"It chose its true master."
Mike's voice echoed through the ruins, thick with sick satisfaction.
The Dark Green Shield in his hand pulsed like a beating, evil heart, radiating an unsettling energy.
Roderick's eyes were bloodshot. He stared at the shield that should have been his, then at the teammate who had once fought beside him.
"Mike... you... you've been corrupted!" Archer's voice trembled.
"Corrupted?" Mike gave a low laugh. He raised his other hand and stroked the shield's cold patterns. "No. This is evolution."
He looked at his former teammates. There was no trace of affection left in his eyes, only naked greed.
To Mike, the glow of the equipment worn by Mary the mage, Archer, and even Roderick himself made each of them look like a feast waiting to be devoured.
"This shield is only the beginning."
With that, Mike ignored them and turned to leave.
"Stop!" Roderick roared. He snatched up a spare iron sword and charged recklessly. "Give me back my shield!"
Mike did not look back.
He merely swung the Dark Green Shield behind him.
Clang!
Roderick brought the iron sword down with all his strength. It struck the shield with a dull thud but failed to leave even a white mark.
A tremendous force rebounded through the blade. The skin between Roderick's thumb and forefinger split, and the sword flew from his hand.
At the same time, Mike felt a faint warmth flow from the shield into his body.
The effect of [Guardian's Bulwark (Jealousy Mutation)] had activated.
Ten percent of the blocked damage had been converted into his health.
"The weak don't deserve glory."
Mike could not even be bothered to turn around. He strode away and soon vanished into the shadows of the ruins, leaving only those cold words hanging in the