Story: I'm a Daemon, so what?
Disclaimer: I do not own the original setting.
Chapter 144: Picking up a Nuke
As always, bunch of chapters ahead at [email protected]/theogbasilisk
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- Felix -
I finished my wine and set the glass down. "I'll come to your little conference. I've been wanting to explore this world, so this is another good opportunity."
Plus I was curious about a few people. I did tell Gunhee to keep an eye on the other Ruler vessels, so maybe some of them will actually manage to survive.
Adam nodded. "I will arrange a tour for you upon arrival." He said, already shifting into professional mode.
He told me the details of the conference and said that he would return to Korea to pick me and the Korean Hunters Association's representative.
I had already confirmed that I could bring a few people with me if I wanted. That wasn't supposed to be allowed, but the American Hunters Association was hosting this event, so they had some leeway when it came to the rules.
Interestingly enough, he asked nothing about my otherworldly origin. I guess he knew that sometimes ignorance was bliss. He just came here, did his job, and that was that.
He didn't try to recruit me or anything like he did to Jin-Woo either. The United States was really playing it safe when it came to me.
"I thank you for your time." Adam said as he stood up.
I nodded. "I'll see you then."
Adam nodded and left.
Now I had some time to kill, and I had a few ideas on what I wanted to do.
It had only been a few days since I left the Cardinal World, but I was already missing the chaos and fun that came with my friends.
Rimuru was likely still busy with taking the kids to their home worlds, so I'd go back to pick him, Veldora, and Ramiris up in a few days.
I could still pick up Milim, Gaia, Hinata, and Luminous now, though.
Through the ring I gave each of them I began individually contacting them.
"Felix! Is it time?!" Milim's voice came through, bursting with energy and excitement.
I couldn't help but smile. "Yeah, I'll come to pick you up soon. Just wanted to check if you were ready."
"Yay! I'll go get Gaia!" She said, and just like that, the connection cut before I could even tell her when I'd be coming.
I couldn't help but smile in fondness at her antics. She may have seemed like a child, but she really was a good friend to have.
The next ring I willed my ring to connect to was Hinata's.
"Felix?" She asked with some surprise.
"Miss me?" I asked cheekily.
"If that is what you would like to imagine, then by all means do so." Hinata responded after a moment.
"I can feel the eyeroll even worlds away." I responded.
"Fufufu, I wonder why?" Hinata responded back cheekily.
After a moment we both laughed.
"So how have things been there?" I asked.
"Mostly fine. Not everything is back to normal after the attack but things are getting there. Luminous has used the incident as an excuse to clean up the higher ups of the Western Holy Church, and I am the one responsible for that."
It's not like Luminous couldn't just purge anyone she wanted, and that too while keeping it hidden, but in the long run it would make things a bit more annoying if she just killed whoever willy-nilly.
It would destabilize the carefully constructed hierarchy within the Western Church, those higher ups also had duties of their own so others would have to scramble to make sure those duties were still completed.
The reason Luminous killed the Luminaries almost right when she found an excuse to was because they just didn't offer anything more to the Western Holy Church as Luminous explained to me. They were close to her once upon a time, but they had betrayed her trust, and that was something Luminous wouldn't tolerate.
They rarely took any disciples and were content to lord their power over their underlings. That was about all they did in the recent centuries according to Luminous.
"I was going to ask if you were ready to come to this world, but if you're busy we can reschedule."
Hinata had agreed to come with me, but she was always someone who valued her duties, so I wouldn't blame her if she changed her mind.
After a brief pause Hinata replied. "I will be busy for the next couple days, but after that I believe I can leave for some time without my presence being needed back here."
"That works for me. Let me know if you need help."
I could feel Hinata's exasperation. "I am more than capable of dealing with some corrupt old bastards, Felix."
"I'm not doubting that, but the offer is open." I responded, understanding without her needing to directly tell me.
Hinata was a grown woman, older than I was mentally in fact. She didn't need me to baby her or anything; she was more than strong enough to handle pretty much any threat within the bounds of the Western Nations.
It was her way of saying 'I appreciate it but I can handle myself' without saying anything else.
"I know, and I thank you for that, Felix." After a brief pause she continued. "How have things been for you there? I admit that I am rather curious about another Earth. It has been so long since I have seen the culture of my own country, and I would like to see it once more since the opportunity has presented itself."
