'I really pushed it this time, didn't I?'
Eren ruminated inwardly, his grip on Hamang's throat effectively stifling any retort.
"Never mind. This guy we'll serve as an outlet for my accumulating frustration. It's a bit hypocritical, yes, but allowing myself the satisfaction from his incoming agony isn't a privilege I'll deny," Eren's internal discourse resonated as he skillfully employed one of his Sin Series Abilities in a unique manner.
In the ensuing instant, an enigmatic runic serpent materialized upon Eren's skin, resembling an intricate tattoo before weaving its way onto Hamang's flesh. Renita's earlier assault had already left Hamang's awareness in tatters. Eren's Soul Sense further oppressed him, negating any attempts to cast spells or muster last-ditch defenses.
Thus, the runic serpent, bearing the essence of the Sin of Gluttony, found no resistance.
"Aaaaargh!"
A surge rippled through Hamang's consciousness as the runic serpent dissolved into his form. Subsequently, an insatiable hunger seized him, compelling him to consume anything within his grasp.
Mark of the Seven Sins: Rune of Gluttony.
"What... What have you done to me?" Hamang discerned that Eren had manipulated his primal instincts through an obscure spell or Ability, absent from any record he was privy to. Despite recognizing the unnatural nature of his voracity, Hamang's attempts to quell it remained futile. His entire being clamored for sustenance as if he had been starved for an eternity.
Unsheathing his blade wasn't necessary for Eren. He manipulated a rudimentary spell within his arsenal – Blue Blitz Bolt – transforming it into an uneven sword-like form that cleaved through Hamang's right arm.
The cauterization caused by the Blue Blitz Bolt was instantaneous. Capitalizing on this, Eren promptly enacted his ocular Ability – Sedating Gaze – nullifying Hamang's capacity to vocalize the torment that he felt. The butcher didn't want to grant Hamang the solace of expressing his agony.
With an almost nonchalant grace, Eren deposited Hamang on the ground, simultaneously snatching up Hamang's severed arm in a single, fluid movement. "Here. Eat this," his voice held an unyielding command, an utterance that brooked no dissent.
By this juncture, the Gluttony mana had infiltrated Hamang's veins, initiating a nefarious impact on his psyche. The grip of insatiable hunger clenched at him, casting his own severed limb in a disturbingly appetizing light.
Forced cannibalism through the use of Gluttony Mana.
Further words from Eren were unnecessary, for the scene unfolding in front of him told the tale vividly. Eren observed Hamang's unrestrained, almost primal fervor as he sank his teeth into the raw flesh of his own severed arm, the manifestation of his ravenousness gleaming within his eyes.
Yet, within this spectacle of frenzied consumption, traces of Hamang's subconscious persisted. He remained partially cognizant of his own degradation, a helpless spectator to his own involuntary actions, dictated by the Sin of Gluttony.
As Hamang gnawed upon his own flesh, bloodied tears spilled from his eyes. He contended with unmanageable screams, locked in a visceral battle with his own self, even as he relentlessly devoured his severed arm. The gruesome process painted his face and mouth in a nightmarish hue of crimson.
Hamang's predicament was pitiable; he had lost control of even the bleeding from his maimed shoulder, his vitality as a Master Ranker serving as the sole sentinel against the encroachments of oblivion. However, the cost of maintaining consciousness under such dire circumstances wasn't something he would willingly endure. To him, it would have been preferable to succumb to death than bear the searing scars on his psyche.
Observing Hamang's torment, Eren's lips curved in a subtle yet merciless smile. This, he believed, was a suitable retribution to mete out for Hamang's atrocity of severing Renita's arm.
"Eren, Altashia is out of harm's way," Alephee's confirmation resounded as her hand relinquished contact with Altashia's forehead. "Though completely drained and her mana reserves nearly depleted, she has managed to safeguard her mana core from harm. A few days' rest should restore her to her usual self," Alephee's assessment bore in mind Altashia's overall physical state.
Acknowledging her update with a nod, Eren extended his hand, summoning Renita's severed arm to his grasp before attempting to quell the maelstrom of power emanating from him. He aimed to approach Renita without inadvertently inflicting any further harm.
'Hmm. My individuality is going berserk. I need to sheathe it before moving on to my next task.'
Recent ascension into the Master Rank had rendered the butcher's mana signature unstable, his aura prone to erratic surges. This was the product of his evolving Individuality, which had begun to influence his surroundings without his complete control. While he had intentionally subjected Hamang to this suppressing Individuality, he exercised restraint when approaching Renita, understanding the need to be cautious.
Having subdued his own aura, Eren drew nearer to Renita, who stood on the battlefield, her firearm raised defiantly. She had succumbed to unconsciousness while still standing, an indicator of her unwavering commitment to the battle.
"Reni, I'm sorry you ended up with a cold-blooded maniac like me."
Eren's mirthless smile carried a tenderness as he gently cupped Renita's face with his free hand. With a deliberate touch, he returned her severed arm to its rightful place. Subsequently, he produced a premium-grade healing potion, the "Ice Fairy's Kiss," from his store and applied it to her arm and shoulder before making her consume it orally.
The butcher then activated his healing Ability – "Instant Reset". His healing Ability worked wonders when he used it for himself but knew its limitations used on others. Therefore, he blended the healing properties of the potion with the potency of Instant Reset, aimed at repairing Renita's injuries without leaving any errors.
The severed veins and skin saw an accelerated rate of cellular division and regeneration. Within moments, Renita's handicap status was revoked. Since it hadn't been long since the injury, there were no complications.
"Ahm, she seems to be on the mend. Although it'd take her a few weeks to use the arm the way she used to, there wouldn't be any blockage with her mana circuits."
