The Wandering Devil
Chapter: 44
Disclaimer: I don't own High School DxD or any other universe used in this story.
Pa/ t reon details below the chapter if you're interested in seeing some content in advance. I'll keep posting regardless. If you have any suggestions you would like to see added, I will try to incorporate what I can :)
(The Rogue Vampire)
The only reaction from Satomi at the grim announcement was a hint of shock.
And I was only able to sense that because I knew the telltale signs of what to look for, since Satomi was doing an abnormally good job at hiding her expressions.
My eyes narrowed slightly. Something had definitely changed with Satomi. The undead overlord's eyes flickered with emotion before promptly fleeting and being replaced with cold emotion.
"Shalltear has betrayed us?" She questioned calmly, though I could sense the disbelief.
Sebas on the other hand was a lot less concealed in reaction, his eyes widened in shock, his composed demeanor cracking. The genuine surprise in his expression was evident as he processed that one of the Floor Guardians had apparently turned traitor.
"I'm afraid so, my Lady." Albedo said with barely contained emotion, her eyes glancing at me nervously with two emotions. Confusion and anger.
On the other hand, I was confused. Shalltear as in one of the floor guardians? Weren't they literally meant to be loyal to a fault? It was obvious this hadn't happened before judging by the reactions.
I kept silent, a slight frown on my face.
"Are you absolutely sure of this?" Satomi questioned emotionlessly.
"Nazarick's monitoring system is declaring her a traitor." Albedo said dutifully. "And she hasn't replied to my direct attempts at messaging her."
"What task was she on?" Satomi asked next.
"I believe she was sent ahead of Sebas and Solution to search for any users of martial arts or magic," Albedo replied with a placid expression, her eyes continuing to flick toward me with worry.
"I see," Satomi said after a moment, her tone becoming dangerously calm. "Albedo, summon all available Floor Guardians for a meeting immediately."
Albedo bowed deeply. "At once, Lady Ainz."
Albedo left with another fleeting glance towards me, a frown on her face.
"Sebas," Satomi turned to the butler, whose expression showed both shock and profound sadness. "I must ask you to excuse yourself from this meeting. I must discuss important matters in private."
The dragon-born butler's face reflected his inner turmoil, but he bowed respectfully. "Of course, Ainza-sama. I understand completely."
As Sebas departed, his footsteps echoing in the amphitheater.
Satomi turned towards me. The tension in her posture melted away slightly.
"Shalltear? The Floor Guardian?" I asked for clarification, my voice filled with confusion.
"Yes," Satomi replied, her tone heavy with worry. "The first Floor Guardian of Nazarick."
"She's the Vampire right?" I asked, remembering the floor guardian.
Satomi frowned. "She is. Along with being one the strongest combatants in Nazarick. She is essentially what happens when you create the perfect min-maxed PvP character in YGGDRASIL."
Ah.
That means she was seriously powerful.
"I'm assuming this is going to be a problem then, out of curiosity what classes did she have back in Yggdrasil?" I asked, pulling on my information from Yggdrasil.
"Her class combination breaks every conventional rule of game balance. True Vampire, Valkyrie, Cursed Knight and Cleric. She's literally a divine magic caster who can use holy spells despite being undead and evil-aligned." Satomi sighed.
"So it's going to be a problem if she turns her back on Nazarick." I concluded.
Satomi nodded, biting her lip.
"How did this happen? I thought the NPCs didn't have the ability to betray you." I questioned seriously.
"They shouldn't," Satomi said with genuine confusion and even the slightest bit of fear. "They're meant to be completely loyal. But it seems I may have overestimated my reach."
"Did she show any signs of being dissatisfied?" I asked thoughtfully.
It was a dangerous precedent.
Perhaps expecting Nazarick to be exactly like Yggdrasil had been wishful thinking and too good to be true. After all, having a tomb filled with powerful, loyal to a fault, beings that were willing to do anything for you was insane.
Even in my world. The Gremory clan didn't have that type of backing, excluding my sister and the connections to all the Satans.
"No. She seemed perfectly normal, even happy due to your successful summoning. One of her tasks in being sent ahead was to search for your presence," Satomi said, her tone growing anxious. "Perhaps this is my fault. Demiurge told me the plans were accelerating because of my actions."
I sent her a questioning look.
"Demiurge seems to think I'm some sort of genius who can't be wrong. The same situation will happen to you when you interact with the Floor Guardians. He has a tendency to expect me to know his plans, but he's incredibly intelligent..." Satomi said with a hint of embarrassment.
"I doubt this is your fault. Have you considered it might be something else? Mind control exists in this world, right?" I asked, attempting to comfort her.
She stopped.
"That could be just as bad. I'm not sure what could cause this. This needs the utmost investigation though." She said, becoming upset. "I'm sorry this happened so soon when you just got here. I-I honestly can't tell you I expected this."
I sent her a strange look.
"Satomi, I'm hardly upset. I've already gained a lot from coming here and I'm not in any danger." I said with an incredulous tone. "I've been in much more danger for smaller gains and all you wanted was someone you knew to be real. I would have done the same thing had I known you were alive."
Satomi looked akin to a puppy, an expression that seemed only reserved for when she spoke to me.
"Beyond that, while it's certainly a surprise, all you've done is try to make me stronger since I've arrived here," I shrugged. "Even if the entirety of Nazarick suddenly turned on us, I'd take you with me. I'm used to chaos happening around me."
Emotion practically burst in her eyes before dulling a moment later, an alien emotion that had been consuming her shifting into a small smile.
"R-right, thank you Zephyrion," Satomi said with a smile, looking thankful along with something else I couldn't identify.
"For now, I'm suddenly feeling much less safe with you out of my sight. We need to get you some protective rings immediately." She announced, becoming serious.
"Rings?" I was slightly taken aback by the change in direction.
"Yes, the wishing rings aren't the only thing we're going to use to power you up. Especially now," Satomi smirked.
Without hesitation, Satomi accessed what I recognized as her inventory, pulling out several ornate rings and examining them thoughtfully.
I knew from my brief time in YGGDRASIL that players could normally only wear two rings, but with special cash items, all ten fingers could be equipped.
"Aren't they going to look a bit strange?" I questioned, thinking back to certain nobles.
"They'll be less strange when they save your life," Satomi said sweetly. "The abilities and protection they offer are worth any fashion concerns."
"I can't argue with that," I shrugged. "How did you even get all these rings? Did you just continue collecting, or is this that hoarding mentality you've always had?"
Satomi blushed. "I grinded for them! Some of these can be useful and sometimes I like to switch."
"Its seemed to have worked out for the better." I comforted only slightly patronisingly.
Satomi pouted, then pulled out a yellow ring. "How about we start with this one? I feel like it's the most important."
I picked it up, feeling the oddly warm metal.
"Which one is this?"
