Chapter 168 - 150 Years Later
One hundred and fifty years... such a long time.
Underworld has changed, from when Baator has been created. It had become a superpower in the Draconic Deus with it being magically modernized to an astonishing level of Arcanotechnological level and Magical level.
"Tribune, the Emperor has called you for a meeting."
Said a man clad in golden runic armor to another man in the same armor, with just a red cloak attached to it.
"I will be there shortly."
Answered another man, as he stopped his training with halberd and went to the Throne Room. They were at the Anor Londo in the Imperial Palace in Sanctus Imperialis. The place changed exponentially, it had a more noble feeling to it, a more sacred feeling to it.
"Sirzechs, father called you too?"
Asked masculine voice belonging to a huge silver-black haired man with a short haircut, in military uniform, that was highly decorated with awards and medals. It was Sigmar Helason Lucifer, one of two sons of the Crimson Emperor Zeoticus Gremory von Lucifer and son of Hela Odinsdottir, Lord Marshall Militant of Imperialis Militarum of the Baator. Following his mother's footsteps, he joined the army at age of 14 and became decorated General at age of 80, breaking historical records at the fastest promotion, due to his brilliant strategies and overwhelming strength.
He pulled his brother in a bear hug lifting him half a meter in the air.
"Hi, brother."
Sirzechs Lucifer was a bit shorter than his brother, but with his long crimson hair with silver streaks, he gave a more charming aura compared to the rather brutish appearance of his brother. They were of the same age and often competed against each other.
Contrary to Sigmar, Sirzechs entered Adeptus Custodes where he quickly rose ranks and achieved the rank of Tribune by slaying early Emperor Level Monster that attacked their mission as pinnacle Satan. That happened just several months ago, and soon he will reach Super-Devil Class.
"Are you done doing ruckus you two dunderheads? Once again, you are putting to shame all teachings that our parents taught us. Sigmar, you are General of the Imperialis Militarum, is it highly unfitting for you to be shouting in the Imperial Palace. And you Sirzechs, as Tribune of Adeptus Custodes, you should have reprimanded this musclehead for making noise in Sanctus Imperialis."
Reprimanded them female voice belonging to an extremely beautiful young woman with glossy silver hair that covers one side of her face and is usually tied in a bun, forest green eyes, and has a large bust. She wore the uniform of the Commissariat in a perfect way.
"Ts Hilda, you are so spoilport."
Complained Sigmar as he looked at his sister.
It was always like this. Sigmar did something stupid, Hilda came and reprimanded Sigmar for doing something she deemed idiotic, then she scolded Sirzechs for not doing anything and just standing there and grinning like a fool. Then the situation would proceed with Hilda having some remarks at Sigmar's address, and he as short-tempered he was, would always challenge her to fight, which she would always agree to prove her superiority. In the end, they would start fighting, and they would drag in Sirzechs in the end.
"What is going on here?"
Asked majestic voice, a figure clad in golden armor, that was even more beautifully crafted than that of Sirzechs.
"Lord Captain-General!"
Shouted all three of them, as they immediately straightened themselves and saluted to the Captain-General of the Adeptus Custodes, Diablo Noir.
In Baator, there was an extremely strict social hierarchy, where the entire society was highly militarized and had the utmost respect for those with higher social ranks, and especially higher military ranks. Birthright, gave you many privileges, but not even Imperial Princes dared to refute someone as Diablo, not only due to his post as the Captain-General of the Adeptus Custodes, but he was also a pinnacle Super-Devil, an only a bit weaker than their father and Elders. In the end, strength was the most important thing in Baator, besides merits.
In Baator, actually, it was Commoners that dominated the upper ranks of Imperialis Militarum, as while many of them were weaker due to lack of Clan Traits, even more of them had better strategical thinking and made great officers. On the contrary, most Noble Devils joined either Custodes or special Units of the Military, where high combat prowess was an elementary requirement.
"Now stop with this barbaric behavior and follow me. And don't forget I am watching you, especially you Sigmar and Hilda. If you do something that would damage Sanctus Imperialis I will deal with you like during your training."
Warned them Diablo with a sadistic grin, as both Sigmar and Hilda paled. When they were young, it was mainly Diablo that took care of their martial training, while they learned the usage of Magic and Clan Traits from their parents.
I sat on my throne, thinking about the things that have changed in the past 150 Years.
Today, we had far more Ultimate-Class and Satan-Class devils and powerhouses than before, but I knew that in Astral Boundary, it didn't matter much. Only by having Apocalypse-Class devil, Baator would be classified as faction a true sense.
