The kitchen knife moved with precision, each cut deliberate and measured. Isaiah hummed softly as he worked, the melody carrying through the quiet morning air.
Around him, the counter had become a battlefield of culinary preparation—three cutting boards in various stages of use, pots simmering with different sauces, and the oven preheating for the final dishes.
His hands moved, dicing vegetables with the kind of speed that would make professional chefs pause. He'd been at this for over an hour now, and the results spoke for themselves.
Grilled meats marinated in special sauces sat cooling on racks. Rice dishes—some mixed with mountain vegetables, others with seafood—filled several containers. Tempura vegetables rested on absorbent paper, still crispy despite having been fried thirty minutes ago. Sweet desserts occupied their own section, carefully arranged to prevent any cross-contamination of flavors.
"Isaiah-sama?"
Ravel's sleepy voice made him glance up. The young Phenex stood in the kitchen doorway, her hair slightly mussed from sleep, wearing a casual robe that suggested she'd just woken up. Her eyes widened as they swept across him.
"Are we expecting guests?" she asked, moving closer to inspect the dishes.
Before Isaiah could answer, Rayne appeared behind her daughter, already fully dressed despite the early hour. The older woman's expression shifted from curiosity to something approaching concern as she took in the sheer volume of prepared food.
"Isaiah-sama, this is..." Rayne trailed off, clearly searching for the right words "Quite extensive. Would you like us to assist?"
Isaiah smiled, wiping his hands on a towel "Well, I'm almost done. I just need your help packing all of this."
Both exchanged glances, confusion evident on their faces, but they moved to help without question. That was something Isaiah appreciated about them, they asked questions when necessary, but they trusted his judgment enough to act first.
The next twenty minutes passed in organized chaos. Rayne demonstrated the efficiency that came from years managing the Phenex household, directing Ravel with quiet instructions while Isaiah finished the last few dishes. They packed everything into specialized containers, each one sealed to preserve freshness and temperature.
When the final dish was secured, Isaiah stepped back and surveyed the results. Dozens of containers, all perfectly packed, all containing food that would impress even the most discerning palate.
He extended his hand, and his demonic energy flared. A magic circle materialized beneath the packed containers, glowing with crimson light. One by one, the containers vanished into his storage dimension, disappearing in flashes of red.
"Isaiah-sama," Rayne said carefully, her tone respectful but curious. "For whom, you are preparing all this?"
Isaiah considered the question. His first instinct was to deflect, to maintain security. But these two had proven themselves beyond any doubt. Rayne's loyalty was absolute, and Ravel had chosen to follow him even at the cost of her family's approval.
"Do you remember when I told you I went to the Familiar Forest with Rias and her peerage?" he asked, turning to face them properly.
Ravel nodded, her expression attentive. Rayne's eyes had already sharpened with interest.
"While I was there, I encountered someone unexpected. Tiamat"
The effect was immediate and dramatic. Ravel's eyes went wide, her mouth opening slightly in shock. Rayne's composure cracked, genuine surprise breaking through her usual controlled expression.
"The Chaos Karma Dragon?" Rayne breathed. "One of the Dragon Kings?"
"The same," Isaiah confirmed. "We came to an arrangement. She owes me a favor, and I've been working on recovering some of her lost treasures. We've developed something of an understanding."
"You befriended a Dragon King," Ravel said slowly, as if testing the words to see if they made sense. "Isaiah-sama, that's... that's incredible. Most devils live their entire lives without even seeing one of the Dragon Kings, and you've made one your ally?"
"I wouldn't say ally exactly," Isaiah cautioned. "More like... mutually beneficial acquaintances. But for someone like Tiamat, who possesses both immense power and uncounted treasures, bringing a material gift would be pointless. So I thought—what could I offer that she might actually appreciate?"
He gestured to where the containers had been. "This seemed like the best answer. A gesture of respect and kindness that costs me time and effort rather than money. What do you both think?"
"I think she'll love it," Ravel said immediately, her earlier shock giving way to enthusiasm. "Your cooking is amazing, Isaiah-sama. I can't imagine anyone not appreciating it, even a Dragon King."
Rayne nodded slowly, her analytical mind clearly working through the implications. "It's a thoughtful approach. Personal effort demonstrates respect in ways that treasure cannot, especially to one who already possesses so much. And it establishes a different kind of relationship—one based on personal connection rather than transaction."
Isaiah smiled at her insight. Rayne's political acumen was sharp as ever.
"Isaiah-sama," Rayne continued, her tone shifting to something more hesitant. "If I may ask... would it be possible for Ravel and myself to accompany you?"
