vexior's eyes narrowed to burning slits. "You presume much, young one."
"We earned the right through combat," Roy pointed out, backing Korvus smoothly. "And this would be an excellent chance to demonstrate our value as... potential allies rather than subjects."
It was a calculated risk—appealing to Vexior's pragmatism rather than challenging his authority directly. The mountain lord was clearly no fool; he would recognize the advantages of having two unusual demons exploring other realms and returning with knowledge.
After a tense moment, Vexior inclined his massive head. "Very well. One of you may answer this summons. Choose quickly, before the connection fades."
Another swift glance passed between Korvus and Roy—loaded with unspoken communication developed through their partnership. Roy gave a barely perceptible nod.
"I'll go," Korvus declared, stepping toward the portal.
"Remember," Vexior warned, "the Ouroboros Mark will protect your soul but not your physical form. Death in another realm means expulsion back to this one—often painfully."
"And beware of those who would bind you through knowledge of your true name," Malakar added, his tone suggesting this advice came from personal experience. "Reveal it to no one, regardless of the seeming benefit."
Korvus nodded his understanding, then turned to Roy. "Keep our interests protected here," he said meaningfully.
Roy understood the real message: Watch your back. Learn what you can while I'm gone.
"Always," Roy replied with the same subtle complexity.
Without further hesitation, Korvus approached the swirling portal. The sensation of power grew stronger with each step, confirming that a truly significant offering awaited on the other side. Whatever—or whoever—had created this summoning possessed considerable strength.
As he stepped into the darkness, Korvus felt the Ouroboros Mark taking hold—a strange sensation like cool metal pressing against his soul. Then his body began to dissolve, consciousness stretching across an impossible distance as he was pulled between realms.
The journey seemed both instantaneous and eternal. Darkness enveloped him completely, then gave way to a blinding light as his form reconstituted itself in a new environment.
Korvus blinked, adjusting to the sudden brightness. He stood within a summoning circle similar to the Moon Altar but smaller, perhaps ten meters in diameter. The circle had been drawn in what appeared to be silver mixed with some luminescent substance that glowed with a soft white light. Around its perimeter, seven crystalline pillars rose from the ground, each housing what looked like a small star—pure energy suspended in perfect stasis.
Beyond the circle extended a vast chamber of white marble, its high ceiling supported by columns inscribed with runes that pulsed with gentle power. Tall windows revealed a night sky filled with unfamiliar constellations, suggesting this was indeed another world entirely.
And directly before him stood a figure in flowing robes of midnight blue, embroidered with silver patterns that mimicked the stars visible through the windows. Their face was concealed by a hood, but Korvus could sense tremendous power radiating from them.
"Fascinating," the figure spoke, their voice neither distinctly male nor female but melodious and clear. "You are not what I expected to answer my summons."
Korvus remained alert but maintained a calm exterior. "And what did you expect?"
The figure circled him slowly, studying him with evident curiosity. "Something more... conventional. The typical brute force of the Abyss. Yet you carry multiple elemental affinities and possess a structure to your energy that suggests deliberate training rather than chaotic evolution."
Korvus noted that this being could perceive his abilities without having seen them demonstrated—a concerning level of insight. "You seem knowledgeable about demons," he observed carefully.
"I have summoned many over the centuries," the figure replied, completing their circuit and stopping before Korvus once more. "I am Lysander, Archmage of the Celestial Academy and Keeper of the Boundary Spheres."
The titles meant nothing to Korvus, but the casual mention of centuries confirmed this was no ordinary mortal. "And what purpose has your summons, Archmage Lysander?"
The figure reached up and lowered their hood, revealing a face of ageless beauty—neither young nor old, with features that seemed to shift subtly depending on the angle of observation. Their eyes were the most striking feature—irises of swirling silver that contained what looked like miniature galaxies.
"Direct and articulate," Lysander noted with approval. "Even more interesting."