"An anti-scrying ring, it'll stop people trying to scry on you specifically. Though that can be avoided by devices that scan the area in general or watching someone close to you." Satomi said with a nod.
I looked at the ring in surprise. Then slipped it on slowly, a wave of energy coming to encase me in an embrace that wasn't suffocating but not outright comfortable either.
"It feels surprisingly less annoying than I thought it would be. It's comfortable even." I said, admiring the small ring. "And to think they hold such a simple but needed effect. Even in my world this is valuable."
Satomi nodded sagely. "Good. It's an important advantage." Satomi said happily. "Next we have another important ring. A blocking ring, it hides your magical aura."
My eyes widened.
That was insanely useful.
This one was silver and I put it on eagerly.
Satomi giggled. "Yeah, I thought you'd like that one. It was hard to create due to its use in combat. Most of these are the best rings in Yggdrasil."
"Thank you." I said sincerely and she looked away.
We went through another three rings, which were mostly for protection and didn't have any visible effects.
A Temporal Ring, which protects you from time classes and spells.
An Instant Death ring, which protects you from instant death attacks.
A Mind Ring, which stopped you from having your behaviour manipulated.
All were invaluable and through them I could share in Satomi's rising worry. Knowing such devastating magic existed and that I was ascending to the realm where it began to be used hammered home one truth, finding Satomi was the second luckiest break of my life, right after Hestia.
I inspected my ring hand, which now held enough protection to be classed as a Sacred Gear of these could somehow be bound to a single object.
"With that out of the way, we have the most important and essential defenses covered. All magic beyond time and instant death depends on how strong you are, unless you have a racial resistance," Satomi said, then paused. "Perhaps something to test with a wishing ring later, but for now, let's move on to the more powerful rings."
She picked up a ring with a red gem embedded within it.
"The Ring of Wand Mastery." Satomi said, holding up the ring. "I only have two more of these and that's because my other guild members left me their items. It's an incredibly rare drop from a difficult boss. It allows you to use wands storing rare class spells..."
I examined the ring with interest… It was interesting that a ring could hold such a weird ability.
"I already have a wand... but I wonder if I could use the wishing ring to combine them? Create my own Sacred Gear, in a sense," I said thoughtfully. "What type of magic do these wands have?"
"Holy, divine, even some rare time wands. They only contain one spell each and consume significant magic, though." Satomi explained as if that wasn't absurd.
I paused. "A Devil using holy magic..."
Satomi apparently shared my amusement as I slipped on the ring.
"In fact, I think I have just the wand in mind." I said, opening my P2W box.
Satomi rolled her eyes. "Now you have a way to use that wand you bought just to spite me."
I pulled out a white wand.
"A wand that holds the 9th tier holy spell, holy strike." I said with a wide grin.
It was unfortunate that this was only one of only two wands I had been able to buy of this level.
"Perhaps one of the strongest wands in Nazarick. Bought directly from those greedy Devs." Satomi scowled.
It was only the 9th tier, but it could rival some tier ten spells. Its main ability was in the after effects it would leave on the battlefield.
"Do you think we could use the wishing ring to combine it with my wand? Considering technically my wand doesn't hold any spells like that, only an ability to lessen my demonic power expenditure." I said thoughtfully. "What's the next ring?"
"The Ring Of Concealment." Satomi says. "It's not something I normally use but it allows the rings to become invisible and acts like they aren't even there. It's mostly a trick to lower other players' guards…"
I put it on. This time I felt a wave and with a thought all my newly gained rings vanished, my fingers tried to trace them but they were truly gone, my fingers touching nothing.
Another thought and they were back.
"I like it." I nodded. "It's not that valuable compared to the others but hiding the secret of the many rings that would draw attention is good."
"Lastly, considering I suspect you want to use some of your highly powerful and expensive P2W rings, a ring of Ainz Ooal Gown. I understand if you don't wish to waste a ring on it… b-but I thought I'd offer." Satomi offered.
I took the ring easily and slipped it on.
"It looks good." I replied, admiring the beautiful ring.
Satomi looked at me in surprise but then a pure happiness flashed through her, only to be suppressed a second later.
"Wonderful." Satomi said brightly. "Now, I believe you have two melding orbs, so you'll be able to wear twelve rings. Here are the rest of the rings to choose from."
The next rings I chose were easy, the highest types of rings you could buy. All of them were incredibly expensive and enough to have your own guildmates PK you to steal them.
Ring of Holding, allows the holding of one spell of any tier. Then there was the most valuable ring.
The Ring Of The Archmage, allows for the extended magic reserves by 10%.
That made elven rings.
Satomi looked at me with a hard pout, a pout that became larger as I pulled out a certain item.
An item that allowed for the combining of two rings.
"Seriously, you're such a broken character. You don't even seem to have any of the limits I have." Satomi said, though I could sense the excitement in that statement. "Perhaps it was best you didn't come with me into your character."
"So I can use these to combine two rings?" I asked, studying the orb.
"Yes." Satomi confirmed. "Just hold the two rings together and just push the orb into them. Then the two rings effects go into one, granting both effects simultaneously."
Satomi's voice grew warmer as she spoke about the game mechanics she once knew so well. "What rings are you going to choose?"
"The Striker Ring."
A ring that allowed for one casted spell to gain a massive striking effect per day.
Satomi pouted once more. "And the other?"
"You'll have to pick that, since I'm giving it to you." I said, enjoying the moment of shock that passed.
Satomi blinked and a look of shock managed to overtake her features, a green glow that visibly began to glow brighter. For a few seconds that green glow kept appearing and spreading over her.
"Are you sure?" She finally said.
"Yes."
It was easy. I still had the wishing rings I wanted to experiment with, and these rings alone had boosted my power massively. Combined with Yggdrasil's magic system, this world had become invaluable.
Letting Satomi share in that was an easy decision.
"Thank you, Zephyrion," she said seriously.
"No problem." I waver her off.
For a moment she simply stared at me, before her eyes went down to the collection of rings.
"This means I have another slot available for an additional ring!" she said, her voice taking on an almost nerdy enthusiasm as she began calculating optimal equipment combinations. "The possibilities…"
"Nine rings to be worn normally, two more for combination," Satomi murmured as she organized more rings.
I decided to combine the temporal and instant death defense rings, figuring they were the most important since they prevented me from being killed before I could react.
As I slotted the last Ring of the Archmage onto my finger, my hand trembled and I felt something connect with my demonic power, expanding it further.
"Mm, I wonder if having Demiurge summon a Demon Lord for you to absorb its soul would work," Satomi said, once again focused on growing my powers. "Something to test."
"I'm not sure how this version of the demon's magic would transform into demonic energy." I voiced. "And would absorbing the demon stop it from being summoned in the future?"
"Perhaps." Satomi replied thoughtfully.