Isaiah considered the request. Part of him wanted to say yes—both women deserved opportunities like this, and introducing his peerage members to important contacts was strategically sound.
But bringing unexpected guests to a Dragon King's lair, especially when he was about to ask for a significant favor, seemed unwise. Tiamat might not mind, but why risk souring her mood before he'd even made his request?
He said gently but firmly "I promise I'll bring you both when the circumstances are better. Right now, I need to be careful. I'm going to ask her for something that requires a careful approach"
"What kind of favor?" Rayne asked, and there was no mistaking the protective concern in her voice.
Isaiah's expression hardened slightly, his hand unconsciously forming a fist. "After my fight with the White Dragon Emperor, I can't afford to remain static. There are way stronger individuals out there"
Understanding dawned in Rayne's eyes "So you want to become stronger"
"Not just strong" Isaiah corrected. "I'm going to ask Tiamat to help me develop a deeper understanding of dragon-related magic. My dragon slaying swords did their job, but With proper training from an actual Dragon King, I can transform them into something that will make someone think twice before looking for trouble with me"
His fist clenched tighter, and shadows flickered at the edges of his fingers—a subconscious manifestation of his new shadow dragon slayer magic responding to his emotions.
Ravel stepped forward, her young face set with determination that reminded Isaiah why he valued her "Isaiah-sama, you're not going to face him alone. We're your peerage. We're supposed to fight beside you, protect you."
"She's right," Rayne added, moving to stand beside her daughter. "We may not have been there for your last battle, but we will be there for the next. You're not bearing this burden by yourself."
Something warm settled in Isaiah's chest at their declarations. He'd meant what he said about considering them family, but hearing them claim their place at his side with such conviction still affected him.
This is what real loyalty looks like, he thought. Not the political maneuvering and calculated alliances of the Phenex clan, but genuine bonds forged through trust and shared purpose.
"I know," he said softly. "And I'm counting on it. But right now, this is something I need to do myself"
He checked the time with a glance at the kitchen clock. If he wanted to catch Tiamat at a reasonable hour—assuming Dragon Kings even cared about such things—he should leave soon.
"I should go," Isaiah said, straightening his clothes with a quick adjustment. "Thank you both for your help"
"Be safe, Isaiah-sama," Rayne said, and there was genuine warmth in her voice.
"Don't let her bully you!" Ravel added with forced cheerfulness, though worry still lingered in her eyes.
Isaiah smiled at them both.
I'm lucky to have them, he thought as reality shifted around him. *Whatever happens, I need to make sure I'm strong enough to protect them and everyone I treasure"
The world reformed around him in a cascade of crimson light.
---
The cavern that served as Tiamat's lair hadn't changed since Isaiah's last visit. Massive stalactites hung from the ceiling like the teeth of some primordial beast, and the walls glittered with embedded gemstones that caught and reflected the ambient light. Piles of treasure—gold coins, precious artifacts, ancient weapons—lay scattered throughout the space in carefully organized chaos.
And there, reclining on a flat boulder that served as a makeshift bed, was Tiamat herself.
She'd taken her human form, though "human" was perhaps too generous a term. The body was feminine and undeniably beautiful, with curves that would make mortal men forget their own names. Long blue hair cascaded across the rock like a waterfall of sapphire. And she wore absolutely nothing, her complete nakedness presented with the casual indifference of someone who viewed clothing as an optional accessory at best.
She knows exactly what she's doing Isaiah thought with internal amusement But, I have levelled up a long time ago to shy away from this
He kept his expression neutral, his eyes focused on her face rather than letting them wander.
"Well, well," Tiamat's voice was a purr, lazy and amused. "The little devil returns. Have you come to deliver information about my lost treasures? Please tell me you've found some of them."
"Not yet," Isaiah admitted, stepping further into the cavern "I've mapped out several potential locations based on what Ddraig told me so far. I promise I'll retrieve everything, given enough time"
Tiamat's smile widened "Confident, aren't you? I like that" She shifted on her rock, stretching like a cat in the sun "But if you're not here about my treasures, then what brings you to my humble lair? Surely not just to admire the view?"
Her eyes glinted with mischief at that last word, and Isaiah had to suppress a smile. The dragon was teasing him, testing his composure. It was almost refreshing compared to the political games of devil society.
"I came to ask for that favor you promised me"
The playful atmosphere shifted immediately. Tiamat's eyes sharpened, her full attention focusing on him with an intensity that reminded Isaiah exactly what she was—not a beautiful woman, but a Dragon King who could end him with a thought.
