The Invincible Full-Moon System

Chapter 1605: Devouring Side Effects

Rex sat on the sofa and began wearing his prepared armor.

He was now back home again, preparing to depart as soon as possible.

It was an urgent mission.

Empress Morgana was planning to settle the Voidal Monarch as soon as possible.

”So that incident back in Lorayah Village... It’s a solution gone wrong.”

Earlier, a messenger came, bringing the details that Rick prepared for Rex so that he’s updated.

From that report, Rex learned that the empire came to be aware of the new Voidal Monarch’s existence fairly recently. And when it made its move, the entire noble circle was in an uproar,—all fearing the worst-case scenario.

Rex heard a few bits about this during his knighting ceremony.

But nobody talked to him about this matter, probably because he was new to the noble circle.

Chaos within the empire’s territory wasn’t the only thing the nobles feared.

It was also the possible clash of two Voidal Monarchs, which would force the empire to assemble.

As soon as the news of the Emperor assigning matters to Empress Morgana, which will be her perfect chance to prove herself as a competent leader—Marquess Darius, along with a few reinforcements from other noble houses, decided to tackle the matters themselves.

None of them has faith in Empress Morgana.

”Considering that the Voidal Monarch was in his territory—I don’t blame him. He shouldn’t be putting all of his hope on Empress Morgana, who has no feat whatsoever.”

Rex shrugged his shoulders.

If he were in Marquess Darius’ shoes, he’d also do the same thing.

No way he’d risk the safety of his people and wait patiently for Empress Morgana.

Any destruction caused by it would be on his plate, not others.

However, during the operation, they lost sight of the Voidal Monarch—but could locate its only Voidal Prince, the dragon snake. Naturally, Marquess Darius focused his forces on leading the dragon snake to the desired location.

A place called the Burrowing Valley, which was the place the empire had prepared in the past.

In case another Voidal Monarch appeared.

Since it was only a Voidal Prince that didn’t seem to be highly intelligent, Marquess Darius’ forces were going to make a path that would lead the dragon snake to the Burrowing Valley. It went smoothly at first, but that changed in the end.

”I’m also surprised to see the Voidal Monarch burrowing itself inside the dragon snake.”

Rex shook his head as he recalled that moment.

Had it not been for Kraken and the Shade Crawlers, he would not be here right now.

Now, the Voidal Monarch had settled in a problematic spot.

It settled near the sea bridge that would lead to the Solamen Island, a Vault City of the Empire.

Most of the empire’s magical materials, food, and weapons originated from that island, all thanks to its powerful Obelisk of Life, second only to the one within the royal bubble. Beneath the island also lay a natural and magical construct known as the Heart of the Sea.

A living core that amplified the island’s magical properties, saturating the land with unmatched energy.

Due to the importance of that island alone, this mission became a top priority.

But even so, Empress Morgana still believed that some would sabotage her attempt.

It was especially true now since a failure here would undoubtedly destroy her reputation as the Empress.

Making her a failure.

Rex shook his head at the implications of a failure in this mission.

Not only for Empress Morgana, but also for the entire empire.

It could seriously cause a major setback, and perhaps even encourage movements from other forces.

”At least Davina seemed to be thrilled by this,” He cackled in disbelief, recalling how Princess Davina was practically leaping in joy at the news. ”That narcissist will always be happy at the opportunity to shine and polish her reputation. Then again, all she wanted was to be recognized by Duke Lorcan.”

Once he was finished gearing up, Rex stood up and moved his limbs a bit to check for any restrictions.

As expected of a Duke Household, even the equipment is legendary.

Rex read the notifications and instantly checked the Star Shard skill that he had gained.

It was a unique skill granted only when the full set of Grove Constellation was worn—a defensive skill fueled by the star shards embedded within the equipment. Whenever a threatening projectile neared its effective radius, the shards would instantly respond, firing concentrated beams of starlight to intercept and neutralize the danger mid-air.

At the base, there are three shards that can be used.

And it would replenish naturally during the night when exposed to sunlight.

”Or maybe, Princess Davina could recharge it directly if I asked during battle. This is quite good.”

Nodding, Rex glanced over his shoulder at a servant standing on the corner.

She noticed the signal and quickly brought the standing mirror beside her and placed it in front of Rex.

Rex stared at himself in the mirror and was relatively pleased by what he saw.

He was now wearing light armor forged of sleek black iron, fitted tightly to his form like a second skin.

Emerald light pulsed faintly from the seams, tracing runic lines along the contours of his limbs. His left arm was clad in thicker plating than his right or even the rest of his body parts—an asymmetrical design meant for absorbing brutal strikes while keeping his dominant hand free.

Across his chest gleamed the symbol of the Castillon House, a winged star, etched in royal emerald.

Flowing from the back was a cape of deep emerald silk, sheer and weightless, trailing like some.

”Hmm, it’s weirdly fitting. It’s different than the clothes people wear around here.”

Rex tilted his body to inspect his appearance.

Oddly enough, this light armor was fitted to his taste, which shouldn’t be the case.