But as the reality of our situation settled back in, I could see her nervous energy returning.
I looked at my newly ringed hand, watching them all vanish from sight and touch.
"I suppose we should go, everyone should be ready." Satomi sighed, her demeanour becoming serious.
-{Demiurge}-
In the shadows of one of Nazarick's quieter corridors, Demiurge prowled, his form tense and his aura obviously unsettled. Demiurge's normally composed expression twisted into a sharp toothed scowl as he made his way through Nazarick's corridors toward the meeting chamber.
His calculating mind, always analyzing multiple possibilities simultaneously, was racing to understand this unprecedented development. A development that hadn't even passed through his mind.
Shalltear had betrayed the Supreme Beings?
The very thought seemed impossible. Demiurge's loyalty to Nazarick and its creators was absolute, and he expected the same unwavering devotion from his fellow Guardians.
How could this happen? His analytical mind crafted by a being that could be called truly perfect demanded answers.
Shalltear was loyal, perhaps even obsessively so when it came to Lady Ainz and especially Lord Zephyrion. For her to turn traitor suggested something had gone fundamentally wrong.
But what truly ate at him was the timing.
ONLY A DAY AFTER Lord Zephyrion HAD RETURNED.
Demiurge's greatest fear was always that the Supreme Beings might abandon them again and now one of the Guardians had apparently betrayed them just as their creator had come back.
How utterly disgraceful must they appear? How disappointed must Lord Zephyrion be?
The demon's fists clenched as he walked, his usually pristine suit rustling with his agitated movements. His sadistic nature, normally reserved for enemies of Nazarick, was now turned inward as self-recrimination.
They had failed. They had allowed this to happen under their watch.
And after my own failure with the investigation, he thought bitterly.
He had already disappointed his creator once. Now this. Would Lord Zephyrion lose faith in them entirely? Would he leave again, disgusted by their incompetence?
The very thought of losing his creator again made something cold and desperate claw at his chest. No. He would not allow it. Even if he had to find a way to join him in whatever realm he left to, but that was if everything else failed.
Whatever had happened to Shalltear, whatever had caused this catastrophe, he would fix it
The possibility that his Lord might be temporarily weakened only made the situation more unacceptable. When it came to the safety of the Supreme Beings, Demiurge would move heaven and earth.
This couldn't be delayed.
As he approached the meeting chamber, Demiurge forced his expression back into its usual composed mask. Whatever emotions raged beneath the surface, he would present the calculating, reliable facade that his creators expected
But inside, his mind was already formulating plans, contingencies and most importantly, solutions.
-{Zephyrion Gremory}-
I followed Satomi as she strode through Nazarick's halls.
The chamber that Satomi had designated for the meeting loomed ahead. As the doors opened, I got my first proper look at all the Floor Guardians assembled together, minus the twins who were presumably elsewhere.
The first Guardian I met eyes with was Cocytus, who stood tall, his insectoid form radiating cold as ice crystals formed around his feet.
Demiurge adjusted his glasses with one clawed finger, his sharp smile never wavering.
"Supreme Beings," Albedo spoke first, immediately dropping to one knee.
The other assembled Guardians followed suit without hesitation.
"We greet you and pledge our eternal devotion," Demiurge said, his cultured voice carrying reverence.
"This. Cocytus. Offers. His. Blade. In. Service," the warrior declared formally. "Lord. Zephyrion. It. Is. An. Honour. To. Serve. You. Once. More."
"Indeed, your presence brings us no greater pleasure. Allow me to second that sentiment." Demiurge said respectfully.
Albedo fidgeted. "Truly your presence is awe-inspiring."
I had to hide my brief shock as my eyes landed on Victim, floating next to Demiurge. Wide eyes staring at me from a floating fetus.
I wasn't as shocked as I probably should have been. It was definitely one of Nazarick's more questionable creations, but it was oddly cute in a weird way.
"I appreciate the warm welcome." I replied simply.
Satomi gestured for them to rise, her form radiating authority.
"As you have no doubt all been told, Shalltear Bloodfallen has somehow betrayed Nazarick." Satomi said, her voice emotionless. "I deemed this unprecedented news important enough for an assembly of the guardians at Nazarick present. Which unfortunately leaves Mare and Aura unable to join."
There was a wave of nods.
I sat down on the comfortable couch.
"Albedo, what have you found?" Satomi questioned seriously.
"My lady." Albedo acknowledged.
There was a shimmer and the image of an emotionless pale woman in red armour formed.
"Despite initial assumptions, I believe there is more to the eye of the traitor than seemed. In fact, I don't believe Shalltear willingly betrayed Nazarick." Albedo immediately went to explain.
Demiurge perked up, looking oddly relieved. "As I suspected, Shalltear's loyalty has always been absolute, I assume mind control then?"
Albedo nodded calmly.
"It would seem to be that way, Shalltear has remained motionless in the past time I have been able to observe her. I believe something has been used to mind control her as a form of escape, leaving her without order." Albedo explained seriously
I could see both relief and worry flash on Satomi's features.
"A powerful user of mind magic, perhaps. This will need more investigation. Mind control," Ainza stated firmly. "While this brings relief, it also does bring an unprecedented danger. This will need further examination."
Cocytus gripped his weapons tighter. "What. Are. Your. Orders. Ainza-Sama, Lord Zephyrion?"
"I will handle this matter personally." Ainza intervened seriously.
I looked at her in surprise and then back at the NPC's who seemed to have misinterpreted her words.
The meeting continued with strategic discussions about security protocols and the implications of potentially powerful divine Items in the New World. When it concluded, most Guardians were dismissed, leaving only Albedo with us.
Satomi faced a waiting Albedo, who looked positively ecstatic to be in our presence.
"Albedo, would you accompany us to the Treasury?" Ainza questioned.
"Of course, Ainza-sama."
I looked at Satomi curiously.
The three of us teleported to the vast chamber filled with countless magical artifacts and treasures.
We walked further in.
"I have decided I don't want to wait any longer to take action." Satomi announced. "I wish to act now. I shall be travelling to see if the mind control can be broken."
Albedo's reaction was immediate and firm. "Absolutely not, Ainza sama. I cannot permit you to place yourself in such danger. Please reconsider this decision."
She looked at me pleading and shrunk slightly when she realised her outburst.
"It's good that she will be joining me," I said calmly.
Albedo's golden eyes widened in panic, her composure completely shattered. "No! Zephyrion sama, you cannot be serious! We do not know what state Shalltear is in, she could very well attack you the instant she sees you. The risk is unacceptable!"
Ainza shook her head firmly. "Zephyrion, I appreciate your concern, but this is my responsibility alone."
I ignored her.
"She won't be going alone," I replied. "I will be going to check it out with you."
"Zephyrion please!" Ainza tried again, but my expression remained unchanged.
