Chapter 231 - New Form
Baator, Capital of the Chthonian Empire Anor Londo, Imperial Palace, Several Days Later
I was in my secluded place in the Sanctus Imperialis of Imperial Palace, where I was looking at the Divine Spark of the Regalzeva after the Architect did what he wanted with his body, as he was constructing his perfect living mechanical body.
I got the Divine Spark sooner than I have expected and could now extract the Laws of Destruction from it.
I used the Laws of Devouring on the Divine Spark as I started extracting Laws of Destruction.
[Laws are being absorbed.]
[Laws of Destruction have been detected.]
[Law Comprehension of Law of Destruction has reached 15%...28%...35%...47%...56%]
[Law Comprehension of Law of Destruction has reached 58%.]
I revealed a small smile as I have extracted a lot from it.
"No wonder Regalzeva was strong and his attacks were far destructive than normal Mighty Stage God's should be."
I muttered to myself as I grew stronger once again.
Now the only thing I needed to do, was to slowly raise my Demonic Energy Reserves. I have comprehended a lot of laws and several of them were at rather a high comprehension rate, but my Demonic Energy Reserves were still lagging behind.
Increasing them was hard at this stage, the natural way of getting older was way too slow for me, meditation could be of some use, but small and then there were methods of artificial increasement of the Energy Reserves by using potions, pills, or other treasures.
"My comprehension of the Dark Light is at 43% and Slaughter is at 14%. With the addition of Laws of Destruction and Devour, I should be able to easily reach Dimensional-Class after comprehending the Laws and mastering them to at least Advanced Mastery."
I have said as I was thinking about my future advancement.
"That would be the most suitable course of action indeed."
Said an elderly male voice, as I turned around and saw an elderly man with white hair and beard, wearing a double-piece white suit with a vest, as he held a cane in his right hand.
"So you have finished construction of your body already?"
I asked rather a rhetorical question.
"As expected it went according to the plan."
Said Architect as he nodded his head.
"Now that you have your body constructed... how strong are you currently?"
I asked as I looked at Architect, barely tablet o sense anything from him.
"Mighty Stage God of Innate God. I can perfectly control all of my energy and my combat prowess. To evolve even further I will need to devour and assimilate all Evies."
Stated the Architect with great indifference.
I already expected something like this.
Architect embarged on the more evolutionary path, as to advance even further he not only needed Divine Sparks but also assimilate beings of the same species or at least similar species.
"Excellent, now on the surface show your strength as the pinnacle of the Greater God and you can start to assume the position as General Matrix of the Mechanicum."
Architect nodded at this as it was something excepted.
"After Regalzeva's death, Evies would remain more on their planet and focus more on their ongoing war with Etouldes. This would give us unhindered progress on mining resources of the Earth Plane of its galaxies."
I said.
"I have already notified Lord High Admiral and we are currently coordinating in progress. Within a few centuries, we should have mined all resources in the entire Earth Plane. By my calculations, if used currently among other things, then we can expand our fleet to 100,000 Voidships, including several Space Fortresses of Phalanx-Class and probably even reconstruct the Black Stone Fortress."
Stated Architect. Even though I was mainly copying blueprints of the Solar Federation Voidships, mine was way bigger and had more firepower and additional gadgets to them. So to construct even a single one a lot of resources were needed.
In truth Earth Plane wasn't that big, it housed only several tens of galaxies, and many of them were rather small and poor in resources, but it was still a treasure trove for the rapid expansion of the Empire.
"Excellent, always focus on recyclation of the resources and old tech. Pollution sucked in the Immaterius Universe, then who knows how would it look in the magical version."
I stated as Architect nodded.
Chthonian Empire was how would one say it... eco friendly.
For several reasons, mainly because I have seen in my past life entire planets get pretty fucked up by waste and garbage and pollution destroyed them entirely. Also, I personally hated wasting up resources, so I preferred to recycle old tech, obsolete voidships, and so on.
With advanced Arcanotech, Empire could easily reach a recyclation rate of 100%.
Chapter 232 - Human Conflicts are Devil's Benefits
Several Decades Later, Baator, Capital of the Chthonian Empire Anor Londo, Imperial Palace
44 years have passed since the moment when I together with Hela and Okhwang have killed Regalzeva and his two lackeys. During these 19 years, Chthonian Empire has been steadily exploring galaxies in the Earth Plane, mining resources and constructing Voidships and other things, developing Empire and the entirety of the Baator.
What was interesting was that humans were once again going to wage war among themselves. Usually, Pantheons and factions of the supernatural had some unspoken agreement that they won't be meddling in conflicts of mortals.
But today it was a bit different.
In past decades I have been negotiating with Amaterasu about our alliance and after several years we have finally grown to some form of agreement.
In truth I didn't really care about the Earth as when the Dimensional Gap is destroyed, it will take with its the majority of the Earth Plane, additionally, it would attract the attention of the strong existence of the Astral Boundary.
What I wanted was Izanami's Life, more precisely Underworld Command Sequence that was in her ownership. That would cause Shinto to lose their foothold in the Underworld or rather now in the Baator, but that was a small price, as right now the entirety of the Baator was under the control of the Chthonian Empire.
Amaterasu agreed to my request, but in return, she wanted that we help Japan to not suffer any losses during the war that was coming, as humans would be waging another World War.
In my eyes, they were just playing around, but for them, it was a serious matter...
I have agreed and sent some experienced Executors from the Execution Temple to give some help to Japan, as Shinto was under watchful eyes of other Pantheons to not meddle in this war, as during past centuries Japan has been greatly led by Shinto Gods, as they started intervening in matters of mortals.
Shinto Priests had a high say in the politics of humans in Japan, and huge influence, while Ancient Clans and Principal Clans that served Shinto were de facto leaders of Japan, while Emperor was just a figurehead or rather he just dealt with trivial matters.
