Stella couldn't be happier, yet at the same time, more depressed.
It was an immense contradiction, but she had her reasons.
Firstly, her Goddesses, the Supreme Ladies of G.O.D.S.! They selected her and a small group of Fairies from all of Titania's population to serve in Their grand plan!
However, secondly, she had to leave Titania.
She had the right to take her family with her if she wished, but she didn't want to make them leave their home. The wonderful Fairy Village of the Pact Palace of Titania. It would not only be selfish, but petty and cruel... Who would wish such a horrible thing upon their own family? Stella simply couldn't find it in her heart to tear her loved ones away from the Realm of the Gods, from the Supreme Ladies.
Therefore, after an amicable divorce and tearful farewells, she was gathered with 500 Fairies on the outskirts of Titania. Although they were given the chance to reject participation and departure from Titania, no one refused to be useful to the Supreme Ladies. There simply was no room to reject such an honor, such a noble and sacred duty.
Right at the place where they were gathered stood none other than the Demon Countess, Juliana Miss Perfect, one of the creations of the Supreme Ladies, waiting for them with an escort of 1000 Fairy soldiers.
"Greetings, little Fairies~!" The Demon announced. Her voice simply emanated love and appreciation, warmth and affection, giving feelings of familiarity and peace in the hearts of the Fairies.
With skin as white as marble, hair reaching down to her knees, with some braids here and there. A pair of horns sprouted from the back of her head, attached to it forward and then pointing upward, divided into plates with red marks.
She was a beauty that all the Fairies idolized, as they did with all the creations of the Supreme Ladies. Lips black as coal, but shining in the light's reflection, eyes red like strawberries, black eyeliner, a mole below her left eye.
Proportions appropriate and modest, befitting of a maiden of high rank.
A grand black dress with no shoulders, but with loose sleeves, leaving the delicate hands uncovered, with a pair of silver rings on each one.
The dress left an interesting yet small bust in the form of a window, while extending to act as a choker at the same time. It had decorations like bones of some creature surrounding her waist and stomach, with precious stones like red eyes with a black vertical pupil on her belly and along the skirt, also covered in bones, as if they were acting as support.
Her feet were covered by the dress's lack, but everyone in Titania knew that the creation of, mainly, the Supreme Lord Sasagae~ had beautiful black heels. After all, they were the fashion lately. And Juliana always followed the trends~
{Juliana Miss Perfect PNG}
"You will know already~ But you were selected to contribute to the incredible plan of the Supreme Ladies~ The creation of a kingdom for the foolish eyes of this world~ To prevent the wonderful Titania from being endangered~ Even though the weaklings of this world couldn't even scratch the walls~" She joked with the latter, earning several laughs.
After all, Juliana Miss Perfect is the perfect woman, the perfect person. Only second to the Supreme Lords. That's how Lord Sasagae~ decreed it. It's no wonder she's the 'Housekeeper' of Titania. And while she adored each of Titania's inhabitants as her own family, she couldn't help but feel nothing but pity and mockery for those who not only didn't belong to Titania but were cruelly sentenced to such an imperfect existence.
"However, for that, you will have to meet some conditions that Queen Dont-Say-My-Name personally instructed me to convey to you. Important and quite serious things, if I may highlight." She paused her jest with some seriousness, almost distressed. "Publicly, the Supreme Ladies w-won't… G-Guh…" She seemed to choke, as if what she was about to say was disgusting. "W-Will not be worshipped publicly while you're in the realm..."
At the first condition... Stella felt her soul shatter.
H-How...? H-How could they not worship the absolute Goddesses? Who in their right mind couldn't?!
"T-The queen of this new realm, officially, will be the Commander of the Army and the Creations of the Supreme Lords... Lady Superbia. No one will be allowed to say otherwise, nor refer to any of the Supreme Ladies as their true rulers..." She seemed to gag at the idea, covering her mouth as she trembled slightly. In her gaze, there was immense anguish and pity towards the Fairies.
Lady Juliana cleared her throat before continuing with the conditions...
Each one more devastating than the other. After all, the conditions were about keeping their identity anonymous. Not publicly worshipping the Goddesses, or well, not worshipping them as Lady Dont-Say-My-Name and Black Abyss•White Flower. Publicly considering Lady Superbia, temporarily called 'Nitocris Hatshepsut Divinus Deorum', the queen of the Deorum Regnum. Even if they saw their Goddesses, they couldn't show them more respect than to Lady Superbia, publicly. Titania couldn't be spoken of at all, nor the Supreme Lords nor anything compromising the palace at all.