They gestured to the crystalline pillars surrounding the summoning circle. "These Boundary Spheres contain the essence of seven distinct realms that border our own. They are part of a project I have maintained for millennia—mapping the connections between dimensions and understanding the nature of reality itself."
The figure approached one of the pillars, placing a slender hand upon its surface. "Recently, I detected an anomaly in the Abyssal realm—a fluctuation in the natural order, as if something foreign had been introduced. Something that doesn't belong."
Korvus kept his expression carefully neutral, though his mind raced. Could the Archmage be referring to him and Roy? To their reincarnation from another reality?
"Anomalies happen in all realms," he said noncommittally. "The Abyss is chaotic by nature."
"Indeed," Lysander agreed, turning those galaxy-filled eyes back to Korvus. "But this particular anomaly bears the unmistakable signature of something I've encountered before—a specific type of interdimensional transfer that should not be possible without extremely sophisticated magic."
The Archmage moved closer, studying Korvus with increased intensity. "And now, before me stands a demon unlike any I've summoned before—one with structured techniques reminiscent of the mortal realm, multiple elemental affinities that should be mutually exclusive, and a soul pattern that appears... remarkably recent."
Korvus tensed, ready to defend himself if necessary. If this being could perceive so much about his nature, they might well represent a threat despite the supposed protection of the Ouroboros Mark.
"You fear I mean you harm," Lysander observed, stepping back to create comfortable distance between them. "That is not my intention. Quite the opposite—I believe you may be uniquely valuable to my research."
"And what would this research entail?" Korvus asked cautiously.
"An exchange," Lysander replied simply. "Information for power. You tell me what you know of how you came to be in the Abyssal realm, and I provide you with knowledge and resources to enhance your abilities."
The offer was tempting but fraught with potential danger. Revealing his true origins might make him vulnerable in ways the Ouroboros Mark couldn't protect against. Yet the opportunity to gain knowledge from a being of such evident power and age could significantly accelerate his development.
"Before I consider your proposal," Korvus said carefully, "I would know more about these Boundary Spheres and what exactly you hope to learn from me."
Lysander seemed pleased by the question. "The Boundary Spheres are my life's work—concentrated essence extracted from the borders where different realms touch. They allow me to study the fundamental laws that govern each dimension and the passages between them."
The Archmage gestured, and a complex model of interconnected spheres manifested in the air between them—a three-dimensional map of what appeared to be multiple realms, with glowing lines representing connections between them.
"The multiverse operates according to principles few understand," Lysander continued. "Most practitioners who summon demons do so blindly, drawing upon ancient rituals without comprehending the underlying mechanics. I seek to change that—to develop a comprehensive understanding of interdimensional travel and the boundaries that separate realms."
The model zoomed in on one particular sphere, which Korvus recognized as representing the Abyss. Within it, a small point of light pulsed with unusual brightness.
"This anomaly," Lysander explained, pointing to the light, "represents an entry into the Abyssal realm that bypassed all normal channels. Not a summoning, not a natural birth, but something else entirely—a transference of essence from one realm to another without the typical bridges or gates."
Korvus considered his options carefully. Confirming the Archmage's suspicions could be dangerous, but denying them when the evidence was apparently visible in their mystical instruments seemed equally problematic.
"If such an anomaly exists," he said slowly, "what would you hope to learn from it?"
"How it was accomplished," Lysander answered immediately. "What force or entity facilitated this transfer. Whether it was intentional or accidental. And most importantly—whether it can be replicated and controlled."
That last point raised alarm bells in Korvus's mind. If this Archmage sought the power to transfer beings between realms at will, bypassing the normal protections and limitations, the potential for abuse was enormous.
"And your offering?" Korvus asked, changing the subject slightly. "The summoning was powered by something substantial."
"Ah, yes." Lysander waved a hand, and one of the crystalline pillars glowed more brightly. "A condensed fragment of celestial essence—what you might consider a high-quality soul, though it comes from no living being. It is yours regardless of whether you choose to assist me, as promised in the summoning contract."
