Chapter 111 - Enlightening Discussion (2)
"Divine Throne?"
It was the first time I heard about that term, even when Hela talked about Astral Boundary she didn't mention anything like that. I only knew that the higher possible level one could attain in any Universe was a pretty obscure level.
It was called just a Great Old One.
"As you still didn't go through the memory package of Longinus Dreizhen Orden, allow me to introduce you to Universe Energy Level. You see, every Universe has something we call an Energy Level. The higher it is, the easier is for people to get stronger, more experts will appear, more treasures are created, more advanced civilizations become. When the Universe Energy Level crosses a certain threshold, a Divine Throne will be birthed out by the Universe. When someone sits upon a Divine Throne he becomes truly omnipotent in that Universe and only another Divine Throne can fight him. When Divine Throne is birthed, usually a grand war for the Divine Throne. In my home Universe, when the last Divine Throne was birthed, countless powerhouses were killed and many worlds were destroyed."
Explained Jade Emperor Okhwang.
"Does the Astral Boundary have Divine Throne?"
I asked. I was really curious if the Astral Boundary has one.
"Nope, but the energy level is close to the threshold already."
Now I was certain that the Astral Boundary, while wasn't some super strong place, it wasn't exactly weak either. It was good, though I wonder how exactly strong the Astral Boundary was. Truth to be told, for me it would be better, if it was a bit weaker, as it would be easier to grow there.
"So we can await war here..."
I muttered.
"Yes, but the Astral Boundary is a new universe... many factions and powerhouses are very aggressive for expansion and advancement. Something was rarely seen in the in older Universes, as most factions, there are satisfied with status quo."
That was understandable. I wasn't that surprised that in old Universes, people there were content with the status quo, and don't want to change it, as for them it is too troublesome. For them creating advancing more would mean, breaking the status quo, thus breaking the comfortable life.
Such peace will eventually bring a deterioration of strength and fall of the faction in the end.
"Also, I wanted to ask, what were doing by inserting your energy into my body and when the Arcana Card shined, I felt how to say... comfortably weird?"
"Just a bit of help. When the card shined, it just verified if you are worthy of joining our little merry band. What I did was activate something. You know, sometimes people, gods, and other species are born with special constitutions. You were reborn, or rather during the rebirth, you have obtained constitution of Fateless One."
He said as he looked at me.
"Seeing your confused expression allow me to educate you. Astral Boundary is not the so-called Cultivation Universe, so many of the concepts that are common knowledge in many advanced Cultivation Universes, are rather rare here. One of these classifications is Constitution. It is a rather abstract term, describing unique aspects of Body and Soul. You can compare it to the DNA. Every person has a constitution, but among 99,99999...% of species, their constitution is without any abilities or advantages. Then there are exceptions, where the sequence is special and some unique individuals are born with a special constitution. You have the constitution of Fateless One, which is considered as one of the most precious and strongest types of constitution."
He explained to me, as I was able to understand what it was. Basically, if the constitution code for all humans is for example, "1111" it means no unique abilities to it. But if it is "1011", means you are basically unique. It was rather similar to the X-Gene in Marvel, though Constitution was born naturally and not from genetic engineering. Though you also, need to activate your Constitution, for it to be fully active.
"Fateless One is basically immune to the machinations of the Fate, it cannot be predicted, it cannot be seen and it cannot be influenced. No matter if some magician, prophet, seer, cultivators, or anybody tries to intervene with it, is impossible. Just because of this alone, it is enough to invite you to Longinus Dreizhen Orden as Fateless Ones are very mighty beings, and currently, there are only 3 known one, without you included. From which 2 are an old monster that has been in secluded cultivation from immemorial times, and 3rd one is the leader of a very powerful faction in a certain universe."
Explained Okhwang.
"I think, I understand a bit. How is that possible, that I have never found about it?"
I asked.
"You are too weak to find about something. And secondly, constitutions and other similar stuff are more affiliated with cultivation, and you are not a cultivator. They are easy to find with methods of cultivators, but hard with methods of other power systems."
That was logical.
"Something was bugging me... if the concept of constitutions is usually related to the Cultivation Universe, then why people with special ones are born even in universes where cultivation doesn't exist?"
If the concept of the constitution was basically a cultivation concept, then how was it possible that people with special constitutions appeared in the Astral Boundary, which was the magical universe, and only Warlocks were basically bastardized, magical cultivators. Following the logic, it should not be possible.
Chapter 112 - Enlightening Discussion (3)
"That is an easy question to answer. You see, there are two most important things to know, in the universe. One is called Laws, basically the working mechanisms of the Universe. The second one, superior to Laws, is called an Aspect. An Aspect is basically stating the nature of the Universe itself. One of the most common Aspects is the Aspect of the Power Progression / Advancement / Cultivation... it depends. Without that Aspect, it would be impossible for anyone to get stronger through natural means provided by the universe, and everyone would be forced to never get stronger. For example, if you somehow delete this Aspect from this Universe, then all beings that could be considered from an ordinary mortal human point of view as supernatural would either die or stagnate for the rest of their lives, they won't be able to progress, regenerate their energies, no one would be ever able to become magician or warrior, soon enough the everything magical would die out, and Universe would be filled with just ordinary mortal humans depending on science as their only means for advancement. And additionally, they would never be able to get stronger even through scientific means, as lack of the Aspect of Strength would mean, the Universe itself would prevent anyone from researching something like that. Practically almost every Universe has an Aspect of Strength, in one way or another, be it as Cultivation, Magic, Ki, or any other means. That leads to the Aspect of the Constitution. This one is almost as spread up just like Aspect of Strength across many different Universes, just the difference is that, in cultivation Universe, cultivators gave this Aspect more weight, while in the most magical universe not, and they didn't develop concept properly. Though you would find some Arcanists that could easily detect and awaken unique constitutions."
Answered Okhwang. I had read about Laws, as they existed in the Astral Boundary, but I have never heard about the Aspects. Probably something, one would never learn in an entire life, or only when reached some unimaginable level of strength. I learned it early, thanks to being a member of the Longinus Dreizhen Orden.
"Have you heard about someone who did something like that? Deleting the Aspect of Strength from Universe."
I asked curiously.
