"Craft,"—Craft—Envision |E|Division |X Rank 2|Inclusion |X Rank 2|Exclusion |X Rank 3|Monika side-glanced at Hel. "Explain."Hel remained unperturbed at her prompting. Monika approached Hel and clapped her hands near his face."Flying in the sky with clouds?" she asked.Hel mechanically adjusted his glasses. "Did you have to go this far?" His jaw clenched just as fists at his sides held back the fury that threatened to spill over the lips pressing into a bloodless line in a struggle to contain the tempest brewing within. Hel's usually dark glasses mirrored the blood-red surroundings as though they were burning with an inner fire."What's wrong?" Monika shrugged her shoulders. "She was born unfit—useless." She then whispered into his ear. "Besides, I had to set an example. It will remind them of the consequences of disloyalty since they assign themselves as my guards.""But why does it matter? They are born loyal. You also use potions on them anyway," Hel asked monotonically.Monika smiled. "Hel, did you know?" she pressed her hand against his chest. "I've been through a lot," she clenched her hand. "War, hunger, persecution—you name it. One can only get through it all with a proper spirit. They were born terribly and terrifyingly normal. No more. They've gone through an edification. They'll have some use."Hel knitted his brows. "What do you mean? My father told me that Earth is a relatively peaceful planet. Did some war occur?""Wrong question. That's not what you should be asking." Monika shook her head. "Hel, how old do you think I am?" she asked playfully. Her face was a breath away from Hel's."What do you mean? You look to be in your late twenties at worst," he said."Yahaha," Monika laughed emptily. "How clueless can one be?" Monika shook her head from side to side. "But you're not wrong. I'm indeed a youngster now. Especially in comparison to all those gods you speak of.""What do you—"Monika clasped her hand against his mouth. "Later. We're losing time," she lowered her tone from playful to frightening to a frightening extent.Hel nodded. Monika then took her hand off."You've read the description, haven't you? Do you think I would know any more than you? The common folk craft the weaponry with their hands and concoct the potions in days of strenuous effort. We don't have this magical gray screen that grants every wish with enough CP," Hel noted."So you're not only clueless but also useless." Monika sighed as she pinched her forehead. "It can't be helped."Monika kissed Hel on the nose and then turned her back in a walk toward her subordinates. The room fell silent as all eyes followed her in anticipation of her next command. The red light reflected off her sharp features and cast a demonic aura around her regal silhouette against the crimson backdrop. Her empty scalp was slowly filling out with raven-black hair. Monika was still healing while she bore the unbearable pain with a smile on her face."My children," she began in a high and emotional voice that reverberated through the cave. "Today, we forge a path to greatness." Monika paused to let her words settle in. Her eyes met each of her children's. "You are strong. You are capable—obviously so. You are my children, after all," she nodded with an expression of pride and care."Providence has ordained that we should be the greatest liberators of destinies. We are to free the world from the restraints of an intelligence that has taken charge, from the dirty and degrading self-mortification of a false vision called conscience and morality, and from the demands of freedom and independence which only a very few can bear." Monika spoke with nostalgia as if those were the words she'd once ordained before."Through our own labor, our own defiance, and our own perseverance, only then will we be able to rise. We will not lie or deceive! I therefore refuse to step in front of you with empty words and promises." She extended her hand toward the interface. "This very world we face is fraught with dangers and challenges. It is also ripe with opportunities for those bold enough to seize them. My warriors, my champions—I will arm you accordingly. Trust in me as I trust in you.""Envision," she exclaimed.—Envision |E|—Monika brimmed with ideas as she envisioned the perfect weapons for her succubi. She extended her hands toward the screen, which only she could manipulate. It displayed a variety of gauntlet blueprints. Monika's eyes narrowed as she began crafting.The archdemon selected materials and components as she adjusted the schematics by adding her own unique touches to accommodate the unique anatomy of her warriors. She knew that standard designs wouldn't suffice. Her succubi had taloned hands in need of gauntlets that would fit and enhance their bodies.—Metallic Gauntlet |E|—1-3 CPThe design she settled on was both functional and elegant. The black gauntlets were crafted from high-tensile leather reinforced with dark metal plates. Each finger segment was meticulously articulated to ensure a full range of motion with additional space and shaping to allow for the talons. The wrist and forearm sections were fortified with layered metal plates embossed with a clasp mechanism that allowed for easy attachment and removal. They ensured a secure fit that wouldn't hinder their agility."Inventory," she said calmly.—Inventory—|2970 LS|Talisman of Trickery |D|20 Metallic Gauntlet |E+|Lash of Passion |D|2 Agility Potion |E|2 Strength Potion |E|Stamina Potion |E|Monika brought her hand forth and then back as she held and inspected the finished gauntlet. "We will decimate all who stand in our way with this holy weapon I've crafted and bestowed upon you," she announced pridefully. "These are not just mere weapons but extensions of your very being."Hel shook his head in annoyance. He was so fed up with all this nonsense she spewed.Lucifer shuddered in bloodied tears nearby. She then momentarily glanced at Hel in surprise.Monika approached each succub and personally fitted them with their new gauntlets. She whispered words of encouragement and guidance with a touch that blended authority and care.That should suffice.What's left is the finishing touch, or should I perhaps say a finishing stroke? I step back as I look at my children. Now is the time to rally them and further ignite their spirits with a battle cry that will drive them forward to their deaths. I've already wasted so much time.My mind sighs as I raise my bare fist high with fervor. "The time has come for us to rise and march forward with the power of our unbreakable bond! The world only tolerates winners whilst the losers perish into the dust!" I step forth afterward to lead the suicide squad. Every second lost is precious since potions work for a few hours.They say words can be as mighty as swords. I don't agree. Words simply direct the sword, whether with deception or not, and the sword speaks of the truth. Let's see if my investment is of any worth. But what is there to see? I already know it is.I glance backward at my precious children. They look sexy. I would've melted if they were to transform and take the form of a man. They also look ugly. Of course, the ugliest one walks at the very back. But wait a second, Monika. They're your children! Right. I'm not sure how. But then they just look gorgeous.Watching Hel and Lucy walk side by side, I feel like a terrible parent. But am I? Of course not. I fear Hel will brainwash Lucy with his uselessly lofty ideals. That's another test for you, Lucy. Don't fall into that bullshitter's nonsense. I'd be disappointed if you did so.I want to rip that guy to pieces. He's not only useless but also dumb. But more importantly—he's a bad influence on my child! What a terrible mother I am. Monika has never been a mother before. I've only killed and not parented children. You ugly fucking bitch. At least I have some experience in this regard.You should give another speech. What should it be? I'm getting flashbacks. What did that guy say again? I don't remember, really. He was always on drugs—even at his old age. Still, he sure had a talent for such things. Although he's always repeated the same stuff, the guy was a personification of propaganda. It took them forever to shut his runny mouth down. The world was hell at the time. Hmm? Oh!"We must eradicate the root of all our problems! Our enemies are within and without! They must be destroyed!"Cringe. I'm sure enjoying myself. When else would you get a chance to speak whatever you want with no persecution whatsoever? Fuck yeah! Dictator I am! This is the true freedom of speech!"Repeat after me! Charge!""Charge!""Charge!""Charge!"The succubi reiterate my cry. Their voices merge into a powerful roar that reverberate off the cave walls. I lead the charge as I move toward the expanse of the cave. My children follow closely.I lead my newly armed succubi through the twisting corridors of the crimson-lit cave. The passage reveals a cliff-lined cavern after what seemed like an eternity of marching.