The mention of a contract was interesting—it suggested there were formal rules governing these interactions, which might provide some protection beyond the Ouroboros Mark.
"I am... willing to consider an exchange of information," Korvus said carefully. "But I would request a demonstration of the knowledge you offer before I commit to sharing anything sensitive."
Lysander seemed to find this reasonable, nodding slowly. "Fair enough. Let me show you something that might interest a demon with your particular affinities."
The Archmage traced a complex pattern in the air, leaving trails of silvery light that formed into a series of symbols Korvus didn't recognize. "You possess fire and lightning—volatile, external expressions of energy. And more recently, you've begun to manipulate darkness and moonlight—subtle, environmental forces."
Korvus maintained his neutral expression, though he was increasingly unsettled by how much this being could perceive about his abilities.
"What you lack," Lysander continued, "is a unifying principle—a fundamental understanding of how all elemental forces relate to one another and can be harmonized."
The symbols rearranged themselves into a circular diagram showing the relationships between various elemental forces—far more than the three Korvus had developed.
"In this realm, we understand elements not as separate powers but as different expressions of the same underlying energy," Lysander explained. "Fire and lightning are not distinct forces but rather different vibrational states of primal energy. Darkness and light are not opposites but complementary aspects of the same spectrum."
The Archmage made another gesture, and the diagram expanded to include additional layers of symbols and connections. "With this understanding, one can manipulate multiple elements with greater efficiency and combine them in ways that transcend their individual limitations."
Korvus recognized the potential value immediately. His Elemental Synchronization technique had been developed through intuition and experimentation, lacking the theoretical foundation that would allow him to maximize its potential. What Lysander offered was a comprehensive framework that could dramatically accelerate his mastery.
"Interesting," he acknowledged, careful not to appear too eager. "And how would this knowledge be transferred?"
"I would provide you with a Cognition Crystal," Lysander replied, producing a small, multifaceted gem from within their robes. "It contains the basic principles of elemental harmony as understood in this realm. Merely holding it while channeling a small amount of energy will transfer the knowledge directly to your mind."
The crystal glittered with internal light, clearly a magical artifact of significant power. If genuine, it represented exactly the kind of advantage Korvus had hoped to gain by exploring other realms.
But the exchange still required him to reveal information about himself that might be dangerous in the wrong hands. He needed to find a balance—sharing enough to satisfy the Archmage while protecting his most vulnerable secrets.
"Before I accept such a valuable gift," Korvus said, "I should clarify what specific information you seek from me."
Lysander studied him with those galaxy-filled eyes. "I want to know how you came to exist in the Abyssal realm—the circumstances of your... arrival. Not your true name or other binding details, merely the mechanism of transfer."
It was a reasonable request, and one Korvus might be able to satisfy without exposing himself to undue risk. The Ouroboros Mark would protect him from being permanently bound or destroyed in this realm, and the knowledge offered in exchange was potentially invaluable.
"Very well," he decided. "I will share what I know of my arrival in the Abyss, and in return, you will provide the Cognition Crystal and the celestial essence you offered as summoning payment."
"Agreed," Lysander said, extending a hand in a formal gesture. "Let us seal this contract."
Korvus hesitated only briefly before clasping the offered hand. A tingling sensation spread up his arm as magical energy flowed between them, binding their agreement with forces beyond mere words.
"In my previous existence," Korvus began carefully, "I was human. I lived in a world very different from both the Abyss and this realm—a place with advanced technology but limited magic. I died—an accident, a fall—and expected oblivion."
Lysander listened intently, those galaxy eyes widening slightly at the mention of humanity. "Continue."
"Instead, I awoke in the Abyss, hatching from an egg on a magma beach like any other demon. Except I retained my human consciousness, my memories, my sense of self."
"Fascinating," Lysander murmured. "A complete transfer of consciousness across realms, with physical transformation to match the destination reality. And you have no memory of the transition itself? No entity or force that facilitated this transfer?"