"I've enjoyed myself. There are some pretty strong people in this world, but they aren't impossible to deal with. I've already made somewhat friendly relations with one of the bigger factions in this world." I said, referring to the Rulers. "I'm more just enjoying meeting some of the people and visiting certain places."
I planned to visit all the other realms of this universe that interested me after meeting with the Rulers. After because perhaps they could help me by telling me a bit about each place and even give me the coordinates so I have an easier time finding each realm.
"Hmm, I see."
I went on to tell Hinata a bit more about this world. I gave her a brief summary in the Cardinal World, but didn't go into detail back then since it wasn't relevant.
I told her about the Monarchs, the Rulers, and what was at stake in this world. I also told her a bit more about Hunter society and how the world managed under the appearance of mana.
"It seems that society has managed to restructure itself to retain order then." Hinata said with some approval. She was always one that preferred order, as was clear due to her allegiance to Ruberious, one of the most orderly kingdoms in the Cardinal World.
"I suppose you could say that."
This world did react to everything that happened rather well all things considered. It was easy to figure out the history of this world through a quick online search, and while there were hiccups along the way with Hunters existing, beings with real tangible power, nothing ever devolved into chaos.
This was likely because of the Gates. With a common enemy, Humanity was far less prone to self-destructing.
"That world seems just as messed up as the Cardinal World's. A war beyond the scale Humanity is prepared for, beings who have been alive since the creation of the universe. Will the people of that universe be fine?" Hinata asked with some worry.
Well Hinata was a True Hero; it was just like her to worry about the common person. She may seem cruel to those who didn't know her, maybe even due to her being okay with how things in Ruberious were run, but she did care in her own way.
She had to be in order to have the approval of a Holy Spirit of Light.
"They'll manage just fine. The Rulers already have a large advantage since I took out three Monarchs, and if things go well their biggest threat, Antares, will be dealt with by the new Shadow Monarch."
"I will trust your judgment then." Hinata said with a sigh, though I could tell she'd definitely be lending a helping hand when she visited. I would lend a helping hand if it was needed, but I don't see my help being needed if things were mostly the same as the canon I read about.
"Who else did you bring with you?" Hinata eventually asked.
"Lalatina, Megumin, and Sukuna." I responded.
"How has Lalatina been?" Hinata asked after a moment.
I raised a brow at the odd question. "She's as normal as she can be. Why? I didn't think you two were particularly close."
"Maybe we aren't close, but I have interacted with her for quite a long time."
"Ah, right. Luminous told me how you fought Lalatina quite a bit in the past since she came to bother you."
After learning about Lalatina and Hinata's interactions in the past, I asked Lalatina more about it.
Apparently she and Luminous used to clash quite a bit in the past since Lalatina liked to play around in the Western Nations, and Luminous was establishing herself in the Western Nations.
One time when Lalatina went to go bother Luminous, Chronoa, or rather Hinata, was there.
Lalatina attacked Hinata since Luminous wasn't there, and then the rest was history.
Hinata sighed. "Indeed, she was incredibly persistent, and I had to hold back against her as I did not wish to cause any changes to the timeline."
"Are you implying that you'd win?" I asked teasingly.
"Of course." Hinata stated with certainty. "She was not even incarnated or named back then."
"Underestimating a Primordial is going to bite you in the ass someday."
I don't think Hinata even knew that Lalatina had an Ultimate Skill, and her mastery over it was rather high for the short period of time that she possessed it.
I was rather surprised that her Ultimate Skill was solely dedicated to combat pretty much due to her nature and her relationship with me, but after some thought, it did make sense.
She craved to be useful to me, and she was a Primordial. The biggest use in her eyes that she had was likely her combat power, so she elevated it further, especially since I made no move to dissuade her of that notion.
"I am aware of their danger. Now I must be leaving; Saare needs me." She said in a somewhat distracted manner.
"Good luck." Was all I said as I cut the communication.
After a moment I connected with the next person I wanted to speak with. "Hello Felix." Luminous said.
"How have things been, Luminous? I heard that you've kept Hinata busy."
"Of course. That girl and relaxing do not go together." Luminous said with a sigh. "I told her that the others could handle it, but she insisted on helping."
"That does sound like Hinata."