Usually, when mortals waged their wars, it was the greatest taboo for supernatural factions to intervene in them. What I ordered, could be considered a violation of every tradition that was here for thousands of years in the existence of the Supernatural.
But with my strength and strength of the Chthonian Empire as a whole, I didn't care.
Might make right.
If you are strong then you make laws and decide what is right and what is wrong.
Still, my job was only to ensure that Japan reaps benefits from the war, even though I can already predict how things would end from the current course of action, as my spies and agents have infiltrated every human power on Earth, and extracted all necessary information.
What was troublesome was that Japan planned to attack China, which was the domain of Okhwang who was my ally... but after I have explained the situation to him, he just told me I as long as I didn't cause destruction of the entire nation or extinction of its people, he wouldn't care.
Which was logical... why would he care for mortals, but it was rather a question of honor.
Of course, this entire war was a great thing, as many people will die, the more die the better as we could harvest the enormous amounts of Souls from them to refine those souls into the Divine Crystals.
And Divine Crystals are always of great use for the Devils. Nowadays there are almost no opponents that would obstruct us in collecting souls, as one of the greatest constructors who was Hades already no longer is among the living.
After this war ends, I can then send my people to bring me Izanami so I can extract her part of the Underworld Command Sequence, and afterward, with the entire Command Sequence, I can finally initiate the first part of my grand plan, by severing the connection of Underworld with Earth and other planes.
With that Underworld would recover and it would grow more powerhouses.
Several Years Later
Everything went as expected.
World War II ended as expected with Germany being defeated, while Japan was forced back from China back to its territory. After the defeat of its allies, Japan continued waging war against the USA, whom they crippled after a successful attack on Pearl Harbor, which was successfully done only thanks to the intervention of spies from the Execution Temple and Intelligence Department.
Several years later after Japan secured hegemony over the Pacific Ocean, they were forced to end their war, as it put too much strain on their economy, and after they were forced out from mainland China, while they managed to keep some Islands they captured from other nations, it was not enough.
Most importantly, Amaterasu personally ordered Emperor to end the war, as she decided it was enough of the war and fighting.
Meanwhile what I have noticed that the time diversion between Astral Boundary Universe and Shao Universe was constantly changing, jumping from different conversions every year, but I already got info from Mercurius that within the next decades it will stabilize at 1:1.
Resources from the Douluo Plane proved to be crucial for the fast development of the Chthonian Empire, especially the magical herbs by importing Immortal Herbs and various metals and ores, there were even entire ore veins planted around the entire Baator.
I was already preparing my return to the Douluo Plane after the time rate stabilizes at the 1:1 to check up on some things, especially on the development of the Spirit Hall and on Silver Dragon King Gu Yuena, as she was still healing and I was curious how she has healed up.
Additionally, I was thinking about inviting her to Longinus Dreizhen Orden.
She would be a good addition, also, it would mean that Bibi Dong would have a permanent helper in her home Universe.
Chapter 233 - Stirring of the Bloodline
Several decades later...
Today was a day like any other day in the Chthonian Empire of the Baator Realm.
I was comprehending the Laws in the Imperial Palace, Sanctus Imperialis, as members of the Adeptus Custodes were guarding me until I have felt my bloodline stirring up for some reason.
I remembered this feeling...
As a primogenitor of my bloodline after Devouriong Bloodline Source of Original Lucifer and Lilith, I could be said to be the origin of Devils, especially appliably to the Lucifer Bloodline, and now I felt that new Lucifer has been born in a far away Shao Universe.
"So in the end, she got pregnant with my child... apparently, I cannot avoid this anymore."
I have long ago told my wives that I have slept with Bibi Dong when I was drunk, Hela didn't care too much but she told me she wanted to fight her, while Fia and Vena wanted to get to know her, as she could be considered as my unofficial wife.
I didn't really like dealing with such troublesome things, so I have decided just to push that matter away and deal with it later.
Unfortunately, It came back to me.
Right now the time-lapse between Shao Universe and Astral Boundary Universe have been stabilized and it was currently at a ratio of 1:1.
"Comprehension of the Law of Darklight has reached already a 49%. I will take a pause and go and visit Bibi Dong to resolve some matters."
I have muttered to myself.
Shao Universe, Douluo Plane, Spirit Hall
Nothing much has changed from the day I was here.
Due to the constantly changing time-lapse between two universes, more than a year has passed since the first time I have set my foot on the Douluo Plane.
I have watched around and seen several Cardinals and even some Arch-Cardinals of the Ecclesiarchy that bowed slightly when they saw me. Each of them has gotten a lot stronger during this one year.
Currently, for the mortal standards, the Spirit Hall could really be considered as a hegemon among mortals.
I have felt that Douluo Mortal Realm has already recovered and soon the density of the Spirit Energy will be rising to new heights, meaning that Wild Gods will start popping here and there in the Spirit Hall.
Maybe some would ascend as real gods to the Douluo Divine Realm.
Currently, there were two people guaranteed with such a thing, Bibi Dong and Qian Daoliu.
On my trip, I needed to meet with only those two to get the precise situations on the Douluo Planet.
Currently, I was headed to the Hall of Elders, where the strongest Titled Douluos resided and which acted as the hidden force of the Spirit Hall.
All of them were Spirit Rank 97 and Spirit Rank 98, with two at the Spirit Rank 99.
"Your Imperial Majesty Lucifer."
Greeted me Qian Daoliu, as he bowed slightly, together with another Spirit Rank 99 Limit Douluo, Jin Eyu, who seemed a bit different.
"Lord Qian, Lord Jin."
I greeted them in the same polite manner.
"I must congratulate you, Golden Crocodile Douzluo for obtaining inheritance. Which one did you manage to snatch?"