"Yes, a very long time ago. I don't remember the name of that Universe, but I know it was an incredibly advanced magical Universe, with countless mighty figures and very advanced magic. It was many times stronger than even my Ancient Dao Universe. Nobody knows why, but someday, its three Divine Thrones have killed other two Divine Thrones and after assimilating their power they forcefully deleted the Aspect of Strength from their Universe. Within several thousands of years, the entire universe was filled with just ordinary humans. So much of knowledge was lost, but probably those three just hoarded it."
I was shocked to hear something like that.
"Why would they do it? And didn't it affect them?"
Though I had a theory why, as they probably feared their competitors, I wonder if it affects them in any way.
"Simple reason, their Universe was very advanced with plenty powerhouses, and there would be more Divine Thrones rising, and they didn't want to share their power. The other two didn't agree, so they were killed. And to your second's question, no they weren't, as Divine Throne is tied to the source of the Universe, so no matter what happens to Aspects, as long the Universe itself isn't destroyed entirely or their Thrones aren't destroyed or absorbed, Divine Thrones are okay."
Interesting, I thought in my head.
"Though the person who created your species did plenty of interesting things in your biology. Your power system is a mix of Arcanist Path, Warlock Path, and natural evolution of Fiends from Abyss."
Said Okhwang as he looked at me. I was surprised hearing this, and it affirmed my suspicion that Lucifer didn't create Devil Race by himself, and that the Book of Lucifer wasn't from the Dimensional Gap.
"When you arrive at the Astral Boundary you should really meet Kaziklu Bey or Mercurius. They would be for sure know the origins of how your species were created. Both of them are some of the most brilliant magic users across many Universes."
Said Jade Emperor as I nodded. I was really intrigued about how devils were created, and probably Lucifer has the answer, though he doesn't understand properly.
"Do you have some compendium on Alchemy? Best magically related."
I asked him. He probably would have a lot on Alchemy that is cultivation-based, but that would be useless for me.
"What do you have for an exchange?"
"Basic Technology Packet of Solar Federation?"
In truth, this was probably the only thing I had that was of some value for someone like Okhwang.
"Not interested, what would I do with technology? Not to mention, such technology isn't exactly that rare in the vaster world. I want something else, a World-Sized Sacrificial Spell Formation."
As Okhwang said that I froze in the spot.
Sacrificial Spells were common usage among especially human magicians, that didn't have any other means to obtain more power, to they used Sacrificial Spells to absorb the Lifeforce of other humans to strengthen themselves.
Of course, their way of using them was crude, and all Sacrificial Spells would leave severe backslash in the future.
"How large?"
I asked. Truth to be told, for me creating World-Sized Sacrificial Spell Formation wasn't that problematic even right now. In the future, when I reached Super-Devil Class or Apocalypse Class, then creating Sacrificial Spell Formation that envelopes even the entire Draconic Deus is piece of cake.
"Entire Three Realms. In turn, I will give you a complete compendium of Warlock Alchemy of the Astral Boundary."
Said Jade Emperor Okhwang nonchalantly.
Chapter 113 - End of the Discussion
"So that is the reason for the existence of them... no wonder you germinated cultivators."
Now it was clear why Okhwang spent so much time and energy to create cultivators in the Draconic Deus. They were nothing more than just a sacrifice to help him break through to higher realms, as he reached the limit of his current cultivation system.
As he doesn't want to spend countless millennia, he decided on a shortcut, and as the clone body would be absorbed back to the True Body, he doesn't need to fear hidden injuries or backslash.
"While individually weak, they number in millions and would be a grand sacrifice. I have given those humans cultivation with that reason, so their time has come. So when can you do that?"
Said Okhwang.
"Hmm... Three Realms are huge, I need to wait until I reach Apocalypse-Class for the World-Sized Sacrificial Spell Formation to work perfectly."
While creating World-Sized Sacrificial Spell Formation at Super-Devil Class wasn't entirely impossible, it would be highly probable, that the Formation could be not perfect. In rituals like that, even the slightest mistake could lead to death.
"Then good, then. But I will give you now only basic level Alchemy, rest after the deal is complete."
As I thought about it, this was the true reality of the world, where strong ruled and weak obeyed. With just a few sentences from Jade Emperor Okhwang and me, we have sentenced billions to die, without a second thought, without remorse.
"Splendid."
I said, as getting an even a basic level of Warlock Alchemy was enough for now. Higher-level knowledge was useless for me, as I couldn't sue it even if I wanted.
"I will now send you back to the Sunset Monster Mountain Range. It was a productive meeting, see you in hundred years during the annual meeting of the Longinus Dreizhen Orden."
Said Okhwang, as he waved his right hand, and the environment suddenly changed, and I was in a cave, protected by some kind of formation, and surprisingly Hela was sleeping on the stone bed.
"Sleeping soundly... she is cute when sleeping and when she wakes up she turns in automatic slaughter machine. What a contrast."
I muttered silently to myself, as I left Hela sleep.
After several hours, Hela has started waking up, and she held her hands with her head.
"Where are we?"
She asked. Apparently, she lost memory of us meeting Jade Emperor Okhwang.
"In a nearby cave. When we killed that Violet Tattooed Bear, apparently, we have walked in the area with poisonous gas, that created hallucinations and madness, I was able to cast a protective spell on myself, but you inhaled some, so I put you into sleep with a spell that caught you out of guard and brought you here."
I said.
Longinus Dreizhen Orden was a secret organization and it should remain like that. Fortunately, making up some lies about this was easy, and believable, as Sunset Monster Mountain Range was really filled with treacherous places.
"Such a shameful thing... don't you ever dare to talk about this to someone else."
Said Hela with a glare.
Another reason, why I have chosen this lie, was due to Hela's personality. For a proud warrior like her, it was extremely shameful to fall into hallucinogen gas and then be knocked out easily by a sleeping spell.
She would probably try to forget or block this memory and never talk about it again. So she won't be delving into this.
I dispersed the barrier protecting the entrance to the cave.
"Come, we have some monsters to hunt, O Mighty Warrior."
I said half-mockingly, as Hela glared at me and tried to punch me in anger, forgetting about her "shameful" incident.
We exited the cave and went to search for some more Monarch Level monsters, while at the same time searching for the Goddess Ereshkigal that was hiding somewhere here. After ten minutes we have finally found some Monarch Level monster.
