Natasha's second attempt also failed. This time she was very careful and avoided the backlash. The Undead Mage, whose head had become a battlefield, was in big trouble. He was awakened from his coma by pain and then fell into a coma again.
Unas comforted the Priest for a few moments, his mood somewhat heavy. Perhaps this time they really would have to rely on the power of the Dreadlord. How to resist the corruption of Fel was a major problem, so he asked, "Miss Natasha, do you know anything about Warlocks? I've heard that this profession can also use shadow energy."
"That's very different. We Shadow Priests believe in the symbiosis of light and shadow, and gain the right to use shadow through faith," Natasha explained. "Warlocks, on the other hand, use Fel to drive shadows. They have no reverence for the existence of shadows. Why are you suddenly interested in Warlocks?"
"Just a thought that came to mind," Unas chuckled. "As far as I know, Fel can demonize the creatures that use it. I'm curious how Warlocks resist this corruption."
Natasha said, "It's difficult. I once participated in a demon hunt and accidentally captured a human Warlock whose skin had hardened over a large area, and two demon horns had grown on his head. According to his notes, this was the result of failing to suppress Fel."
"You got his notes? Can I take a look?"
"It was destroyed long ago," Natasha said, looking directly into Unas's eyes as if trying to see through him. "Your passion for Warlocks goes beyond mere curiosity. What exactly are you planning to do?"
Unas thought for a moment and said, "Alright, I won't hide it from you anymore. I have another way to control Undead Mage, which might involve using a little Fel."
"You've gone too far! How can Paladin use Fel?" Natasha's eyes widened, her clear voice no longer calm. "This is the most serious blasphemy; you will be crucified by the Inquisition!"
Unas quickly gestured for her to be quiet. "Don't get agitated. I've only told you about this plan. As long as you keep it a secret, how could the Inquisition possibly know?"
Natasha is currently wanted by the Inquisition with a hefty reward, so it's impossible for her to report him. Unas pointed to the head on the ground and said, "Controlling this Undead Mage and figuring out the Lich behind him is crucial for me. You failed just now, so I have to find another way. Whether you're willing to continue helping me or not, I will try."
"You are a Paladin a bright future, Unas, and I don't want you to fall into the abyss," Natasha's voice was very serious, "But if your mind is made up, I will certainly help you."
"Very good, I knew you could be trusted," Unas said excitedly. "Don't worry, I won't let you come into contact with Fel. Just tell me everything you know about Warlocks."
Warlocks are a high-risk profession. Enslaving demons sounds impressive, but it can easily lead to one's own demise, so their numbers are very small.
Natasha, who had read a Warlock's notebook, told Unas everything she knew about the profession. The most detailed point she made was how to suppress the corruption of Fel on the body—they use Fel to drive shadows, and in turn, use shadows to suppress Fel. It's like walking a tightrope; mastering the balance between the two is what makes a qualified Warlock.
Shadow energy has a fundamental property of devouring; it can convert any form of energy into itself, including Fel.
Therefore, Warlocks use shadow energy to cleanse their bodies and devour the traces left by Fel. However, this devouring is a relatively slow process. Many Warlocks cannot resist the temptation of power and overuse Fel in a short period of time, causing their bodies to undergo irreversible demonization. At that point, it is no longer possible to devour this change with shadow energy, and they can only become demons.
Asking Unas to immediately learn how to use Warlock's magic is asking too much. Fel to control shadows involves a complex series of spells, and he doesn't have time to practice. Fortunately, there's a Shadow Priest right in front of him. "Do you have a quick way to teach me how to use shadows?"
Natasha said, "No, the path of shadow requires long periods of prayer and Meditation. Only when your mind is in harmony with the spirit represented by shadow can you gain the power to use shadow."
"Don't try to fool me," Unas said, mercilessly exposing her lie. "You just told me not long ago about Isillien persecuting you. Wasn't he trying to rush things and that's why he caused the accident?"
"Greed has cost us dearly. Wasn't Isillien's lesson devastating enough? I will never resort to such underhanded tactics again," Natasha retorted defiantly.
The Priest's resolute tone and eyes told Unas that this approach was a dead end, so he softened his tone. "Is there really no other way? I hope you can answer me honestly."
Natasha slumped her shoulders and sighed, "Yes, but it will leave behind considerable hidden dangers."
The Shadow Priest's method was to implant a Shadowfiend within Unas's body. These shadow creatures were originally a means of dealing with enemies; they could silently parasitize people to steal intelligence or launch a surprise attack at a crucial moment.
"I can summon a Shadowfiend and make it your servant, so you can use shadows through it. However, it will parasitize you and drain your energy, which will slowly become a threat to you."
Unas nodded, signaling her to continue.
"In its early stages, it will be very weak and require little energy, which you can certainly handle. However, as it grows, it will require more and more energy. The appetite of shadow creatures is limitless, and in the Prime Material Plane, such energy creatures are practically immortal. The day you can no longer withstand it, it will devour you completely!"
Unas asked, "How long do you estimate it will take for it to grow to the point where I can't handle it?"
"It's impossible to estimate; it could take a decade or two, or even a century. It depends on the Shadowfiend's growth and your own."
Unas scoffed. Who had time to worry about things so far in the future? Besides, with his upgrade system, he wasn't afraid of such a small energy creature when it came to growth potential.
"It's decided then, Miss Natasha, I've decided to use this method."
You need to think this through...
"Come on, stop talking nonsense."
Seeing that Unas was truly determined, Natasha didn't try to persuade her further. "Which part of your body do you plan to parasitize?"
Of course, the less important the part, the better. Unas looked him up and down. "How about the toenails?"
"..." Natasha felt a little helpless. "I need the key areas."
"The left arm," Unas joked, "If it gets drained, just cut it off."
"Doing that doesn't make much sense; its deepest connection to you is on a spiritual level," Natasha threatened. "Are you prepared to face a nightmare you can never escape?"
"It might just be a beautiful dream."