I said with a smile.
"Golden Battle God, a 1st-Class God."
He answered with a polite smile.
Since the reformation of the Spirit Hall, many Elders of the Spirit Hall that were stuck at their Rank for a very long time, not only got their combat prowess greatly enhanced by various Elixirs exported from the Baator, got their Battle Armors or condensed Spirit Cores, but many of them if not all, advanced in their Spirit Rank.
"Excellent, with this Spirit Hall factions will have one God-King and two 1st-Class Gods. This would give you a great deal of power within the Divine Realm and Council of the God-Kings."
Jin Eyu, was a very rigid man who followed high principles of justice and had very high morals. He was one of few that was how would one to say it... liked the fact that Qian Xun Ji was killed by Mercurius as he never liked him, even though he was the son of his best friend.
"Why have you decided to visit us, Your Majesty?"
Asked Qian Daoliu as we sat down around one table with tea already being prepared for us.
"You should be aware that Bibi Dong has given birth to a child?"
I asked as both of them nodded, and shortly afterward, they stopped in their tracks.
"It is..."
"Indeed it is my daughter."
I stated expressionlessly, as both of them were surprised but not that much.
It was quite easy to guess who was the father of the child.
"I need to talk with Bibi Dong about some things and check up on my youngest daughter. I wonder how strong her talent will be... Spirit Awakening happens when one reaches 6 years or?"
I asked.
"Indeed six. Her talent will be for sure astonishing."
Stated Qian Daoliu.
"We will see, as long as it is just a half of that of my eldest, then I would be satisfied. But talent isn't the most important thing... hard work, will, and determination outclasses it all. Talents I may create supreme one with just one trip to Imperial Treasury."
I said mildly.
Among my children, Sirzechs was most talented and was already bordering the Apocalypse-Class and soon his comprehension of the Law of Destruction will reach 50% after he successfully undergoes the Law Baptism, then it would be just a matter of time until he ascends as Being of Law.
Additionally, Sigmar also wasn't that far from it. Though his path will be far more filled with thorns, as his path was a mix of mine and Hela's innate godhood.
Fortunately, Architect's research on Regalzeva's Divine Spark gave a lot of information so it should be okay.
After drinking my tea and some talk with Qian Daoliu and Jin Eyu about the development of the Spirit Hall I have departed to find Bibi Dong.
Chapter 234 - Renxue
Bibi Dong was spending her time with her or rather our newly born daughter in a nearby private courtyard of hers.
She looked at me as she held a baby in her arms before saying.
"How did you find out?"
She asked silently.
"Bloodline, my dear... bloodline. The moment she was born, my bloodline signaled to me that another descendant of mine have been born, so here I am. To deal with undealt things..."
I said quietly, as Bibi Dong's expression flattened, and I knew exactly what she was thinking about.
"You don't need to worry, I won't be taking your daughter from you. I just want to solve the relationship between the two of us and about what happened."
I stated to settle her worries, as I sat down next to her.
"Could I look at her?"
I asked as she nodded and gently passed me our daughter that was still sleeping soundly.
"Have you named her?"
I asked.
"Yes, she will have the name Renxue."
Answered Bibi Dong shortly.
"Lucifer Renxue... not sounding too bad."
I said as I scanned my newly born daughter.
[Name: Lucifer Renxue
Race: Trans-Devil / Human Hybrid
Bloodline: Gremory, Lucifer
Age: 1 day
Spirit Rank: 0
Strength: 7
Agility: 8
Vitality: 24
Martial Spirit:
Spirit Scythe
Death Soul Devouring Spider Sovereign
Clan Trait:
Dark Light
The Devour
Holy Flame]
"Fascinating."
I muttered as I looked at the results. I already saw that which Martial Spirits she would awaken and additionally, she inherited 3 Clan Traits. Unfortunately, due to her unique heritage, she didn't inherit Demonic Energy, but rather those Clan Traits seemed to be tied together with the Spirit Energy.
"She has inherited a lot from me... and even from you. Reaching Godhood shall be not a problem for her."
I said as Bibi Dong was shocked hearing this, and soon her shock turned to joy.
"What are her Martial Spirits? And what Clan Traits she inherited from you?"
Asked Bibi Dong excitedly. She was aware of the Clan Traits, as they were bloodline abilities of the Devil Nobility. In the Douluo Planet, there didn't exist, or rather maybe they did, the closest thing they had, was Clans that inherited Martial Spirits through the Bloodline of the Clan.
"Twin Spirits. One is Offensive Tool Spirit called Spirit Scythe and the second is a Beast Spirit called Death Soul Devouring Spider Sovereign. From me, she inherited three Clan Traits, Holy Flame, Dark Light, and Devour. She is second among my children to inherit 3 Clan Traits, truly fascinating."
I answered as Bibin Dong's eyes widened in shock.
"Death Soul Devouring Spider Sovereign should be mutation fusion between two of my Martial Spirits, Death Spider Emperor and Soul Eater Spider Emperor."
She explained as I nodded.
"I will visit when I have time but try at least once or twice per year. Also, every year on the day of her birthday, bring her to Baator to stay for several weeks... Spirit Hall can govern itself for some time even without your intervention."
She nodded at that. I could visit maybe once or twice a year and stay for several weeks each visit, as I had my duties in the Empire and there were a lot of schemes and plots that required my immediate attention.
Additionally, I wanted her to bring Renxue each year to Baator so she could stay there with me, when she grows older, she could stay there even for a more prolonged period of time. That way she could get along with her siblings, as she was living in a different Universe, compared to the rest of them.
"How the development of the Spirit Hall is going on?"
I asked as I held my daughter Renxue in my hands and talked with Bibi Dong.
