In this world, only dark mages can wield the power of Devils. These Devils, born from the pit of darkness and sin, offer immense power but at a grave cost. Every Devil embodies one of the Seven Deadly Sins—Pride, Envy, Wrath, Sloth, Greed, Gluttony, or Lust—reflecting the very nature of their host.
Once a dark mage binds with a Devil, the entity resides within them, existing as a separate persona with its own desires and instincts.
How Devils Work?
When a Devil chooses a host, it merges with the mage's soul, granting extraordinary abilities. However, the Devil is never passive. It constantly whispers, tempts, and pushes its host toward embodying the sin it represents. The stronger the host, the stronger the Devil becomes, and with that strength comes more dangerous powers.
Devils can grant a variety of abilities, but the most common include:
Increased Strength – Amplifying the host's physical prowess.
Enhanced Mana – Boosting magical reserves beyond normal limits.
Elemental Control– Some Devils can even grant access to rare elements, often manifesting through the sin they embody.
But these are only surface-level powers. True strength lies in the unique abilities linked to the Devil's sin.
Sin-Based Abilities
Each Devil reflects its sin, shaping the host's powers in ways that align with that sin. The more the host indulges in the sin, the stronger the Devil becomes, often granting devastating abilities that mirror the host's darkest desires.
For example:
Greed– A host bound to the Devil of Greed may gain the ability to copy magic, stealing the abilities of others and using them as their own. However, the more they take, the more their soul craves, driving them toward endless accumulation.
Wrath– A Devil of Wrath fuels uncontrollable rage, enhancing destructive abilities and raw power. The host may gain the ability to incinerate everything in their path, but lose control over their mind, risking becoming a mindless force of destruction.
Pride – The Devil of Pride may grant absolute control over one's own magic, making the host seemingly invincible.
Envy– This Devil could give the host the power to mirror the abilities and strengths of those they resent, but at the cost of losing their own identity over time.
Lust – A Devil of Lust might grant charming or manipulative powers, allowing the host to control or seduce others, but leaving them forever unsatisfied, craving more.
The Cost: Battle for Control
The most dangerous aspect of having a Devil is that the host is never truly in control. The Devil constantly fights to dominate, and this battle rages inside the host's mind. If the host weakens—physically, mentally, or emotionally—the Devil seizes the opportunity to take over.
Defeating the Devil – If the host can defeat their Devil in an internal battle of will, the Devil is destroyed, and its powers become the host's permanently. However, few ever succeed, as the Devil grows stronger with each passing day.
Losing to the Devil– If the host loses, they are dragged to hell, replaced by the Devil who takes over their body. The host's soul is condemned, while the Devil walks free in the mortal world, wearing the host's face.
The Neutral Contract– For those unwilling to gamble with their soul, a contract can be formed between the host and the Devil. This allows the host to retain some control over their power, but as the saying goes,
"Does a Devil ever truly follow a contract?"
Devils twist words, exploiting loopholes to gain the upper hand. Even in a contract, the Devil is always waiting for the perfect moment to break free.
The power of the Devil is directly tied to the strength of its host.
Powerful mages attract stronger Devils, and with greater power comes greater risk.
A host who grows stronger without mastering their Devil only feeds its influence, making it harder to resist. The stronger the bond, the harder it is to distinguish where the host ends and the Devil begins.
Legendary Dark Mages– Throughout history, the most feared dark mages were those who mastered—or were consumed by—their Devils. Some became legends, wielding powers that reshaped kingdoms. Others fell, leaving only destruction in their wake.
The Fear of Dark Mages
Because of this dangerous bond, dark mages are often shunned and feared. To the world, they are walking time bombs—one slip away from unleashing a Devil upon the world. Even in kingdoms that rely on dark magic, these mages are kept at arm's length, constantly monitored for any signs of losing control.
In the shadows, however, some see Devils as the ultimate path to power, willing to risk their souls for a chance at greatness. But as history has proven, such power always comes at a price.