The other conditions were insignificant in comparison. Repopulating, working, etc. What they already did in Titania, but for Deorum. In addition to coexisting with external races from Titania, which consisted of Lizardmen, Dwarves, and other races that the Supreme Ladies had the mercy to extend their light to.
While Stella had been married, by the Supremes, she would marry again and help repopulate. She had no problem with that. Although she still felt a bit repulsed at the thought of doing that with another race. She wasn't sure if the inferior genes of the natives were minimally compatible with those of the Titania residents. A Fairy asked about it, and Juliana herself said she had no idea, as she received no information on the subject.
But all of that was least of their concerns. The most trivial and insignificant thing they had no problem tolerating.
But the torture of not being able to worship the Goddesses... It almost killed them on the spot. A couple even fainted.
However... The idea of failing their Goddesses was even worse. With resolution in their hearts, or at least in Stella's, they pledged body and soul, mind and existence, not to disappoint the Supreme Ladies.
With a look between grateful and apologetic from Lady Juliana, she gestured to the side.
"[Gate]." A purple portal opened, large enough for 20 people to pass through at once. "Well then, little Fairies~ I wish you luck, prosperity, and fortune~ And I'll pray to the Supreme Lords that you can meet their expectations~" She said with a reassuring smile, winning the hearts of more than one.
With resolution above all, Stella took the first step. Other Fairies followed suit, while the knights lined up to create a sort of aisle.
And crossing the portal, she found her new 'home'.
…
"The 'citizens' have already been mobilized to the capital of the new kingdom, My Queen." Bachelory said with a bow to Dont, seated on her throne. Black Abyss was seated beside her on a similar throne, but divine in aesthetics, albeit without the benefits of Titania's throne, which Dont had them build after... 'Those' events...
"Umu... I know that the Fairies of Titania won't exactly appreciate the imposed conditions, so I appreciate their effort." The Queen of Titania said kindly, though somewhat trembling behind it.
She understood how difficult it was to leave loved ones behind and cut ties to start anew in a new place, unable to return to their original culture.
Sure, they would throw parties in honor of Black Abyss and her, but 'disguised'. After all, she organized the 'religion' of her new realm so that they still remain the Goddesses.
The Goddess of Good; Mobius, a Sun Angel, and the Goddess of Evil; Onyx, a Demon Queen, who existed in harmony and such.
The existence of the Komodo would be a 'vassal of Onyx who rebelled against the Goddesses and forced them to rest', or something like that.
She left most of it to Black Abyss and Bachelory, as she wasn't particularly excited about doing incredible World Building when she had so much work organizing the kingdom.
Fortunately, SatinMan helped a lot with construction, social planning, and so.
"I will let them know, My Queen."
"Umu..." Dont nodded, looking forward now, seeing the Commanders of Titania, and Gandolfo, kneeling in silence, waiting for permission to speak. "Well... Commanders. And Gandolfo. You will have a crucial role in this realm of ours, Deorum Regnum. Which means Kingdom of the Gods."
At the clarification of the meaning, the Commanders said nothing, but they seemed to greatly approve of the name. Gandolfo, with his mask, seemed more interested in falling asleep than anything else.
"And next... Black Abyss took care of choosing your roles, so... Ejem." Dont coughed somewhat uncomfortably into her hand as she gestured towards her angelic companion.
"... Bulldoger." Black Abyss addressed the powerful warrior, who raised his head with a determined and expectant look.
"Yes!" He exclaimed excitedly, to which Black Abyss spoke.
"Your defensive capabilities are exceptional, as is your command. You will be in charge of keeping the country's borders in order and well protected. Since Titania is still within that territory." The Paladin exclaimed.
Upon this, Bulldoger lowered his head with a smile. "I will do my utmost!" He said firmly while thumping his breastplate with a fist.
Then, the Paladin looked to the one beside him. "Miia." At the call, she raised her head, letting out a monotonous but excited 'Yes!' much like the Lycanthrope. Echidna also seemed to want to say the same, but she couldn't speak in the first place...
"Your offensive capabilities are the greatest among the Commanders, which is why you are in charge of attacks and counterattacks in Titania. You will be responsible for recruiting and training new troops in the new Realm, the Army will be under your command, replacing Superbia's role in that area when it comes to Deorum Regnum. You can ask her or any other member of Titania for guidance if something becomes difficult." She explained, pointing to her with her finger, making it clear how important her task was, to which Miia lowered her head, letting out a slight smile. Echidna, on the other hand, gave a suspicious military salute with one hand up, although it was to make her scale stand out.
