Nadia stared at the gate, entranced by its crimson beauty.
"... Is that the Infernal Palace?" She asked no one in particular.
Just then, a figure began to materialize above the crimson whirlpool causing Nadia to return to her senses.
Soon enough, the figure was completely materialized and a beautiful succubus with bat wings floated before her.
Both stared at each other silently with the succubus studying Nadia for a bit longer before revealing a pleasant smile.
"You are a Khan." The succubus said.
Her voice sounded ethereal with a seductive tone that affected both genders.
Nadia took a moment to compose herself before she replied while bowing. "Yes, your Grace, Vessina."
"For you to have summoned the great me, I believe you desire power."
Nadia remained silent for a moment before replying softly. "...Yes."
"Tell me, why do you seek power?" Vessina inquired as she floated down and landed before Nadia.
She was almost twice as tall as Alex with a physique that screamed femme fatale.
Crouching down, she used a finger to raise Nadia's head.
"I… I wish to no longer be helpless." Nadia responded.
Vessina read her expressions before revealing a mocking smile. "But you seem to be helplessly in love already."
"..." Nadia stayed silent as her eyes remained resolute.
Vessina sighed. "You are no fun. A few would rather argue than take that lying down."
"I know what I'm doing right now is stupid. I mean, Alex is an ordinary man with nothing standing out about him. He isn't rich neither is he the most handsome. These days, I find myself questioning if the current him is even the man I know but… I want to follow my heart."
"And what does your heart want?" Vessina inquired with an intrigued expression.
Nadia pursed her lips. "... it wants Alex. So, give me the power to help him."
"He will hurt you and leave."
"Then I'd beat him up and drag him back," Nadia replied without hesitation.
Vessina grinned. "A feisty woman. I like. I've always enjoyed you Khans. Your feistiness always gets me excited."
"I want to sign a contract with you to become a Mystic."
"I shall allow it," Vessina replied as she materialized a piece of paper with a feather and a bottle of ink alongside a glass jar.
Then she inquired. "You know what to do next, no?"
"I do." Nadia nodded. "I, Nadia Khan, sell my soul to Vessina, the Devil of Pride in exchange for the path to godhood."
As she spoke, everything she said was written down on the piece of paper by the feather and in addition, her signature was placed at the end.
A moment later, Nadia felt a brand imprinted in her Avatar, marking her as a property of Vessina.
At the same time, a symbol depicting a faceless woman seated atop a throne, recieving worship appeared on Nadia's chest, in between her cleavages.
With a grin, Vessina remarked. "The deal has been made."
With that, a great wind blew again after which the voices stopped while Vessina slowly disappeared.
"I will be watching you, Nadia Khan."
Leaving those words behind, Vessina returned to where she belonged.
Sighing heavily, Nadia closed her eyes and as she reopened them, a spectrum of white light appeared before her eyes.
Reaching out, she passed her hand through it while revealing a beautiful smile.
"Don't worry, Alex. I can support you now."
***
Alex awoke the next morning, completely refreshed.
Taking the time to freshen up, he went down to join Arthur for breakfast.
"What about Nadia?" He asked.
Arthur raised a brow. "Nadia?... Oh, she must be sleeping."
"That's unlike her. She normally doesn't sleep for so long."
"Well, she must have had a rough night."
"... I see." Alex nodded, not intending to ask further questions when Nadia's voice was heard.
"Good morning, boys."
Alex paused just as he made to put a piece of bacon in his mouth only to turn and gasp in admiration.
Dressed in a red saree with light makeup and a confident expression on her face, Nadia stood at the stairwell with a beautiful smile.
"...Good morning."
Noticing Alex's flustered look, Nadia felt a sense of accomplishment as she slowly made her way down, ensuring not to reveal her emotions as she walked over.
Upon reaching the table, she sat beside him and beckoned for the maids to serve her meal.
Alex still had his eyes on her with a scrutinizing gaze which Nadia noticed but of course, she had to be subtle.
After almost a minute of study, Alex remarked. "Something's different. I can't put my finger on it, but I'm sure something is different."
Nadia's lips curved at the edges as she slowly turned to meet Alex's gaze.
"Well, what do you think?"
"No idea."
"How about now?" As she spoke, her irises flashed red for a moment after which a wall of aether formed around them, blocking the escape of sound.
Expecting a surprised look, Nadia frowned upon noticing Alex's expression.
"You became a Mystic?"
"Yeah, to help you."
"Nadia…"
"Don't. Don't say anything that would upset me right now."
Staying silent for a moment, Alex sighed. "You shouldn't have. I can handle it."
"Well, I did, so you have to deal with it."
Looking at her grumpy state, Alex couldn't help but feel bad.
It seemed what happened the day before caused Nadia to feel helpless leading her to make such a decision.
In any case, she didn't seem to be in any danger and based on her control, her level of genius was even greater than his.
Torn between recruiting such a great talent and wanting to fulfill his desire to allow Nadia to have a new life without 'Alex', Alex could only reveal a wry smile.
As Nadia ate, Alex muttered. "Thank you."
Pausing, Nadia remained silent for a moment before she replied. "You're welcome."
Seeing as how Alex took the news well, Arthur could only sigh in relief as he returned to his meal.
It was nice to see that his kids were still getting along just fine.
Hopefully… it never changed.
***
After breakfast, Alex walked with Nadia until she got a carriage to the Morning Weeklies before he took a carriage and hurried down to the D.O.D precinct.
He had a few things to discuss with a certain dragon lady.