Korvus shook his head. "None. One moment I was dying as a human, the next I was being born as a demon."
"And your unusual abilities? The structured techniques that should not exist in a newly formed demon?"
"Adaptations," Korvus explained, being careful not to mention his essences directly. "I retained knowledge from my human existence—fictional combat techniques, theoretical concepts—and found ways to implement them in my new form."
Lysander paced thoughtfully, the stars in their eyes swirling with increased speed. "This suggests a natural affinity for interdimensional adaptation—extremely rare, even in beings specifically designed for cross-realm travel."
They stopped suddenly, fixing Korvus with an intense gaze. "Tell me, do you possess any innate abilities that might explain this exceptional adaptability? Special traits or... essences that set you apart from ordinary demons?"
The question was too direct, too specific. It suggested Lysander already suspected something about his unique nature—perhaps had even encountered similar beings before.
"I possess certain advantages," Korvus acknowledged vaguely. "But their nature is personal and not relevant to the mechanism of transfer, which is what our agreement covered."
For a moment, tension filled the chamber. Lysander's power pressed against Korvus like a physical weight, testing his resolve. Then, abruptly, it receded.
"Fair enough," the Archmage conceded. "You have fulfilled your part of our bargain with remarkable honesty, if not complete disclosure. I shall honor mine in kind."
Lysander approached one of the crystalline pillars, placing both hands upon its surface. The energy contained within seemed to respond to their touch, swirling more rapidly before a small portion separated and floated toward the Archmage's waiting palm.
"The celestial essence, as promised," Lysander said, offering the glowing orb to Korvus. "Far more potent than the souls you typically consume in the Abyss. It will significantly enhance your power if used wisely."
Korvus accepted the essence, feeling its incredible energy even before making contact. It was indeed unlike anything he had encountered before—purer, more concentrated, nearly blinding in its brilliance.
"And the Cognition Crystal," Lysander continued, holding out the multifaceted gem they had shown earlier. "To activate it, simply channel a small amount of your energy into the crystal while maintaining physical contact. The knowledge transfer is temporary—the crystal will disintegrate after use—but the understanding it imparts will remain."
Korvus took the crystal carefully, sensing the complex matrices of information stored within its structure. If this worked as promised, it would provide insights that might have taken years or even decades to develop independently.
"Our transaction is complete," Lysander declared, stepping back toward the center of the summoning circle. "You are free to return to the Abyss whenever you wish, though I would not object if you chose to remain longer and continue our discussion outside the bounds of our formal agreement."
It was a tempting offer. This realm clearly contained knowledge and power that could be immensely valuable. But Korvus was acutely aware of his vulnerable position as a summoned entity in an unfamiliar world, dealing with a being of unknown but clearly vast capabilities.
"Perhaps another time," Korvus replied diplomatically. "I have a partner waiting for my return, and matters that require attention in the Abyss."
Lysander nodded, apparently unsurprised. "Then I shall facilitate your journey back. But before you go, know this: the anomaly that brought you to the Abyss was not the only one I have detected. There are others like you—beings transferred between realms outside the normal channels. Some in the Abyss, some in other realms entirely."
This confirmation of what Korvus had suspected—that he and Roy weren't unique in their reincarnation—was valuable information freely given.
"Should you wish to learn more about these anomalies, or to explore the broader multiverse under more controlled circumstances, you may call upon me," Lysander continued. "Simply speak my name three times while standing at the center of the Moon Altar. I will hear you, across the boundaries of realms."
The offer seemed generous, though Korvus suspected it wasn't entirely altruistic. Lysander clearly had their own agenda regarding these "anomalies" and interdimensional research.
"I'll remember," Korvus promised, deciding that maintaining a cordial relationship with this powerful being was wise, regardless of his long-term intentions.
Lysander raised their hands, the midnight blue robes flowing around them like liquid shadow. "Until we meet again, demon of two natures. May your journey between worlds bring wisdom along with power."