Dont made a note to speak later with Miia and Echidna... As a student of history, and of an interesting religion before the very existence of God was questioned by the current situation, but at the same time, she wasn't sure about that gesture.
"Alucard." Black Abyss called out to the handsome and powerful white knight of Titania, who raised his head towards her, with a hand on his chest. "The borders are secured with Bulldoger, and enemies will be contained with Miia, but the interior may still pose a threat, and although the Fairies of Titania would never cause unrest, the native species of this world could, or there may be attacks by foreigners. A Royal Guard will be created in the Kingdom, you will be in charge of public order with a new form of police, and public service for any difficulties the people face. You also understand others well, and will make troublemakers obey the law." She explained to the white knight, who smiled broadly.
"It is an honor, Supreme Lady." He said with great respect and satisfaction at the decision.
Black Abyss then looked to Gandolfo. She made a slight grimace at the fact that the Nephilim was practically nodding off from the nonexistent sleep he had...
"Ejem. Gandolfo... Originally, your job is to keep the entrance gates to Titania safe, and you have made your job a success. You will do the same in the capital by placing Golems. Let it appear so guarded and powerful that it catches the attention of the entire world, so that no one can investigate near Titania and discover it. Additionally, you will be Superbia's spokesperson if necessary. When not required, you will keep the walls of Titania safe as always..." Black Abyss explained Gandolfo's role while she sweated a little.
"Thank you... My Lady..." He said before bowing his head. Despite his mask, he seemed pleased with such a choice, although almost exhausted at the same time, as if speaking alone had consumed huge amounts of energy. It was due to his configuration made by PutoelquememateB3, which amused Black Abyss that the protector of Titania's walls was a sloth, yet he earned some furrowed brows from the Commanders.
Black Abyss cleared her throat at the lazy response.
"Achernar." She called her own creation, who quickly raised his head, looking expectantly at his creator with his intense yellow eyes. Although with a slight playful smile, she tried to ignore the fact that there were traces of purple lipstick visible peeking out from under his mask. "For your function, a Secret Service will be created. You will keep all of Deorum Regnum's information within its borders. It's normal for intelligence from other countries to want to steal information from each other. You will be the defense and offense against that. You will be in charge of all intelligence and sabotage activities in the Kingdom, as well as in Titania as always. Additionally, you will 'cleanse' any inappropriate information leaks to other countries or within Deorum Regnum by the inhabitants of Titania. You can use things like [Control Amnesia] and others if necessary. But you may use force and death as tools against foreign entities. And personally, in general times, you will act as Superbia's personal bodyguard." She explained clearly, with some mischief at the end, to which the Commander, somewhat blushing, put a hand on his chest, bowing his head.
"I-I will give my all to fulfill the requests of my Goddesses." He exclaimed with determination and embarrassment, thus completing the roles given.
"Ejem. Yes... And moving on." Dont snapped out of her moment of reviewing the details of the Throne Room door. "Superbia, as everyone knows, will be the 'queen' of Deorum Regnum, under the name Nitocris Hatshepsut Divinus Deorum." She said, pointing at the clearly nervous Insectoid with her lipstick somewhat smudged. "Bachelory will act as the Prime Minister, without much change to his role in Titania, but will be replaced with a weaker Doppelganger when necessary. Black Abyss will be the Official Ambassador of Deorum Regnum. Meanwhile, I will not appear 'publicly' other than as 'Nyx'. But at the same time, I will be the emergency force in case of an attack, and oversee everything... In short, I will be an assault force in case of emergency, and well, being the queen of Titania, the true Queen of Deorum Regnum..."
Upon Dont's explanation, the Commanders could only internally praise the brilliance of the Supremes in silence, without emitting a sound that might interrupt their thoughts.
"Umu... Ejem. Well then... Officially, our kingdom is 'founded' on what was once Baharuth. Many vassal races were mobilized to begin repopulating and such. We just need to send letters of recognition of our sovereign state to the surrounding countries. I plan to send support to the Draconic Kingdom, as I heard they are being besieged day and night by the Beastmen and are losing a lot of territory and forces. I want to have the goodwill of the countries, so helping a human country will be good. Additionally, we will have the Beastmen subdued and added to our kingdom." Dont instructed impassively.
The plan was coming together with few hitches, aside from... the mess between her and Black Abyss. Therefore, Titania was taking great strides in expanding its presence in this world.