It was a Bloody-Eyed Mane Lion.
It was a huge lion-like magical beast, around 25 meters tall. It had two enormous horns on its head, that were resembling dragon horns, and piercing crimson eyes.
"Damm... Bloody-Eyed Mane Lions usually travel in packs. So if there is one, there must be more somewhere near."
I said seriously. Most of the feline magical beats were traveling in packs, which made them troublesome to deal with, even if they were not the strongest magical beasts out there.
"So what do we do?"
Asked Hela, not sure if she wanted to fight several Monarch Level Bloody-Eyed Mane Lions at the same time. While their individual strength, was lower than theirs, their teamwork was best and thanks to it, they could easily bring down opponents much stronger than them.
"I will kill it with Ultra-Order Tier Spell. [Dimensional Slash] should kill it in one hit, and then we run. I really don't want to deal with a pack of them, if we did, then it is possible for a prolonged fight, and that could bring the attention of Emperor Level ones."
I observed the Bloody-Eyed Mane Lion, as I prepared to cast the Ultra-Order Tier Spell, [Dimensional Slash]. It was formerly a Strategic-Tier Spell, but it could easily be reworked into an Ultra-Order Tier and later even to the Forbidden-Tier.
This spell due to its nature had immense potential, I wonder how strong would it be in later stages. Space and time related spells and magic were always some of the strongest ones, no matter what magic system you were practicing.
Soon enough [Dimensional Slash] spell, was complete as the blade-like space tear materialized and struck the Bloody-Eyed Mane Lion. Even though the Bloody-Eyed Mane Lion was Monarch Level Monster with a strong physique, in a split of a second it was decapitated, is its body and head fell onto the ground.
"Let's that the corpse and core and get away from here... soon an entire pack of Bloody-Eyed Mane Lions would be here."
I said to Hela as I took the corpse and we disappeared from here.
Chapter 114 - Hunt for the lone Goddess
After we have teleported out, I had immediately used Devour on the corpse of the Bloody-Eyed Mane Lion and felt how energy from the corpse was entering my body and strengthening my physique.
[Physique evenly strengthened by +5 in all aspects.]
Said Architect.
Then I moved to absorb the magical core of the Bloody-Eyed Mane Lion. The magical core itself was pretty big, as it was of Monarch Level monster.
[Demonic Energy reserves increased by 10 Units.]
This was a pretty good increase from one Monarch Level monster. Additionally, higher-level monsters had strong vitality and life energy, meaning I could even strengthen my physique a bit by Devouring them. And even mastery over my Clan Trait Devour would go higher, as I would keep Devouring Energies of strong opponents.
"Zeoticus, I have sensed fluctuations of Divine Power, around 5 thousand miles from our position."
Said Hela after she opened her eyes quickly.
"Hmm... that is not far from here, but close to the territories of the Emperor Level monsters, we need to be careful to not wake up any of them, or we would be in a trouble."
We then flew to the location. For us, crossing a distance of five thousand miles, wasn't anything hard to accomplish, just a few hours of flying at moderate speed, to not attract much attention from Emperor Level monsters or flocks of Air-type Monarch Level monsters we soon arrived at the approximate location where Hela sensed Ereshkigal's Divine Power.
As we landed on the ground, several Monarch Level monsters appeared and pounced at us, out of nowhere. Seeing this, I knew that we were in the right place, as this was apparently a trap to kill us, as the Goddes of the Underworld, must see us from afar and prepared this trap with help of the Command Sequence.
I identified those creatures, not as monsters but they were wyrms.
Wyrms were looking dragon-like, just they didn't have two pairs of legs, only back legs, and their front legs were fused with their wings. They usually were much smaller than dragons, they rarely can talk, and their lack resistance towards magic and aptitude for magic. This was why wyrms were more considered as monsters and not as dragon species. Also, another big reason for such distinction was that wyrms cannot evolve like dragons and cannot embark on the dragon power system.
I instantly created a Dark Light Chains, as they shot and immobilized three wyrms that were rushing at us, whole Hela ran up to them, holding Necroswords in both of her nads, and with beautiful slashes, she severed their heads, as their headless corpses fell down.
"Hmm... only initial Monarch Level. It will still do for Devour."
I muttered as I dispersed Dark Light Chains and stored the corpses of the tree decapitated Monarch Level Wyverns in my storage space.
"Can you sense her?"
I asked Hela as she dispersed her Necroswords.
"Yes, she is close... that way."
She said as I followed after her.
Soon enough we arrived at the cave entrance, which was protected by a runic barrier. The runes used in the barrier were mostly Divine Runes and various runic languages.
"Hmm... this is troublesome, but alas some brute force would do for now."
I muttered after studying the runic barrier for a brief amount of time. I cannot breach the barrier in a short amount of time, and if I did, then it would take me at least ten minutes and Ereshkigal would escape for sure.
So I decided to use brute force to smash it apart.
I started collecting all the Dark Light I could in both of my hands, almost depleting my energy reserves, as I threw two Dark Light balls in the air, where they started combining, forming a thunderbolt-shaped Dark Light object.
With a single wave of my hand, it hit the runic barrier at full force, causing countless cracks to appear around the runic barrier protecting the entrance to the cave. Soon, the first wave ended, but the second just started, as the runic barrier shattered into countless glass-like fragments, and a huge explosion followed after.
And then our target appeared. Even I must admit that Ereshkigal was a beautiful goddess. She was very young-looking with crimson red eyes and beautiful long wavy blonde hair. She wore a body-fit armor outfit, that further enhanced her curves.
"Hello, Goddess of Underworld, Ereshkigal. You must know, that it is nothing personal."
I said with a slight bow, as I silently conjured a Gate of Babylon, and several weapons made out of the Dark Light pierced through her legs, stomach, arms, and heart.
I went to her and with a wave of my hand a Dark Light chain enveloped her head, in a way to prevent her from talking. I wasn't taking any chances with a goddess like her. While I knew that she was one of the better gods, that truly take care of humans and wasn't evil, she had something I needed and in this world strong lived and weak died.
With a wave of my scythe Rosenkreutz, I severed her head.
"Take her Divine Spark. Within a few yours you should be able to promote to Greater God."
