The moment the slave mark settled deep inside Saarken's soul, the Demon Tree reacted.
The thick vines around his limbs loosened. One by one, the roots that had wrapped around his body pulled back into the ground. The pressure holding him upright vanished, and Saarken nearly collapsed.
He caught himself at the last moment.
Free. Yet more trapped than ever. However, there was no shame in submitting to the stronger entity in Saarken's mind.
Saarken was very strong-willed and yet determined to adapt to any kind of adverse situation, turning it into his advantage. This was the reason why he had managed to devour his ghost mentor instead of being possessed or controlled by him. He was the only one among the Three Supremes who had achieved this feat.