With the Golden Princess in her hands voluntarily, she would convince the king of Re-Estize to recognize Deorum Regnum if he did not initially. The Holy Kingdom probably would not recognize them for a while, but they would deal with that gradually. They had Paladin orders and were very 'holy', so sending Angels could help. And well, Black Abyss acting as Titania herself would also help a lot.
The Theocracy was worrying because they were supremacists, so she did not expect them to recognize them considering that Deorum Regnum would be populated only by non-human races for the time being. The Council of Argland would surely do so, as it was a state with many Semihumans, so they would have no problem recognizing a state of different races.
To the kingdoms east of their territory... The Alliance of City-States Karsanas would be convenient to accept them, as they were next door and very trade-oriented and such.
She did not want to touch the Troll Kingdom beyond the Alliance, and they would have to be somewhat careful with the Minotaur Nation just south of the Alliance. They were at war with the Trolls, and they did not want any diplomatic trouble.
On the other hand, the Elven Kingdom, while sounding like a good option for an alliance, was not only at war with the Theocracy for many years, but it was said that their King was not exactly nice.
Be that as it may, they had just founded their kingdom, and it was already incredibly large... Overall, that was not a good start, as it could lead to instability and such, but thanks to Titania's impeccable organization, they had nothing to worry about that, only about how huge their borders and territories were and the lack of manpower to cover such areas.
"Ejem... Let's get to work then!" She extended her arms upwards as she pronounced the order.
""Yes!"" Only Black Abyss did not respond.
…
"So... The price for defiling the Sacred Titania by having sex with those things here is a chair." After the Commanders and all the maids left, Black Abyss murmured.
"U-Um… I-I just wanted... To start making amends... For all the trouble I caused you..." Dont stammered, dropping the facade of majesty and looking somewhat embarrassed and nervous, looking to the side.
"Well, try not to embarrass all of Titania in the process." The Paladin growled at her, resting her elbow on her forearm and looking away.
"..." Dont frowned slightly at the insult but said nothing. She didn't want to provoke the Paladin. She didn't want to make things worse again...
"Now. What will you do with them? I hope that, if you continue to use them to satisfy your 'needs,' at least do it outside of Titania... I'm getting tired of you defiling this sacred place for your whims." She said, looking at her intensely, almost violently.
Dont really wanted to respond... That Black Abyss was exaggerating literally... But she couldn't deny that she had been about to...
"... They were reformatted with [Control Amnesia]... They will be used to train and improve Titania's forces from Deorum Regnum, and act as extra anti-spy measures if necessary..." Dont responded calmly, resisting the temptation to respond with the same violence.
"Hmp. I'll see for myself if it's true. Because if there's one thing I've realized, it's that I can only trust the NPCs." She said before placing her hand on her abdomen somewhat hesitantly.
"... Ha... Look, Black Abyss. I'm sorry, yeah? I didn't know you were so... Against me being with those two. Okay...?" Dont said somewhat irritated by Black Abyss's behavior. "I won't do it again. I just wanted to experiment now that I have the freedom to... Not be bedridden, with throat cancer, and in a world where meeting someone suitable is very difficult."
The paladin looked at her and frowned.
"I don't care about that. As far as I'm concerned, sleep with whoever you please, I don't care. Sleep with half the planet if you want, just don't do it in Titania. It's... Disgusting..." And although she said it with more anger than before, she also said it with a somewhat pained tone.
"... Ha... I-I didn't even get to do anything with them... I-I hesitated and... Well, you came in... But..." She fell silent for a moment, realizing that... She was just making excuses... As true as what she was saying might be. "You're right... Yes... I shouldn't have... Tried anything in Titania... This place is... Is..." Dont choked up as she grabbed her face. "... Is our home..." Although she felt like she was being hypocritical or overly dramatic, it was the truth.
Titania was her home. Her only home.
"Exactly... It's our home, not your damn brothel." She growled again, though clutching her abdomen more tightly.
"... Yes..." The Demoness decided not to respond with anything more than a low, disheartened sigh. She didn't dare...
She had her own thoughts about those words, but Black Abyss seemed unstable. Did she even have stomach pains from the annoyance? She wasn't sure if that was possible in their condition, but she attributed it to something psychological, preparing to leave the room.
She got up from the throne and with her shoulders slumped, she was about to activate the guild medal, debating whether to mope in her bed or wherever.
But suddenly, a series of black lightning covered the Paladin.
"Ugh!" She groaned in pain, falling from the throne to the floor.
"B-Black Abyss!" Dont rushed over to the paladin at high speed, grabbing her before she touched the ground, and helped her to lean carefully against it.