I said to Hela as I caught Ereshkigal's soul. With a swift spell, I have annihilated her soul, as I burned it with Hellflame, leaving only a tine black crystal in my hand.
"You are really heartless man... do you know how many would do anything just to get into good graces of such Goddes as her?"
Said Hela with a false mockery as she crushed the severed head of the dead goddess. I knew that gods that had similar Divinity often didn't like each other, as they thought of each other as competition in their Divinities.
"But I like it... it makes me feel all hot."
Said Hela as she pressed her body against mine. She stared into my eyes before she suddenly turned around and started tearing out the Divine Spark of Ershkigal's corpse.
'Troublesome woman.'
I thought in my head, as the black crystal fragment started shining.
Chapter 115 - Gains of the Hunt
[Unkown type of energy is entering the body and fusing with the Soul.]
Said Architect's voice, as I felt something entering my body. When I looked, the black crystals that I obtained from killing Ereshkigal, disintegrated and was nowhere to find.
Suddenly, the environment around me changed, and I appeared in a pitch-black space, with just one speck of light being in there.
"You have acquired 25% of the Command Sequence."
Said the cold voice.
I recognized it.
It was the voice of the Will of the Underworld.
"Shall you obtain the rest, a grand path will unlock before you."
Said the voice of the Will of the Underworld as surrounding around me changed once again, and I was back where I was.
'Architect, scan.'
[Name: Zeoticus Gremory von Lucifer
True Name: Dizmason (Devil Talent), Savant (Prideguard)
Race: Pure-Blooded Devil - Bloodline: Gremory, Lucifer
Occupation: Lord of House of Gremory, Grand Duke of Gremory
Age: 182
Class: Satan
Demonic Energy: 650
Strength: 461
Agility: 475
Vitality: 460
Underworld Command Sequence: 25%
Clan Trait:
Dark Light - Master (Gate of Babylon Style, Truth-Seeking Orb Style, Chains of Heaven Style)
The Devour - Expert
Magic Systems:
Tier Magic - Ultra-Order
Devil Magic - Ultra-Order
Norse Runic Magic - Grandmaster
Abyssal Runic Magic - Ultra-Order
Human Magic - Ultra-Order
Masteries:
Scythe - Expert]
As I looked at the result of the Architect's scan, I noticed a new column, Underworld Command Sequence. It was 25%, meaning I had 1/4 and need to get the other three paths from Osiris, Hades, and Izanami.
My masteries also went higher, as some of them that were mostly used were at the Ultra-Order. Only Norse Runic Magic was at the Grandmaster, but that was not due to active practice, but rather thanks to my understanding of Runic Magic as a whole.
After studying it for a bit, I turned to Hela who was now toying with some Monarch Level Monster. I cast the Hellfire Spell, on the Ereshkigal's body to burn it down. While I could use it in some ritual or process it to the potion, she was a good god.
If she didn't have the Underworld Command Sequence and the same Divinity as Hela I wouldn't kill her. There weren't as many gods like her, but alas, she had something I really needed and only her death was able to give me that.
As I watched her body burn to ashes, I went to Hela that finished playing with Monarch Level Monster as she decapitated its head.
I then went up to the corpse of the monster and used my Devour on it, as I watched it wither and turn to the pile of bones.
[Physique evenly strengthened by +5 in all aspects.]
Strengthening by +5 in all physical aspects wasn't exactly that bad. For me, it was a good enough result. Though it was also slow at the same time, as it would require a very very high amount of Monarch Level monsters, to push my physique to the pinnacle of Satan-Class.
So the only logical choice, was to first obtain Super-Devil Class combat prowess, which exactly wasn't that hard, with my Dark Light ability, as the only thing that held me down, from killing Emperor Level Monster was my Energy Reserves.
I predicted, that if I reached Demonic Energy Reserves around 900 Units, I should be able to kill Emperor Level Monsters, albeit the weaker ones.
"Damm... the magical core is shattered."
I cursed, seeing that the magical core is destroyed. Hela must have destroyed it during her "play" with the Monarch Level Monster.
"I take it, that you want to continue our little fun?"
Asked Hela seductively.
"Indeed, I need to increase my strength. Additionally, I feel, that my mastery over the Clan Trait Devour would reach higher realms soon, after some more usage."
I answered as we soon move to the other areas to hunt for the Monarch Level Monsters.
With Hela by my side, it was pretty easy to hunt for them as Hela was the pinnacle Intermediate God, so she could easily overpower even several Monarch Level Monsters at the same time.
And soon enough, maybe within one decade, she would reach the Greater God stage.
After that, we have spent several additional days in the Sunset Monster Mountain Range, as we hunted for the Monarch Level Monsters, so I can advance in strength.
Hela also forced me to fight them in close combat, which ended in me being injured, so I in anger obliterated the monsters with my magic. Fortunately from then, she left me to fight with my magic and Clan Trait.
On the other side, I forced Hela to use magic in her fights instead of Necroswords. As expected, it ended the same way as me, as she was forced to use close combat and weapons to win, as her magic was still not equal to her strength.
She had enormous energy reserves of Magical Power and Divine Power, but her casting abilities were still subpar at best, even after learning from me. But what surprised me, she found out how to use many physique strengthening spells to enchant her speed or strength.
Maybe that was for the best. Everyone had a different affinity for different spells and their usage. Hela probably had the best affinity for body strengthening spells and some other enhancing spells.
After several days of hard work, I have managed to reach Master-ranked mastery over the Devour Clan Trait, which was probably the best thing that happened during my hunt for the Monarch Level Monsters.
Additionally, I have managed to increase my Energy Reserves to the 712 Units from the previous 650 one, and even strengthen my physique a bit.
"Come, we should return back... I have already gained enough for now."
I said to Hela.
Now I need some time to acclimatize to my higher energy reserves and also to train more with the Devour Clan Trait as it reached Mastery-Ranked Mastery.
Additionally, Hela needed to absorb the Divine Spark of Ereshkigal to advance to the Greater God Stage.
"Yes, I want to absorb the Divine Spark."
Said Hela as we teleported back to Castle Fuerig.
Chapter 116 - Progress of One Year
1 year, Underworld, Gremory Territory, Castle Fuerig
During this one year, not many things happened, aside from me going back to the Yestera Plane and clearing it out from the Monarch Level Monsters together with Zekram and Crom Cruach.