"As expected it is going well. Even with the innovation of the Imperfect Artificial Spirit Souls, we have greatly lessened dependence on the Spirit Beasts. The addition of the Spirit Technology greatly increased the strength of the Spirit Hall, and we have slowly started gaining control over Duchies, Principalities, and Kingdoms at the south of the Douluo Continent, where the Balak Kingdom and Spirit City are located."
Answered Bibi Dong with proud expression as she talked about achievements done by the Spirit Hall.
"Holy Templar Order has become a famous force on the continent around half a year ago when I have deployed one of the Holy Armies to destroy Duchy which was ruled by Evil Spirit Masters, as they were hiding there for a long time as sleeper cells. Our progress in the Sun-Moon Continent is going well, as currently, we are controlling several key people in the Royal Family of the Sun Moon Kingdom. After several Elders from the Hall of Elders went there, things are going much smoother up there. When the Sun Moon Kingdom falls entirely under the control of the Spirit Hall, we can start conquering the entire continent. Several Titled Douluos from there, already joined the Spirit Hall after seeing the depth of our faction."
While the Sun Moon Continent had far more advanced technology compared to the Douluo Continent minus Spirit Hall, the number of high-end powerhouses was far too low compared to the Douzluo Continent.
Spirit Hall before the reform contained more than 25 Titled Douluos. Each of the Empires has a similar amount of Titled Doulos.
Even some random Kingdom in the Douluo Continent will have one Titled Douluo overseeing it. Even Clear Sky Clan had around 7 Titled Douluos in the Clan.
The martial level of the Douluo Continent was higher, and all Titled Douluos wanted to advance, extend their lifespan, enhance their combat prowess, and so on... the thing that Spirit Hall will give them in exchange for their eternal and undying loyalty.
"Excellent."
I commented on her progress and truth to be told I cannot wait how will this planet look twenty years later.
After Silver Dragon King Gu Yuena recovers enough, and Bibi Dong ascends as a new Asura God, a new Dragon God can ascend and the final part of the plan for this Realm could begin.
Chapter 235 - Dark Devilgod Tiger
Star Dou Forest
Several hours later I have arrived at the Star Dou Forest to check up on the Silver Dragon King Gu Yuena and the rest of the Spirit Beasts how they were doing.
As I walked through the areas of the Star Dou Forest I have noticed something interesting. One certain Spirit Beasts that were preying on the other Spirit Beast with unique attributes, as it was touched by the Laws itself.
It is a black giant tiger, pure black all over, without a speck of another color. It is no less than eight meters long, bulging with muscle, maybe weighing more than half a tonne, it was clear that this one was still a very young specimen. The 'king' mark on his forehead is also black, but a different shade of black from its fur, a black as gloomy as mist. Its red eyes brim with viciousness, but the most peculiar feature is its tail. The tail is much longer compared to ordinary tiger-type Spirit Beasts, it greatly resembles a scorpion's tail formed from countless bone joints with a giant hook attached that is oriented upward, and it glints with a cold light.
It was a Dark Devilgod Tiger.
"What an irony."
I muttered to myself as I observed the Dark Devilgod Tiger.
I had some information about Dark Devilgod Tiger in my library. It was the very precious type of the Spirit Beats, in legends, it is a mutation that occurred as an evil god descended on the White Tiger, turning the White Tiger's light attribute into darkness attribute, producing black wings of corruption, as well as scorpion tail-like Devilgod Hook.
The Dark Devilgod Tiger possesses an extremely overbearing talent. However, it doesn't mature through cultivation, and its cultivation is extremely difficult. It can rise in strength quickly only by devouring Spirit Beasts or human Spirit Masters' spirit power. Consequently, no matter in what environment the Dark Devilgod Tiger appears, it immediately becomes the focus of indiscriminate hatred of local Spirit Beasts that would exterminate it before it grows strong enough to threaten their lives.
It was the perfect candidate as my familiar.
I planned to contract it and bring it back to the Astral Boundary, as it was currently very weak, because it was basically a youngling, I could easily convert its cultivation system to that of the Astral Boundary.
Its current strength was only around the Commander Level, which in terms of the Douluo Ranks would be Spirit Elder, from the scans I have noticed that it was only several years old, which was good progress, truly befitting the name of its species.
In the Chthonian Empire, it would be able to feed freely on criminals and other offenders that are usually thrown to Dou Dou, so she can absorb them as their fertilizer, thanks to that she has already grown to a Pinnacle of the Monarch Level and her next evolution was nearing. Only some corpses on the Super Devil Class or its equivalent were needed for her to successfully evolve into a higher form.
Meanwhile Isla, my cute little Wampus Cat was still a long way from Leveling up, as she was too young and now she entered the slow phase of her growth.
I walked up to the Dark Devilgod Tiger that was feeding on the deceased Spirit Beast and released some of my aura as the Dark Devilgod Tiger froze in its tracks.
Spirit Beasts similar to Monster and Magical Beasts in the Astral Boundary were intelligent creatures, especially those with special bloodlines. This Dark Devilgod Tiger had a very special bloodline, so he was very intelligent and the moment he sensed my aura he noticed that it was very similar to his own, in the fundamental attributes so he slowly came to me.
I took out some Divine Crystals and showed them to the Dark Devilgod Tiger, as his eyes shined as he saw the Divine Crystals. While he didn't know what they were, he knew that they were very beneficial for him, so he looked at them in wonder and lessened his guard against me.
"If you want these, you will need to become my familiar. Afterward, you can have as many of these as you want and you can eat being and monsters without being hunted by anyone."
I said to the Dark Devilgod Tiger.
I explained everything that would happen if the Dark Devilgod Tiger became familiar. It was all sound and clear, and with the intelligence of the Dark Devilgod Tiger, he quickly understood everything and agreed to become my Familiar.
"Good boy... you can now eat these."