"My decision is final." I huffed.
Satomi looked both flattered and annoyed by my protective stance, but eventually nodded with no small amount of hesitance. "Very well."
Albedo's breathing became rapid and shallow. "No, this cannot happen! Zephyrion sama, I forbid it! You cannot risk yourself!"
"I'm sure we will be fine." I attempted to comfort the distraught succubus. "I'm not defenceless and I'm going with… Ainza, who is hardly defenceless in her own right."
"But you could be hurt, please, allow me to come with you. I shall be silent and unnoticeable if you so desire." Her voice was desperate and her eyes caring.
It genuinely flabbergasted me for a moment and I nearly felt my barriers melt. I had always been susceptible to someone who genuinely cared about me.
Which is what led to my next action.
I approached her and gently placed my hand on her silky hair, stroking it softly. "Don't worry about it. Tons of people try to kill me and this is all because Satomi can't break the mind control. Which I highly doubt."
That apparently didn't help.
Her desperate eyes met mine, trembling with fear. In a small voice that made Satomi frown as she watched, Albedo whispered, "Promise me. Please promise you'll return safely."
"I promise," I said simply.
Albedo reluctantly departed, though her distress was evident.
Once alone, Satomi turned to me with determination. "You won't be going undefended."
I raised my hands amusedly. "I'll follow your lead."
Satomi grimaced.While I don't know if any armor will work for you, I'm going to try."
I smirked at her protective concern. "I'm sure we will be fine. You're going to try the wishing ring right? I doubt that It won't be able to work."
She relaxed slightly. "I suppose I may just be being paranoid."
Suddenly, a dramatic figure appeared from behind one of the massive pillars of treasure.
"Indubitably so, Lady Ainz! For as I was made by you, if you desire me to do battle with the other Supreme Beings, I shall charge into the fray without hesitation!" The figure struck an exaggerated pose, one arm swept dramatically across his chest while the other extended outward.
Pandora's Actor.
I took a moment to take him in.
Pandora's Actor's hat bore the crest of Ainz Ooal Gown, while the uniform he wore was very similar to the uniforms used by Neo-Nazi elite guards during the Euro-Arcology Wars 20 years ago.
His smooth, egg-like head gleamed under the Treasury's magical lighting.
Satomi seemed to die on the spot.
"Guten Tag, Ainza-sama! And welcome, Supreme one!" he declared with a sweeping bow toward me, his movements precise yet flamboyant.
Satomi's seemed to tense with what I could only assume was embarrassment. Despite being undead, somehow she managed to convey the feeling of someone wanting to disappear into the floor.
"Pandora's Actor," she said stiffly, "please contain yourself."
But I found myself oddly charmed by his theatrical nature. There was something genuinely enthusiastic about his devotion, even if it was expressed in the most over the top manner possible.
My lips quirked and Satomi flushed.
"Quite the greeting," I commented with amusement. "He certainly has... personality."
Satomi sent me a withering look that screamed 'don't encourage him.'
"Ah, but of course! For my creator possesses unparalleled wisdom and strategic brilliance! Every decision made with perfect foresight!" He gestured grandly toward Satomi.
"Truly?"
"Ehem. Enough of that. We are here for some gear for Zephyrion," Satomi said quickly, clearly trying to redirect his attention before he could embarrass her further.
"Indeed! I heard, though I ask, must you truly go my creator?" Pandora's Actor asked with a flourish.
"Yes. You needn't worry. This is a matter of us… supreme being to handle." Satomi said with dignity.
If it wasn't Satomi it would have convinced me that she was some ancient dark empress.
I stared flatly.
But she was Satomi.
"Ach so! Equipment for the esteemed Supreme Being!" Pandora's Actor's eyes lit up with genuine excitement. "In that case it would be my greatest pleasure to assist in outfitting one so magnificent!"
Despite Satomi's obvious mortification at his behavior, I could see why she had created him. I could also see why she was having a hard time controlling them.
I had a feeling he was scarily smart.
"So, what have you got for me?" I asked with a wicked grin.
Pandora's actor straighted.
-{Demiurge}-
"You what?!" Demiurge said, once again finding his composure broken.
"It is as you heard." Albedo replied calmly.
"That you allowed the last two Supreme Beings, one of them being weakened, to walk into a potential danger in the form of a rebelling Floor Guardian?" Demiurge's irate voice asked.
Cocytus merely remained silent.
"Shalltear is under mind control. Lord Zephyrion believes they can break it with ease and promised he would come back safely," Albedo stated, though her fingers tightened imperceptibly around the documents she held.
"That doesn't make her any less dangerous, she could very much attack the Supreme Ones as soon as they enter her line of sight!" Demiurge's tail lashed behind him. "What if the worst is to happen? Will you bear that responsibility?"
"I shall. Beyond my own personal feelings Ainza-sama commanded it, as did Lord Zephyrion." Albedo replied, unfazed.
"And you didn't consider calling me? To allow them to know this isn't their responsibility. That the Guardian Overseer should handle those under her with the help of the other Guardians?" Demiurge asked, enraged.
"It is our duty to obey. Already the Supreme Ones briefly thought we even had the slight capability of betraying Nazarick before they were informed of the mind control taking place." Albedo replied smoothly. "Lord Zephyrion has been back for a mere day. And this has happened. We do not need to cause more issues to our masters."
"I understand that." Demiurge said reluctantly. "But see to reason, this is a risk, one that isn't needed and is out of the kindness our masters have bestowed with their care. Lord Zephyrion shouldn't have had to hear more of what is happening and how we planned to resolve it."
"That is ideal." Albedo nodded. "In an ideal world many things would be perfect. Our masters would stay within the safety of Nazarick, they would live for eternity unharmed and no danger in the world would be able to threaten them."
Demiurge waited, knowing she wasn't finished.
"That is our ideal world, but this isn't our world. That belongs to our two masters. The two who came back. I'm sure Lord Zephyrion could have stayed away, after all, why couldn't we summon all the supreme ones back? It's only because he hadn't abandoned us. He was merely lost. The others left." Albedo took a breath and calmed herself. "This is their world, we exist in it, yes?"
Demiurge could see her point and he agreed wholeheartedly. It was simply hard to accept such a thing. And he still couldn't agree.
He stood up. "They must be protected for that exact reason and not subjected to dealing with this matter."
Cocytus moved in his way.
Albedo sighed, her eyes shimmering. "I agree with you Demiurge, but our masters ordered us and we can only obey."
"I. CONCUR." Coyctus said, making his stance obvious.
Demiurge could only sit down and watch like a weak child as his parent went off to war.
-{Zephyrion Gremory}-
The clearing materialized around us as the teleportation magic faded.
Large trees surrounded the open space, their branches creating natural walls while shafts of sunlight filtered through the canopy above. While the ground was level and covered in soft grass.
