DID YOU KNOW? YOU CAN NOW READ THREE TO SIX CHAPTERS AHEAD. CHECK MY PROFILE FOR THE LINK.
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"They're all prepared, Lady Kaede."
One of the gathered dwarven craftsmen stepped forward, unable to hide the excitement shining across his weathered face.
Kaede smiled warmly. "Thank you, Holund."
"The honour is mine, Lady Empress." He bowed deeply before returning to the cluster of blacksmiths, artificers, and craftsmen waiting eagerly to witness the results of their labour.
At the very centre of the industrial estate, an enormous section of the grounds had been cleared.
Occupying that space was a formation of humanoid figures standing in perfectly ordered rows.
At first glance, they resembled little more than finely crafted mannequins. There were exactly two hundred and ten of them.
They were anything but mannequins.
Each was a golem painstakingly forged from some of the finest alloys Maple Tree could produce, brought into existence through the combined efforts of the nation's greatest blacksmiths, artificers, and engineers.
These would become the new bodies of Maple Tree's newest citizens.
At the head of the formation stood one final golem. Unlike the others, it was immediately recognizable.
Its frame was broader, its armour thicker, and even while completely inactive, waves of dense magicules continuously rolled from its body, subtly distorting the surrounding air.
One would never mistake it for an ordinary construct.
It looked less like a machine... and more like a sleeping monster.
"Ready to receive your name?" Kaede asked, glancing toward Jaune.
The Primordial Demon didn't answer immediately.
She stood completely captivated before the enormous construct that would soon become her new vessel, slowly running a hand across its polished surface as though afraid it might vanish if she blinked.
"...Oh, absolutely." She practically vibrated with anticipation, golden eyes sparkling with childlike excitement. "I can't wait to try it."
"Hm." Chibari folded her muscular arms across her chest, raising an eyebrow as she watched Jaune practically fawn over the golem.
"Should we really not be worried?" She looked toward Kaede.
"She had me install a frankly ridiculous number of offensive systems into that thing." The dwarf scratched the side of her head. "Does she seriously intend to use all of them?"
Her expression grew a little more serious. "Not to mention that part of the Chaos Flame is serving as one of its primary cores."
She exhaled through her nose. "Isn't that... just a little reckless, my Lady?"
"That's an absurd amount of power to hand over to someone we've barely known for a week."
Kaede merely grinned. "I just want everyone under me to have the opportunity to reach their true potential."
She looked toward Jaune. "And as for getting to know her..." Her smile softened. "Isn't that exactly what we're doing?"
Chibari stared at her for a long moment before eventually shrugging. "As long as I get to keep pushing my craft to new heights..." A small grin tugged at the corner of her mouth. "...I suppose I can overlook it."
She paused. "...To some extent."
Kaede's grin shrank ever so slightly. "...Fair enough." She let out a resigned sigh before stepping toward Jaune.
"Alright." She clapped her hands together once. "You can begin."
Jaune's grin widened instantly. For the briefest moment, it became unmistakably feral.
She turned toward the two hundred and ten silent golems standing patiently in formation and spread her arms wide.
"Alright, you idiots!" Her voice echoed across the entire estate. "Manifest yourselves!"
An oppressive pressure descended across the industrial district as hundreds of crimson magic circles unfolded high above the formation.
The sky itself darkened.
Several of the younger craftsmen instinctively stumbled backwards.
One after another, figures emerged from the summoning circles.
Each looked less humanoid and more monstrous than the last.
Towering wraith-like silhouettes drifted silently above their chosen vessels, as though they had already decided long before manifesting. Without hesitation, each demon descended toward a different golem, their spiritual forms slowly intertwining with the constructs as the possession began.
Under normal circumstances, possessing a simple golem was little more than a temporary solution for demonkind. While it allowed them to operate within the material world, such bodies were rigid and lacked the natural responsiveness and complete autonomy of flesh.
These golems, however, were different.
Forged from different refined spirit metals, each construct simultaneously existed in both the material world and the Spiritual Realm, even while dormant.
By completely fusing with them, the demons would inherit that same dual existence.
They would become beings that existed as both spiritual and material lifeforms at once, enjoying the advantages of each while suffering the limitations of neither.
Across the estate, the golems began to writhe and shift.
Their metallic bodies rippled like living mosaics as they gradually merged with the demons inhabiting them. Some grew taller and broader, others became leaner or abandoned their humanoid proportions entirely. Horns, tails, claws, wings, and countless other features emerged as each body adapted itself to the nature of its new owner.
Jaune wasted no time either.
Jaune's body dissolved into an immense golden spiritual form, the Primordial's true essence spilling free as it enveloped the enormous golem before sinking into it like water disappearing into a sponge.
The construct shuddered violently.
Its massive frame began to change almost immediately.
The bulky armor streamlined into a more elegant silhouette. Large wings unfolded from its back, while a pair of sweeping horns emerged from its head. Long, shimmering golden hair flowed down behind it as the transformation continued, the surrounding magicules surging with every passing moment.
As the transformation progressed, Kaede walked calmly toward the Primordial Demon, a gentle smile on her face.
She placed a hand against the construct's chest.
"From this day forward," she said softly, "your name is... Audriel."
The instant the name left Kaede's lips, the world seemed to pause. The sound reverberated far beyond the industrial district.
Then the golden spiritual energy that had been quietly contained within the golem's frame erupted outward all at once, pouring from every seam and joint like light forced through cracked stone. It rose upward in sweeping arcs before curving back inward, wrapping around the construct from every direction simultaneously until the figure within had been completely swallowed by a dense shell of intertwined crimson and gold.
The golden cocoon surrounding the Primordial pulsed once, then again.