Without it we would be nothing more than just some random bandits that control huge territory that would be eventually taken from us, so we need to get stronger as a whole.
I had now three children, and while I didn't say it many times, they were my joy and my pride. All of them were extremely powerful, hard-working, and talented.
Especially Sigmar and Sirzechs, both of them were already nearing Super-Devil Class, while Hilda was a bit lacking, but alas, they invested more time into training compared to their sister, who took her duties as Commissar more seriously, instead of dumping the majority of them to her adjutant. Hilda was like a mini Grayfia, be it appearance or personality, while Sirzechs was even more airhead than Vena, and Sigmar inherited most of my and Hela's battle lust and bloodthirstiness.
Chapter 169 - Remembering the Birthday
I remembered about the past.
Flashback:
Today was the day when all of three my wives would give birth. It was six months after my coronation, and I was even more nervous compared to when I led troops in the Great War. It was really stressful, that even with the most advanced Arcanotech and Magic, there could still be complications during the birth of children.
Fia and Vena were already Trans-Devil as they were given personalized Trans-Devil Gene-Seed even before they got pregnant, and Hela was given some, just a bit different version but with the same effects.
I stood before the room where they were given birth, as the best doctors and healers were called across entire Baator, that were even more nervous since, if somethiíng happened to my wives and children, then their chances of getting executed were assured.
As I was caught deep in my thoughts, I only heard the voice of a doctor calling to me.
"Your Imperial Majesty, the Empresses have given birth and they are okey together with three healthy children. You can go and see them."
When he said that, I felt like an enormous stone fell from my heart, as I was filled with happiness and excitement, but I didn't show it outright, as an Emperor and ruler of my people, I needed to maintain calm composure in every situation.
I entered into the enormous hospital room, where my three wives were laying on beds, each holding their respective child, and looked at them as they were the greatest and most precious things in their own life.
I could see that each of them was tired as hell, and even a warrior like Hela wanted to sleep. In regard to her, seeing Hela looking at her child with such a gentle expression has made me think, how much she has changed.
"Come on dear husband, look at your eldest."
Said Vena as I went to her and looked at the baby in her hands. It was a healthy baby boy that was looking at me with curious eyes, before unconsciously shooting at me a ball of condensed Power and Destruction and Dark Light Arrow.
Even though they were born on the same day, there were some differences in time, basically, Venelaan's son was eldest by one minute, followed by Hela's son, and Fia's daughter was youngest than her brothers by five minutes.
"Have you decided on a name?"
I asked my wife as I dispersed the attacks. When children were born with high energy reserves and power Clan Traits, they often cannot handle them well, and would accidentally release them in attacks and other things.
"Yes, he will be Sirzechs, my little baby boy."
Said Vena gently, as she kissed his little head.
"Sirzechs Gremory von Lucifer. A fitting name, for future unparalleled powerhouse under the heavens."
I said.
'Architect scan.'
[Name: Sirzechs Gremory von Lucifer
Race: Trans-Devil (Pure-Blood)
Bloodline: Gremory, Lucifer, Bael
Age: 15 minutes
Class: High
Demonic Energy: 87
Strength: 10
Agility: 14
Vitality: 30
Clan Trait:
Power of Destruction
Dark Light
The Devour]
"..."
I stared at the scan, not knowing what to say.
Sirzechs was born with energy reserves at higher ends, almost a pinnacle of the High-Class, and his physical state was also very high for a newborn. I quickly cast several sealing spells on his Demonic Energy, so he won't have any accidents and within one year the seals would naturally disappear as he would learn to control his Demonic Energy.
Not talking about the Class he was born with, he inherited my two Clan Traits and Vena's Power of Destruction. When he grows up, he will be unstoppable, though he would need to train harder than others, and the resources he would consume would be equally high.
But if he reached Apocalypse-Class, with enough time, he had a path to Dimensional-Class basically sure.
"I will test his Soul Aptitude."
I said as I cast the Soul Aptitude Test Spell, as some of my Demonic Energy was inserted into his body and tested his soul signature.
"Hmm... Superior Level 8. That is good."
With such Soul Aptitude, he will have no problem reaching Dimensional-Class. Though it was lower than mine Superior Level 9. With such Soul Aptitude, I could have the potential to reach Lord-Class. Of course, there existed countless treasures that could rise Soul Aptitude.
I originally had Soul Aptitude of only Level 5 at Inferior Stage, only thanks to my True Name which gave me Baptism from the Underworld it increased to ridiculous levels.
So when Sirzechs was born already this strong and with this sort of talent I was really proud.