"Am I correct in assuming you are in this other world you told me about?" She asked.
"I am."
"How intriguing. I am rather curious about these other worlds."
Her curiosity and excitement did make sense. Due to her age, Luminous hadn't experienced anything new in who knows how long.
"Did you just think something about me?"
I blinked in confusion. Did the mythical 'woman's instinct' Skill apply even across dimensions?
"Ahem. Did you want me to come pick you up? I've already gotten things set up over here." I said, shifting the topic.
"Has Hinata agreed to come as well?" Luminous asked with some amusement as she let the topic go.
"She did, but she said in a couple of days as she was busy with her work."
"Very well then. When you come to pick her up, I will come. It would not do if I went to another world whilst she was here working."
"Sounds good then."
I doubt Luminous was actually doing much work, but it was the thought that counts.
After a brief moment, Luminous continued. "It has been rather quiet without you stirring up trouble everywhere." She said vaguely.
I smirked. "Oh my, is the great Luminous Valentine perhaps… missing her dear consort." I asked teasingly. She had called me her consort back on that date we had, and I enjoyed teasing her about it since she tended to get a bit embarrassed.
She was old, but she'd never had a consort before, her own words. But it was rapidly losing its effect on her as Luminous grew more used to the state of our relationship.
I could hear her huff through the communication. "Don't get too cocky. You are only a mere consort." She said haughtily.
"Well this mere consort is looking forward to accompanying you in this world."
"Oh?" Luminous purred, her voice laced with amusement. "Then I shall make sure to bring something appropriate for the occasion. I imagine you wouldn't want to be seen at my side unless I look the part."
I rolled my eyes. "You always look great." I replied smoothly. "But if you want to dress up for me, I won't complain."
"I wasn't going to dress up for you, per se." She countered, mock-serious tone of voice. "It is simply a matter of maintaining appearances."
"Sure, sure." I responded. Luminous enjoyed these conversations, as did I, so I wouldn't point out the holes in her argument.
She paused then sighed. "You are insufferable."
"Thanks! I pride myself in that fact, plus, aren't you here talking to me of your own volition?"
"Tch. Unfortunately for me, I've grown rather fond of my insufferable consort." She responded in a teasing manner, though there was sincerity behind it which made me smile.
"Likewise."
We then shifted into more casual topics. I asked about Saeko, and according to Luminous, she was somehow improving in her cooking abilities.
A true miracle.
Luminous asked a bit about the world itself, so I gave her the same story as Hinata, though unlike Hinata, Luminous didn't express any concern over the world. She trusted me enough to know that things were probably under control, which was sweet.
Our conversation didn't last much longer.
"Don't keep a lady waiting, Felix. I will see you."
"I won't. See ya."
With that, the connection between our rings ended. The next person I wanted to speak to before leaving to pick everyone up was Rimuru to see if he was busy or not.
I thought about speaking to Arcueid as well since I gave her a ring, but I planned to just stop by and see how she was in person.
"Felix? What's up? Things going well over there?" Rimuru asked.
"Yup, just calling to see if you, Veldora, and Ramiris are ready to visit."
Rimuru was rather excited since he could get a bunch of data on the modern inventions his people were trying to reinvent from scratch.
He told them what he wanted, but he wasn't an engineer in his old life, so the engineers under him were pretty much grasping at straws when it came to that stuff. Even Raphael didn't have data on a lot of the things that Rimuru described, so it came up with entirely new versions of what Rimuru wanted that needed to be made with various magical parts and have runes inscribed onto them which took time and resources.
Getting the data from this world would just make it easier for him.
"Uhh, I'm still managing the kids, explaining things to their parents, sealing their powers and whatnot, so I'll probably be busy for a few days."
"That's fine, Hinata said the same so I'll check back in when I go to pick her up then."
"How is the world? Is it anything like the manhwa?" Rimuru asked with excitement.
"So far it seems pretty much the same, though who knows if it'll stay that way."
"Has Sung Jin-Woo aura farmed in front of you yet?" Rimuru asked.
"He tried, but he can't really aura farm against any Monarchs in his current state."
"Monarchs? Just when did you arrive?" He asked with surprise.
"During the Jeju Island raid."
"And yet there were Monarchs? Weren't they supposed to show up later?"