She took hold of the place where... That attack from the Dragon Lord... Had pierced her...
She used her [Demon Eyes] on Black Abyss, noticing that her HP... Was decreasing worryingly fast... By 5 points at a time... It dropped 10 points... Then 20... 30... 40 and...
"[Message]... Mishirifus. Come with the 5 Mikos to the Throne Room immediately. Black Abyss is taking damage." She ordered instantly, with a serious voice while not knowing what to do, having both hands tentatively over the Angel.
She checked Black Abyss's HP again. She sighed between mortified and relieved that it only decreased by 50 points, nothing more, all while Black Abyss demonstrated being almost agonizing.
She bit her lip nervously as the Angel groaned and writhed in pain.
Black Abyss grunted as she headbutted backward, hitting her neck against the floor in pain, causing cracks in the ground and not causing herself damage only because she was a tank.
Dont took hold of her shoulders carefully and moved her, not wanting her to hurt herself, almost starting to tear up.
The Paladin grumbled as she felt her head rest against something very soft.
"I-It's okay... It's okay... T-The Mikos are coming to heal you, Black Abyss..." Dont tried to reassure her at least a little, with a trembling voice, herself trembling in terror as she carefully stroked her friend's white hair, who was leaning on her thighs as if they were pillows.
"Ngh..." The Paladin groaned in pain, but the black lightning disappeared, and the Angel instantly calmed down, breathing heavily as a tear fell from one of her closed eyes.
She trembled constantly, trying to hold back tears as anguish prevented her from breathing and swallowing properly... For someone like Black Abyss to be like this, with her huge resistance to something like pain... What she must have felt must have been unimaginable...
Dont sighed the air she didn't even realize she was holding, somewhat relieved and trembling. She really wanted to use the potions in her inventory and heal Black Abyss... But she wasn't sure how efficient they would be compared to Mishirifus's healing, who had healed the Paladin for a similar wound not long ago... She was also afraid that the potions would simply worsen the damage or something. She wasn't sure why she was thinking that, but her mind wasn't in the right place.
After all, the Demon Queen just watched silently, letting Dont cry.
So Dont just stayed there... Carefully stroking Black Abyss's hair, while keeping her close to prevent her from hurting herself... While waiting for Mishirifus and the Mikos to arrive from the Temple... She should have given them medals...
…
Superbia advanced with trembling steps, climbing the steps.
She looked at the impressive throne of silver, platinum, and marble that was specially made for her by her Goddesses...
Of course, not personally, because it would be blasphemy to allow the Supremes to dirty their divine hands by making something for such an insignificant being. It was made by the blacksmith of Titania, Din Mandalore, along with SatinMan himself.
Obviously, even with the personal touch of both, the throne was a piece of dirty and rusty metal compared to her throne or the Queen of Titania's, but she wasn't about to remove her personal throne from the South Palace at all.
This world did not deserve such a blessing~ Even deigning to leave Titania, even if by orders of her Ladies, was too much kindness for the inferior beings~
On the other hand, it would also be a great downfall in Titania's defensive capabilities to remove something so important from a key place like the South Palace.
With an elegant flourish, worthy of an absolute sovereign, she sat slowly on the throne...
Although the object was simple, with vague enchantments to improve comfort and trivial things... The feeling of her ego and pride ascending to new levels transcended everything else. Not because of the throne, but because of what it meant.
After all... Her Ladies... Her Goddesses... They gave her a kingdom... To... Her... Even if Lady Dont was the true queen, this was still an incredible privilege. A massive one!
Quietly, the Supreme Ladies could have decided to give all of this world to Lady Black Abyss, so Lady Dont would have Titania, and Lady Black Abyss this world.
It wasn't a proper equivalence, as Titania was better than all worlds, but Superbia believed it was the best that could have been done.
But instead... They gave her, the honor of being the 'queen' of the New World...
She didn't let out a delighted laugh only because it wasn't worthy of her.
And because her fellow Commanders, Achernar and Lord Bachelory were 'kneeling' before her... Why did she emphasize Achernar...? Ugh! She was too out of it regarding him since Valentine's Day! Th-That was a mistake! No! It was something necessary to be able to get out of that trap and continue serving the Supremes without further setbacks! N-Nothing important happened there! A-And much less they followed-! NO! NOTHING! UGH!
A slight blush threatened to invade her white face, but she easily contained it thanks to her great acting ability as a noble lady, besides that her face skin was just chitin, so if Superbia wished, she could simply not show her expressions, reactions, or even move her mouth to speak.