I then went to Hela's bed and looked at the baby boy in Hela's hands that she held and sang him a song in Asgardian language.
"Sigmar, Sigmar Helason Lucifer."
Said Hela gently, as she looked at her son.
"Heroic name, he will grow to a splendid warrior."
'Architect scan.'
[Name: Sigmar Helason Lucifer
Race: Trans-Devil-Aesir/Vanir Hybrid
Bloodline: Lucifer, Hela
Age: 14 minutes
Class: High
Divine Power: 80
Demonic Energy: 80
Strength: 35
Agility: 40
Vitality: 50
Clan Trait:
Power of Death
Dark Light]
'Da fuck?'
I cursed in my head.
The second little monster was born, while with lower Energy Reserves than his brother Sirzechs, he was born with far more physical strength, inhering my Dark Light and Hela's Power of Death. Not only that, he was born with the perfect equilibrium of Demonic Energy and Divine Power, something unthinkable happened.
A little evolutionary miracle.
I cast the Soul Aptitude Test Spell.
"Superior Level 8, once again, splendid."
I then went to Grayfia who was playing with her daughter, as she seemed to be more lively than her brothers.
"Hilda Lucifuge von Lucifer."
Said Fia gently as little Hilda blinked several times wondering what was happening, but she instinctively knew that I was her father, due to a similar energy signature to her own. It was an instinctive feeling.
'Architect scan.'
[Name: Hilda Lucifuge von Lucifer
Race: Trans-Devil (Pure-Blood)
Bloodline: Lucifer, Lucifuge
Age: 9 minutes
Class: High
Demonic Energy: 70
Strength: 5
Agility: 8
Vitality: 7
Clan Trait:
Power of Annihilation
Dark Light]
And as expected even my daughter was born with overwhelming strength and the same Soul Aptitude as her brothers. Similar to Sirzechs I cast the same seal on her, to not let her Demonic Energy cause ruckuss.
Sigmar didn't need it, as his two contradictory energies somehow achieved perfect equilibrium.
"The life will find a way."
Chapter 170 - Military of Baator
As I sat on my throne, I looked at my two sons and my daughter as they stood in front of the throne.
Each of them went for the Military carrier.
Sigmar was General of the Imperialis Militarum which was already one of the highest ranks. The ranks of the Imperialis Militarum were from the lowest to highest as follows: Trooper, Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Major, Colonel, General, Lord General, and overall supreme commander, Lord Marshall Militant.
It was decided that the Imperialis Militarum would have a fixed number of 10 billion soldiers, even when in the Astral Boundary as it was an optimal number. Standart Class for average soldiers with Rank of Trooper was early Middle-Class, which in Astral Boundary wasn't anything special. We only had an advantage in quantity, not in quality, but that would change in the future.
The requirement to be an officer, was High-Class, for the ranks of Captain and Major. For Colonels either pinnacle High-Class or early Ultimate-Class. Generals were usually Ultimate-Class devils, Sigmar being Satan-Class was an exception as he still lacked experience due to his young age. Though he earned his ranks fairly and without any help, just with his merits, like everyone else in the Military.
Sirzechs on the other hand joined Adeptus Custodes. The most elite and strongest force of the Baator, and he was already a Tribune. Custodians didn't have my official ranks, but rather they decided their leaders by either voting, challenges, or other ways.
And Hilda joined Commissariat. She was already a Commissar Commander and was rather famous in the Baator, for her ruthless approach against corrupted Officers, or Nobles that either abused their privileges, criminals, or those who neglected their duties. She had the highest number of people she had executed and solved the hardest offenses and cases.
Commissariat also had several ranks, from lowest being Cadet Commissar, followed Junior Commissar, Commissar, Captain-Commissar, Major-Commissar, Colonel-Commissar, Commissar Commander, Lord Commissar and finally Commissar-General who was still Tiamat. It was found out, she enjoyed her job, as she was tasked with protected basically interests and treasures of the Baator, so she took her duty very seriously.
I stepped down from the throne as Diablo bowed deeply, same as my three children.
"Diablo, thank you, you can now leave us alone."
I said, as he once again bowed and disappeared in shadows, returning to his post.
"So what are you little troublemakers doing?"
I asked with a mischievous grin as I hugged my daughter Hilda, who had gone bright red.
"Dad, don't hug me before all Companions! I am already an adult!"
Said embarrassed Hilda.
"For me, you will always be my little princess."
I said as Hilda tried to struggle out, and then I looked at Sigmar and Sirzechs.
"Sigmar I heard that you have once again destroyed the entire Arena in your spar with Jabberwock."
