─Tomorrow, I will personally descend.
A full day passed after hearing that telepathic message.
Ezekiel had not slept a wink, facing the day. He had spent the night surveying the city’s insides.
Dimensional gate, training ground, sanctuary, storage… The structures of the Demon Realm were similar yet different from those of the continent, providing great information with every glance.
What would be the magnificent outcome if I brought this back to the continent and merged it? My inspiration was bubbling.
And I felt the Emperor’s strength anew.
‘Even though he emitted such a strong presence, it seemed like neither the guards nor the demons noticed at all. I wonder how well I need to control my prayer to achieve that.’
Ezekiel was quite good at managing his chill, but the level at which the Emperor contained and wielded his power could only be called extraordinary.
The Demon Lord and the Emperor both freely emitted and concealed their powerful auras. I wonder if one day, when I reach my peak, I could do that too.
“Brother….”
Ah, and.
The truth was, Ezekiel didn’t stay awake just because he found the city interesting. There was another reason.
“Brother, my body is in such a desperate state… I want to accept your touch and your things, and I’m struggling like this… Let’s just go to the bedroom…”
As soon as he returned to the bedroom, it was clear he would have to unite with Arcne, so he couldn’t go back.
‘My body has changed since uniting with Ether.’
After accepting Ether’s warmth, he also gained an elemental within him, making it much easier to consume Sun Elixir.
But what would happen if he carelessly united with Arcne?
He had no idea what might occur inside him. If his physical constitution, which had improved, got worse, that would be the worst case.
Of course, Ezekiel would only unite with Arcne if his feelings toward her were right, but even if they did unite, understanding her physique perfectly was the priority.
“Brother…. Ah, then at least just your hand, please… My insides are so hot and tingly…. If only you could hold me just a little, just once…”
As Arcne continued to pout, it happened.
“…”
It was as if time had come to a halt; Arcne stopped her movements.
Could it be that she was frowning because she rejected the union? As that thought crossed Ezekiel’s mind.
“Brother, wait a moment.”
Swish, swish─!
Webs spread in all directions, shaping themselves like a fortress. Arcne stepped lightly on the elastic webs and jumped high into the air.
And a moment later.
Arcne landed with a rather serious expression.
“…There’s an intruder. A very strong one.”
Thud─! Thud─! Thud─! Thud─!
At the same time, a massive drumbeat began to echo. The alarm system of the City of Atra had activated.
Ezekiel felt it strongly too.
A specific energy swept through the entire city like a raging storm. All of this was the Emperor’s power.
“The opponent’s aura is unusual. I suspect their goal is to reclaim you, Brother. We should move with the demons right now.”
“Hmm.”
Ezekiel nodded with a thoughtful expression.
‘Finally, the time promised by His Majesty the Emperor has come.’
He had mentioned his descent. Would he come forth, completely obliterating this area? It seemed his aura was flaring up quite seriously.
“…”
Arcne pressed a few fingers to Ezekiel’s ear, frowning. He couldn’t hear it, but there seemed to be an endless stream of telepathic messages passing through.
“It’s strange. This energy is not only in our city, but it’s also appearing in other demon cities simultaneously. I can’t tell where it’s coming from, so we might need to search thoroughly.”
And in the next moment.
Smack.
Arcne kissed him. For a fleeting moment, she even licked the corners of Ezekiel’s lips.
Staring intently at him, Arcne spoke.
“…I’m getting angrier from head to toe because these delays in union are happening. You’ll wait patiently, right? I’ll be back soon, my dear brother.”
“Are you planning to search the entire Demon Realm from now on?”
“There’s no choice.”
Arcne smiled seductively, a wicked grin.
“This energy is said to belong to the continent’s Emperor. If that’s true… it’s an opportunity we can’t miss, right?”
Arcne’s hand caressed Ezekiel’s cheek.
It traveled down his jaw, moved to his chest, and then clutched tightly onto Ezekiel’s hand, which was lower.
“I’m the root cause for how you and I were separated in the distant past. I even turned you into a terminal illness state. I’ll slice your insides into sashimi!”
If the Demon Lord clashed with the Emperor, which side would win? It was obvious that someone would have to die for it to end.
Ezekiel hoped Arcne wouldn’t die. He still held onto the goal of reforming her.
“Please avoid direct collisions as much as possible. I’ll look for another way. Do not forget my words.”
“…Hmm?”