We were silent as I followed Satomi who began leading the both of us in silence towards where Shalltear was located, my thoughts drifted to Satomi's earlier suggestion.
She had mentioned the possibility of using the Shooting Star ring to transform me into an Arch-Devil, the same primary class that Demiurge possessed.
The idea held undeniable merit, enhanced power, greater magical resistance, abilities that could prove invaluable. Yet I hesitated. The prospect of becoming something monstrous was unsettling and I wasn't sure if changing my race was something I wanted to go through. I had been a human once but that was different.
What if the transformation changed more than just my appearance and abilities? What if it altered my very nature, my thoughts, my connection to those I cared about?
Demiurge wasn't a great sign of empathy.
The risks seemed too great, especially with all the possibilities that I had to grow in power. I had already gained so much, experienced so much growth.
For now, I decided against it. I wouldn't gamble with such fundamental changes to myself for the sake of a power boost, no matter how significant it might be.
Pushing those thoughts aside, I focused on the present.
The search for some armour had been arduous.
Turns out most armour simply didn't fit or wasn't compatible with me. I hadn't needed any weapons since I had my weapon made by Hephaestus, something Satomi wanted to see about further upgrading, but after all that I had ended up with a powerful and expensive set of armour.
Windwalker's boots, Legendary-tier boots that boost agility and wind magic
Dragon Leather Armor, a legendary armour made from lesser dragon hides, provides good protection without hindering movement.
I wasn't an avid wearer of armour, but I decided it'd be worth it. While Devils had armour they didn't wear it often considering most spells could get through normal armour, except the super expensive and powerful sets.
Which probably meant you could just dodge the spell anyway.
But the biggest find…
Zephyr's Chainmail, a divine class thin chainmail that can be worn under clothing. It was a Mithril chainmail imbued with the soul of a celestial wind spirit from Yggdrasil.
A Divine class which was the highest ranking under a world item.
I had to say I instantly fell in love with it, easy to wear and not notice. I could slip it on under my clothing and no one would know that I had a powerful piece of armour on.
Satomi's voice drew me out of my thoughts.
"Be careful," Satomi said, her features managing to convey genuine concern.
I couldn't help but smirk slightly.
"As Albedo said. Shalltear could be in an attacking mode. There's a good chance she will attack us if she sees us." Satomi sighed. "Why did you insist on coming again?"
"Because you need to remember that you aren't alone and I can see this is bothering you more than you care to admit." I pointed out dryly.
She frowned. "You shouldn't have to help? You've been here less than three days and you said you p-plan on leaving again."
"What?" I was taken aback by the shift in tone.
"It's just you've got your girlfriend who will be summoning you soon. So you'll be leaving me once more and by the sounds of it you need power. We should spend this time increasing your strength before you have to leave again." Satomi said with a resigned tone.
"Yeah… but it's not like I'm not going to see you again or even visit." I replied with a hint of confusion.
"What?" Now it was her time to ask.
"Satomi, I can travel worlds. Beyond the fact you're my friend and I've joined some sort of guild, this world is too valuable to leave behind." I said with amusement. "Did you seriously think I was just going to leave?"
"Maybe…" Satomi replied uncertainly, though she seemed to be in deep thought. "I see, but I still want you to act as support. I can handle Shalltear and you don't need to get hurt."
Her words became more fiery and determined.
"I'll just hang back and look intimidating." I reassured her.
She laughed, a weight seemingly lifted off her.
It didn't take long before we spotted her.
Shalltear stood motionless in a small clearing ahead, her crimson armor gleaming in the dappled sunlight. A long Lance was held at her side, but she remained completely still, like a statue waiting for activation. She appeared almost hollow, her red eyes staring straight ahead without focusing on anything in particular.
"Just as Nigredo's scrying indicated," Satomi murmured, observing her subordinate from a safe distance. "She's in standby mode. The mind control appears to be incomplete."
I studied the vampire carefully. There was something deeply unsettling seeing someone reduced to this empty shell.
"She's not responding to our presence at all." I commented, waiting a few seconds.
"No. She's waiting for commands that will never come." Satomi's voice carried a note of sadness beneath its clinical tone. "The one who controlled her is likely dead or has fled. A good sign."
"That means it can be broken right?" I questioned.
While I wasn't too connected to Narazick yet I could sense that would change. Especially with Satomi leading. I was practically a noble within Nazarick.
"I am not sure yet, the wishing ring should do the trick and this does help." Satomi replied.
We moved closer cautiously, but Shalltear showed no reaction to our approach.
She almost looked like a beautiful doll.
"Her equipment is still intact," I observed, noting the pristine condition of her armor and weapon. "Whatever happened, there wasn't much of a struggle afterward."
"That's what concerns me," Satomi replied. "For someone to overcome Shalltear's mental defenses so completely..." She trailed off, leaving the implication hanging.
I nodded and surveyed the area.
"I suppose we shouldn't waste time, nothing less than a divine-tier item could do this and wasting time trying to find another way to do this isn't wise." Satomi said finally, raising her hand. The Shooting Star ring glinted on her finger as she began to concentrate. "Wish Upon a Star should be able to break this level of enchantment."
I watched expectantly as magical energy gathered around Satomi's form.
"I wish for the mind control taking a hold of Shalltear Bloodfallen to be dispelled." She announced, the arcane circles of power forming around her into a super-tier spell.
The ring pulsed with power, reality seeming to bend slightly around us as the wish-granting magic took effect. For a moment, it seemed as though it worked.
The air shimmered with potential, and Shalltear's form flickered slightly, as if something was trying to break through.
Then the circle shattered. The magic faded without effect, revealing the wish had failed.
Shalltear remained exactly as she had been, unmoving and unaware.
Satomi's shock was palpable, actually taking a step backward. "That's... impossible. The ring should have been able to... even Divine-class items shouldn't be able to resist it completely."
"What does this mean?" I asked, though I suspected I already knew the answer from her reaction.
"It's either a top-tier divine-tier level effect or…. A World Item," Satomi said, her voice tight with realization and growing dread. "Only a World Class Item could completely negate the Shooting Star ring's power."
"A world item?"
World Items were game-breaking artifacts in YGGDRASIL, the kind of power that could reshape entire conflicts. They were beyond rare, beyond valuable. Whoever had done this possessed resources and capabilities far beyond what we had initially assumed.
Most of all it meant world items existed outside of Nazarick, which was contradictory to what Satomi had told me was known of this world so far.
"We should retreat," Satomi said, taking another step back. "If our enemies have access to World Items, we need to reassess our approach completely. We're not prepared for this level of threat."
But I shook my head. "Look at her condition. Whoever used it seems to have fled already. The control is incomplete, which means they likely can't maintain it from a distance. This might be our best chance to act before they return to finish what they started."