She moved her gaze from Achernar, who was looking aside, evading her in this exact situation, and looked to the side... The view didn't improve her agitated mood... W-Wah... E-Even... L-Lady Black Abyss•White Flower, the Supreme Lady, was bowing...
She had to resist all her impulses not to fall to her knees in front of her Lady and beg her to stand up and teach her her place as an insignificant being before a Supreme Lord even if it were just a simulation to the eyes of the world to confuse.
Did Alicia The One-Eyed feel like this when she had to act as the 'equal' of Lady Black Abyss in her adventures as Titania? What horror...
"E-Ejem... R-Rise, plebeians..." She choked up calling her Lady 'plebeian'. She almost wanted to cut her throat for such an insult and die kneeling in front of her Goddess. But everything was accepted, orchestrated, and planned by her Ladies...
Ghu! She couldn't fail!
At her 'command,' although it was more of a disguised request, the Commanders, Bachelory, and Lady Black Abyss stood up.
"N-Now. Ejem." She cleared her throat. She had to stop being nervous and doubtful! She was Superbia! The Archduchess of Titania! "As your new q-queen~ I, Nitocris Hatshepsut Divinus Deorum~ Swear to serve Deorum Regnum as a messenger and representative of the Goddesses~" Superbia, or rather, Nitocris, 'swore' to the 'highest-ranking officials' of the kingdom. The act in this place had to be maintained at all times anywhere in Deorum Regnum.
After all, they wouldn't have the anti-divination protections of Eyesight, powerful objects, or other entities in various places anymore. Sure, they would be watched by the little Gorgon and they would have minimal protections without counterattacks or anything. Why expose themselves so much? Mainly so that no suspicions would arise about the level of power of Deorum Regnum. It was true that they were a nation that rose from practically nothing overnight, from where the land was destroyed with fire and poison that seemed insurmountable, but well, beyond that.
"And my first order as Queen, is to you, La- Ejem, Black Abyss." She almost vomited for calling her so... 'Familiarly' to her Lady. Without honorifics. Nothing. As if she were an equal or a subordinate... She shivered unpleasantly at the idea itself.
"Yes, my Queen." Black Abyss said taking a step forward and putting a hand on her chest.
Superbia was about to die at that very moment from 5 heart attacks. But she kept her composure with a proud smile, although her eyes trembled for a moment.
"A-As Ambassador of Deorum Regnum, you will have the duty to organize your subordinates t-to go to the neighboring countries, and deliver a letter of recognition of our state as sovereign and official and return with the response." She managed to say without stuttering so much, trying to get comfortable in the strangely uncomfortable throne... No. It wasn't because of the throne itself, it was because of ordering her Lady, even if it was an act.
"So it shall be, my Queen. I swear it in my name~" Black Abyss said bowing. Taking a step back and returning to the line.
Superbia shuddered at the title they used with her, but she calmed down after a deep breath and some quick prayers to the Supremes.
"W-Well then~ Now~ Bulldoger~" With more naturalness, without the pressure of calling a Supreme Lord as if he were a subordinate, Superbia began to speak to her royal peers. And well, of course, she would have to speak to Bachelory, her superior below the Supremes, in the same way, but it wasn't a problem either.
All for the Supreme Ladies.
…
Seraiah clenched his teeth tightly, but outwardly, his expression barely changed.
"So, those two died against such weak creatures~?" The mocking question made him want to sigh, but he wasn't going to give her the satisfaction.
Seraiah glanced at his bandaged hand.
That Demon… It threw him into the malevolent flames that spread from somewhere. As a result, he had second-degree burns all over his body. Only his head miraculously escaped. Divine Chant, the 4th Seat of the Black Scripture, had to expend all his Mana to purify the fire and heal him from grave wounds. They even used a Small Potion of God's Blood to heal the 10th Seat.
They had to fight amidst the fire before delivering a final blow by cutting off its head. That's not to mention that several of their bones were broken just by striking the creature. Even the magic casters who assisted against the monster strangely received damage despite never being hit by the creature.
"A shame." The voice no longer had a mocking tone, just a bored one, likely due to the lack of response. In fact, there was a lack of empathy for the losses in general, but that wasn't anything new from her. Especially because the two lost Seats hadn't been particularly close to the young woman.
"... It's estimated it will take us 10 years to recover from the losses unless we can recruit strong people from other countries." Seraiah finally spoke, silently cursing the Komodo for all the trouble it was causing.
"Strong people, you say~" She mocked again, slightly more interested.
