Overlord: Sword of the Forgotten Demon

The days following Carlos's duel were filled with admiration, whispers, and the beginnings of **fame**. Everywhere he went, townsfolk watched him with wide eyes, speaking in hushed tones about *the boy with the demon's blade*. Carlos felt **pride** swelling in his chest. For the first time in his life, he mattered.

But for Kilineiram, pride wasn't enough.

The **essence** he'd absorbed from Carlos's victories and emotions trickled in like water from a leaky faucet. It was progress, yes, but slow—too slow for Kilineiram's liking. **He needed more.** And deep down, the demon within the sword began to wonder: *Was Carlos enough?*

---

### **A Week Later – The Outskirts of Town**

Carlos practiced in the clearing just outside the town walls, Kilineiram gripped tightly in his hands. His movements were sharper now, more refined. The boy was growing stronger, but his potential felt… limited.

*"You're improving,"* Kilineiram admitted, his voice cool and detached in Carlos's mind. *"But strength isn't just about skill, boy. It's about will. Ambition."*

Carlos wiped the sweat from his brow, a hint of defiance in his voice. *"I'm ambitious."*

But Kilineiram didn't respond.

Because at that exact moment, he **felt it**—a surge of **raw essence** approaching from the distance. It was powerful, untamed, and **hungry**. The sensation pulled at Kilineiram like a magnet, his very being thrumming with anticipation.

*"Boy,"* Kilineiram whispered, his voice lower now, *"we're not alone."*

---

### **The Arrival of the Stranger**

Emerging from the treeline was a figure unlike any Carlos had seen before. The man was tall and broad-shouldered, with a confident, predatory stride. His armor was battered, worn from countless battles, but the way he moved made it clear—this was no ordinary warrior.

A **massive greatsword** rested across his back, but it wasn't the weapon that unnerved Carlos. It was the man's **eyes**—cold, calculating, and filled with a burning **lust for power**.

The stranger stopped a few paces away, his gaze fixed on Kilineiram.

**Stranger:** *"That's no ordinary sword you've got there, kid."*

Carlos instinctively gripped Kilineiram's hilt tighter. *"What do you want?"*

The man chuckled, a low, rumbling sound that sent a shiver down Carlos's spine.

**Stranger: "Power. Same as you."*

And in that moment, Kilineiram **felt it**—the sheer **potential** radiating from the man. His essence was dense, forged from countless battles and hardened by relentless ambition. This wasn't just any fighter. **This was someone Kilineiram could truly use.**

---

[Porential Wielder Found]

[Wielder Rank: C]

[Compatibility: 28%]

[Note: Arrogant]

---

For a brief moment, Kilineiram **considered it**.

**Abandon Carlos.** Take Darius as his new wielder. With someone like this, his return to a humanoid form would be exponentially faster. Logic dictated the choice. Ruthlessness had always been Kilineiram's nature.

But something held him back—a **hesitation** he couldn't quite explain.

*"Not yet,"* Kilineiram thought, his voice echoing quietly in the recesses of his mind.

---

### **The Challenge**

**Stranger:** *"Name's Darius,"* the man said, drawing his greatsword in one fluid motion. *"I've heard stories about you. The boy with the demon blade. I want to see if the stories are true."*

He pointed the blade at Carlos, his grin widening with anticipation.

**Darius:** *"Fight me. If you win, you keep the sword. But if I win..."* His eyes gleamed, full of dark intent. *"It's mine."*

Carlos's heart pounded in his chest. He glanced down at Kilineiram, the blade shimmering ominously under the fading sunlight.

*"Don't hesitate, boy,"* Kilineiram urged. *"This is your chance to prove yourself. To prove you're worth keeping."*

Carlos swallowed hard, then nodded.

**Carlos:** *"I won't lose."*

---

**The Duel Begins**

Darius lunged forward with terrifying speed, his greatsword cutting through the air like a hurricane. Carlos barely managed to dodge, the sheer force of the attack sending a shockwave through the ground.

*"Stay focused!"* Kilineiram barked in his mind. *"Don't try to match his strength—use your speed!"*

Carlos darted to the side, countering with a quick slash. But Darius was ready. With a brutal swing, he knocked Carlos back, the boy stumbling to regain his footing.

**Darius:** *"You're quick, but speed won't save you forever."*

Carlos gritted his teeth, adjusting his grip on Kilineiram.

*"Let me guide you,"* Kilineiram whispered. *"We can win this. But you must trust me completely."*

And for the first time, Carlos did.

Their movements synchronized, Carlos weaving through Darius's attacks like water around rocks. With every dodge and counter, **Wielder Essence** flowed into Kilineiram—Carlos's determination, fear, and pride merging with the sword's dark hunger.

But Darius wasn't slowing down. His strikes grew more vicious, fueled by his own unrelenting desire for power.

---

**The Turning Point**

As their blades clashed in a final, thunderous collision, Kilineiram made a decision.

*"Now,"* he whispered, releasing a **surge of dark energy** through Carlos. The boy felt his body grow lighter, his movements faster, as if the sword itself was carrying him.

Caught off guard, Darius faltered. Carlos seized the opening, driving Kilineiram's blade deep into Darius's side.

The man roared in pain but didn't fall. He dropped his greatsword and lunged at Carlos barehanded, but the boy sidestepped and slammed the hilt of Kilineiram into Darius's head, sending him sprawling to the ground.

Darius:*"Do it,"* he snarled, blood dripping from his mouth. *"Finish me."*

Carlos stood over him, panting heavily, Kilineiram poised for the killing blow.

*"End him,"* Kilineiram urged, his voice low and hungry. *"His essence will make us stronger."*

Carlos hesitated, his heart pounding.

Then, slowly, he lowered the blade.

Carlos: *"No. I don't need to kill you to prove I'm strong."*

He turned and walked away, leaving Darius bleeding in the dirt.

---

**Aftermath**

By the time they returned to the edge of town, the sun had dipped below the horizon. Carlos sat by the fire, staring at Kilineiram's dark blade resting across his lap.

*"You thought about leaving me,"* Carlos whispered, his voice soft but certain.

Kilineiram didn't deny it.

*"I did."*

Carlos was silent for a long moment, then finally spoke.

Carlos:*"But you didn't."*

Kilineiram's voice, when it came, was quieter than usual. *"Not yet."*

Carlos smiled faintly, his fingers tightening around the hilt.

Carlos: *"Then let's get stronger. Together."*

And as the fire crackled, Kilineiram felt something unexpected. Despite the boy's inexperience, despite his mercy, there was a **bond** forming—a connection deeper than mere convenience.

For now, Kilineiram had made his choice.

But deep inside, the **hunger** remained and he hoped he wouldn't regret his descision.