Way Of Corruption -v0.24- By Shadow Blade -

In his last moment of self, Kaelen understood: There was no balance. There was only the feast. And he had delivered himself, course by course, node by node, straight into the belly of the dark.

“You’re changing,” whispered Vesper, his only friend—a rogue who still carried a child’s hope. “Your eyes. They’re like holes in the world.” Way of Corruption -v0.24- By Shadow Blade

The Old King opened its eyes—Kaelen’s eyes—and smiled with a hundred stolen mouths. In his last moment of self, Kaelen understood:

The first node on the talent web was easy: Siphon Vitality . Kaelen drained a dying mongrel and felt his own cracked ribs knit. No price. Just gain. The first node on the talent web was easy: Siphon Vitality

The text rearranged itself.

Node twelve: Soul Anchor . The text said: Bind a willing spirit to your own. Double your essence. Lose half your heart. He chose Vesper.

Then even that thought was eaten.