Under the shimmering sky, bathed in the intense and dense crimson energy waves, Lilith was undergoing a monumental transformation, ascending to the highest level of a Sorcerer - the true Transcendent stage, rivaling the grandeur of Celestia. For over thirty minutes, the fiery red energy flowed in powerful surges, like great waves, until it was eventually drawn into a blackish-red cocoon that enveloped Lilith with immense force. As the energy concentrated within the cocoon, a dazzling and captivating radiance began to emanate from its surface.
The blinding light gradually faded, followed by the appearance of delicate web-like cracks across the entire surface of the cocoon. Then, with a resounding sound, the cocoon shattered, exploding in a burst of energy. Lilith emerged from the remnants of the cocoon, her appearance significantly transformed. She slowly opened her eyes, unleashing two crimson laser beams of immense power, capable of decimating the towering snow-capped mountains in the distant horizon, miles away.
Lilith's transformed appearance did not display radical changes, yet every aspect of her being had undergone a dramatic enhancement. This difference had a profound impact on her aura, now exuding a commanding presence akin to that of her mother, Celestia, and her aunt, Liora. Her skin glowed with a brighter luster, her figure had become taller and more voluptuous, yet maintaining a flawless proportion. Her eyes had become sharper and deeper, her hair shimmered like silk, and the bone structure of her face now displayed a true divine beauty. This transformation had rendered her an extraordinary and captivating figure, imbued with an unparalleled sense of authority and power.
Liora gazed upon the sky with awe-struck wonder, her lips curving into a satisfied smile. "She has successfully attained the true level of Transcendence. Now, she is capable of creating chaos wherever she goes. Fortunately, she is currently on our side," she murmured softly, observing Lilith's transformation with keen attention.
Isolde, usually the picture of composure, displayed a rare serious expression. "With this achievement, I believe our war can be considered over. Though we have obtained victory and great gains, there are still many unanswered questions regarding who the mastermind is behind all of this and what their true purpose may be," she stated, delving deeper. "They dared to deceive a Succubus Goddess to revive the flawed Cerberus. It seems they did not fully place their trust in her." Isolde explained in detail, unraveling her analysis of the strange incident where Cryselia easily subdued the ferocious and powerful Cerberus of the underworld.
Gradually, Lilith descended from the sky, landing gracefully before Isolde. "There is no need to worry about that any longer. I am certain the mastermind behind all of this is now lamenting their failure, their grand scheme shattered by the anomalies caused by Lucius," she uttered, her voice alluring and her smile exuding confidence.
∆∆∆
The Grand Hall of Silverwolf in the Mysterious Underground
Within the grand and concealed hall, two high-ranking Silverwolf officials felt a suffocating pressure. The atmosphere in the room was gloomy, as if shrouded in a veil of uncertainty.
Only two women remained, a tall woman with long black hair and an elderly woman with white hair. This situation had arisen due to the chaos caused by Lilith's defection in the midst of their grand plan.
"The situation has changed drastically and become quite troublesome. This is truly disastrous. I did not anticipate any betrayal from Lilith," the elderly white-haired woman uttered, the furrows in her brow deepening, reflecting the stress of the unexpected series of events that had befallen them.
The tall, black-haired woman let out a deep sigh, as if the weight of the world rested upon her shoulders. The scarcity of resources and manpower had hindered their steps in realizing their ambitious grand plans.
"I never imagined that he too would not fully trust her. Placing the Cerberus clone, which should not have been revived, as a tool to eliminate that woman is truly beyond my expectations," the black-haired woman expressed, her voice laced with confusion and lingering questions.
The elderly white-haired woman beside her responded in a skeptical tone, "We have misjudged the true power of that cunning Succubus Goddess. She is highly skilled in concealing her actual potential."
"I concur. I initially thought she had been weakened after her humiliating defeat at the hands of Matriarch Shadowbane. However, it appears she still has a few tricks up her sleeve," the black-haired woman replied, her voice filled with hatred and anger at feeling deceived.
"For now, we must withdraw from any activities that may invite significant suspicion. We need to rebuild our strength until we reach the pinnacle," the white-haired elderly woman stated firmly, her expression serious and unyielding.
∆∆∆
Upon their return to the grand Duskbringer family manor, Lucius, accompanied by the four women who stood by his side, was met with a warm and welcoming embrace from Eleonora and Melina. The two women had clearly taken the time to don fresh, immaculate clothing, presenting themselves with an air of grace and composure.
"Where has Emilia gone?" Liora inquired with a hint of curiosity threading through her voice, her eyes sweeping over the surroundings, searching for the familiar presence that was conspicuously absent.
"Emilia has already returned to the naval headquarters. She seems to have a substantial amount of work awaiting her attention. I couldn't delay her departure any longer," Eleonora explained with a gentle nod, her voice soft yet carrying an undertone of resignation and understanding. "But tell me, why is the Succubus Goddess accompanying you?" she asked, casting a look of bewilderment and intrigue toward Lilith.
"Greetings, ladies. From this moment onward, consider me Lucius's clandestine wife. You can call me Lili," Lilith chimed in with vibrant enthusiasm, her voice lilting with a flirtatious charm as she playfully winked at Eleonora.
"What?!"
The exclamation burst forth in unison from Eleonora and Melina, their voices betraying a mix of shock and disbelief as they struggled to process the unexpected revelation.
Yet, the astonishment that gripped them was swiftly overshadowed by a wave of intense fear. Lucius, without warning, let out a pained cry, his hands clutching desperately at his lower abdomen, an expression of agony etched across his features.
"Lucius!!"
The urgent cries of alarm erupted from the lips of all the women encircling him, weaving a tapestry of panic and deep concern that instantly charged the atmosphere with tension and fear.