Seraiah looked at her. He saw the hair divided halfway into two colors. White and black. Just like those heterochromatic eyes, varying between those two colors, revealing her supernatural nature or speaking of how exotic she was.
Such lethal eyes, so deadly and having seen countless things, countless deaths, stared at him, as if they were tearing out his soul, examining it, and throwing it back at him.
"... Zesshi…" He finally sighed, earning a playful look from 'Zesshi'.
"What~? The spiral kid was defeated face to face against those two Demons you speak of, and the chained kid died to level 2 and 3 spells without putting up a fight~ Doesn't that speak to how weak they were? Instead, the big guy, the puppet, and you had to work together to deal with that 'knight' you speak of… Which speaks well of him about you guys~" She concluded, amused and quite mocking. Not really with malicious intentions, but true intentions were hard to decipher. She was leaning against a wall, with a large scythe next to her.
Seraiah didn't respond.
The mission was a failure… Again… And all because of the Komodo Demon… Again…
They were supposed to meet with the Platinum Dragon Lord on the borders of Re-Estize to discuss an alliance against the Komodo Demon… But evidently, the mission was canceled because two of their members died, three others were injured, and all the members who were still alive, injured or not, were tired and exhausted.
They had underestimated the Demon knight, and they paid dearly for it.
In situations like that, Seraiah would have ordered Lady Kaire to use the relic of the Gods… But she was dead after her failure to use the relic on the Komodo Demon, and an appropriate replacement who could use such a relic even more than a couple of times had not yet been found.
The Cardinals didn't speak much. They just gave them a few days off to rest and recover. Seraiah understood that there wasn't much to talk about.
The wounds of the 10th and 12th Seats were being healed by priests… And the 5th Seat was being healed by the 4th Seat and the remaining 3 Miko Princesses.
After all, his skeleton was almost crushed and his organs liquefied. Only thanks to an item of the Gods and the Potions of God's Blood were they able to prevent him from dying.
Seraiah himself was quite injured, and although he could fight, he felt mild pain all the time. He had to be treated by priests and the 4th Seat to alleviate the damage.
And yet… There was a fugitive… The other Demon… Ally or summoner of the knight.
Definitively, all the officers would stay away from the Tob Forest until further notice. If there were more things like that lurking around, more Demons, they would have to wait until the Black Scripture recovered or send other complete Scriptures, and that would be a great cost for the Slane Theocracy. Economically, militarily, politically, and socially.
Seraiah didn't even notice that Zesshi had left, leaving a 'cream cake' next to him.
He blinked and looked at the sugar-covered food, and smiled slightly. Although it had been something of the past and he had already overcome it because of how useless it was, it was easy to see why he had been in love with her when he was younger.
Then he looked up at the ceiling, unsure of what the Cardinals would do now. Uncertain of what would happen in the future… With the Theocracy, the Dragon Lords, the Black Scripture, him, the Komodo Demon… And the world itself…
He sighed as he began to pray some prayers to the Great Gods. After all, that's all he could do now.
...
"[Enhance Power] [Lightning]" The deep and grumpy voice resonated among the clearing full of corpses.
Buser, the King of the Bafolk, grunted as he blocked the spell with his shield, receiving intense pain in his arm due to the electrical damage that spread through it.
The Great King of Destruction, Buser, capable of destroying any weapon!... He was in a complicated situation.
"[Create Lesser Demon: Bomber Imp] [Fireball] [Smokescreen]" The man covered in robes and with a staff in his hand chanted, causing one of the corpses that had once been his subordinates to turn into ashes, while a small, red creature, full of what seemed to be red tubes with a white thread tied to its body, a pair of black balls the size of its head in each hand, and some sort of cap with glasses appeared, laughing maniacally.
Buser had to jump to the side to avoid being hit by the fireball launched by the man, as his shield was already destroyed from blocking magical attacks.
However, the explosion of black smoke, though harmless, made him cough and breathe laboriously as his vision was obscured.
"Tch! Coward! Khof-Kah! Fight like a-!" His complaint was interrupted when he saw the small red creature in front of him…
And an explosion happened in his face.
With his vision blurry, the black smoke dissipated, seeing the… Human? Yes… Surely it was a human by appearance… Besides, he knew all the Semihumans capable of using magic powerful enough to face him. Or well, at least those from these parts.
The human approached him, with slow and confident steps.
"... You will be a good soul…" He murmured with finality and coldness.
No… Him! The Great King Buser! The King of Destruction! He wouldn't fall so easily!
