As soon as Azekiel killed the man, a notification appeared before him.

[Exp +1]

"Soul Snatch!" Azekiel called out, placing his hand on the chest of the dead man. He was less concerned about the experience and more about protecting himself. There were still eleven guards left after all. He needed to strengthen himself, and only this could do it.

As soon as he used his skill, he could feel warm energy filling him up. It was just so fantastic; it was as if he was tasting an elixir that he had never tasted. This feeling... If someone had asked him to describe it in words, he would've had a hard time. All he knew was that he loved it.

As the warm soul energy entered his body, small notifications started appearing around him.

[Soul Snatch Successful]

[Strength +1]

[Speed +1]

[Defense +1]

[Hunger +1]

Azekiel pulled out the knife from the neck of the man as soon as he finished absorbing, which took barely a second.

He stood still, glancing at the eleven guards. Five stood before him while six stood behind him.

"Raphael, is that Soul Energy enough for you?" Azekiel asked, frowning.

Raphael shook his head. "It's not enough for you to summon me."

"I see. So I need to fight myself." Azekiel smiled as he held the knife tightly. "What do you think are my chances of success if I fought them all?"

"Ten percent only," Raphael answered honestly. "There are too many. That's why you need to use that Soul Energy."

"What?" Azekiel asked, frowning. "What do you mean? You said it wasn't enough to summon you?"

"I said it wasn't enough to summon me, but I didn't say you couldn't use it at all. Why else would I tell you to kill one guard? I knew that much energy wasn't going to be enough to summon me. But it's enough for something else."

"Enough for what?"

"Spiritual Summon," Raphael calmly stated. "Since it's your first time summoning me, it won't need much energy."

"What is Spiritual Summon?" Azekiel asked, frowning. Was it different from a normal summon?

"Instead of Summoning me to the material realm, you temporarily summon me inside you, giving me temporary control of your body. I can only retain that control for a minute with the amount of soul energy you have, but it's only possible if you summon me. I can't force myself. Moreover, you can kick me out whenever you want and regain control even if one minute hasn't passed," Raphael answered.

"Who are you?! Who sent you? Drop your weapon this instant and surrender, or we'll be forced to kill you!" All the guards had surrounded Azekiel from each side. There was no way for Azekiel to escape, no matter how much he wanted.

If he wanted to survive, he needed to kill them all. Moreover, they all had long swords with a long reach, while he only had one knife. He wasn't stupid enough to think he could kill them all with his current strength. Fortunately, the Spiritual Summon existed.

He let out a sigh of relief. "Why didn't you tell me before? This is amazing. But are you sure one minute is enough to kill them all?'

Raphael calmly nodded. "It's more than enough, My Monarch."

Seeing Azekiel not drop the knife, the guards decided to attack Azekiel. Two of the guards ran towards Azekiel, brandishing their sharp swords.

Azekiel raised his hand towards the sky, clenching his fist.

"Raphael, I spiritual summon! Take control!" he commanded. "Let me see what you're capable of!"

Winds... Heavy winds started flowing suddenly, making the robes of the guards and their long hair wave with the wind.

"As your wish, My Lord." Raphael closed his eyes as his aura changed. His body started shining before it disappeared.

Only his words echoed. "I shall make sure not even a scratch is left on your body.'

On the other hand, Azekiel also closed his eyes, still keeping that knife in his hand.

The two guards had almost reached Azekiel. Even though they were surprised why he was laughing like a maniac, they didn't care. They needed to neutralize the threat.

One of the guards swung his swords toward the neck of Azekiel, attempting to kill him. Unfortunately for them, they were too late.

Azekiel opened his eyes. His eyes previously used to be a beautiful shade of blue, but now the same eyes were pitch black as the darkest of night. His entire visage was different. He suddenly looked more mature and calm. There was also a strange aura around him that was difficult to decipher.

No one realized that it was Raphael inside the body now.

Raphael took barely one step back, avoiding the blade of the sword before his feet moved more. It appeared as if he was performing a beautiful dance with his feet, but only the other guards knew it wasn't an ordinary dance! It was the dance of death. With each of his steps, heads dropped to the ground.

He had used only one knife to kill both of the guards while avoiding even one scratch. It was... Miraculous.

Even the other nine guards stood stunned. Just who was this guy?

Raphael looked down, frowning. "This body is very slow. Lord Azekiel isn't strong enough yet. It's good that he didn't fight them. I need to help him become stronger."

He gazed at the other guards before a devilish smirk spread across his lips. "Let's make you all his stepping stones for his rise... Please help him grow by contributing your soul. But first, please die!"

He tossed the knife aside and picked up one of the swords on the ground since it had more reach. "I don't like swords... But for now, this shall do."

Raphael moved with the wind as he ran towards the guards.

"Everyone attack at the same time! We don't know who he is, but he's an enemy! He's here to steal the food! He must be sent by other Kings! Kill him before he kills us all!" One of the guards commanded as he ran towards Raphael.

Fifteen seconds later~

Azekiel regained the control of his body as Raphael left, only to be stunned. He had a sword in his hand, which was covered in the blood of the enemies. Twelve dead bodies lay before him.

It had only been thirty seconds, and Raphael had killed all the enemies while using his body. He didn't use even one single ability to do it. All he used was fighting skills. This made Azekiel realize that even without any magical skills, he could still be strong enough to take out people like them.

Even as Raphael was in his body, Azekiel could see everything. He could feel that he still had control of his body, and he could kick out Raphael any time he wanted.historical

Raphael appeared right beside Azekiel, still perfectly calm as if it was no big deal.

"Thank you." Azekiel thanked Raphael. Without him, nothing would've been possible. Now, Azekiel was even more happy that he had received Raphael instead of a weapon of Sin. This man.. he was amazing! He was far more special than any weapon could ever be. He was his strategist and his weapon both! Azekiel was really impressed!