Chereads / NINE Supreme - THE CONQUEROR / Chapter 9 - Getting a CAT

Chapter 9 - Getting a CAT

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Algernon stood silently for a moment after Kuroka's playful agreement, the tension in the air shifting into something more relaxed yet charged with curiosity.

Slowly, he reached up and removed his black mask, revealing his sharp, chiseled features beneath. His crimson eyes, glowing faintly with demonic energy, met her golden gaze directly.

"My name is Algernon Gremory," he said calmly, his voice steady but laced with authority. "I am from the Gremory Branch House."

Kuroka blinked, her tail momentarily freezing mid-sway as her ears twitched in surprise. "Gremory, nya? Hmm… I didn't think anyone like you existed in their family. You're… different."

She tilted her head, her golden eyes narrowing as if studying him more closely. "I thought I knew everyone in the main and branch houses, nya, but you've been hiding pretty well."

Algernon chuckled softly, shrugging. "I'm not exactly in the spotlight, and that's intentional. My ambitions don't fit within the limits of the Gremory family's reputation. But now, you'll understand why I'm different."

Kuroka stepped closer, her sharp eyes scanning his face, a mischievous smirk playing on her lips.

"Well, I gotta admit, nya," she teased, her tone taking on a playful lilt, "you're definitely not what I expected. Especially with a face like that. What's with devils and being unfairly handsome, nya?"

Algernon raised an eyebrow, the faintest smirk tugging at his lips. "I didn't know you judged devils by their looks, Kuroka."

"Not all devils, nya," she quipped, her tail swaying again, "just the interesting ones. You hide behind a mask and talk about conquering the world, but then you have a face like this? You're just full of surprises, aren't you, nya?"

Algernon shook his head, amusement flickering in his expression. "If you're done teasing, we should start the ceremony. There's a lot to prepare for if we're going to take down the Naberius Clan and make our next moves."

Kuroka's smirk only widened as she leaned back, her arms crossing casually over her chest. "Fine, nya. But don't think I'll stop pointing out your good looks. After all, I've got to keep things interesting, don't I?"

Algernon sighed, though the faint grin on his face betrayed his amusement. "You'll find I'm not so easily flustered, Kuroka. But if teasing me keeps you entertained, I suppose I can allow it."

Her ears twitched, and she let out a soft laugh. "Oh, this is going to be fun, nya."

Now, as their conversation eased into a more casual rhythm, Algernon began to see the real Kuroka—the mischievous yet kind-hearted Nekoshou who hid her warmth and loyalty behind playful teasing and sharp wit, just like the one he remembered from the anime.

Algernon reached into the case, carefully lifting the mutated bishop piece as its crimson-black aura pulsed faintly in his hand. "So, are you going to handle this yourself, or should I do it for you, nya?" he asked, his tone calm yet teasing as he glanced at Kuroka.

Kuroka gave him a sly smile, her golden eyes gleaming with curiosity and excitement. "Go ahead, nya~ Let's see what makes you so special," she purred, leaning slightly forward with an air of confidence.

He stepped closer, his movements deliberate, and gently pressed the bishop piece against her chest.

The moment it made contact, the piece was absorbed into her body, and a surge of power erupted like a storm.Crimson-black lightning crackled wildly around her, illuminating the dim surroundings as the transformation began.

Kuroka's eyes widened slightly as she felt the raw energy coursing through her. Her devil wings unfurled with a sudden burst—at first, the single pair of bat-like wings emerged, but almost immediately, they began to shift.

The leathery texture gave way to feathers streaked in crimson and black, mirroring Algernon's hair in a dazzling display. As the transformation continued, two more pairs of wings emerged, spreading wide in a majestic arc, their ethereal glow radiating power.

[IMAGE]

Algernon's eyes narrowed slightly, observing the unprecedented change. "Three pairs... That's the mark of high-class pure-blood devils," he muttered to himself, though Kuroka was too caught up in the moment to notice.

But the transformation didn't stop there. The bishop piece's unique mutation reached into the core of her being, purifying her Nekomata bloodline. Kuroka's tails, which had been two, suddenly became three, their silken fur shimmering with an otherworldly luster.

She blinked in surprise, looking back at her newly grown tail, before turning her gaze to Algernon with a mix of amazement and newfound respect.

"High-class devil, nya~? And with purified bloodline to boot. I have to admit, you weren't kidding about those pieces being something special," Kuroka said, her tone playful but laced with awe as she flexed her new wings.

"Kuroka," he began, his tone firm yet carrying a certain warmth. "From this moment on, you are no longer just a stray, nor are you bound by the sins of your past. You stand as my Bishop, a pillar of the peerage I am building. As my first peerage member, you will carry my name—a symbol of the path we walk together."

Her golden, cat-like eyes sparkled with curiosity, and a mischievous smile crept onto her lips. "Nya~? You're giving me your name, nya? Isn't that a bit bold, master?" she teased, a playful purr escaping her throat.

Algernon smirked, unfazed by her teasing. "You are now part of my family, Kuroka Azeroth. The name 'Azeroth' will be the title of my legacy. It represents power, ambition, and the unyielding will to conquer and transcend. Those who stand with me shall share in its glory."

Kuroka tilted her head, her mischievous demeanor softening for a moment. "Azeroth, nya… It has a nice ring to it." She placed a hand on her chest, feeling the resonance of her new strength and identity. "Fine, I'll accept it, master. But only because it sounds cool, nya~."

she added with a teasing glint in her eyes, "you're going to have to work hard to keep up with me now. Oh, and by the way," she leaned closer with a purr, "you're a lot more handsome without that mask, nya~."