Gathering all the strength he had left, he rose with his great sword in hand.
And with one slash, he decapitated the human!...
At least that was his idea…
"[Paralysis] [Petrify] [Freeze]" The series of three spells, which tensed his muscles to immobilize him, turned his skin as hard as stone, in a way that he couldn't move efficiently, and the cold hit his body intensely, creating hard frost over his fur, preventing him from moving. "[Medium Demon Power] [Enchanted Drain Soul]"
Buser felt his consciousness fading, and his body gave in.
…
"... 2 levels…" The Infernal Archaeologist murmured somewhat satisfied.
Throughout his attack on this tribe of 'goats,' who called themselves Bafolks, a replacement for Goat Men, he gained 6 levels by nearly wiping out the entire tribe, which numbered in the thousands. Well, he didn't absorb the 'experience' of all of them, but still, it was quite decent.
They were generally weak, but there were many, which forced him to use his newly acquired level 6 spells to sweep them away.
Not to mention the one who seemed to be their leader, who held up quite well in combat. He almost ran out of Mana again.
He sighed. This would be easier with the Infernal Protector…
No! He pushed away the melancholic and regretful thought, shaking his head vigorously. There was no point in mourning the fallen. He could only remember him as his traveling companion who decided to sacrifice himself for his survival and the fulfillment of Her Majesty's orders…
Since he fled from that group of humans and caused a forest fire… He gained 6 levels. After all, those creatures like strange and very large worms were numerous and gave a lot of experience.
They surrendered to him, so he spared their lives in exchange for them reproducing, so he could use them as an 'experience' farm in the future once they replenished what was lost.
Like with the worms, he allowed a group of the 'Bafolks' to flee, so they could reproduce and regain their numbers, creating more heaps of experience that he could collect. Or as his instinctive knowledge about Her Majesty, being created by her, told him, 'farming.'
"Umu…" He imitated the sound Her Majesty often made as a small pleasure. "Let's see, I'll concentrate on restoring my Mana here… And distribute my 'levels'…" The Archaeologist murmured, looking at the corpse of the Bafolk leader. "[Create Lesser-Mid Demon: Infernal Protector]..." He consumed all his daily summons in the ability he had now.
The corpse disappeared, leaving only the equipment the Bafolk had, and a pentagram appeared…
An identical copy to the Infernal Protector that had accompanied him, at least at the beginning of his journey, appeared, roaring loudly and pounding its chest with its shield. Although it was curious that its helmet had goat horns instead of the typical horns pointing to the sides of it. Something the Bafolk 'left' apparently.
"... Stay here and protect me if anything appears."
At his command, the newly summoned Demon roared in affirmation, starting to patrol around the Archaeologist.
He focused and felt his 'state'...
Actually, he shouldn't be called 'Infernal Archaeologist' anymore. Instead, because of the 2 levels he had in Archiarchaeologist, he should be called that.
He also had 10 levels in Demonologist… He should level up to High Demonologist…
He leveled up one level in High Demonologist and considered leveling up his Astrologist class to 8…
No… He looked at his 'race.'
He was already a 1st level Archdemon.
… And thanks to his classes, he had access to a special racial level.
Knowing what it was, he selected it.
He felt the change with a tremor.
His shoulders broadened and his waist became thinner. He grew about 2 centimeters. His gloved fingers tore open to reveal claws that replaced the slightly human fingers. He felt his vertebrae protruding with spikes down his back. His feet curved slightly, adopting a shape closer to goat hooves, but not entirely, he still had toes… It was more like his feet became hooves. And his aura shifted from red to a slightly darker and more… Grayish red.
Additionally, the gold plates that acted as an imitation of a laurel crown became sharper, like a more violent crown, losing their pure golden tone to a darker and more sinister one.
He hummed as he noticed the change in his appearance and the abilities he gained.
"Hm, I see. It will be good to invest in this." He nodded to himself.
The corpses of the Bafolks, and the Infernal Protector that was once Buser, witnessed the birth of something unique in this world. Something that, in another timeline, would conquer the Semihumans and lead them in an attack alongside Demons against the Holy Kingdom with the intention of increasing his Lord's popularity and allowing him not only to have a secured alliance with such a nation but to advertise his newly acquired runic equipment in an arranged act. But instead, this monster would kill almost all of them constantly. Without mercy, without plan.
The world and the dead around him witnessed the birth of the Demiurge.
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Name: Juliana Miss Perfect
Creators: Sasagae~, XDSoyAlmejaXD, AriGameplayn't512
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