"Yeah, they apparently sensed my arrival and followed me down to Earth. There was some dick measuring that resulted in a fight, and the death of three Monarchs."
"Yeah… I think you've changed things a lot then."
"Meh, in the grand scheme of things not really. The Rulers were pretty much set to win from the start so long as Jin-Woo becomes the Shadow Monarch."
"Yeah, whatever. I am excited to visit. I want to analyze all the dishes!"
I sighed. "Of course."
Rimuru made it seem like what he wanted was peace and whatnot, and he did. That was part of his dream, but what he was really after was a culture revolution in the Cardinal World.
He wanted all the modern amenities he enjoyed to be available to the people in his kingdom and the entire world. Peace was just part of that. Once that was all done, he'd be content with throwing all his authority away.
"Hey! Don't act as if you haven't been enjoying the fruits of my labor! It's because of me that you get to eat those tacos you like so much!" Rimuru protested.
"That's true. Keep doing what you're doing so I can enjoy the fruits of your labor while kicking back!"
"Bastard!" Was all Rimuru said as the connection was cut off.
I didn't even get to say my final piece. I was going to tell him that I had reconstructed Shizu's memories fully and with his help could place those memories into a pseudo soul to come up with a sort of pseudo revival.
I personally believed that the original Shizu, and this new Shizu that would be born would technically be different people, but Rimuru seemed fine with it, which I could understand.
One's memories and experiences made them who they were, and this Shizu would have all of those memories and experiences.
I suppose it was just a personal hang up that I had.
The issue I had with creating souls before was that despite having Brahma, Lord of Creation, souls were a bit too complex.
Even if I create a soul and imbue it with a person's memories with the intent of reviving them, in the end they would be more of a robot than truly autonomous, just following the guidelines the memories gave this new individual, they wouldn't really be capable of changing. There was some part of the soul that I was missing out on that allowed that continuous growth.
But that gap could be bridged by Rimuru's artificially created pseudo soul. The issue with this is that the soul would be overall way weaker. Shizu would not be able to call upon the power she held in her prime, all things considered she'd be as strong as a normal Human.
I was still working on creating a truly autonomous soul, a new living being. Though I wasn't dedicating that much time to it since, in the end, creating life the boring way was just a fun side project for me.
With that, I finally left the room I met Gunhee and Adam in. It didn't take me long to arrive back at the training ground where Megumin was chatting with Jin-Woo, Sukuna was speaking with Choi Jong-In, and Lalatina was with Min Byung-Gyu.
No more fighting was going on. From what I heard, the other Hunters approached Lalatina and Sukuna, and they merely responded.
They didn't particularly care for any of the Hunters, but that didn't mean they weren't willing to converse.
I overheard Lalatina's conversation. "Indeed! My Master is worthy of worship, I am glad that you are beginning to see the light!" She said with a proud smile. "It seems his mercy upon you was not wasted."
"Leave the poor man alone, Lalatina." I said as I appeared beside her.
"Master!" She said excitedly.
The entire room seemed to pause their conversations the moment I appeared.
Gunhee was the one who spoke first as he approached. "I assume the conversation with Adam went well?" He asked.
I lightly waved the invitation to the Hunters Conference. It wasn't the actual invitation, that was all digital, as most things were in this age, but the paper one had its uses as well, which was likely why it was given.
Gunhee nodded before looking at the rest of the Hunters present. "I believe this gathering of yours was a success. Feel free to stay as long as you wish, but I must be leaving now. The work of a Chairman never ends."
Gunhee gave me a final nod before leaving.
Jinchul approached me as some of the Hunters were leaving. "I can escort you out now if you have no more business at the Association."
"Feel free."
Megumin came over to me. I noticed Jin-Woo looking thoughtful behind her.
"What did you think?" I asked as Jinchul escorted us out of the Association.
"He has potential. You said he would become that new Shadow Monarch guy?"
Jinchul seemed to miss a step before he quickly began walking properly again.
That was information that was probably meant to be kept hidden, but eh, whatever it was no big deal.
"Yeah, once he does he might actually be able to challenge you."
The three Monarchs I fought could fight at the Ultimate level thanks to their Divinity. I imagine Ashborn's Divinity and his overall power are far higher than most of the other Monarchs.
Who knows how strong Jin-Woo would be with his powers, he was the strongest Shadow Monarch for a reason.