We went there around four months and killed every single Monarch Level Monster. Their bodies and magical cores were divided between me and Crom Cruach. Now entire Yestera Plane was under my control and soon it would be entirely mined up.
My strength didn't increase much though, in terms of the Energy Reserves and Physique, but I have perfectly consolidated everything I had right now, and in a near future I can progress at a fast pace once again.
That was an important step.
To stabilize your foundation.
One of the major things, that happened was that I grew much closer with Grayfia... that close that we had sex together at least once per day. Seeing that Venelana had lead above her, she grew jealous and her competitive spirit didn't let it slid away.
And in turn, several days later, after I slept with Grayfia for the first time, she and Vena got into an argument, that destroyed several areas of the Fuerig Castle, as they decided to fight to solve their issues.
While Grayfia was wearing a perfect emotionless mask and was good at hiding her intentions and feelings, she was very competitive and prideful and aimed at the position of my first wife.
While Venelana already took that position to herself and decided to defend it with her strength. Both of them were prideful and did not take each other's presence well.
I just stopped meddling into this, as this was something they must decide on their own. If not, there was a high possibility, they would just be angry with me. So I ignored them wherever they were fighting, my attention ended with erecting barriers and wards to protect the castle.
Overall though Vena was winning a full streak. Not only in their fights as she was stronger than Grayfia, but also in other areas. Additionally, Vena was best at pissing Grayfia off, as Grayfia wasn't the most socially skilled person.
In the end, they entered some ceasefire state, where they decided to not fight with brute force with each other. Rather they started competing for my affection, which was sometimes a hilarious thing to see.
First thing, they started a cooking competition, which Grayfia won by a large margin. Vena cooked me some stew from dragon meat, the result was that I almost puked. I still remember Grayfia's grin she had when that happened.
Grayfia learned how to cook, as it was her hobby. She was really brilliant at that, and everything she made tasted freaking delicious. Grayfia was one of the best cooks I have ever seen, she had an immense talent for cooking.
On the other hand, Venelana seeing that she can't beat Grayfia in terms of some household works such as cooking decided on something else, she knew Grayfia would lose. And that area, was seduction, in various seductive clothing. Something Grayfia was too uptight, while Vena was a lot bolder.
Additionally, they now had a common enemy in form of Hela. She was a weird one, she decided that she will make me her husband by any means possible, to produce the strongest descendants. Yeh, only dunderhead, and warmonger like her can say something like that. Still, we have spent a lot of time together, due to her role in my army.
This was the only topic when Grayfia and Venelana agreed, was when it concerned Hela, as not even one of them can beat her. She was Pinnacle Intermediate God, not to mention that she would soon reach Greater God Stage after she obtained Divine Spark from Ereshkigal.
Right now, I am going to check up on the results of my latest project, and after that, I need to depart to meet with my uncle, Rizevim Livan Lucifer as we are going to hunt Sacred Gear Users.
I was deep within the underground of the castle Fuerig, where countless Arcanotech Factories were constructing thousands of automatons daily. After completely clearing out the Yestera Plane, the production of the resources obtained from the plane skyrocketed, and now my Mechanical Army expanded drastically. I have also sold mechanical legions to other Noble Houses.
Currently, I have 10 million Arachne Drones, 1 million Hydralisks, 1,000 Anti-Matter Magicule Canon Batteries, 100 Lunar-Class Cruisers, and 25 Avenger-Class Grand Cruisers. This was a grand setup. And my Military also grew, to 50 million divided between fifty Legions. With 20 Ultimate-Class Generals, after the integration with Aesir and Vanir was complete.
Hela was named the Marshall of Gremory Legions. She was best suited for the role, as she was extremely strong, and being a military and strategy genius gave me the best Marshall of my Legions I could wish for.
Military-wise, I was currently the strongest Noble with the strongest army, just ahead of the Original Lucifer. Everyone knew that, and even three Great Satans were reluctant to stay in my way, as even strength-wise I was stronger than them.
Usually, Great Satans just avoided each other and worked together only when absolutely needed. Another nail to the coffin is called Devil Goverment. Such dysfunctionality was bad for the government as a whole, but for ambitious nobles, it was best.
I was practically at the level of Great King Zekram, I was now faction on my own. Several of the lesser Houses of the 72 Pillars already were gathering around me, to increase their social standing.
Nobody in the whole Underworld could now order me around, aside from the Original Lucifer, but that would not last long enough.
Also, during past years, some mysterious deaths happened as several less important descendants of the Houses Leviathan, Beelzebub and Asmodeus died. Nobody knew how and why just Satans raged over it for several weeks and then it went to the forgotten.
Chapter 117 - Trans-Devil Gene-Seed Project
"Architect, how is the project Trans-Devil Gene-Seed going?"
I asked my A.I. MTC as I looked at the germination chambers.
Trans-Devil Gene-Seed was something I have devised personally. The purpose of the Trans-Devil Gene-Seed was to push already strong devil species on the higher ladder of evolution and speed up the evolution of the species.
Thought, not of the species, but rather it would be used in the future, for my personal guards, for my personal enforcers and executors. They would be best among the best, most powerful, and most deadly warriors. Armed with the best weaponry and armor, access to the entire repertoire of countless magical systems, and best training.
Trans-Devil Gene-Seed was basically about implementing additional organs to the subject's body, that would greatly enhance its combat prowess, ability, survivability, and other aspects.
[It is nearing the end. Crystallization of the knowledge of the Solar Federation, Draconic Deus, and some of the Astral Boundary. All aspects of the Trans-Devil Gene-Seed are perfected and now the only thing needed is time to successfully germinate the Artificial Organs with your DNA.]
To perfectly accommodate and fuse Gene-Seed with the subject's body, they were germinated with the usage of the DNA taken from the subject. Germination of each Trans-Devil Gene-Seed took an enormous amount of resources, that it took even a headache for me as I look at the price.
Still, I predicted that after undergoing it, my survivability would triple at least. Also, my combat prowess would increase a lot thanks to my passive abilities.
Later on, I would need to create similar things for other species that would-be citizens of the future Empire, such as Aesir, Vanir, Oni...