Silver light flared around the summoning circle, and Korvus felt the familiar sensation of his body dissolving, consciousness stretching across the void between realms. The Ouroboros Mark pulsed with protective energy as he traveled, ensuring his safe passage back to the Abyss.
The transition seemed smoother this time, perhaps because he knew what to expect. Darkness enveloped him briefly, then gave way to the familiar ruddy glow of the extinct volcano housing the Moon Altar.
Korvus materialized at the center of the altar, finding Roy, Vexior, and Malakar exactly as he had left them—suggesting that time passed differently between realms, or perhaps not at all during transit.
"You return intact," Vexior observed, his burning eyes studying Korvus with renewed interest. "And bearing gifts, it seems."
Korvus realized he still held both the celestial essence and the Cognition Crystal. Apparently, physical objects could indeed travel between realms with a summoned demon—a useful piece of information for future expeditions.
"The summoner was generous," Korvus confirmed, being deliberately vague about Lysander's nature and their conversation.
"What manner of being summoned you?" Malakar inquired, his white eyes focusing on the glowing essence with evident interest.
"A scholar of sorts," Korvus replied. "Studying the connections between realms. They sought information about the Abyss in exchange for knowledge of their own world."
"And did you provide this information?" Vexior asked, a dangerous edge to his rumbling voice.
"Only that which posed no threat to your domain," Korvus assured him smoothly. "General observations any demon might offer. In return, I received insights that may prove valuable to us all."
It was a careful balance—acknowledging Vexior's authority while subtly suggesting mutual benefit. The mountain lord seemed to accept this, nodding slightly.
"You have upheld our agreement satisfactorily," Vexior declared after a moment. "You sought access to the Moon Altar, and I have provided it. You have answered a summons and returned with new power rather than injury—an auspicious outcome."
He gestured toward the exit of the volcanic caldera. "You may return to my fortress as guests rather than petitioners. Should you wish to answer future summons through the Moon Altar, arrangements can be discussed."
It was more than Korvus had hoped for—a shift from forced tolerance to something approaching respectful accommodation. He glanced at Roy, who gave an almost imperceptible nod of approval.
"We appreciate your hospitality, Lord Vexior," Korvus replied formally. "And would be honored to discuss future arrangements at your convenience."
As they were escorted back toward Vexior's mountain stronghold, Roy moved close enough to speak privately.
"You were gone only moments here," he murmured. "But I sense the experience was considerably longer for you. What exactly happened?"
"Something unexpected," Korvus replied quietly. "I'll explain everything once we're alone. But I think we've found exactly what we were looking for—a way to expand our knowledge beyond the limitations of the Abyss."
Roy's eyes gleamed with interest as he glanced at the glowing essence and crystal Korvus carried. "Those aren't ordinary souls."
"No," Korvus agreed. "They're something much more valuable. And they're just the beginning."
As they descended from the volcanic caldera, following the path back to Vexior's fortress, Korvus felt a renewed sense of purpose. The Essence of the Blank had always given him limitless potential to learn and adapt, but access to knowledge from other realms would accelerate that process exponentially.
And most intriguing of all was Lysander's confirmation that there were others like them—reincarnated beings who had transferred between realms outside the normal channels. Who were they? What powers and knowledge might they possess? And what force or entity had facilitated these transfers in the first place?
These questions would have to wait. For now, Korvus had new powers to master and a delicate political situation to navigate with Vexior. But the path forward was clearer than ever before—a journey not just of survival or even mastery of the Abyss, but of exploration across the boundaries of reality itself.
The hunt had evolved into something grander than he could have imagined when he first hatched on that magma beach. No longer merely predator and prey, but traveler between worlds—seeker of knowledge that transcended the limitations of any single realm.
And with each new discovery, each new power mastered, Korvus moved one step closer to understanding the true nature of his reincarnation and the limitless possibilities it represented.