I imagine Jin-Woo would transform into a Spiritual Lifeform once he became the true Shadow Monarch as well.
Both had the same level of power, though Jin-Woo likely kept growing through manual training since the System would no longer be capable of easily powering him up due to its nature. The main difference didn't come from their power level, but the ways in which both Shadow Monarchs used their power.
Jin-Woo seemed to prefer to use his power in focused bursts. Basically, he concentrated it for a higher output but with a smaller scale. But thanks to that, he could create stronger attacks for less energy.
Megumin laughed cockily. "I doubt it."
"Heh, he just might if you get lazy!" Lalatina chimed in with a bratty smile.
I rolled my eyes. She enjoyed messing with Megumin too much, and going by Megumin's pursed lips, she had succeeded.
"I do believe that he is far from matching your might, Lady Megumin." Sukuna said humbly from my side.
I had pretty much gotten completely used to this new Sukuna. It was easier to just think of him as a different person, but with the name and body of Sukuna.
As Jinchul drove us home I placed a barrier around the four of us so Jinchul wouldn't overhear.
"I plan to return to the Cardinal World to pick Milim and Gaia up once we return. Do any of you want to come with me?"
"How long will you be gone for, Master?" Lalatina asked with some worry.
"Shouldn't be long at all; a few hours at most as I want to catch up with some people as well."
"That's fine then! I can survive a few hours without your presence!" Lalatina said proudly.
"I'll be fine. Sukuna can keep me company, won't you?" Megumin said with a grin.
A bloodthirsty smile formed on Sukuna's face. He's lost to Megumin an uncountable number of times, but it was in fights like those that his true nature as Sukuna began to show.
"It would be my honor." Sukuna responded.
Once that was settled I dispersed the barrier, with Jinchul unaware entirely.
It didn't take us much longer to arrive back at the place we were staying. As Jinchul was escorting us inside, he said, "Should you desire anything, feel free to contact me through the phone the Chairman gave you. The Chairman has already informed me that you have agreed to attend the Global Hunters Conference as well, so I will help arrange everything for you."
Lalatina looked at me questioningly hearing that, but I'd tell her later.
"Did you require a proper suit for the occasion?" Jinchul asked.
My casual wear consisted of a collared t-shirt and pants normally. Sometimes I threw a coat on as well, so it was normal to ask that.
"No, I have plenty." The suits Shuna made for me are likely of far higher quality than anything in this world.
Jinchul nodded. "Very well." With that, he left.
"See ya, Milord!" Megumin shouted as she led Sukuna away into another dimension I added onto the place we were staying, one that should be able to handle their fight without affecting the world.
"Tell Arcueid I said hi!" Lalatina said as she followed the two of them, probably to watch them.
With that, I was alone. After a moment, I created a portal in front of me leading to the Cardinal World. More specifically, Milim's territory.
She was probably already getting impatient. It was best to pick her up first so she didn't get the random idea of bugging Arcueid or something as she waited for me.
Once I stepped through, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath of the air. I preferred the air of this world over any other. It was far more rich in energy, and thus more nourishing.
"Felix!" I heard a tiny nuclear missile in the distance yell.
After a moment she was in front of me with Gaia in her hand, and an excited grin on her face. "Are we going yet!?" She asked quickly.
"Nice to see you too, Milim."
She blinked before grinning again. "Yeah! Nice to see you too, bestie!"
Since time between the two worlds was synced up, not too much time had passed, but Milim and I hadn't had a quality "hang out" in a while.
"To answer your question, no. I want to stop by my territory and speak to Arcueid, and Raiden. Then I'll go to Ruberious to see Saeko, Luminous, and Hinata."
Hinata had said she didn't need my help, and I'd respect that, but stopping by to say hello was fine.
Then finally I wanted to visit Tempest.
Milim pouted, but she nodded nonetheless.
"You can stay at my territory if you want?" I offered.
Milim looked thoughtful for a moment before nodding. "Okay! I'll meet Middray since he's there training that dragon of yours!"
"That's fine then."
All of a sudden she blinked in confusion. "Eh? Why are you so weak, bestie?"
It was just like her to call my current level of power weak. This was stronger than most beings would ever get in their lives, stronger than most Saints, and she calls me weak.