I said as I pet his head and gave him some Divine Crystals to eat.
Afterward, the Dark Devilgod Tiger obediently followed me like a cub following its mother.
"Do you have a name?"
I asked as we walked through the Star Dou Forest.
Dark Devilgod Tiger only shook his head in denial.
"Then your name will be Heishen, meaning Black God."
I named my new familiar as Dark Devilgod Tiger now named Heishen nodded his head happily, apparently satisfied with his new name.
"Greetings Senior."
Said Di Tian as I arrived at the Core Area of the Star Dou Forest. He was a lot stronger compared to before, probably on the grasp of the godhood, just a step away from becoming a Divine Beast.
He should have perfectly digested residual energy of the Divine Crystals that I gave him.
"Hello there... I have made a new familiar."
I said as I pointed at the Dark Devilgod Tiger, that was obediently following me.
"I see that... congratulations."
Said Di Tian respectfully.
"How are things going on?"
I asked as I started petting the head of the Heishen the Dark Devilgod Tiger.
"My Lord is recuperating faster with the help from you, after one or two decades she will be back to her full strength. Additionally, after fewer people are hunting Spirit Beasts, it is more peaceful here and stronger Spirit Beasts are born and promoting."
He stated as I nodded in satisfaction.
"Good... very good."
Chapter 236 - Daughters and Grandson
Baator, Capital of the Chthonian Empire, some time later
18 years since the birth of my daughter Renxue.
Several years later, Hela and Vena both gave birth to daughters.
Hela's daughter was named Sigurn and Vena's Rias.
Renxue was 20 years old and has already reached Titled Douluo Spirit Rank 94 and was just a step away from becoming Hyper Douluo. Coupled with her fearsome Martial Spirits and superior mastery over the Clan Traits, she could fight against Sirzechs or Sigmar for more than ten minutes before being defeated.
My relationship with Bibi Dong changed, as Renxue brought us closer and after some years, I have started slowly courting her. She was a nice girl, and after spending some time, I have come to like her a lot.
Meanwhile, Renxue got along with her siblings well... at least some of them. Similarly to Hilda and Sigurn, she was allergic to Sigmar's and Sirzech's stupidness. She was calm, composed and intelligent, and extremely competitive.
Especially with Sigurn as they were of similar age.
Though one could say she had a terrible relationship with Rias.
Terrible could be the wrong word... it was strong dislike, despisal bordering on hatred.
Rias was an anomaly among my children, or rather she was very similar in nature to many children of nobility. She was lazy, didn't train or practice, and wasted her time lazying around or just watching human pop culture tv series and anime.
This created great friction between her and Renxue who on the other side, was very diligent, hard-working, and was already at the level of Super Devil, as she was already a Titled Douluo. The same could be said about Sigurn, who already reached Ultimate-Class and started building her career in the Imperialis Militarum.
In the end, I wasn't exactly the father of the year, as I didn't really spend much time with my children. I spent all of my time, either attending my duties, training in seclusion, or sparring.
Aside from that, I only spent time with my children when they wanted to train with me or teach them something, it was the thing I could never say no. Apart from that, I rarely had free time, and I needed to spend time with my wives...
In the end, I never spent too much time with Rias, or rather almost none.
It was a great surprise to me, that Sirzech's and Serafall's child was born.
It was a healthy baby boy named Abrasax Leviathan-Lucifer, who inherited 4 Clan Traits, a truly unique little rascal.
He was now only 10 years old and already reached the pinnacle of the High-Class and soon would reach Grand-Class.
Now that I held 100% Command Sequence of the Underworld after Shinto Pantheon sold out Izanagi, Underworld was long ago renamed as Baator. It has started recovering Laws of the Astral Boundary, allowing people to reach Grand-Class and Legendary-Class, energy density was also rising and quality of the plane was rising.
It has recovered to a proper Grade 3 Plane, and soon would reach Grade 2, as I connected it to the Shao Universe to siphon some energy from it. Then I could change the Baator to my image.
"Grandpa, grandpa... are you sleeping?"
Asked low voice, belonging to a little boy with colorful hair of red, silver, and black, as he was shaking me.
"Nope... grandpa was just thinking about something. And that brings up a question, what are you doing here little thing?"
I asked even though I already new an answer. He probably escaped somehow Custodians that were tasked with watching him and evaded Execturos of the Execution Temple... I don't know if I should feel worried or proud.
Probably bit from both of them.
"I was bored, all that magic theory is boring and I wanted to watch father training with other Custodians. Additionally, great-grandpa Zekrem kicked me out of his office."
He said with stars appearing with his eyes. Probably he destroyed something in Zekram's office... things like that were happening often, as Abrasax was a little bundle of energy.
"Come, we are going to fight... show me how have you progressed."
I said as Abrasax nodded happily, and soon both of us appeared in the training yard, which was currently empty as I activated protection shields.
I just stood there, while Abrasax took out a sword and got into a combat stance.
His combat style, was a mix of mine and Sirzechs, though he leaned more into close-combat than long-range combat or mid-range combat.
With just a look I could calculate that he would coat his sword with Power of Destruction, it was katana of Monarch-Grade Secret Treasure, a very rare thing that I have found in some ruins in the Earth Plane's Andromeda Galaxy.
After he coated his sword with Power of Destruction, he attacked me with a sword attack, although he was only ten years old, he was a very good swordsman. I was very satisfied with his growth.
I easily dodged every one of his attacks, as from my point of view they were slow and weak, but Abrasax already achieved Adept-ranked Mastery in every one of his Clan Traits, while his mastery in the Power of Destruction was nearing the Master Rank, it was a wonderful achievement.
"Very good, you are becoming better and better at a faster rate..."
I said.
Seeing that my grandson was becoming already a Grand-Class and with such high mastery over his Clan Traits filled me with pride.