Algernon chuckled softly, his crimson eyes meeting hers. "I'll take that as a compliment. Now, let's see what we can do together, Bishop."

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As Kuroka tested her new wings and tails, her movements graceful yet brimming with energy, Algernon's system chimed in his mind.

[Quest Completed: Recruit a Peerage Member with High Potential]

[Reward: Next Recruitment Coordinates and Timeline]

The notification faded as Algernon instinctively opened the system menu, claiming his reward.

Immediately, new information flooded into his mind. A glowing map of the Underworld appeared in his thoughts, pinpointing a location in a corner within the fallen angel territory.

[Next Member Location: Cave in Fallen Angel Territory (Coordinates Provided)]

[Time: One Year Later]

As the details settled in, Algernon's expression turned contemplative. The moment he saw the map and the faint description of the surroundings, a realization struck him. So, it's him.... He smirked slightly but kept his thoughts to himself.

"I'll confirm it when the time comes," he murmured under his breath.

The system wasn't done yet. A second notification popped up, catching his attention.

[New Companion Added: Kuroka (Bishop)]

[Status Overview Available]

Curious, Algernon brought up Kuroka's status.

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Kuroka Azeroth - Bishop

Age: 11

Race: Half-Devil and Half-Nekomata

Class: Tier 1(High-Class)

Bloodline Status: pure blood devil, pure blood Nekomata

Abilities: Youjutsu: 60%, Senjutsu: 73%, Touki: 50%

Magic Potential: Highly Elevated (Boosted by Mutated Bishop Piece)

Wings: Three Pairs (Crimson-Black)

Unique Traits: Enhanced Poison Control, Illusionary Mastery, Spatial Manipulation

Algernon closed the interface, his smirk deepening. "As expected. You're more than qualified to stand at my side, Kuroka."

Kuroka, noticing his distraction, cocked her head and narrowed her golden eyes playfully. "What's got you grinning like that, nya? You look like you just found out you're getting a harem or something~!"

Algernon chuckled, shaking his head. "Just admiring the investment I've made. And no, this isn't about a harem—it's about building a future that no one can challenge."

Kuroka's tails swished behind her as she crossed her arms and leaned in slightly. "Oh, so I'm an 'investment' now, nya~? You'd better make it worth my while, King. Otherwise, I might just take my pretty wings and tails elsewhere," she teased with a grin, though her tone carried the unspoken trust they'd begun to build.

Algernon stood tall, his crimson eyes flashing with determination. "Don't worry, Kuroka. Stick with me, and we won't just conquer the Underworld—we'll shape its future."

The weight of his words made Kuroka pause, her teasing smile softening into something more genuine. For the first time, she saw the depths of his ambition—and she liked it. "Alright, nya~. Show me what kind of King you'll be."

"Kuroka, I have a plan for your safety and your growth," he said, his voice steady and authoritative. "For now, I want you to reside in my house in the human realm. No devil would suspect a wanted criminal like you to be hiding in the estate of a Gremory branch family. It's the safest place for you to lay low for now."

Kuroka tilted her head, her golden eyes narrowing mischievously as her tails swished lazily behind her. "Hiding in plain sight, nya~? Clever, King. But you're sure no one from your house will rat me out?"

Algernon smirked. "Don't worry about that. My house is under my command, and the people there are loyal. Besides, you'll have the freedom to train without interruption. No one will question a 'stray cat' under my care."

Kuroka's ears twitched slightly at his words, her expression shifting into one of cautious intrigue. "Alright, nya~. I'll play along, but what do you expect me to do while I'm lying low? Surely you don't think I'm just going to sit around and twiddle my tails," she teased, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

his crimson eyes glowing faintly with purpose. "No, of course not. I want you to train. I've seen your potential, and it's extraordinary. But there's room for improvement. Your mastery of Senjutsu and Youjutsu is remarkable, but your true advantage lies in your Space Manipulation. That ability of yours has untapped potential, and I want you to dig deeper into it."

"Yes," Algernon replied confidently. "The ability to manipulate space is a rare and powerful talent. If you can refine it to its full potential, you could gain a level of mobility and versatility that even Ultimate-Class devils would envy. Barriers, teleportation, spatial traps—you could turn any battlefield into one where you hold the advantage."

Kuroka's lips curved into a sly smile, her eyes glinting with excitement. "Nya~... You're starting to sound like a proper strategist, King. I like it. Fine, I'll work on my spatial magic, but don't expect results overnight. Even a genius like me needs time, nya~."

Algernon nodded, his expression softening slightly. "Take all the time you need, but don't hold back. Push yourself to the limits—and then break those limits. This isn't just about revenge against Naberius or your freedom. It's about building the future we both want."

Kuroka's teasing demeanor faded for a moment as she regarded him with a rare seriousness. "You've got quite the ambition, King. Fine, I'll play along—for now. But if I'm doing this, I'll need a proper training area, nya~."

"You'll have everything you need," Algernon assured her. "I'll make sure the house is equipped for you to train in peace. And if you need anything specific, just let me know."

Kuroka grinned, her playful nature returning. "Sounds like a deal, nya~. But don't think I'll go easy on you if you slack off as my King."

Algernon smirked in response, his eyes gleaming with determination. "I wouldn't expect anything less."

The partnership sealed, Algernon mentally set his sights on the next challenge. One year to prepare, and another powerful ally awaited him in the shadows of the fallen angel territory.