She stood, movements fluid and graceful, then dropped down from the boulder to land beside him. Still completely naked, she crossed her arms and studied him with open curiosity.
"Interesting. I wondered what you'd ask for. So tell me, little devil. What favor is worth spending this debt?"
Isaiah didn't answer immediately. Instead, he focused, drawing on the power he'd only recently acquired. His demonic energy swirled around him, but it was changing, transforming into something different. Shadows deepened unnaturally, clinging to his skin like living darkness.
His body became wreathed in an aura of shadows so thick they seemed almost solid, darker than anything natural. Scale-like patterns materialized on his skin—intricate, dark designs that spread from around his eyes, down the sides of his neck, across his arms and torso. The patterns were most uniform at the extremities, becoming more scattered and distinct near his core, where individual elongated scales lay diagonal across his chest.
Dragon Force. The pinnacle of shadow dragon slayer magic, achieved without consuming external sources of power.
Tiamat's single raised eyebrow was her only visible reaction. No alarm, no surprise—just mild amusement mixed with genuine interest.
"Dragon Slayer Magic?" she asked, her tone curious rather than threatened. "How fascinating. I haven't encountered that particular brand of magic in quite some time."
Isaiah let the transformation fade, the shadows receding back into his natural demonic energy. "Yesterday, I fought against Albion's host. He pushed me to my limits"
"Ah." Understanding flickered in Tiamat's eyes.
"I want to learn that to fight against dragons"
He met her gaze directly, letting her see the determination there. "That's my favor. Train me. Help me develop this dragon slayer magic to its full potential. I don't know exactly what this magic is capable of, but you're a Dragon King. If anyone can help me refine it into a weapon worthy of facing dragons, it's you."
Silence fell across the cavern. Tiamat's eyes traced the lingering traces of shadow energy around him.
Finally, she said "I don't know the specifics of this particular magic. Dragon Slayer variants are rare and diverse, each one unique in its applications and limitations. But..." A smile curved her lips "If training you fulfills my favor, then I don't mind taking on that task"
Relief started to bloom in Isaiah's chest, but Tiamat's next words cut it short.
"However, don't expect any mercy. Training with a Dragon King isn't like your little sparring matches or Rating Games. You will be pushed beyond your limits. You will suffer. You may very well die in the process." Her eyes glinted with something that might have been anticipation.
Isaiah felt his pulse quicken, but not with fear. With excitement. This was exactly what he needed—someone who wouldn't hold back, who would force him to grow or break trying.
"I'd prefer to die trying than die helpless," he said firmly "So, When do we start?"
Tiamat laughed "I appreciate your eagerness. We'll begin—"
She turned to walk back to her boulder, clearly intending to resume her interrupted nap. But Isaiah's voice stopped her mid-step.
"Tiamat-san."
She glanced back over her shoulder, curiosity evident "What now?"
"Before we start, there's something else I wanted to offer you." Isaiah smiled, snapping his fingers. "Some food I prepared this morning. Consider it a gesture of appreciation for agreeing to train me."
The magic circle that materialized beneath his feet was enormous, glowing with crimson light that filled the entire cavern. Tiamat's eyes widened slightly as container after container emerged from the storage dimension, appearing in flashes of red light until dozens of them surrounded Isaiah in a perfect circle.
Then, with another pulse of magic, the containers opened.
The aroma hit Tiamat like a breath of fresh air on top of mountain.
Her nostrils flared involuntarily as she inhaled, and Isaiah watched her entire body go rigid. She sniffed once, twice, three times—each inhalation deeper than the last. Her eyes, previously sharp and analytical, went slightly unfocused as the scents of various delicacies washed over her.
Grilled meats glazed with secret sauces that had taken hours to perfect. Rice dishes mixed with carefully selected ingredients. Tempura vegetables still somehow crispy despite the time that had passed. Sweet desserts that promised satisfaction with every bite.
"What..." Tiamat's voice was barely above a whisper. "What is this?"
She took a step closer, then another, drawn forward as if by invisible strings. Her pride as a Dragon King seemed to war with something more primal, more basic—pure hunger stimulated beyond reason.
"It's as if they're grabbing me," she murmured, still staring at the spread with an expression Isaiah had never seen on her face before. "Commanding me to devour them to my heart's content."
"Tiamat-san," Isaiah said gently, drawing her attention back to him. "This took me considerable effort to prepare. I hope it suits your taste well enough."
The spell broke. Tiamat straightened, her pride reasserting itself. She coughed once, clearly trying to regain her composure.
