Only Interests Between Civilizations

"Who am I?"

Faced with Abel's question, Richard was somewhat bewildered.

Bloodline integration had indeed altered his appearance, but Abel was also an Old Wizard from the Age of Expeditions. How could he lack even this much knowledge?

"What a strange question. Haven't you ever seen bloodline fusion?"

The shock on Abel's face slowly faded, but the wariness in his eyes remained. He slowly shook his head and said, "My lord, you should take a look at yourself before you speak."

His own appearance?

Surging spiritual power poured from his body, replacing a mirror and allowing Richard to clearly see his own changes.

And at that sight, even Richard froze.

Dark red skin, savage Dragon Horns, and Abyssal Runes faintly flickering across his body.

If it had been anyone else, Richard would have said without hesitation that this was an Abyssal Demon.

This was no longer within the scope of bloodline fusion. He had completely transformed into another kind of creature.

Yet this was his own body.

He could be certain that his life integration had not failed, and his soul had not been corroded by the abyss.

But why did he now look like an Abyssal Demon?

This appearance, this aura—these were things only a pure-blooded Abyssal Demon could possess. A creature like him, whose soul remained clean, should never have become like this.

"What exactly happened?"

Richard fell silent for a moment. Countless possibilities tangled in his mind like a ball of yarn with no loose end.

But without question, no matter what had happened to him, the first thing he needed to do was stabilize morale.

"All right, this change is indeed rather drastic. But without question, I am still Richard, your Commander-in-Chief."

Richard's casual tone slightly eased Abel's taut body. Still somewhat wary, he slowly said,