"I'm using another vessel that limits my power in the other world so I can have more fun."
Her eyes widened in realization as she summoned the gloves I gave her what felt like a long time ago.
"Ah, so like these then!"
I nodded. "Similar, yes."
The gloves were meant to restrict her own power so she could also have more fun.
"Mou, I wish I could do what you're doing then!"
"Haha, I don't think this kind of ability would suit you."
She pouted but nodded.
I placed a hand on her shoulder and then teleported us to my territory. More specifically, the entrance to the training ground that Raiden and Middray were using.
Since they were created using my Small World and I was so close in range to the dimension, I could sense just what was going on. I let out an appreciative whistle as Raiden just unleashed a continent shaking lightning bolt, but in a condensed form aimed solely at Middray. That way he was the one who would be damaged, but the environment would not.
"They're in that dimension." I said, gesturing Milim forward. I didn't bother to warn her. She was Milim fucking Nava; she could handle what was going on inside without even trying.
Milim just skipped forwards, Gaia still in her arms as she went into the training room in which world ending attacks were likely being thrown around.
I decided to meet Raiden later, but before we leave, since she seemed to be in a spar.
A moment later, I felt space bending around me as my Demoness appeared in front of me.
"My Lord!" Arcueid greeted with widened eyes. "I was not expecting you, but I am happy to see you." She said with a giddy smile.
I smiled back. "Arcueid. I just stopped by to pick Milim up and wanted to check on you."
She blushed lightly. "Ara, to check on me hmm? I am fine, but I appreciate the gesture."
We moved to another room to speak.
It hadn't been that long, so I didn't stay long to catch up. Though I could tell that Arcueid missed me.
She said that the arrival of Dagruel's representative was set to arrive in two days. I asked if she wanted me here, but she refused, saying that she would handle everything.
She really was great. Because of her, I could handle my life pretty much worry free.
She expected everything to go well with his representative. We were offering Dagruel a good deal, and had no previous hostilities with him, so he had no real reason to fuck us over.
The deal itself was also good. We would give resources his people needed desperately in exchange for material that he had so much of. I even offered to set up teleportation circles so he didn't have to lose people on the journey to bring the resources back to his territory.
The only possible variable was his relationship with Luminous. My alliance with her was well known among certain circles, but Luminous said that despite her thoughts on him, he was a good ruler. He'd put his people before his own issues, so chances were he wouldn't do anything.
These were all things that Arcueid also knew of and had accounted for, so I still wasn't worried.
Dagruel was a big variable I wanted to deal with, as according to Chloe, he took advantage of all the chaos in the world to launch his own attack. He was fuck off levels of strong. I was also fuck off levels of strong, but I didn't want to have him as an enemy if there were other alternatives.
I knew none of his movesets or abilities. Him becoming an enemy would be troublesome since I'd be distracted with him while at war with the Eastern Empire.
A war on one front was way easier than one on two fronts.
I could sense that Kurumi wasn't within the bounds of my territory. When I asked, Arcueid said that she had sent Kurumi out as a diplomat of sorts to the Beast Kingdom of Eurazania.
Since Carrion had become my subordinate, Arcueid wanted to regularly check in on his territory to see how his people were doing, what resources they had, and to remind his people of my existence.
Kurumi was serving as more of an inspector, and Kurumi had wanted to visit his territory too, so it all worked out nicely. Arcueid had also been keeping tabs with Suphia who was stationed at the border outpost next to the Eastern Empire.
There were more reports of strange things going on the other side, but no precise reports as we couldn't get anyone into the Eastern Empire.
As for Suphia, she had also been growing stronger according to Arcueid, and that was something I agreed with. I had met Suphia around after all. It wasn't like she was exiled to the border outpost, so she came to my capital via a teleportation circle that I set up somewhat often.
Raiden had apparently been regularly training with Middray. She wasn't doing it all day of course, something I made sure of as that was no way to live, but she had been spending quite a few hours inside the training dimension. With the time dilation, that added up.
She seemed to take my words that she should get better control over her power to heart.
Still, I would make sure to remind Raiden to enjoy her other hobbies too. She seemingly enjoyed training up the Maid Corps as well as flying around the territory I gave her.
Arcueid similarly asked about why I seemed weaker to her perception.
Once I caught up with Arcueid, I left for Ruberious.