It almost overshadowed the sour feeling that I had one completely useless daughter that was a waste of space. At least due to Imperial Laws, she is getting zero resources, even though she is a Princess.
Chapter 237 - Rewards and Punishments (1)
Imperial Palace - Sanctus Imperialis, Throne Room
Today was an important day in the Chthonian Empire of the Baator. An important ceremony was carried out currently, where I would be awarding titles to my children, as even the youngest ones have reached the age where they could hold responsibility. Or rather, every one of my children was already technically titled, but this would be officially confirming the title or another form of reward or punishment.
Currently, the Throne Room was filled with only a small amount of people.
From those who were present, only members of the Senatorum Imperialis, Elders of the Empire, and some other notable figures.
I sat on my throne, flanked by several members of the Adeptus Custodes under the leadership of Diablo, in their pristine shining golden armor, while my wives were sitting behind me.
"Announcing Lucifer Renxue."
Shouted the ceremony master, as I watched my daughter walking from another room, as she knelt before me.
She has snow-white skin, slightly slender phoenix eyes, a face with somewhat stateliness. She is a rather beautiful person with a cold and indifferent face that exudes dignity. She inherited my royal purple eyes and that cold calculating look on her face.
"Imperial Father."
She stated.
This ceremony was official business, so she couldn't call me as usually "dad".
"Lucifer Renxue for your hard work in developing the Spirit Hall in the Shao Universe, an immense talent that has been used to the maximum to reach Titled Douluo which is equivalent to Super-Devil Class, and helping develop commerce and trade between Chthonian Empire and Spirit Hall, I confirm your title as the Imperial Princess and award you with the title of Chthonian Lord of the Empire. With this, you shall be awarded a fief within Baator, that you will choose a proper administrator to manage in your stead. Additionally, for your achievement in cultivation, I award you with one Monarch Grade Divine Crystal and you may choose any treasure within Imperial Vaults."
I stated with an authoritative voice, as everyone clapped in congratulations.
Not many were surprised by this, as it was common knowledge that Renxue was very talented and hard-working and she was one of my favorites. Sirzechs, Hilda, and Sigmar were already over 400 years old, so they won't be spending time with their old man... Sirzechs would often train with me though.
"I humbly accept the decree of Your Imperial Majesty."
Said Renxue and she bowed deeply and left slowly.
"Announcing Vali Lucifer."
Shouted master of the ceremony, as another person entered the room.
It was Rizevim's grandson Vali Lucifer. Born between a human woman and Razevan Lucifer, Rizevim's son, he was abused by his father greatly. He was born with Longinus Divine Dividing that housed the soul of the Albion Gwider, one of the Heavenly Dragons.
After his mother died, he run away from home before he was caught by members of the Execution Temple that brought him to the Imperial Capital Anor Londo, as he was on verge of death.
Concurrently he was saved by Albion, who with my help turned him into Devil Dragonoid. Afterward, I took him as my own, and brought him up as my own sun, like Sirzechs or Sigmar. While Grayfia took the role of mother for him.
He was a handsome young man with light silver hair. He wore the standard military uniform of the Imperialis Militarum, signifying his rank as Colonel.
"Imperial Father."
He said as he knelt down.
After I took him in, he called me father.
"Vali Lucifer, for your achievements on the battlefield, bravery, and strength. For your courage and martial prowess, for intelligence during strategy, for the leadership skills that you have shown in the siege of Gralea, I award you with a title of Imperial Prince Elect."
The moment I said that everyone's eyes widened in a deep shock, including Vali himself. Among the Imperial House, there were several Noble Titles, from highest to lowest they were Imperial Ancestor (reserved for me), Imperator, Empress, Imperial Elder, Crown Prince, Imperial Prince Elect, Imperial Prince/Princess, Imperial Lord, and Imperial Noble.
Imperial Prince Elect was a very special title because it meant that person bearing this title was second-in-line for the throne. Meaning if the Crown Prince became incapable to refused to become Emperor, the Imperial Prince Elect would become an Emperor.
In my eyes, both Sirzechs and Vali could ascend to the position of the Emperor, as in the end, the position while was tied to my bloodline, and even though Vali wasn't my descendant, he was Lucifer and in the end, he was still my son.
I made it in a way, that only a person truly worthy could ascend as the Emperor of the Chthonian Empire. It was measured in martial prowess, leadership and administrative skills, ruling wisdom, and several other aspects.
Only someone with the title of the Crown Prince or Prince Elect could become an Emperor. Others were deemed to be not qualified. Sigmar had superior martial prowess in some regards even to Sirzechs but he lacked traits of the ruler such as patience and administrative abilities. Hilda was not suitable overall, as she was good at pure administrative work but she often lacked the wisdom to see beyond some things, she was a very good office worker. Renxue was destined for other things.
"Now quiet!"
I shouted as everyone stopped whispering and all the attention returned to me.
"Next, for achieving astonishing martial prowess, and recruiting Albion Gwider for the Empire, among other achievements, I award you with the additional title of the Chthonian Lord of the Empire. With this, you shall be awarded a fief within Baator, that you will choose a proper administrator to manage in your stead. Also, I am naming you as the leader of the Khaos Brigade with your first mission is to hunt down and kill Euclid Lucifuge the traitor, and his merry band of human magicians Nilrem."
I could see a single tear escaping his right eye before it evaporated as everyone held their breath.
Chapter 238 - Rewards and Punishements (2)
Khaos Brigade was the strongest, most fanatical, and radical troop in the Imperialis Militarum. They were worshipping the Emperor or rather me, as Father of all Devils.
I was becoming a god in eyes of the citizens of the Empire.
Different from other gods in the Draconic Deus.
But I can feel Faith Energy flowing to me even now.