"When can I undergo the fusion with then Trans-Devil Gene-Seed?"
I asked Architect while overlooking the germination chambers.
[Month, maximally two.]
Said Architect to me.
There were Ten Phases of the Trans-Devil Gene-Seed Project.
Phase 1 Biscopea - This small, circular organ is inserted into the chest cavity and releases hormones that vastly increase muscle growth throughout the subject's body. It also serves to form the hormonal basis for many of the later implants. It is the first organ to be implanted.
Phase 2 Heamastamen - Implanted into the main circulatory system, this tiny implant not only increases the hemoglobin content of the subject's blood, making it more efficient at carrying oxygen around the body and making the subject's blood a bright red.
Phase 3 Catalepsean Node - Implanted into the back of the brain, this pea-sized organ influences the circadian rhythms of sleep and the body's response to sleep deprivation. If deprived of sleep, the catalepsean node cuts in. The node allows a subject to sleep and remains awake at the same time by switching off areas of his brain sequentially. This process cannot replace sleep entirely but increases the subject's survivability by allowing perception of the environment while resting.
Phase 4 Preomnor - This is essentially a pre-stomach that can neutralize otherwise poisonous or indigestible foods. No actual digestion takes place in the preomnor, as it acts as a decontamination chamber placed before the natural stomach in the body's system and can be isolated from the rest of the digestive tract in order to contain a particularly troublesome intake.
Phase 5 Multi-Lung - This additional lung activates when a subject needs to breathe in low-oxygen or poisoned atmospheres, and even water. The natural lungs are closed off by a sphincter muscle associated with the multi-lung and the implanted organ takes over breathing operations. It has highly efficient toxin dispersal systems.
Phase 6 Occulobe - This implant sits at the base of the brain, and provides hormonal and genetic stimuli which enable a subject's eyes to respond to optic-therapy. The subject has a far superior vision to normal humans and can see in low-light conditions almost as well as in daylight. The subject also can see magical particles more easily.
Phase 7 Melanchromic Organ - This implant controls the amount of melanin in a subject's skin. It also protects the subject from other forms of radiation and increased magical resistance.
Phase 8 Oolitic Kidney - In conjunction with the secondary heart this implant allows a subject to filter his blood very quickly, rendering him immune to most poisons. The organ's everyday function is to monitor the entire circulatory system and allow other organs to function effectively.
Phase 9 Mucranoid - Offers resistance to extreme heat and cold and can even provide some protection for the subject in a vacuum and even void.
Phase 10 Secondary Heart - This simplest and most self-sufficient of implants allows a subject to survive his other heart being damaged or destroyed, and to survive in low oxygen environments. Not just a back-up, the secondary heart can boost the blood flow around the subject's body. Allows body accommodate secondary Clan Trait.
These were 10 Phases of the Trans-Devil Gene-Seed Project. There also existed Phase 11 Tertiary Heart, but that would be kept secret and never used. Only on myself and maybe a very few selected people.
I just needed to wait around two months to transplant Trans-Devil Gene-Seed Project into my body. All artificial organs were finely crafted with the best biotechnological knowledge of the Solar Federation, coupled with knowledge of other worlds, and mine and the Architect's genius.
"After I finish my mission with Rizevim prepares a special room for the surgery. Additionally, construct a containment room for some Sacred Gears I will bring with me. Use materials with Anti-Magic, Anti-Energy properties, engrave Anti-Spying Runes."
I said to Architect.
[It shall be done. The main purpose shall be Incinerate Anthem, right?]
Aksed Architect, as I nodded.
"Indeed. It is the most compatible with Sacred Gear with my bloodline. Sadly, as he is still alive, fusing with one or experimenting with it is suicide."
I said.
After the Great War, Yahweh would be dead and finally, then I can tamper with Sacred Gears and try to create another Clan Trait out of the Incinerate Anthem.
Holy Flame would be extremely useful in every position.
Chapter 118 - Rizevim Livan Lucifer
Draconic Deus - Earth, Europe, France, the Year 1414
Currently, Kingdom France was a Hundred Years War with the Kingdom of England. Of course, I won't be meddling in wars of ordinary mortals, as that was beneath me.
Interestingly, the current year of the human calendar was 1414, just two years after the birth of Jeanne d'Arc. While it sounds nice corrupting future Saint, it wasn't exactly my style of doing things.
I walked through the battlefield, or at least what was left, as I was collecting the souls of deceased people. For me they were useless, but they were useful for weak devils, as they could increase their strength by eating souls.
As I was doing my own thing, I saw a familiar figure approaching me.
It was Rizevim. He had an appearance of a middle-aged man in his 40's with dark silver hair and hazel eyes. He had a weird creepy aura as he was wearing some weird priest-looking armor gown.
"Rizevim."
I said.
"Zeoticus."
He answered.
It wasn't surprising we didn't get along.
Our ideologies about the future of the Devil Race were diametrally opposite to each other.
Rizevim believed that devils are beings that have to be evil, wicked, brutal, bad, scum, wrong, brutes, as well as vicious, and it is the role of a Devil to kill every single person they don't like. He also wasn't interested in ruling the devil race and didn't care about administration or anything, as he just indulged in the hedonistic pleasures of life.
While I believed that devils need to unite, to create an Empire that would conquer and be unshakable. Additionally, I was supported of absolute strength and if you are powerful enough, you can do anything you wish as there would be no one who would obstruct you.
Also, Rizevim showed a strong dislike for me due to being the son of his sister Rayla. He kept it well hidden, beneath his polite way of speaking and sweet words, but I knew that he loathed me, as he was always jealous of Rayla due to her inheriting the Dark Light, and me being the same. Even if Rayla was advancing way slower compared to him, she always could beat him.
"How is life doing, new Grand Duke?"
Asked Rizevim with his typical grin, which I hated so much.
"Very well, productive,"
I said. I want this entire thing to be finished as soon as possible, so I don't need to be in presence of this creep. For me Rizevim, while being strong with enormous potential, was just a disappointment, nothing more and nothing less.
'After I kill him, I should extract his bloodline... that Sacred Gear Canceler, is basically some kind of innate ability that nullifies any kind of soul-bonded equipment if a user is strong enough.' I thought in my head.
"So, who are we hunting and what are we hunting?"