Satomi hesitated, clearly torn between caution and the opportunity to save her subordinate. "But this risk is enormous, Zephyrion. We don't know what other preparations they might have made."
"Preparations that may not even be made yet considering no one has sprung out at us, preparations that could be made if we delay it and come back." I pointed out.
After a long moment, Satomi nodded reluctantly. "Very well. But we proceed with extreme caution and if this proves to be an ambush I want you to leave me behind instantly."
"Sure."
Satomi could tell I was lying immediately and let out a slight scowl.
She began casting again, this time preparing what looked like a complex identification spell to get more detailed information about Shalltear's condition.
"This should give us information without-"
The moment the spell touched Shalltear, everything changed.
The vampire's head snapped up with frightening speed, her red eyes blazing with emotion. In one fluid motion she raised her lance and that was all I could perceive as it was suddenly embedded into the ground where Satomi had been.
A shockwave unleashed and the ground shattered from the force.
I quickly backed away and Satomi's body began glowing as she quickly seemed to cast multiple spells on herself.
The lance returned to Shalltear who wore a slightly confused smirk. "My my Ainza-sama, did you come all the way out here just for me?"
The words were cold and lacked true emotion.
To which Satomi didn't reply.
"Very well then, let me show you your error."
She exploded at an insane amount of speed I couldn't even comprehend, only watching a massive explosion go off as she was suddenly sent backwards. Presumably by one of the trap spells Satomi had told me about. Perhaps Explode Mine?
The battle started in earnest from there and I was left as an afterthought.
Which was probably for the best.
I found myself in genuine awe at the massive amount of power being thrown around.
A wave of air exploded out, an impact sent shockwaves through the clearing, uprooting grass and cracking nearby tree trunks. Even from a distance away I had to make my stance more solid.
Magic erupted around them as Satomi began casting while dodging, something I could barely make out in the rapid secession of teleportation spells she casted.
I was forced further away, my skin tingling at the blink of light shone and the massive explosion of light after that nearly vaporised me as an afterthought.
For a while I could only watch the two of them battle with a frown.
I wanted to help, but I couldn't find any point in which I'd land a strike. They were genuinely just above my level in a way that couldn't be reached through tactics. I should be stronger, but this was the ultimate class… a realm not even my Father had ascended to even if he was at the very peak of the high-class with his talent.
A flash caught my attention and suddenly the forest on the opposite side of me was cut, as if space itself was torn apart hundreds of trees were sliced cleanly through the bark. I flinched back as a massive supernova of holy light exploded, my wings quickly taking me further back by a few miles. I quickly realised I couldn't even assist in such a battle. I was only able to see the after effects of each attack.
The entire area had turned into a wasteland in moments. It wasn't surprising. Demiurge had shown me how powerful one single tenth tier spell could be and they were presumably using multiple every few seconds.
The tenth tier magic was effectively in the realm of the ultimate-class, maybe even above that with the sheer attacking power some of the spells had. It was safe to say Satomi wasn't an ordinary ultimate class.
And she tells me that I cheat.
It was after five minutes of merely spectating that I started forward to assist, but movement in my peripheral vision made me pause. A figure in gleaming platinum-colored armor emerged from the treeline.
The armor itself seemed to flow like liquid metal, catching and reflecting the sunlight in impossible ways. The two orbs that served as eyes watched the battle for a moment before he turned to me.
I tilted my head in confusion at the newcomer's appearance, wondering if an NPC had been sent by Nazarick to help out.
My body naturally tensed.
The armored figure raised its hand and suddenly the air around him filled with floating weapons that hovered behind him as if suspended by invisible strings. Then they all turned toward me with predatory focus in the next instant.
"What the hell?" I muttered, confusion mixing with alarm.
The weapons launched themselves at me in perfect coordination. I felt a lance of shock, they exploded towards me in blurs that my vision struggled to track and moved at incredible speeds that I could barely track.
I was forced to barely dodge and tried to gain some distance as I tried to process what was happening.
Was this guy with the people who did this to Shalltear? Had the fighting drawn them here? I couldn't see anyone else.
I had no time to think.
A massive greatsword whistled past my ear, close enough that I felt the displaced air ruffle my hair. I rolled left, wings snapping out to propel me away as three more weapons converged on where I'd been standing.
The ground exploded, sending chunks of earth flying. The floating weapons coordinated back around the mysterious figure.
I considered drawing my weapon before deciding against it. It'd just make me slower and unfortunately I couldn't afford that.
Lightning Bolt
My hand raised forward, sending a crackling spear of electricity toward the armored figure. The lightning cracked and pierced in a straight line, the area bursting with the stinging taste of ozone and coloured in a flash of blue.
The figure simply raised its hand.
A shimmering barrier materialized and my spell splashed harmlessly against it.
What?
The weapons circled back, regrouping. Four of them now, a greatsword, a spear, a hammer, and what looked like a katana.
My wings beat hard, carrying me higher, but the weapons followed. The spear shot forward like a missile. I twisted midair, feeling it tear through my cloak. Too close.
Chain Dragon Lightning.
This time, I poured more demonic power into it, the spell crackling with dark energy. The dragon-headed bolt struck the armor directly and he attempted to dodge, but the spell connected with one of the weapons nearby, causing it to explode and managed to connect in an arc of electricity that merely cascaded over its platinum armour.
The figure staggered slightly but didn't show any other effect, he moved in a blur out of the way into the sky as balls of a variant of 'Confringo' I had enjoyed making, rained down, exploding into massive balls of fire from my outstretched hand.
Tiered magic I had found was stronger, but it was more costly and wizarding magic was seriously useful in its own right.
The armoured being recovered instantly and the weapons spun faster now, creating a defensive perimeter as the armor raised both hands. The greatsword came first this time, followed immediately by the hammer from my blind spot.
I barely managed to summon a Greater Magic Shield mixing with a shielding charm and a basic demonic barrier, the combination making a fierce defence. The barrier flickering into existence just as the weapons struck.
The impact sent a small shockwave out and I was tumbling through the air, my shield cracking like glass.
My other hand quickly sent a controlled beam of fire towards him, the flames locking through the air and travelling in a perfect column. A column he allowed to pass over him.
My feet touched the ground and I immediately had to dive again.
The katana had been waiting, slicing through the space where my neck had been.
The armoured knight didn't stop, already upon me and sending out a punch. I blocked, but found myself sent back with a boom and downwards into the ground.
The four weapons were on me and flashed golden for a second, blinding me completely. Despite that, I pulled myself back and kept flying, attempting to blink away the spots in my vision.
I narrowed my eyes and an armoured fist was already blurring towards my face. My head snapped to the side as I was punched, my hand alight with a complex magical circle.
But in that moment my hand managed to come into contact with his chest plate for just a moment.
"Napalm."