"Ara, I was not expecting you, Felix." I heard Luminous say from behind me. I had teleported to her lounge that she liked to laze around in.
Once I turned around to face her I wasn't surprised to see her lazing on her couch with a smile on her face.
"I came to pick up Milim and wanted to visit."
Luminous nodded as she sat up and patted the newly available space beside her.
Once I was sitting next to her, she laid back down, except this time her legs were draped over my thighs. I could only roll my eyes at her laziness, something that she saw.
"Since you are here, then it is only your duty as my consort to serve as my foot rest." She said haughtily.
I smirked. "You just like an excuse to touch me, Luminous." I said in an equally haughty manner. "It's understandable really."
She tilted her head. "I do believe that this imaginary scenario you have concocted up is just that: imaginary."
I didn't answer, just leaned back, casually letting my hand rest on the smooth curve of her shin, something she didn't protest at all.
After a moment of silence, I glanced at her as I pushed some love energy into her at a low ebb. Her leg shifted slightly as the energy entered her, but there was no other visible reaction, which was expected.
A large portion of her skillset was based on love energy. If she is that weak to it, then she wouldn't be such a master of it in the first place.
Love energy at its core was not a type of energy used for pleasure, but it was the energy of life, and so it could be repurposed for that based on one's mastery over it.
With it I could sort of guide the energy into and throughout Luminous, causing certain changes in her Spirit to induce more pleasure in her.
It may have been cheating, but as I like to say; if you aren't cheating, then you aren't trying.
In the first place, to bring any real amount of pleasure in a Spiritual Lifeform requires cheating.
"You know, if you wanted my attention that badly, you could've just said so. Sprawling across me like this… kind of makes it seem like you missed me." I said teasingly.
A lot of our relationship was founded on this odd relationship of ours that consisted of us just messing with each other and enjoying one another's company. I enjoyed it, so did she, so there was no need to change anything even if we had become lovers. Though I also enjoyed the sprinkle of love-dovey stuff we did as well.
She raised a brow. "Is this what Hinata explained as 'coping'?"
"She needs to stop telling you about these things." I said with a laugh, though I didn't mean it. For some reason it was pretty amusing to hear Luminous use modern slang.
Luminous merely smirked in response.
She leaned back again. "It was rather amusing watching you attempt to get a reaction out of me, feel free to continue."
My eyes narrowed, she had challenged my pride!
"I'm not trying at all." I retorted as I let my hand slowly trace idle circles on her skin, slowly imbuing a little more love energy into her. "If I was trying you'd already be moaning out my name." I said smugly.
Luminous's lips twitched. "Ara, do you think this meager amount of energy can affect me?"
She had to have been doing this on purpose. It wasn't my fault that she knew how to rage bait me!
I narrowed my eyes as I actually began to try. This time I began to use Lover to guide the love energy throughout her body, stimulating her Spiritual Body in just the way I knew her to like.
Luminous was a master of love energy, but I knew her.
For a few moments she continued to give me that amused smile as if nothing was wrong, but it didn't take long for her to react.
I watched as the flow of energy spiraled across her core, curling around her before stopping all of a sudden.
Luminous blinked in confusion as she quickly realized what happened. "Tch. I will not be seduced by a man whose idea of romance involves smug comments and casual groping."
"Who said anything about romance? If you want romance I can do way better." I responded, my pride insulted. I did more than just make comments and grope!
Luminous ignored me. "You are getting better with that."
"Of course I am. How else am I to toy with my lewd True Ancestor."
Her lips twitched as her body shivered slightly, but she didn't deny it. She enjoyed a different relationship in the bedroom when compared to other settings, and I was all for it.
We continued to speak a bit more, with Luminous asking some questions about the world I'd be taking her to.
I asked a bit about how her training was going as well since she had told me she had been working on creating her own Domain Expansion since the ability interested her. Though I suppose it would be a World System Skill in this world.
She had achieved some success, though nothing grand enough to be considered a true World System Skill, but she would get there some day if she kept working at it. That wasn't the only thing she was focusing on either. At this rate by the time the Eastern Empire attacked, which I expected to be in a few months, she'd be a whole different powerhouse.
I asked about Saeko again as well. I planned to meet her and Hinata after Luminous since the two of them were apparently together right now.
