Orochimaru's expression remained unchanged.
He leaned closer, as if to see more clearly.
The wailing seemed nonexistent.
Being nearer, he could vividly feel the soul's intense suffering.
"What's its use?" Orochimaru asked, visibly intrigued.
"It's highly valuable. If you switch to a necromancer class, many necromantic spells require such souls," Shen Mo explained. "You could even refine it into a powerful ghostly monster. Its quality far surpasses ordinary souls."
In the Necromancy Series, many items were materials for casting or research.
At first glance, they didn't directly boost strength.
But Orochimaru likely understood their worth.
As expected…
Orochimaru seemed very pleased, handing it to Kabuto. "Store it carefully. This is quite a precious material."
"I understand," Kabuto nodded, securing it solemnly.
A soul sealed in a bottle.
For those who'd studied souls, this was a profound feat.
"You'd better be cautious," Shen Mo said casually to Kabuto. "If you accidentally break it and the soul possesses you, you'll experience its pain firsthand—one of necromancers' favorite torture methods."
Kabuto shivered.
The wailing alone…
Even he shuddered at the thought.
"Fear stems from ignorance and lack of countermeasures," Orochimaru said, noticing Kabuto's dread, coughing twice before continuing. "These are like forbidden jutsu. The incompetent die by them, but the capable gain immense power. If you're scared, strive to master them."
His words carried confidence.
Because he was capable.
"Yes, Lord Orochimaru!" Kabuto's heart leapt.
Such words meant Orochimaru wouldn't exclude him from researching these otherworldly materials.
Shen Mo had to admit…
Orochimaru was indeed dedicated to mentoring his followers.
"Continue," Orochimaru said, turning back to the cans.
Just the first one…
Held such marvelous power.
What terrors awaited in Level 3, 4, or even 5 cans?
As he opened more…
Orochimaru deeply understood the tenfold price gap of Level 2 cans.
Beyond souls…
Each material far surpassed Level 1 cans in mystique.
A single drop of blood exuded a heart-pounding aura; a bone bore chaotic, unviewable patterns; decayed flesh, seemingly dead, writhed endlessly…
Even the knowledge and memory orbs grew more terrifying.
Evil rituals, potent curses, soul cultivation, horrific research…
Orochimaru was utterly enthralled.
The mysteries of life and death unfolded one after another, offering countless paths to power. Yet, peering deeper, he realized all he'd gained was merely the tip of the iceberg.
Ever-stronger powers appeared before him.
Orochimaru's excitement surged.
But Shen Mo frowned slightly.
Something was off.
He sensed dark mist rising in Orochimaru's mental sea.
Originally, Orochimaru's soul was gray—neutral, or chaotic.
Now…
It was shifting toward darkness and coldness.
What was happening?
Shen Mo didn't understand. He'd reviewed each item's description in the prize pool; none should cause this.
Spending some trading points, he commissioned an investigation service on Orochimaru.
The feedback:
[Under severe injury and near-death conditions, rapid intake of memories involving evil experiments, some with mind-corrosive properties, caused numbness. Combined effects led to gradual corruption by his darker, crueler side, mistakenly believing the power gained through evil experiments in memories has been realized.]
After mulling over the results…
Shen Mo understood.
While not all, much of the Necromancy Series' inherited knowledge and memories were indeed dark.
Coupled with Orochimaru's near-death, unstable mental state…
He was sinking into darkness. If unchecked, he might become a demon wholly controlled by evil.
Should he intervene?
Shen Mo hesitated briefly.
At that moment…
The 232nd can Orochimaru opened released a corruptive aura the instant it was unsealed.
As if demons whispered in his ears, chaotic wails echoed, and bodily warmth seemed rapidly drained.
Only cold remained.
This was…
"Mordiggian's Aura!"
Orochimaru's excitement peaked, a eerie flush on his pale face.
From a recent light orb, he'd learned of this aura's master.
He couldn't be mistaken.
Mordiggian!
King of Ghouls, God of Grim Bones, leader of all ghouls, one of the Old Ones. Its power drained all heat—a hallmark—and granted unparalleled strength to its devotees.
Ignoring his broken body…
Orochimaru reached into the can.
The move stunned even Kabuto.
His sharp instincts sensed something wrong with Orochimaru.
Orochimaru retrieved the item—a grotesque crimson armband with eerie patterns and three eye-like hollows.
Shen Mo raised an eyebrow.
A Grand Prize.
Mordiggian's Armband, equipment as potent as the Kämpfer Bracelet.
Once revealed…
Orochimaru couldn't tear his eyes away.
Wear it.
The urge surged within him, as if donning it would grant all he desired.
Immortality, and unmatched power!
"Lord… Orochimaru…"
Kabuto, too, stared at the armband, unavoidably drawn to its strange allure.
But his mind remained clear.
While resisting its pull, he keenly sensed the armband's evil.
As his words fell…
Orochimaru pressed the armband onto his arm.
He knew of Mordiggian.
Such an entity…
Could indeed grant him immortality!