I said sternly as I looked at my irresponsible battle-maniac son.
Jabberwock was the son of one of Lord Generals of the Imperialis Militarum, Behemoth who was an extremely powerful and wise man. Unfortunately for him, his son Jabberwock was another copy of Sigmar, a short-tempered battle-maniac with anger issues.
"Hey, it wasn't for nothing. That bastard started courting Hilda."
And then he dropped the bomb on my head, as I looked at Hilda, who blushed and looked to the ground, without saying anything.
"Hmm... at least you inherited something from me, but still, it is a pathetic pretext. Damages you have caused will be deducted from your salary and no further discussion about it. Also, you will personally go and help with construction works with that another dunderhead Jabberwock. And I will even send Lord General Behemoth overseeing you two idiots to not cause more trouble."
I said sternly without leaving room for further discussion.
Lord General Behemoth was someone I deeply respected as he was a common devil, without any background or special ability, who rose to Satan-Class and became one of the highest-ranked Devils in Baator through his own effort, genius and strength. He was an especially strict person, even more than me with his son, so it would be a good punishment for those two idiots.
"And I will tell your mother to read you and that another idiot, under Lord General's direct command, we will see how he handles you."
I said that and I could see Sigmar pale and Sirzechs having a cheeky grin on his face, enjoying his brother's misfortune, as Lord General's Behemoth's Black Legion was known as the most disciplined Legion in the entire army with extreme harsh punishment for even slight mistakes of misconduct.
"I don't why you are laughing my dear oldest. From today, you will handle most of your paperwork alone, and if you dumb it again on Riza I will you will see."
I said as Sirzechs paled to a similar shade of white as Sigmar.
'Dunderheads.'
I thought in my head, as my sons were really problematic, but that was of course, as both of them were in their more rebellious age, as they were only around 150 years old, they were really young devils.
The devil usually is considered an adult around 200 years old.
"And to you Hilda, I will just say this. Don't dishonor our line and don't do anything stupid. If Jabberwock wants to ask for your hand, then he needs to defeat me in single combat."
I said with an expressionless voice.
"Daddy!"
Shouted Hilda.
"Okey, then he just needs to pass my test. I won't marry my daughter to some weakling."
I said as my final form of concession.
"That is doable."
Said Hilda with a blush on her face.
"And Sirzechs from next time, you are going to participate in every meeting of Senatorum Imperialis together with Sigmar and Hilda as an audience to learn the higher administrative level of working. Also, call your young Astaroth, Glasya-Labolas, and your little girlfriend."
I said the last part of the sentence with a teasing voice.
Chapter 171 - Training with Kids
Flashback, around 135 Years Ago
Underworld, Anor Londo, Imperial Palace - Sanctus Imperialis, the Training Yard of the Adeptus Custodes
I stood in my training gear in the training yard where usually Adeptus Custodes trained each day, but not this one. This one they stood around the yard, in rather a protective formation, as I stood in the middle of the training yard looking at me three children, as today we would be starting advanced forms of training.
Among my three descendants, it was clear that Sigmar was too hyped to fight, Sirzechs looked interested in new development and Hilda had her mother's stoic expression so it was almost impossible to see what was going in her cute little head, though she was as competitive and as prideful as Fia.
All three of them were already fifteen years old and were the pinnacle of the High-Class both in terms of Demonic Energy and Physical ability and one was already initial Ultimate-Class. Sirzechs could have reached Ultimate-Class five years ago, but I instructed him to wait, and rather gain precise control over his Demonic Energy.
Among devils who advanced too quickly often happened that their control over their Demonic Energy reserves was lacking, and they often suffered severe backlash when they cast bigger magical attacks or fought for a prolonged amount of time.
Sigmar was pretty much similar to Sirzechs but in his case, he needed to develop his Demonic Energy and Divine Power at the same tempo in the same speed and same quantity, or energies in his body would clash, so his advancement rate was slower.
On the other hand, Hilda has already reached Ultimate-Class several weeks ago. While she wasn't born with two energies inside her body, or with an overwhelming amount of it, she progressed faster than her brothers, but her combat prowess was lower than Sirzechs and Sigmar by bit, though now she can wipe the floor with them as they weren't Ultimate-Class.
Among three of them, Sirzechs and Sigmar were equal in combat prowess, while Hilda was a bit behind them. Sirzechs inherited three Clan Traits, and his usage of Power of Destruction and Dark Light was splendid, and he could use Devour in active combat already, something I didn't use too much, as I am more caster than a fighter.