I asked him, as I continued collecting souls.
"Originally possessors of the True Longinus, Zenith Tempest, and Annihilation Maker were supposed to be stationed in England, but they were recalled to Heaven, so they are out. Still, another batch of Sacred Gear Users will be going to the Vatican from France. We will intercept them and kill them before they can reach the Vatican and subsequently Heaven. Of course, as it was agreed, what you kill is yours."
Said Rizevim with a toothy grin.
"Who are they?"
I asked, hoping for good loot.
"Host of the Incinerate Anthem - Cardinal Trajan, thanks to his Longinus while he is only Ultimate-Class, can cause serious injuries even to Satan-Class devils, though we as Lucifers are still highly resistant towards Holy Element. The second one is Host of the Canis Lyakon, some kid of ten called Gren, of Greek origin. He would be protected by one Ten-Winged Cadre-Class Angel and several Eight-Winged Ultimate-Class Angels. The last one of the notable ones is Host of the Telos Karma, name unknown. Last on is the Host of all four Vritra's Sacred Gears. Heaven has collected them all and gave them to one of the Church's Exorcists called Robert de'Salle. We have on our list several ordinary Sacred Gear Users, but apparently, they are separated into groups and being transported together with one of three Longinus users."
Explained Rizevim.
Incinerate Anthem, a Longinus-tier Sacred Gear with an ability to generate and control purple-colored Holy Flames that can incinerate Devils. This particular Longinus has a will of its own, allowing it to move independently, and even remove itself from its current wielder to a more suitable one. This is the one I want the most.
Canis Lykaon, a Longinus-tier Sacred Gear, also is known as the Dog God of the Black Blade, is a Longinus that takes the form of a huge black dog with red eyes. It is a dependent avatar type and has its own instinct. It has the ability to produce blades from its body and can transform itself into a sword. It can also attack through shadows. If possible, it would be nice to have it like a pet.
Lately, I had taken a liking to taking care of pets and familiars, as I have contracted a Wampus Cat during this year. It was a female Wampus Cat, a rather young one, only two years old, named Isla. While she was young, she was already at the Commander Level and was pretty strong. She didn't like Vena or Grayfia, but with me, she was very cuddly.
Telos Karma, a Longinus-tier Sacred Gear, also known as the Ultimate Karma. It is said to be able to warp probability, creating outcomes that otherwise would not be possible. Its ability to manipulate Fate was really mysterious, but sadly, it was useless for me. As a Fateless One, any tool, artifact, or anything that interfered with threads of Fate would break in my hands.
Vritra's Sacred Gears were a unique case. This Sacred Gear was crafted from the soul of Vritra, the Black Dragon King also known as the Prison Dragon. After he was killed, his soul somehow ended in Yahweh's hands and was split to create Four Sacred Gears, that are interconnected and complemented by each other.
Chapter 119 - Moral Codex of Ruthless Devil
While this Sacred Gear doesn't reach the Longinus-tier due to fact that it is created from four individual Sacred Gears, it doesn't lose to one. It is created from:
Absorption Line is also known as the Black Dragon's Pulse, it resembles a small lizard (more specifically, a chameleon) with a deformed face that appears on the user's hand. It has the ability to make lines of connections that allow the user to either absorb or transfer power from opponents, allies, and objects. You can use it only if someone is either as strong as the user or weaker than the user.
Blaze Black Flare also known as the Evil Dragon's Black Flame, is one of Vritra's Sacred Gears that grants the user the ability to unleash Vritra's deadly black flames to burn their opponents.
Delete Field also known as the Domain of Darkness, is one of Vritra's Sacred Gears. It has the ability to suppress the opponent's powers. Of course, the user can suppress only someone on the user's own level or someone who is weaker, similar to the usage of the Absorption Line.
Shadow Prison also known as the Prison of the Dragon, is one of Vritra's Sacred Gears that allows users to use Vritra's shadowy aura to restrain their opponents.
"Shall we aim for the Canis Lykaon first? With two of us, it will be the peace of cake."
I asked Rizevim as he nodded with glee.
The reason why I chose the Canis Lykaon was simple. It was mainly because the Host was just a ten-year-old kind, that I can kill with my finger. While he had Ten-Winged Cadre-Class Angel and several Eight-Winged Ultimate-Class Angels as his protector, together with Rizevim that won't be a problem.
He is still young, and apparently, newly awakened, so he shouldn't know much about Sacred Gear manipulation and other things, so there is a low risk of unforeseen things happening. The other two hods would be more problematic. Especially the host of the Telos Karma, but only for Rizevim, as I am out of the machinations of Fate and Destiny.
"Excellent, then we shall go."
Said Rizevim, as we both spread our ten wings and flew high in the air, to the location where the host of the Canis Lykaon was being.
The host of the Canis Lykaon was hiding in the small village, in the southern parts of France. From there, his protectors probably planned to bring him to Italy and then to the Vatican, subsequently final stop, Heaven.
After half an hour of flying, we finally arrived at our destination.
"How shall we do it? I propose locking the area down with spatial spells, and then we can just storm the area. You will go first and lure them out, while I will find the kid, and trap him in additional spells, before extracting the Sacred Gear."
I proposed to Rizevim, and he just nodded, not caring too much. Though my plan was a good one, so we will go with it.
I took out the Rosenkreutz and started this time creating a large-scale barrier, that will resist even attacks of several Satan-Class entities, so we will have enough time as it is. Soon enough, as I tapped with Rosenkreutz to the ground, an enormous barrier started rising from the ground, as it enveloped the entire town.
"I will go and play."
Said Rizevim, as he ran to fight Ten-Winged Cadre-Class Angel and several Eight-Winged Ultimate-Class Angels, that were now in the state of utmost emergency. I just stayed in the back, and watched as Rizevim grabbed one of the Eight-Winged Ultimate-Class Angels and crushed his skull with his bare hands.
'Hmm... so he even trained his body to Satan-Class...'
I thought, as I moved and started searching for the host of the Canis Lykaon.
Soon enough, I found one lone Eight-Winged Ultimate-Class Angel holding hand with an around the ten-year-old kid, clothed like a beggar.
'Not awakened. Good.'