Saeko had been helping Hinata purge the corrupt officials because Hinata asked Saeko for help. I doubted she needed it, but Saeko's abilities were rather good to send a message.
The ability of Certain Outcome was well known. Just seeing that someone with that ability was on the side of the Paladins would make the Church officials more cooperative.
We chatted a bit more before I left, telling Luminous that we'd save any 'fun' that we would have for when I brought her to the world of Solo Leveling. Just like everyone else, Luminous also asked about my apparent weakness, but was relieved to know that I was weak by choice.
It was rather heartwarming how she started by saying that if I was so weak now she'd take care of me. Of course she said it in a smug and haughty manner, but it was the thought that counted.
It didn't take me long to find Hinata and Saeko, who were leaving some big official building with a few of the Great Saints.
As I flew towards them, I looked around the city of Lune. The people seemed to be mostly back to normal. They were going about their days, doing their jobs and whatnot.
They still seemed to have that unwavering faith in Luminous due to everything being handled with what looked like complete ease.
I appeared in front of Hinata's group in a flash. Arnaud and Saare, the two Great Saints Hinata seemed to bring, have stiffened up before relaxing.
"Felix-sama!" Saeko yelled while running towards me all teary eyed before glomping me. I easily caught her. "I thought you were going to be gone longer!"
I gently patted her on the back as I set her back down. "I'm just visiting."
"Felix." Hinata greeted me. "I was not aware you would be coming."
I shrugged. "I came to pick up Milim and wanted to catch up a bit in person. I've already seen Luminous."
She nodded. "Very well." She turned to Saare and Arnaud who still seemed a bit nervous. "I will leave the next one to you."
"How have you been, Saeko?" I asked as Hinata spoke to her subordinates.
Saeko nodded proudly. "I have improved my cooking!" She said with confidence.
I smiled. "I heard, I'll try some when I get back."
Saeko grinned. "Of course! It will be the best meal of your life!" She said with confidence.
Saeko's cooking was already really good, though that was due to cheating with Cook. If she managed to fix the texture and look, it would be even better.
By now, Hinata had finished her conversation with her subordinates.
She stepped toward me, her usual composed demeanor softening just a touch. "Felix." She greeted with a nod.
"How have things been?" I asked as I walked, the two of them moving to walk with me.
Hinata shrugged. "It's been a bit of work since I can't just kill them all just like that. I need to find proof of their misdeeds, which isn't that hard to begin with, and make sure all their peers realize why they are being purged so they do not follow in their footsteps. It is not hard, merely time consuming."
I shrugged. "That's what you get when you choose to not be a tyrant." It was way easier to be a tyrant. As I always said, I wasn't a good person.
Saeko nodded beside me. "Umu! It would be much easier if Lady Luminous was treated like Felix-sama in his territory. None would oppose any of his actions in Azeroth."
Hinata gave Saeko a look. "It would be easier, yes, but this country would not be what it was if that was the case."
Saeko just shrugged in response.
"How did you two begin working together?" I asked.
"I wanted to use her to send a message as Certain Outcome's effects are rather… memorable."
I snorted. Memorable… right. I've seen Saeko turn normal looking people into things distinctly not Human while still keeping them alive. Certain people have had Certain Outcome in its Extra Skill form so it had a reputation.
"I agreed since she agreed to spar with me." Saeko responded. Saeko was someone who was always chasing after strength, so that wasn't surprising. Even before I ever met her, she was like that.
The three of us continued to chat for a little longer before I left. Saeko seemed to be doing fine, so I was glad.
Now for the last stop before going back to the world of Solo Leveling, Tempest.
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Author's Note:
Sup everyone, back with another chapter of Daemon. In this one Felix returns to pick up Milim. Not a whole lot of moving forward, was more about showing off the relationships Felix has built over the course of this story, plus Felix isn't going to ever miss the opportunity to mess with Luminous.
Though events are still moving forward, Dagruel's people are coming over so in Felix's eyes that'll be another future enemy likely dealt with. We get to hear a bit about what's happening in Ruberious as well, and then some good ol' Saeko.
Then events in Solo Leveling are moving forward as well. The conference is being held earlier this time due to Felix's influence.
Anyways, thanks for reading, peace.
Thanks to @Salante and @Flowerman for beta'ing this chapter.
Last bit of editing -Omnax
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