Arcne blinked her eyes.
“Brother…!”
Soon, her sunset-colored pupils widened threefold as she brought her face close. With a flush, she seemed ready to drool.
“Brother, are you worried about my well-being? Ah…! I see! As I have a husband to serve now, I must treasure my life!”
“I told you. Don’t forget what I just said.”
“Of course. I’ll remember it many times over. This Arcne, to serve you, my only brother, for a lifetime…!”
Watching Arcne prepare to leave, he wondered just how long it would take to reform her.
From basic common sense to what to be careful about when speaking, to what actions to be wary of… There seemed to be a necessity to teach her from one to ten.
“Brother, then I’ll be going. Your servant and plaything will take a brief trip for the sake of peace in the Demon Realm.”
Simultaneously, Arcne vanished from sight.
Her strength was as abnormal as her actions. Such excellent weapons abound everywhere in the Demon Realm.
But.
Whoosh─!
At the same time, an ominous mana swept in.
As if waiting for Arcne to depart, someone approached Ezekiel.
A candle of purple flame positioned at head height.
It was Han-shin (Demon God of Regret or Hatred).
“The Goddess was stuck to me all day, hindering me.”
He sneered.
“…Finally, I’ve gained the opportunity to face you alone. Did you think I wouldn’t figure out your schemes?”
In a one-on-one duel with the Demon, could he win?
His strength was beyond imagination, so he couldn’t guarantee it.
But Ezekiel understood. No matter what, he must never let that fact show.
Thus, he responded as calmly as possible.
“Han-shin, what business do you have with me?”
“You can fool lowly demons, but you can’t fool my eyes. You’ve been skillfully icing the surface of your mana and pretending to use it… Are you messing with me?”
Simultaneously, Han-shin took a step closer.
Whoosh─!
An ominous mana surged once more.
“In short, it means I’ve grown more aware that you’re an infiltrator, you cursed brother.”
“….”
“It seems this commotion is also the handiwork of someone wanting to rescue you. Ever since you came to the Demon Realm, everything has been unusual. You have to die here.”
At the same time, the purple energy began to rise with great might. He wasn’t alone, as high-ranking demons began to appear behind him one by one.
“I’ll behead you and decorate the walls of my city with your head.”
Just when Han-shin was about to pounce on Ezekiel.
“Han-shin, I will visit your city.”
Ezekiel uttered softly.
It had an effect.
Han-shin and all the high-ranking demons who had aimed to ambush Ezekiel suddenly halted their actions.
Han-shin questioned in a voice filled with doubt.
“…You dare visit my city? What do you mean?”
“I mean precisely what I said. Let’s compete fairly. After I visit your city, I will personally kill you.”
It was a thrown-out line to buy time, but he also had another intention.
‘I must destroy Han-shin’s city.’
Han-shin was a malevolent demon who captured various races, including humans, forcing them into slavery. He had to be punished for his evil deeds, which he carried out like a game.
I must destroy the city and definitely kill Han-shin.
All he needed was a little time. Because he wasn’t ready to confront him head-on just yet.
“…”
A brief silence.
Then the purple flames dimmed.
“…Cursed brother, visit my city shortly. This is good. Your mind is worth more than I expected. I can kill you in front of everyone.”
With that warning, Han-shin vanished.
“Phew.”
At least three days had been bought. Now to find a way.
As Ezekiel sighed in relief and turned around.
“…”
He couldn’t help but stop in his tracks.
Standing right in front of him.
Despite being here in full view, it didn’t blend with the space around it. It felt like a completely different world had suddenly merged with this one.
It was an existence wrapped in armor, wearing a lion-shaped helmet. A long cloak swayed behind.
Finally.
The Emperor of the continent, Verd, had arrived before Ezekiel.
The nearby demons moved about nonchalantly. Only Ezekiel had been revealed to him.
It was an immense realm.
After spreading his aura throughout the entire Demon Realm, stirring chaos, he personally came to see the abducted Ezekiel.
A feat that could only be imagined.
But….
Ezekiel suddenly felt a gaze.
Although the Emperor’s body was transparent, it was a sensation felt instinctively. The Emperor’s gaze was certainly directed at Ezekiel’s attire.
The couple’s outfit, matching with Arcne.
Especially….
At the part where the spider pattern was embroidered.
Ezekiel instinctively blurted out.
“…Uh, it’s a misunderstanding.”
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