It was good that the Sacred Gear wasn't awakened, as it won't cause problems for me, and this one was deeply dormant, meaning it won't be caring that I caused the death of its host in, one could say a crude way.
I silently cast a concealment spell on my and walked up close to the Eight-Winged Ultimate-Class Angels and the kid that was host to Canis Lykaon. When I was close enough, the wall of the Dark Light appeared, and suddenly several Dark Light Spear shot at the Eight-Winged Ultimate-Class Angels and killed him in an instant.
I then cast several silencing spells, to make the entire area blank, as the kid wanted to scream seeing his protector being brutally killed but no single word came out of his mouth as tears were in his eyes.
I grabbed his head, and smashed his little body against the ground, with enough force to knock him out but not to kill him.
The problematic thing about extracting Sacred Gear was that the moment its host died, the Sacred Gear would return back to Heaven's System. If it returns there, then it is lost, and I can wait only for a new host to be born.
I pressed my right hand to his chest and started chanting extraction spell. Usually, chants were used only in rituals and similar things, and I needed to best fast. One mistake could end up in this kid to die and then Sacred Gear would be lost from my reach.
As I finished the chant, suddenly the black ominous light entered the boy's body, as he jolted awake and screamed in pain. The process of extraction of the Sacred Gear was something agonizing and of extreme pain and torture.
As the ritual was ongoing, the user from whom the Sacred Gear was being extracted cannot lose consciousness. So the boy cried and screamed as he was slowly tortured to end by my extraction magic and soon I held a black sphere in my hands.
Chapter 120 - Next One
Of course, I knew spells that would make extraction painless but I didn't see any benefit to use them right now and on humans. Such extraction that isn't painful and even leaves the user alive is possible, but it would consume more energy and needs to have some preparation. Not something I want to waste on some random human kid.
Empathy and similar things didn't have a place in Astral Boundary. It was a place where you need to do anything for power because without it you are nothing. And I was very well aware of it. When one day I go there, I needed to be strong, or everything I built will be destroyed and my loved ones would be killed.
So everything I was going, was for the Greater Good.
Yeh... sounds hypocritical.
While this would be considered barbaric maybe by even devils I didn't care about such things. Morals and standards were for weaklings who envied those with power. While my moral codex was non-existed almost, as only people I cared about truly were Grayfia and Venelana
And of course, I was a good leader and ruler to those under my rule if they were loyal to me.
"Fascinating... I will research it later."
I said to myself, as I stored the black sphere containing Canis Lykaon in a special container and then stored it in my dimensional storage.
After that I cast the Hellflame Spell, to burn down the corpse of the boy that was the host of the Canis Lykaon and also the Eight-Winged Ultimate-Class Angel. After burning every piece of evidence down, I turned around to see Rizevim playing with the Angels.
Not even the Ten-Winged Cadre-Class Angel was a match for Rizevim. His skillful usage of magic and sword, was a deadly combination, as every Angel that was close to him, died in a very painful way.
"Rizevim stop toying with them and for the fuck sake just kill them."
I screamed at Rizevim, as he was too engrossed in playing with Angels, something I never did and won't ever do.
Playing with your enemy, even if you are way stronger, is one of the stupidest things to do during the fight. Sometimes, even impossible becomes possible, and even desperate weakling may bring down lofty and mighty expert with usage deception, traps, and arrogance of the expert.
After that, I cast several Strategic-Tier spells and shot them at the Eight-Winged Ultimate-Class Angels killing them on the stop, while Rizevim finally stopped playing with the Ten-Winged Cadre-Class Angel, as he tore out his heart out and crushed it in his hands.
"Are there any more Sacred Gear users?"
He asked me as I shook my head.
I searched the entire town but didn't find anything. I stored the corpses of the Angels, as they could be fed to my Familiar, Dou Dou, which was the name of the Bloody Thorny Flower, that has already evolved to the Devouring Thorny Flower and was currently at the peak of the General Level thanks to the abundance of the fertilizer.
It had evolved during this year and gained a basic level of sentience. It also gained new abilities, namely abilities called Thorny Flower Vines and Spore.
Thorny Flower Vines were a simple ability, to create thorny vines from its body and use them to attack or defend. While Spores was a more troublesome ability. It allowed Devouring Thorny Flower uses her magical energy, to create spores that would create a lower-leveled version of it.
For example, now it can create around thirty Devouring Thorny Flowers on the pinnacle of the Commander Level if it uses all magical energy, which was pretty strong. And when it evolved even further, then it will be a higher number, and all of the spores would be at the General Level.
"Which one of the targets is closest to our position?"
I asked Rizevim.
"Exorcist Robert de'Salle, an Ultimate-Class Human Exorcist, with the usage of his Vritra's Sacred Gears he is able to contend against the Satan-Class with ease. He is currently located in a distant abbey far in the mountains. A well-protected place."
Said Rizevim, as we flew high in the air, as suddenly I stopped.
"Wait a bit."
I said as I looked at the half-destroyed town, and surviving humans running here and there, searching for injured and bringing them out from the ruins of their houses.
"This place needs to be destroyed. It will be best if Heaven doesn't know about these attacks as long as possible."
I said as I started creating an Ultra-Order Tier Spell Lightning Judgement, and soon enough enormous lightning bolt strikes the ground, leaving there nothing more than just a crater in a place where the town was.
Of course, Heaven will find out that we were behind the attacks, but it is good to cover all tracks. This way they will only find out after two to five months, and we could prepare for their retaliation. Or maybe the war will erupt prematurely. Or maybe they won't find out at all.
All Sacred Gears I am taking with me, are impossible to track, as I was jamming the connection between them and Heaven's System with special material mined from the Yestera, Planar Core Stone.
Planar Core Stone was a unique and precious type of stone, that could be found extremely close to the Planar Core. As the Yestera Plane was entirely under my control, mining works were nearing their end, and I already gave green to mining near the Planar Core. Currently, around 80% of all resources on the surface were mined, and 40% in the sea were extracted, so we slowly worked our way to the Planar Core.
While the Planar Core Stone was not enough to cut the connection, the box made out of that stone was enough to jam the connection, so Yahweh cannot use Heaven's System to locate the Sacred Gear.
Unfortunately, I had only two of such boxes. One was used for the Canis Lykaon and another one would be used for Incinarete Anthem.