While Sigmar could send Sirzechs flying with his brute force, as he was practically a tank, that could take spells with his bare body, he also had a Dark Light that he used to further enhance his physical attacks, or support him and had Power of Death. Not to mention his masterful usage of enhancing magic. Even he was High-Class in terms of physique, he could compete with Custodians already.
Hilda, my little princess inherited Fia's Power of Annihilation and my Dark Light, additionally, she was far ahead in magic studies compared to her brothers, and apparently, she tried to imitate me as the magic caster fighting style.
"Now that Hilda has reached Ultimate-Class you two will also need to reach higher Class. Right now, Sirzechs your control of Demonic Energy is almost perfect, something I didn't achieve even when I was ten times your age, so I am proud of your advancement. Sigmar, you need to control more your rage when you fight, but for you to reach Ultimate-Class will be more problematic."
I said in deep thought as I looked at my sons. Sirzechs looked really happy that I praised him and told him that I am proud of him, as I never praised someone so lightly, one needed to really earn it, while Sigmar looked confused, about what I have said, clearly not understanding the situation.
"Why that father?"
He asked with a confused expression as Sirzechs smiled wrily and Hilda's eyes twitched in annoyance.
"You stupid dunderhead. Dad meant that, because you have two types of energies in your body that are contradictory in their fundamental nature, you will need a special ritual to help you achieve Ultimate-Class as you need to achieve it with Demonic Energy and Divine Power at the same time, with perfect equilibrium."
Explained Hilda with a lecturing face as she looked at Sigmar, with an expression almost the same as when Grayfia was lecturing me about something.
"As my little princess said."
I patted her head, as she smiled and stuck out her tongue at Sigmar in the provocation, as Sigmar's expression darkened slightly.
"But don't worry, I will personally devise a ritual to help you achieve an Ultimate-Class safely. Now, as all three have Dark Light, I will teach how to conjure advanced Truth-Seeking Orb Style."
I said as I conjured simple Dark Light Orb.
"Contrary to the basic variant of the Truth-Seeking Orb Style, when you use the more sophisticated method of conjuration the Orbs can do this."
I said as several Orbs started rotating around me in a protective formation, essentially protecting me as a female cat would protect her kittens.
I waved my hand, as they divided and combined and were doing various movements and maneuvers, as my three children watched in wonder.
"Sirzechs you can do the same thing with your Power of Destruction. Advanced Truth-Seeking Orb can be used to passively defend you or even as a passive attack means, that you will just throw on the battlefield. Of course, it is best if you develop your own Styles of usage of Dark Light, which would have the highest compatibility with your combat style."
I explained slowly.
Of course, it was for the best of them to create their own Styles that would suit them best. My Styles would probably suit only Hilda, as she was a magic caster as me, and to Sirzechs and Sigmar, my styles would have a little to no use.
Both of my sons were close-combatants, so Styles that focused mainly on ranged combat weren't that useful to them.
"Now we will go through using Devour on the AEO scale as the next topic. But before that, each one of you will try to conjure Truth-Seeking Orbs in the same way as I did."
Chapter 172 - Pinnacle of Super-Devil Class
Back to Present Time, Underworld, Baator, Anor Londo, Imperial Palace - Sanctus Imperialis
Next week would be ever first meeting of the Longinus Dreizhen Orden that I will participate in, so I am having rather mixed feelings. On one side I am a bit nervous and at the same time, I am really intrigued and excited about it.
Before that, I wanted to reach the pinnacle of the Super-Devil Class. Currently, I am already in the higher ends of the Class and was just a short step away from reaching the pinnacle. Then I would be basically on the same level as Albion or Ddraig, even if I didn't undergo a baptism of Laws.
Currently, I was widely recognized as strongest among other powerhouses of the same rank, only second to Mighty Stage God Shiva or Elder Dragons Great Red and Ophis or Jade Emperor.
In regard to Okhwang, he entered the seclusion and didn't contact me these past 150 years, which wasn't that surprising as he told me before that he is trying to break through to reach a higher cultivation realm.
I still had several fast ways to increase my own power. I still didn't incorporate the Sacred Gear Incinerate Anthem and make it my Clan Trait. While in these years, I have easily found a way to sever its connection with Heavens System within a decade, so Heaven won't even notice that one of their most precious Longinuses is missing, creating a Clan Trait out of it, was something absolutely else.
Additionally, I had many other duties and responsibilities, so I cannot spend all of my time researching, but after decades of research and experiments, I together with Zaorama, Mephisto Pheles, and Ajuka Astaroth have found a way to convert this specifical Sacred Gears into the Clan Trait.