All of the knights wore full-plated armor, and the nobles too, so this was quite a weird occurrence.

”Lord Rex, if I may...”

From the side, the servant bowed a little, asking permission to speak.

Seems like she knew what caused this.

”Go on.”

”It’s the Priestess of Purity of the house. She can feel things, and she must’ve sensed your taste.”

”Huh... She’s that capable?”

”She’s really capable, my Lord. Everyone here is capable of all sorts of things, even me.”

Rex nodded his head, pleased with the service he was getting.

It was the perk of being Princess Davina’s fiancé.

He looked back at his reflection, completely missing the odd tone the servant was using.

On the other hand, the servant stole a look at Rex.

’Normally, the people here believed that whoever became Princess Davina’s husband was a lucky man,’ She thought inside, eyes focused on Rex’s bulging muscles and stature, practically drooling at his sheer manliness. ’But the princess might be the lucky one to get him. He looked better than the Crown Prince. Even his scent...’

For a second there, the servant closed her eyes, focusing on Rex’s manly scent.

Unconsciously, she took a step forward to get closer—hypnotized.

Just before she could take another step, a hand grabbed her by the neck.

She was hauled off the ground, shocked.

Rex caught her sneaking closer from the mirror and immediately reacted.

His eyes narrowed sharply. ”Who sent you?”

”S-Sent?” She choked, crisis building inside her.

Then, her eyes widened in shock when she finally looked at his face again.

Rex stood there with eyes glowing a deep, menacing red and elongated fangs protruding unnaturally from his mouth. He wasn’t snarling, rather still composed, but the tension in his body, the way his gaze tracked her every movement with feral caution, made her feel like prey.

She had never seen him like this before.

Gone was the composed, grounded Prince Charming that she built in her mind.

In his place stood something raw and dangerous, as if the polished exterior he wore was only a thin veil.

Only able to barely contain the monster beneath.

Rex tightened his grip around her neck again.

”I asked you a question, and it’s best for you to answer with the truth. I don’t think anyone would mind if I break the neck of an unloyal servant.”

”N-No, it’s not like that, my Lord!”

”Then tell me the truth. Why are you sneaking onto me? Are you sent here to kill me?”

”No... I was-I was infatuated with your scent. I-I deeply apologize!”

”My scent?”

Rex tilted his head, confused, not expecting the servant to mention anything about this.

He thought he was sneaking close to stab him or something, but that doesn’t seem to be the case.

Ah, earlier, did she suggest wanting to serve me? Did she like me?

Realizing that it was a misunderstanding, Rex placed her down gently and let go of her neck.

She immediately slumped to the floor, coughing a couple of times while rubbing her neck.

”I thought you were going to stab me. I’ve shown you my bad side. I’m the one who should apologize.” Rex reached out his hand.

”No, it’s my fault for coming to close...” She accepted his hand and stood back up again—still slightly in a daze from having her neck squeezed that hard. ”Please, do not apologize to me. I’m only a servant. It will always be my fault. Please do say if there’s any way I can do to earn your forgiveness.”

Rex chuckled lightly.

People would believe him more than the servant—which was the raw truth.

But he was on edge ever since the meeting.

Then, he stopped what he was doing as he realized something.

”Scent...?” He turned to face her. ”How do I smell? Do I smell different than usual?”

”Eh?” Her mind blanked for a second, only now realizing that she confessed what she was doing in the moment of urgency. ”Ah, well, it’s not that I smelled your scent every time. It’s not like I sniffed your unwashed clothes or anything...”

”Wait a second, you smelled my unwa-” Rex was at a loss for words, but he shook his head, coming back to his senses. ”Okay, that’s not important for now. Tell me about my scent, did it change or what? I need to know.”

”It doesn’t actually change, but it somehow smelled better... I can’t explain it.” She confessed.

Rex looked away, face stiff.

Is it a side effect of devouring? I’ve devoured a few people by now. Does it change me somehow?

System, do you have an answer to this?

Yes, buy it. I’m sure it’s not that expensive to learn about this.

So, the more I devour, the more I become stronger, but mentally and intellectually weakened.

Rex didn’t expect this, but it didn’t come as a surprise.

Devouring people and transforming their echoes into passive skills are too powerful.

Naturally, there will be limitations that he needs to consider.

Massaging his forehead, Rex headed out of his room as his departure was nearing.

But then, he stopped by the door.

”Oh, there’s something I need you to do,” Rex pointed at the scroll on the table, the report from Rick. ”Give that to Mira of the Ravencort House. Tell her that I want her to prepare people for me to manage, and this is not a request.”

”I will gladly do so.” She bowed politely.

”I don’t need to tell you to keep this a secret now, do I?”

”No, I will keep this to myself.”

”Good.”

Rex nodded his head and pushed the door open.

He paused there and looked back at the servant one last time.

”Don’t go smelling my unwashed clothes again, or I’ll report you to Princess Davina.”

Once he said that, he walked away without waiting for the servant to answer.

Moments later, when his footsteps disappeared, the servant raised her head.

A peculiar smirk then climbed to her face.