I have found a method to refine it to a Demonic Energy, and thus allowed a new religion devoted to me to be established.
Soldiers of the Imperialis Militarum long ago either worshipped me or admired me...
And Khaos Brigade was most fanatical.
Strongest.
All of them were at the Grand-Class.
After the second military reform that was carried out only several months before, the entire Imperialis Miltarum had only 10 Milion Soldiers.
Khaos Brigade had exactly 30,000 Soldiers.
And now they would be unleashing on some pests that were pestering the Empire.
Nilrem and Qlippoth. Both of them were basically created by Rizevim Livan Lucifer my uncle, while Nilrem was consisting of magicians, martial artists, knights, or warriors banished from their factions or criminals.
There existed another faction that worked together with them called Hexennacht that was led by Ultimate-Class Witch called Walburga. They attempted to rob one of the transportation vehicles belonging to the Magisterium of Arcane, but they didn't accept that it would be personally guarded by Magister Mephisto Pheles, who reached Super-Devil Class and could easily cast Forbidden-Tier Spells.
He caught Walburga and annihilated Hexennacht and obtain information about Nilrem and Qlippoth.
They were good at hiding, as they operated only on Earth and in dimensional worlds or low-grade planes under control of various Pantheons.
I tasked Vali with annihilating Nilrem, he was already a pinnacle Satan-Class while Euclid Lucifuge was only Ultimate-Class, so it should be an easy quest.
"I will finish the mission that Your Imperial Majesty has entrusted to me."
He bowed as he said.
"Announcing Sigurn Helasdottir Lucifer-Gremory."
Continued master of the ceremony after newly-named Prince Elect Vali Lucifer departed.
Sigurn wore a similar outfit to Hela when I first met her. She had shining emerald eyes with long pitch-black hair that was tied to a ponytail. She looked like a carbon copy of Hela, aside from her haircut.
"Imperial Father."
Said Sigurn as she knelt on one knee.
"While your achievements on the battlefield are lesser compared to your siblings, you have outclassed them in the area of innovation of the Imperialis Militarum training regime, attempting to build a warrior culture in the entire Chthonian Empire. I confirm your title as the Imperial Princess and award you with the title of Chthonian Eques."
I said as Sigurn bowed.
"I hereby thank Your Imperial Majesty."
She was only 17 years old and reached Ultimate-Class, later stages of it.
It was a good result, considering that she spent a lot of time realizing her dream of creating a warrior culture in the Chthonian Empire. Empire didn't have a specific culture but was rather a mix of several. While many of them were to a certain degree militaristic and warrior in nature, it was nothing compared to the pure warrior culture, that breeds superior warriors that are unparallel on the battlefield.
"Announcing Princess Rias Lucifer-Gremory."
Continued master of the ceremony.
Hearing that my most problematic child came I frowned while Venelana looked sad at what was about to come.
Rias inherited Venelana's violet eyes and my long crimson hair. She was dressed as a typical high-born princess in a beautiful dress contrary to how Hilda or Sigurn wore only a military uniform.
"Imperial Father."
Said Rias nervously as she knelt before me.
"My most problematic child. Contrary to your siblings you have spent most of your time lazying around, hanging out with other wastes like yourself. Reaching only initial High-Class, having no achievements, no glory or anything to your name... living on the glory and power of the Imperial House. From today, you shall be stripped of your status as Imperial Princess and you will be only considered as a collateral member of the Imperial House until you have proven yourself."
Contrary to when everyone was shocked when I named Vali as Prince Elect, now nobody of the present was even a bit surprised.
Only my daughter seemed frozen in shock, as tears started flowing down on her face, not managing to say a word.
"From tomorrow, you will present yourself in Execution Temple, and Grandmaster Valefor will take care of your training and assign you mission, so you can become someone useful for the Empire. Now begone."
My voice boomed, as two handmaidens, went to Rias to help her stand up, as Custodians appeared beside them with their halberts on their troats.
"She will take care of herself, leave."
Rias's two handmaidens quickly nodded and hurriedly left the throne room.
Soon enough even Rias stood up and left the throne room.
While some may see me as a cruel father, not even my children were an exception to the fundamental nature of the Chthonian Empire, and that was a pure meritocracy. Not even my descendants cannot live with the resources of the Empire and do nothing.
Right now, even though Imperial House held almost all of the power in the Empire, it needed to be an example of perfection for others, and more importantly, to live by rules I have installed onto others.
If not it could lead to dissatisfaction among my subjects and could disrupt the feeling of the unity I have been trying to create.
Chapter 239 - New Recruit at the Execution Temple (1)
3rd POV
One day later, an unnamed mountain range in the Baator
Execution Temple was located in the depths of the unnamed mountain range in Baator, hidden from the eyes of others.
Execution Temple headquarters was located deep underground, beneath the mountains. That was where their citadel was located.
Right now, two members of the Custodians, brought Emperor's youngest daughter Rias Gremory, to join the Execution Temple.
Both custodians that brought members of the Imperial House here, were of the Satan-Class, as this place was filled with ferocious monsters. Many of the monsters that roamed this place freely were of Monarch Level, which was equivalent to the Satan-Class.
Executioners of the Execution Temple thus trained even with entering their HQ safely, by erasing their presence so monsters won't notice them.
Suddenly, as they waited there, with Rias being most nervous about what was going to happen after she was basically stripped of all her privileges, three members of the Execution Temple appeared out of the shadows.
All of them wore standard black uniform of the Execution Temple that was similar to a priest gown, just with a cape covering their head together with metal masks protecting and hiding their faces.
All of them had perfectly suppressed their aura, but based on their masks, one could see that two of them were of Executioner Rank and the third one was Senior Executioner. Meaning all of them were of Ultimate-Class at least.