What complicates things even further was the fact, that the Incinerate Anthem had some level of sentience, so it was even harder to convert it to the Clan Trait, as the sentience inside the Incinerate Anthem resisted extremely fiercely, so we needed to find a way to wipe out consciousness before doing anything else.
But another problem was that Yahweh was genius, an absolute genius when it came to Magical Technology, and just his security measures against tampering with the fundamental nature of Sacred Gear aside from access to Heaven's System was almost perfect. It took thirty years, just to crack the security over the Incinarete Anthem.
Right now I am going to use Grade 5 Planar Core to reach the Pinnacle of the Super-Devil Class, that I have mined from the Yestera Plane a long time ago. Afterward, I will immediately, use the procedure to create a new Clan Trait from the Incinerate Anthem.
I was inside a secured place within the Imperial Palace the Sanctus Imperialis, that was protected even more heavily by Custodians, and I even ordered several top Executors to hide in the shadows. Maybe I was paranoid, but in a procedure like this nothing can go wrong.
For example, if someone interrupted me or sabotaged me, I could cripple myself for centuries to come, and that would be probably the best outcome. Most realistic one would be death.
The entire room was strengthened by Runic Inscription and Arcanotech Devices, to prevent any accidents that may or may not happen during this.
I took out the multi-colored gem and put it down on the ground.
I activated the Devour and started absorbing an overwhelming amount of energy inside the Grade 5 Planar Core. The energy from the Grade 5 Planar Core was instantly converted into the Demonic Energy, purified and compressed, and soon I felt that my Demonic Energy reserves started rising at a rather high speed.
[Actating containment protocol. Runic Matrix 00465-XAD is activated.]
The architect said in my head, as lately, he has been rather silent.
I forgot after he constructed himself a body, the consciousness inside my A.I. was just his backup version, while the main consciousness was managing Imperial War Machine and watching everything.
One of the reasons, why every criminal was instantly caught, why no corruption or abuse of power went unnoticed. The Architect knew about everything that happened in the Baator. When Arcanotech became widespread, and AWCN or Arcane Wireless Connection Network was created and used by billions of citizens, it needed strict regulation and a watchful eye.
"Activate suppression matrix."
I said as Architect complied when I saw that ground has started cracking.
I knew that the devouring of the Grade 5 Planar Core was extremely dangerous, but I still decided for it.
Planar Cores, contained enormous amounts of pure magical power, or rather they were solidified magicule particles.
I originally planned to use Grade 5 Planar Core for the construction of Juggernaut Capital Ship of Adjudicator-Class, which was an enormous space fortress only a tad smaller compared to Space Fortresses.
In the end, I decided to use it to increase my own power in a more direct way.
After one hour of careful devouring of Grade 5 Planar Core, the process has finally ended.
"Architect scan my progress."
[Name: Zeoticus Gremory von Lucifer
True Name: Dizmason (Devil Talent), Savant (Prideguard), Isaiah (Nirvana)
Race: Trans-Devil (Pure-Blood)
Bloodline: Gremory, Lucifer
Age: 341
Class: Super-Devil
Laws: Darklight (38%)
Demonic Energy: 14,999
Strength: 914
Agility: 941
Vitality: 839
Underworld Command Sequence: 25%]
I was very satisfied with this progress and even my physique strengthened by devouring Grade 5 Planar Core.
Something that also brought a smile to my face was, of course, progress in the comprehension of Law of Darklight, which was at a very nice 38%, and soon would arrive at a decisive 49%. Then if I successfully undergo Law Baptism and cross comprehension percentage of 50%, my path to the Apocalypse-Class would be certain and become only a matter of time.
"Now that unless I am attacked by some Being of Law, or very strong Warlock Monarch or Mighty God, I should be able to defeat everybody else."
Chapter 173 - New Clan Trait: Holy Flame
Being of Law was a term of people who reached a certain level in their respective power systems by comprehending the Laws. Such as Arch-Arcanist in the Arcanist System, Elder Dragon in the Dragon System though they comprehended Laws instinctively rather than by their own wits and brains, and of course Devils.
Of course, there were exceptions, cause some individuals may have poor mastery over their usage of Laws, which is often a problem with Dragons, because they comprehend Laws instinctively and many of them don't bother to improve themselves, believing in their racial superiority or are just lazy.
The second thing that I have noticed after finishing devouring the Planar Core, was that my Devour Caln Trait has reached Forbidden-ranked Mastery, meaning soon I would be able to touch the Laws of Devouring.
I stood up and stretched my body a bit, before I called one of the Custodians that were guarding me during this process, as soon he came in, clad in majestic golden runic armor, as he knelt down, gripping his spear.