Every pulse sent a tidal wave of magicules crashing across the estate, forcing cloaks and banners to whip violently in the wind. Even the surrounding barrier arrays flared instinctively, reacting to the sudden surge of energy.
The cocoon itself continued to grow brighter.
Crimson and gold intertwined across its surface like rivers of molten light, the two colours endlessly chasing one another as though they had become inseparable.
Within it, a heartbeat echoed.
Thump.
The pressure doubled.
Several of the craftsmen instinctively dropped to one knee, their breathing becoming noticeably heavier beneath the overwhelming aura.
Thump.
The surrounding magicules spiralled towards the cocoon in a colossal vortex.
Cracks of brilliant golden light spread across the cocoon.
The pressure abruptly vanished, and silence descended.
The entire cocoon exploded into countless fragments of golden and crimson light.
Rather than scattering, the fragments dissolved into glittering particles that drifted gently through the air like embers carried upon a summer breeze.
A single figure stepped forward. It was almost as though she had emerged from beneath the surface of a tranquil lake.
Golden light rolled away from her body in gentle waves as she took one graceful step after another through the fading particles.
The wings were gone. The horns had disappeared completely. So too had every distinctly demonic feature.
She looked... entirely human.
Long, dazzling golden hair flowed freely down her back, catching the light with every movement until it almost seemed woven from sunlight itself. Her complexion was flawless, her features impossibly refined without appearing artificial, while brilliant golden eyes quietly observed the world with newfound clarity.
She wore a pristine white shirt beneath Maple Tree's familiar uniform jacket.Unlike Kaede's, however, hers wasn't properly worn. Instead, it rested casually across her shoulders like a cape, sleeves hanging loose behind her as though she had simply draped it there without a second thought.
Her trousers were jet black, trimmed with intricate crimson linen running along the seams, matching the subtle red accents decorating the jacket itself.
A soft laugh escaped her lips. "So this..." Her smile gradually widened. "...This is what being alive feels like." Her breathing became uneven.
Audriel wrapped both arms around herself, fingers digging into her sleeves.
She could feel the fabric against her skin. The breeze brushing against her hair. The steady rhythm of her own heartbeat echoing through her chest.
A sensation so ordinary to most... "...Amazing..." Another laugh escaped her. This one trembled ever so slightly.
Her shoulders quivered with excitement as she turned her head from side to side, taking in every sensation the world offered.
Then, without the slightest hesitation, she dropped to one knee before Kaede.
Her head bowed deeply, golden hair spilled across the ground. "My Lady." Her voice carried none of its usual playful arrogance, or whining drawl. Only absolute sincerity.
"You have given me more than a name." She placed a hand over her chest. "You have given me a life."
She slowly lifted her head, brilliant golden eyes shining with unmistakable emotion. "My body, my future, my very existence... They are yours. I, Audriel, pledge myself to you once more. I shall follow you until the very end."
Silence settled over the estate. Many of the gathered craftsmen instinctively straightened.
Kaede simply smiled. The same warm, gentle smile she always wore. "I'm happy to have you with us, Audriel."
Those simple words caused the newly born Primordial's smile to brighten even further. "...Then I'll make sure you never regret it."
The overwhelming pressure that had blanketed the estate gradually settled back into her body, becoming perfectly restrained.
---
The remainder of the ceremony continued for several hours.
One after another, Kaede bestowed names upon every demon that had answered Audriel's call.
As the names accumulated, the industrial estate repeatedly erupted with brilliant pillars of light as demons evolved into entirely new forms, their freshly forged bodies adapting alongside their awakened souls.
Some retained imposing physiques befitting veteran warriors. Others resembled elegant nobles, scholars, artisans, or knights.
No two appearances were alike. Yet all of them now shared one thing in common.
They were no longer demons borrowing temporary vessels. They had become true citizens of Maple Tree. Beings of flesh, spirit, and steel.
Kaede paused at the last demon, her brows lifting slightly as she looked him over. "Uhm, Audriel," she began, glancing sideways. "Didn't you say you had two hundred subordinates?"
"Uh, yeah. Why?" Audriel stepped up beside her before following Kaede's gaze. "...Hah?" She frowned. "Who the hell are you!?"
The demon in question was a lanky-looking teenager whose entire appearance stood out from the others. His messy black hair framed a youthful face carrying an almost perpetual look of defiance, while his clothing consisted of black garments covered in belts, straps, and crimson accents, giving him the unmistakable appearance of a punk straight out of Earth.
The demon straightened almost immediately.
She stared at him for another second before narrowing her eyes. A look of realization crossed her face. "You're one of Noir's descendants."
The demon looked confused. "Who the hell is that?"
Before Audriel could ask another question, two figures hurried across the estate.
"My Lady!" The pair came to a stop beside Audriel before bowing.
One was a tall, broad-shouldered demon with neatly combed crimson hair and an immaculate uniform.
The other possessed a leaner build, silver eyes constantly scanning the demon with practiced vigilance.
"Raide. Gaide." Audriel looked between them. "Do you know this guy?"
The two exchanged a glance. "...Unfortunately."
Raide rubbed the bridge of his nose. "He has been wandering around our territory for quite some time."
Gaide sighed. "He keeps challenging everyone he thinks looks strong."
"And?"
"He loses."
"Every time," Raide added flatly.
The black-haired demon didn't appear embarrassed in the slightest. "Well... yeah."
"I was looking for strong opponents." He shrugged as though it were the most natural thing in the world. "Even if I lose, I get stronger."
"If I win..." He grinned. "...Then I know I've become stronger."
A brief silence followed.
Then, Kaede giggled. The quiet laugh quickly became a full chuckle as she covered her mouth.
"I like him." Kaede's smile only widened as she looked at the uninvited demon. "So..." she asked warmly. "Since you've come all this way..."
"...Would you like a name too?"