The single word caused a brief silence before a massive column of fire exploded out, sending the armoured figures away and covering my slightly blurry vision in fire.
The sound of roaring flames was the only sound that could be heard for a few seconds. After the flames died down, a slight whistling caught my attention and I ducked in time for a sword to slice past my head.
My eyes glanced back up, seeing the armoured figure completely unscathed. I frowned, all the while a small trail of blood was making its way down my lips.
I was only allowed a second to recover when a spear suddenly whistled down from the sky, I narrowly avoided and backed away with my hand flicking out.
'Bombarda.'
Balls of flaming red that made a large explosion when impacted his armour. He didn't bother dodging most of them, shrugging them off as he flew towards me.
The air rang around us as over the course of the next few minutes, I realised I was outmatched in power and whatever armour he was wearing was seriously overpowered.
My hands swiped out, deciding to try a different element and blades of wind formed purely from imagination magic sliced towards armoured figures who once more tanked them.
His armoured fist came in for a blow and I was only able to dodge before being forced back lest I be decapitated.
So he is highly resistant to magic.
An annoying opponent, though that Napalm spell did seem to force him back quite a bit. I wanted to click my tongue, if only I had a tenth or even a ninth tier spell on hand.
I dodged another weapon which proved to be a feint as a hammer crushed into my body, only being blocked slightly by my arms which didn't hold the force well. I bit down a scream at the damage I felt my body sustain and gained more distance.
He took that moment to explode towards me at full pace.
My hand allowed a mass amount of wind to act as a shockwave, pushing his rapidly approaching form back. The ground tore apart from the large amount of demonic power expended.
It was a good thing I had something better.
Destruction began crackling across my body in the word mutated static version. It seemed I needed to hit him with everything.
I dodged another weapon that sliced through a tree behind me and another one that tried to use the nearby trees as cover, then I found myself predictably in close quarters with him.
I breathed.
A storm of destruction raged out, sparks of static spiralling out chaotically. My demonic power began to plummet dangerously. The armoured being's shock began palpable and he instantly tried to retreat.
Even with his speed, which was far greater than mine he simply couldn't go unscathed. Tears ripped through his arms, surely crippling him and smaller bolts rippled out like limbs on the branches of destruction I created. His torso was pierced dozens of times.
As I let the destruction rage I found them spreading out of my like limbs.
My training with my bloodline had admittedly been slow.
It didn't take much for all my demonic power to be drained and it was beyond destructive to anywhere I trained. I had found even if enchanted items could resist it, with more demonic power they would get erased.
My demonic power dropped to below twenty five percent, but most importantly it was a death blow.
Static destruction washed over me harmlessly and branches of destruction were arched out.
The armoured being fell back through the air in a rapid blur, his body looking to fall out of the air as his armour just missed being cut in half by a thin line of destruction that formed.
I winced at the pain lancing through me.
I flew out of the massive storm of destruction I had created that had now formed, black and red energy hanging in the air. No wonder it cost so much demonic power.
A subtle flash caught my eyes and I could only try my best to move, which proved the only thing that stopped me from being pierced in the heart by a sword, which instead pierced through the side of my torso.
My eyes widened.
It had been hidden well, in one of the nearby trees that weren't destroyed and the armoured figure, whose torso was torn with rips and piercing cleanly through was somehow alive.
Another hammer shot towards my head but I managed to dodge, holding onto the sword as it attempted to twist itself to tear me apart from its place lodged within me.
I got over my shock quickly.
He had pretended to be dead and then ambushed me with a hidden weapon. I had been tracking the weapon but he must have slipped it away before my attack.
I tore the sword out of me. I spat out some blood and caught sight of the much larger battle taking place.
My body began falling into a free dive. My wand appeared in my hand.
If only I had time to charge my ring of holding this would have been slightly easier.
Napalm.
With one last idea, my wand stretched out and pointed vaguely at the rapidly moving Vampire.
"Finite."
The General Counter-Spell terminated all spell effects.
"Surgito."
A counter-charm that could be used to remove an enchantment.
There was a glow and it looked as if the two spells wouldn't work even with the amount of demonic energy packed within them. My ring shined and I used 'Penetrate' for the first time.
The spell shined purple.
Behind me, I heard Shalltear gasp as if surfacing from deep water. "Lord Ainza? What... what happened? Where... Lord Zephyrion!"
The booming voice shattered the area.
I chuckled with genuine amusement as the four weapons came piercing through the air. My vision felt slightly dim and my body weak, in truth with the destruction still in the air I could still pull a few moves and maybe even win, but that proved unnecessary.
The vampire's shriek of rage could have shattered glass. Suddenly, the armored figure found itself facing not just by me, but a fully-powered, utterly enraged Shalltear Bloodfallen in her Valkyrie armor.
"How DARE you attack Lord Zephyrion!" Shalltear's Lance materialized in her hands, divine power crackling around her form. "I'll tear you apart!"
A line appeared and the armoured figure had its arm torn off. I blinked, finding no blood spilled from the wound even as another leg came off in another swipe.
Shalltear was like a wild beast and the armoured figure was being torn apart by the second.
Satomi's eyes widened as she finally took me in, bloodied and kneeling.
The armor seemed to calculate its odds. Its weapons pulled back defensively.
Shalltear didn't give it time to retreat. She moved like crimson lightning, her lance striking the greatsword out of the air.
The weapon went flying, embedding itself in a distant hillside. Smoke rose up and in the three seconds that passed the armoured being had been torn into. Its torn off leg and arm seemed to float by its side.
The armor raised both hands and suddenly the air shimmered. A teleportation spell.
Shalltear didn't seem to care and sent a massive explosion of light that briefly blinded me, when the light died down he was gone. Along with everything behind him. For miles only scorched earth could be found from that single spell.
"Zephyrion." Satomi said desperately, she was already by my side pulling out a dozen different potions.
Shalltear followed an instant later, a look of self-hatred and worry shining in her crimson eyes.
She seemingly didn't know how to act, obviously wanting to crouch down but staying stood and looking around as if a magical army was going to teleport out of the blue.
I stared flatly. I wasn't that bad.
"I told you to run." Satomi scowled.
"Mhm."
I found myself on her lap.
A red liquid splashed onto my face.
"That's not very nice." I commented idly.
"Are you trying to enrage me?" Satomi shouted, startling Shalltear.
A little bit.
"No, sorry. He caught me off guard and you haven't taught me teleportation yet." I pointed out.
Satomi blinked and had an internal war with herself. She looked away and dropped another potion on me, which splashed across my deadpanned face.
I didn't mind too much, the burning pain was receding and I felt the wound closing.
Her lap was also really comfortable.
Shalltear looked at me tearfully.
She was adorable.
It was a minute later and after having multiple potions poured on me by a pouting Satomi, I stood up and pulled Shalltear into a hug. She was so adorable and the fact she was on the verge of tears was making me feel bad.