"My Emperor."
He said in a deep voice.
"Rise, my friend."
Custodians were elite of elites, a pinnacle that citizens of Baator could achieve and should strive for it. They weren't just my guard, by also my Companions, my Enforcers, and closest Advisors often listening to my ramblings and complaining.
"Send call for Zaorama, Mephisto and Ajuka. It is time to start with Incinerate Anthem."
I said, as Custodian bowed and left the room, while I departed for the laboratory that was my private one, where I conducted experiments and researched new Arcanotechnology, Magic, or Genetical Research.
The first to arrive was Zaorama Nebiros, who acted as my assistant in many things, and I have given him laboratory in the Sanctus Imperialis, as some of the things he researched were too precious and important for the future of Baator, so it needed the best protection that the Baator could provide.
And what was better than the protection of Adeptus Custodes.
After Zoarama, it was Ajuka Astaroth that arrived.
Ajuka is a bewitchingly beautiful and attractive young man appearing in his early twenties, with light blue eyes and green hair that is slicked back. He has a mysterious aura around him which he claims makes him seem devilish.
Magister of the Magisterium of Arcanotechnology was one of the most financed Magisteriums due to constant research and improvement of the Arcanotechnology.
I was aware that when we enter the Astral Boundary Universe, Baator would be nothing. Even with me as Apocalypse-Class and maybe some Elders, in front of truly strong factions, it would be nothing.
So, I wanted to have something that would give us an edge that would act as a deterrent, for time, till we cultivate more powerhouses.
And that something was Arcanotech.
"Now that we are all here, we can start the procedure. How is the stability of fusion between Incinerate Anthem and Holy Flame Bloodline?"
Yes, that was the secret of our success. I knew that killing Uriel and keeping his corpse was worth it. Archangel of the Holy Flame, Uriel, and Bloodline of Holy Flame. After several years of careful genetic research, we were able to extract the Gene Sequence and create Bloodline Gene-Seed, similar to the Trans-Devil Gene-Seed.
Just this one was fused with the Incinerate Anthem, to further enhance its ability of the Holy Flame. Both of Uriel's Holy Flame Bloodline and Incinerate Anthem had their own unique advantages, that if combined, would create a superior Clan Trait.
Incinerate Anthem had far more intense Holy Flame compared to that of Uriel's Holy Flame Bloodline, but on the other side, Uriel's Bloodline was more stable and tame than the Incinerate Anthem.
"Stability is at 100%, compatibility with your DNA is also at 100%. We can start."
Said Zaorama Nebiros as I laid on the clean operation table as several Arcanotech machines prepared my body for the operation, and runic matrixes have lit up and started supplementing my body with an enormous amount of Magical Power, to better accommodate implantation of the Holy Flame Gene-Seed.
I looked at the Zaorama and nodded my head as Zaorama gave the command to start and machines moved, as I felt I was penetrated by countless needles from the Arcanotech Machines, and they started injecting Holy Flame Gene-Seed, into my body.
"Activate Energy Suppression Sequence. Activate Equilibrium Magic Matrix. Inject Pain Suppressant and Mind Calming Potion."
Said Zaorama as he saw that my expression twisted in pain, as this was almost as painful as when I transplanted Trans-Devil Gene-Seed into my body. Ajuka and Mephisto did what Zaorama said as he was in charge of this procedure, though it seemed more like an experiment.
After several tens of minutes, the process was complete, and probably the success as I felt a new Clan Trait in my body and I could even use it.
After the Arcanotech Machines withdrew, I sat up on the operation table and looked around before conjuring the Holy Flame around my hand. In contrary to the Purple color of the Incinerate Anthem, mine was shining Golden in the color.
'Architect, how is the state of my body after the operation?'
I asked my A.I. Companion in my head.
[Genetical stability is 100%. Fusion is at 100%. It is safe to conclude that the operation has been successful and Holy Flame Gene-Seed has been perfectly implanted into the Host's DNA. A Holy Flame Clan Trait is perfectly stable and ready to be used. Recommended to take at least one month of rest, before pushing the Clan Trait to the limit, currently, it may be harmful, while the Clan Trait is perfectly fused and stable, pushing it to limits may create damages to DNA.]
Analyzed Architect as I agreed with him wholeheartedly.
Chapter 174 - Meeting of the Orden (1)
Next days I have spent most of the training my new Clan Trait Holy Flame to increase its proficiency, as I wanted to achieve at least Master-ranked within next years to use Holy Flame in the battle to its opinion state.
