-----
-----
"So, by 'become yours,' you mean I'll be reborn as a demon, and become your... servant?"
After hearing Minato's explanation, Utaha finally understood, though her eyes were still filled with mixed feelings.
Can't this guy explain things properly for once?
Minato looked innocent, like you're the one who misunderstood.
Technically, he wasn't wrong.
Once she became his follower, she would basically be his servant.
Utaha took a deep breath and said, "Alright, fine. I agree."
"You're agreeing just like that?"
Minato was a little surprised. "I was all ready to pressure you into saying yes."
"You were clearly planning something shady just now."
Utaha narrowed her eyes, then suddenly smiled.
"Actually, when you think about it, becoming a demon doesn't sound so bad."
"I mean, this world has cursed spirits and demons—so there's a real chance other myths and legends might be true too. If I hadn't seen it for myself, fine. But now that I know what this world is really like, there's no way I'm staying a regular person."
"Plus, according to you, even the lowest-level demons live for hundreds of years and can stay young forever. That's like, everyone's dream."
Minato: "..."
Honestly, she had a point. It was hard to argue with that logic.
Figures she's a novelist—she thought it all through in seconds.
Even though that crossed his mind, Minato kept a straight face as he picked up the queen piece. "Alright, I'm gonna start. It might sting a little."
"Bring it on!"
Utaha nodded firmly, full of resolve.
But after a while, she noticed Minato still hadn't done anything. She gave him a confused look.
"Ahem... It's my first time, so I don't really have experience."
Minato coughed awkwardly and then got to work.
"Wait—why are you lifting my shirt, Mister Demon? You couldn't wait, huh?"
"Relax, just lifting a corner. It'll be over quick."
"Wait, slow down—"
"Just hang in there. Almost done—"
Finally, the queen piece fully merged with Utaha.
"Is it... done?"
Utaha clutched her shoulder, her voice shaky.
"Probably," Minato said with a bit of hesitation.
"Huh?!"
Utaha's eyes widened as her mouth twitched. "Are you sure this isn't dangerous, Mister Demon?"
"Don't worry. Absolutely safe," Minato said confidently. "I guarantee you won't die."
"That's not the kind of reassurance I need, you bastard demon!"
Right after yelling that, Utaha suddenly froze up. Her body trembled slightly as a strange energy surged through her.
At the same time—
A dark red magic circle appeared beneath her.
[Origin: +1]
Minato glanced at the virtual panel, then began observing carefully.
Now then…
This was his first time witnessing a reincarnation ceremony.
According to the system, devils who reincarnate others using Evil Pieces each grant specific traits based on the piece used:
King: The core piece. The devil who owns this can reincarnate others into devils.
Queen: Has the abilities of all the pieces except the King and Pawns.
Rook: Gains enhanced strength and defense.
Bishop: Gains magical talent.
Knight: Gains incredible speed.
Pawn: While it's considered the weakest, it has the unique ability to promote to any other piece if the King allows, instantly gaining new powers.
As for why he gave Utah the highest-value Queen piece? Honestly, just a gut feeling.
Besides, Evil Pieces were just a bonus to him—no big loss even if a few went to waste.
At the very least, scoring a beautiful girl was definitely worth it. He was totally the type to judge by looks.
After a while, Utaha finally stood up, her face completely flushed and her body covered in a sheen of sweat.
Looking down at herself in slight disgust, she slipped off her black stockings, letting her snow-white toes touch the floor.
Across from her, Minato's gaze unconsciously drifted downward.
"Hey, Mr. Demon, have you stared enough?"
Utaha curled her toes a little and smiled sweetly at Minato.
"Oh?" Minato smiled back. "Shouldn't you change how you address me now?"
Utaha gave him a weird look and said, "How about... Pervert Master?"
"If you think that sounds respectful, I've got no problem with it."
"Yup, as I thought—you're a total perv, Master."
"Thanks for the compliment."
Minato pulled out his phone. "Let's swap contact info. It'll be easier to reach you later."
"Demons exchange numbers like it's nothing?" she muttered while taking out her phone.
Once they'd exchanged contacts, Minato handed her a few magic books. "Here. Besides your physical changes, you should've also gained some magical talent. Take a look for yourself."
Her eyes lit up instantly, filled with excitement.
Magic!
The stuff of legends—she was finally going to learn the truth about the world!
Seeing her reaction, Minato picked up one of the books and said,"This one's about the basics of magic. I suggest starting with it. If you don't understand anything, just ask me."
"Mhm!" Utaha nodded eagerly and immediately dove into the book.
Minato didn't bother her and instead made himself a cup of tea. He sat back and took a sip.
But before long—
His pupils shrank slightly.
Utaha had raised her hand, and a strange ripple pulsed through the air.
Minato knew exactly what this meant—she was casting magic.
Buzz!
The room lit up as a faint blue magic circle appeared in mid-air.
Whoosh whoosh—
A soft breeze stirred through the room.
"This... is magic?" Utaha looked entranced.
She was like a kid with a brand-new toy and kept flipping through the pages of the magic book.
"..."
Minato fell silent as he watched.
Looks like his instincts were right—this girl was a natural genius.
Still, wasn't this a bit much?
That was her first time seeing basic magic, and she already mastered it?
Even someone with a special bloodline like Akeno Himejima might not do any better.
"....."