I pulled back. "It's okay."
"How did you undo the spell?" Satomi asked, both relieved, angry and curious.
"It's one of my own and I used penetrate to enhance its effects." I answered.
She opted on nodding and I knew it was a concern holding her back from asking more.
A flash of teleportation made Shalltear snap around, eyes narrowed and weapon in hand.
Only it was Demiurge and Albedo who were instantly beside me.
Albedo glomped me, looking to be genuinely crying and Demiurge looked to be going through some sort of demonic version of that.
I chuckled ruefully.
And then I was dragged back to Nazarick in a flash.
-Scene Break-
After returning to Nazarick, things had been rather uneventful, if you could call being smothered to death by Albedo uneventful.
Her fussing had been kind of nice after getting my ass kicked, though. Then there was Demiurge, who'd been following me around like a kicked puppy, or whatever the demon equivalent would be.
It turned out that Demiurge, Albedo, and Cocytus had all watched the battle. Apparently, even Albedo, despite arguing in my favor, had nearly stepped in to intervene. They'd become insufferably clingy since then. Every single guardian seemed personally offended that someone had dared attempt harming me. Satomi mentioned she was almost certain they were planning some kind of manhunt for my attacker.
I was beginning to understand just how fanatical the NPCs truly were. The worst part? Satomi just kept nodding along, encouraging whatever schemes they were cooking up. I was finally grasping what she'd meant about having extremely powerful, obsessive, and evil-aligned loyal servants. While their devotion was touching, I had the sinking feeling that some great calamity would result from it.
Albedo had already tripled the patrol routes. Demiurge kept presenting increasingly elaborate security proposals. Even Cocytus, usually so composed, had taken to shadowing me during my walks through the tomb. It was honestly kind of cute, and after a day of this treatment, I didn't really mind it.
Now I stood beside Satomi, watching as she turned the wishing ring over in her fingers. We were finally alone, and only because Satomi's presence had convinced the guardians to give us some space. Shalltear's revival was scheduled for a few hours from now.
My worry about Hestia grew with each passing moment.
Why hadn't she summoned me yet? If something wasn't done soon, I'd have to consider using the wishing ring as some sort of focus for my traveling ability.
At least the Falna connection I'd established proved it was possible, Satomi's efforts had confirmed that much. I'd definitely need to make a few hundred contracts for Hestia when I got back, assuming I ever did. Once again,
I'd been caught completely off guard by how events were unfolding.
But right now that wasn't what occupied my thoughts.
Fighting that mysterious opponent had revealed something crucial, I needed more power. Raw, undeniable power that went beyond what I currently possessed.
My magical prowess was coming along explosively but I wanted more power. And that wasn't just my devil instincts speaking or the fact it was one of my main goals to build a safe empire, further boosted by lucking out with Satomi and Nazarick.
"Are you sure?" Satomi's voice pulled me from my thoughts.
She held the ring up, concern evident in her expression despite her attempts to maintain her usual composed demeanor.
"I am," I replied firmly. "Becoming an Arch-Devil... it's the logical next step."
"I wouldn't say logical…" Satomi replied slowly.
I squinted my eyes.
"You suggested this." I pointed out.
"Yeah, but as a theory. I thought we were brain storming." Satomi replied back.
"We were and we did. You said an Arch-Devil has better racial bonuses." I replied seriously.
"That was in Yggdrasil and that was furthermore a game. We have multiple avenues outside of that that I planned on testing first. Like absorbing the soul of a Demon summon? Using the wishing rings to gain more upper tier magic and even trying to copy exclusive traits." Satomi said, crossing her arms. "There's no need to change your entire race."
"While I purchased a lot of wishing rings you are forgetting that we are burning through them rapidly. And they are a limited product. There's no more getting them after they're gone. And unless you're ready to start sacrificing levels, which I refuse to allow you to do, they will run out." I replied blandly. "The Demon summons could also have no soul at all. And that could go for all the summons."
"Still you know you can grow in power without changing your race," she pointed out and I could hear the worry beneath her tone.
"Yeah, I know. But this will help immensely." I paused, considering how to explain my reasoning. "And while absorbing souls is good, you can't do it too often or you can get overwhelmed. There's a reason it was banned and not done often, even by devils who ignored that prohibition."
The soul absorption method simply wasn't secure enough for the kind of power scaling I needed.
"Besides," I continued, meeting Satomi's gaze, "this couldn't hurt and I want the wish worded carefully. No drastic changes to my appearance. That shouldn't be too difficult to manage."
Even if something went wrong, we had contingencies.
More wishing rings, if necessary.
The transformation from Devil to Arch-Devil shouldn't be as dramatic as a complete racial change anyway. I was already partway there as a Devil, which should ease the process.
Satomi nodded slowly, her expression thoughtful. "I'll admit, I don't know if this will work exactly as we expect. The limitations of these rings were always... strange, even in YGGDRASIL. A complete race change would definitely be harder, but considering you're already a devil, the resistance should be significantly lessened."
She took a breath, holding the ring before her. I could see her mentally crafting the exact wording, ensuring precision in every syllable.
"Are you sure?" she asked one final time.
I nodded.
"Can't we use the seed of the world tree? I would feel much better if we did." Satomi asked again after a pause. "When choosing race you can even choose a design for your character and limit changes."
"No." I refused. "I'm not wasting a world item that I have no right to on myself."
Perhaps if it was anyone other than Satomi, but she had helped enough. She had solidified herself as someone special to me and honestly even if this all fell away that wouldn't change.
People who would genuinely help you like this didn't come around often. This racial change may seem drastic, but considering all the racial boosts and potential abilities I had to gain, when I was already a Devil. I decided it was worth it, I had been hesitant but that battle had made me all the surer.
This was the next step.
Satomi let out a sigh. "You truly are someone I wish to spend the rest of my life with."
I blinked in shock at the abrupt words.
She turned with a smile, holding a black box.
"Satomi…?"
"Sorry. Know that I do this out of pure love." She said, her gothic features lit up into a smile.
The box glowed and a ball of something reflective glowed in its midst, before bursting out and revealing itself to be a prismatic seed. It pulsed once.
My eyes widened, before I could even speak it shattered and flowed into my chest.
"I know you might be mad, but an Arch-Devil just isn't enough." Satomi said somberly. "I've directed it to make sure your appearance won't change too drastically. So don't worry."
Then something deep within me pulsed. It wasn't painful, not exactly, but it was overwhelming. My vision blurred and I quickly sat myself down on the couch.
And I responded by puking some sort of black fluid.
Damn it Satomi.
My demonic became utterly out of my control and I feel my consciousness fade.
-END-
if you wish to read up to seventeen chapters in advance amongst my stories and other things please visit pa/t reon * / Snipez818, I appreciate all the support!