As I was training in my personal training yard within the Sanctus Imperialis of the Imperial Palace, I felt, The Devil Tarot Card vibrating wildly, as I felt that it was time, so I went to my chambers and instructed Adeptus Custodes to not allow anyone to enter under any kind of circumstances.
I laid in my bed, and slowly I have fallen asleep as my consciousness drifted away.
When I opened my eyes, I was in a totally different environment.
A majestic ancient palace with a vast dome supported by towering stone pillars stood above the boundless gray fog.
There is a magnificent palace hall with a vast dome supported by numerous towering stone pillars. It's looked grand and lofty, just like a legendary palace for giants.
Directly under the dome where the gray fog gathered, there is an ancient, long bronze table with thirteen high-back chairs on either side in a symmetrical arrangement, each with the sigil of Major Tarot Arcana. The back of each chair dazzled and shone faintly with crimson red, drawing the outlines of weird constellations that differed from reality.
At the end of the table, sat an androgynous man with long dark blue hair. He wore a blue outfit with high leather boots, that seemed to be like some kind of military uniform.
Next to him, sat two other people. One of them was a tall man with a youthful complexion and had shoulder-length and flipped outwards. His bangs were parted to frame both sides of his face silver hair and gray eyes. His hair was straight with a single lock that fell to the right side of his face and split into two parts. He wore a formal attire that consisted of an open, dark green double-breasted coat with large cuffs and four buttons outlining each storm patch on the fronts of the clothing. The buttons and the lining found on the sleeves and storm patches were moss green. Underneath his coat was a white shirt with a ruffled collar and center front. He wore dark green pants that matched his coat and plain white shoes.
The other one, wore a brown jacket, and had red eyes and red hair, looking very handsome and at the same time very intimidating. He looked at me for a moment, before nodding his head, and continuing staring at the top of the majestic palace where we were located.
The last two people participating were two women, and to admit they were stunning. The first one was human, what I have sensed was her aura, as she was a lot weaker than everyone here, even more, weaker than mine. If I would give her Class in my power system, it would be undoubtedly Grand-Class, even though it didn't exist in the Dimensional Gap, at least yet. She was between High-Class and Ultimate-Class but considering she was Human and only around 15 years old, she was very talented, a cultivator of some spirit-like energy. She was very beautiful, had fair skin and a perfect complexion with an air of noble radiance. She dressed in black gilt-lined luxurious robes, wearing a nine-tipped purple gold crown with a more than two-meter long scepter in her hand, inlaid with countless precious stones.
But it was the last person that gave me a sense of dread and death. She had light purple skin and shining azure-blue eyes, with sharp ears and deep brown eyes that contained lightning. She wore a complicated ancient dress. Her hair was black and held up into a bun. Her facial outline was soft, and her features were exquisite. She had a beauty that seemed timeless. She radiated an aura of death, dread, and calamity.
"Now, that everyone is here, please welcome another new member to our little gathering."
Said a blue-haired man, after another person arrived whom I recognized as Okhwang, sitting at the end of the table. As he said that everybody clapped, as I gave a standard bow as a greeting between nobility, as I sat down on my seat, with my Tarot Devil Card.
"I am Karl Erns Kraft, Code: The Mercurius."
Now I know the name of our founder. While we could use only our Code Names between us, it was virtually useless, as during some time, each member would guess the identity of another, especially due to the fact most of us are from the Astral Boundary, and the majority is famous from what I know. Additionally, the Tarot Cards are the pinnacle of mind-protection artifacts, and they would perfectly conceal memories. Additionally, they could directly delete memories of faces and names of members if needed.
"Adolf K. Weismann, Code: The Magician. Pleased to meet you."
Introduced himself the silver-haired man.
"Enryu. Code: The Rot Spinne."
Said the red-haired man.
"Elven Queen of Calamity, Cohinem. Code: The Death."
Said a bewitchingly dangerous woman, and now I knew why I felt so much danger from her.
"Bibi Dong, Code: The High Priestess."
Said the blond human woman, in a bit uncertain voice as it was clear that she was nervous. So it was her first time attending just like me, I looked at the Bibi Dong that was sitting next to me, as she looked at me with a sense of distrust, pretty similar way as she looked at Kraft, Weismann, Enryu, and Okhwang. Only when she talked to Cohinem she looked more confident and it didn't contain the air of nervousness.
'Some bad experiences with men, then.'
"Now that introduction part is over, let's start the business. Who has something interesting to report?"
Asked Mercurious as he leaned over his hand like he was really bored with everything around him.
"I have something that may be useful to the Orden."
Said Weismann as he started talking.