"I... accept your gesture," she said, her tone attempting dignity even as her eyes kept drifting back to the food. "It would be rude to refuse such an offering from my student"
She reached for the nearest dish—a platter of grilled meat glazed in a sauce that glistened like liquid gold in the cavern's light. Her movement was swift, almost aggressive, as she picked up a piece and brought it to her mouth.
The moment the meat touched her tongue.
Tiamat froze. Her eyes went wide, then slowly closed. A sound escaped her mouth that was somewhere between a moan and a purr, and her entire body seemed to melt, tension draining away as if it had never existed.
Is this what treasure truly means? The thought flashed through her mind unbidden. Not gold or gems or ancient artifacts, but this sensation, this moment of pure bliss?
When her eyes opened again, they held a wildness that made Isaiah take an involuntary step back.
Tiamat descended on the food like a dragon on a rampage.
She moved with speed that blurred, her hands becoming nearly invisible as she grabbed dish after dish. Grilled meats vanished in seconds. Rice dishes followed. The tempura vegetables barely had time to exist before being consumed. Sweet desserts disappeared with such velocity that Isaiah could barely track their passage from container to mouth.
And through it all, Tiamat made sounds—little noises of satisfaction and pleasure that grew progressively louder as she worked through the spread. She didn't eat so much as inhale, each dish receiving approximately three seconds of her attention before she moved to the next.
Isaiah watched with a mixture of satisfaction and mounting concern. He'd known his cooking was good—had received enough compliments from Rayne, Ravel, and others to be confident in his skills. But this...
Is it really that easy to win over a Dragon King? he thought, sweatdropping as Tiamat demolished what had taken him hours to prepare in less than five minutes.
But even as he thought that, he felt something warm settle in his chest. Tiamat, the Chaos Karma Dragon, was experiencing something beyond the pleasure of hoarding treasure. She was discovering a different kind of value—the satisfaction of a perfect meal, the joy of taste and texture, the simple pleasure that transcended material worth.
Maybe, Isaiah thought with a small smile, she's beginning to see past the obsession with treasure
The last dish vanished into Tiamat's mouth. She stood there for a moment, breathing heavily, her entire body flushed with satisfaction. Then, slowly, inevitably, she collapsed.
The mighty Dragon King hit the cavern floor with an unceremonious thud, lying spread-eagle on her back, her stomach noticeably distended from the sheer volume of food she'd consumed.
"I'm... so... full..." she murmured, staring at the cavern ceiling with glassy eyes. "That was... incredible..."
- - -
[ Few Moments Later ]
"I'm sorry, but I can't become your cook for eternity"
Isaiah spoke with gentle firmness to the Dragon King currently sprawled on the floor like a satisfied housecat.
Tiamat's eyes, which had been peacefully closed in food-induced bliss, snapped open. She turned her head to stare at him, and there was something dangerous in her gaze.
"Oh?" Her voice carried a mock-threatening edge "And if I simply force you? I am a Dragon King, little devil. Making you my personal chef wouldn't be a hassle"
"It wouldn't work," Isaiah replied calmly. "Forced cooking lacks soul. The food would be technically correct but emotionally empty. You'd always know the difference, and it would frustrate you until you couldn't stand it anymore."
Tiamat considered this, then made a disgruntled sound, not knowing that he was just trolling her.
"You're probably right. How annoying!"
"However," Isaiah continued, and Tiamat's attention sharpened. "Don't worry, Tiamat-san. Every time I visit you, I'll bring lots of food. And now that you've agreed to train me, there will be lots of visits"
The Dragon King's expression shifted from threatening to calculating to satisfied in rapid succession "It better be as delicious as this was" she said, pointing one finger at him with more dramatic flair than actual menace "Every single visit. Don't forget, little devil"
"You have my word."
Tiamat nodded, apparently content with this arrangement. She settled back onto the floor, her hands resting on her distended stomach, and closed her eyes again.
It might not be an exaggeration, Isaiah thought as he prepared to leave, to say that my cooking can be placed in the same category as a Longinus. At least in terms of its ability to be effective against powerful beings.
The magic circle materialized beneath his feet, glowing crimson in the cavern's ambient light. As the teleportation magic began to take hold, Isaiah allowed himself one last thought.
It's time to add new members to my peerage. With Tiamat's training secured and my new abilities settling into place, I need to build my forces. The enemies ahead are fully prepared to strike me down.
The world dissolved into red light, leaving behind only a very satisfied Dragon King and a collection of empty containers that had once held the best meal of her extremely long life.
. . .
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