Nobody said a word, Custodians just nodded at three Executioners, before they left, as Senior Executioner signaled Rias to follow behind them.
"From today, you will be a recruit of the Execution Temple. Although you have reached the initial High-Class, which was better than even Disciple Executioners, your combat prowess is lagging even behind that of a recruit. Your training will last for six months and starts from today when we arrive at the HQ. Grand Master Valefor will personally oversee your training as decreed by his Imperial Majesty. You have received Servant Class Card Peerage, right?"
Explained Senior Executioner to her, as he stated his question at the end, to which she nodded her head nervously.
"Hmm... this would be useful."
Muttered Senior Executioner as they proceeded to enter the deeper into the mountain range while avoiding all high-level monsters that were basically everywhere.
While Rias was curious why Senior Executioner asked her that question. She got the Servant Class Card Peerage as a gift from her father, long time ago, when she wanted to collect her personal servants, and even prepared some suitable targets and how to obtain them.
Citadel of the Execution Temple, Entrance Hall
The entire place was dark, with the only light being at something that seemed like a reception where one Executioner of Novice Rank sitting and reading some book.
"Welcome honorable Senior Executioner and Executioners. What can I do to help you?"
Asked Novice Executioner with an indifferent voice.
"One uniform for Recruit Executioner."
Stated Senior Executioner.
"It will be right away."
Answered Novice Executioner as he disappeared and soon appeared from shadows, and passed him the uniform for Recruits.
"Here... wear this."
Ordered Senior Executioner as he passed the uniform to Rias, as she nodded and departed to room, which was for changing clothes, that was near to the reception.
After several minutes Rias exited the change room clothed in the standard Recruit uniform.
"You will not be saying your name, only your number as Executioner. Your identity is of utmost secrecy in the Execution Temple, understand?"
Aksed Senior Executioner as she nodded nervously.
"Excellent, now come, Grandmaster is already waiting."
He said.
Among the entire Execution Temple, only the identity of the Grandmaster was known among higher up of the Empire, only among members of the Senatorum Imperialis and some other Military leaders.
They soon entered the small room, where a man in a more luxurious version of the uniform was waiting, as he was sitting cross-legged and meditating.
"Grandmaster."
Senior Executioner bowed as he left the room and closed the door.
"Rule number 1: During your time here, your previous identity doesn't exist. You are like any other executioner that entered this place, just a number... nothing more and nothing less."
Said Grandmaster Valefor in a strict voice as he looked at Rias.
"I understand Grandmaster."
She said.
"Every day, you will train with a special batch of recruits, as you lack even elementary combat skills. Training starts at five in the morning, be late and you will be harshly punished. Every person that is not a full-fledged Executioner lives in a shared dormitory. By end of the week, I await that you will choose a weapon for yourself and we will start weapon mastery training. For your Clan Trait, I will take the role of teacher. And be careful of this place and your competition... where everyone is equal and only might make right..."
Stated Grandmaster Valefor as she shuddered at the last part of the sentence.
Execution Temple was in a certain way a lawless place, at least for trainees. Deaths here were common, as it was an easy way to dispose of their competition and get more resources.
As long as you don't kill anybody in plain sight, and dispose of the body, nobody will do anything. There were several cases where even noble descendants were killed this way.
And she knew that if somebody killed her in this way, her father won't move a finger. She was aware that she was seen as a disgrace of the Imperial House, and even her own siblings scorned her, especially Hilda, Sigurn, and Renxue, while Sigmar ignored her for being weakling and not of any interest to him, while Sirzechs was even though he wanted for everyone to get along, he had many other duties and couldn't be her protector from other siblings every time.
"I understand Grandmaster."
"Also after one month, you will perform simple missions to earn points that could be exchanged for rewards that will greatly enhance your strength."
Stated Grandmaster Valefor as he returned to his meditation.
Chapter 240 - New Recruit at the Execution Temple (2)
One month later, HQ of the Execution Temple
"Again."
Said indifferently Master Executioner that was on the Satan-Class that served as drillmaster of this bunch of Recruits. Soon enough, many of those who showed prospects would undergo trials of Initiating.
In the past month, Rias Lucifer-Gremory has lived a life that could be considered torturous to someone like her.
Living conditions were shit for recruits, many of them slept on the ground or fought for beds that were available. In the end, after she got beaten several times, and in one case nearly killed by her co-recruit, she started realizing the cold reality of life.
That, those without power were nothing.
This wasn't an Imperial Palace or Capital Anor Londo.
Contrary to her eldest siblings, that experiences plenty of wars, as they were born during turbulent times, and fought in many wars for expansion, she was born in a time of peace. In the safety of Sanctus Imperials of the Imperial Palace, life was heaven.
After one month of training with Grandmaster Valefor and under various drillmasters, she has not only reached the initial Grand-Class but also most importantly started getting better at controlling her Clan Traits and started learning how to wield a weapon.
The weapon she chose for herself were twin daggers, as they were pretty suitable for her.
Only now did she understand how far behind she was compared to her siblings.
All of her siblings, in various degrees, were trained by their father, often being personally thought how to wield their Clan Traits to utmost perfection, Tier Magic System in every detail and aspect, and even trained them in combat.
She did learn a bit of controlling and using Power of Destruction from her mother after she forced her to learn, but after some time her mother stopped teaching her anything, as Rias never showed any interest in training, and Vena was busy than dealing with an adolescent teenager.
Among all of them, Sirzechs and Renxue were taught by their father, practically everything from Clan Traits, Tier Magic, Strategy, and many other disciplines. While Renxue was a cultivator, she can use Clan Traits and imitate effects of Tier Magic with her Clan Traits. She even learned Scythe Mastery from her father.
After several centuries, their father reached Forbidden-ranked Mastery in a Scythe Mastery and learned and perfected to Master ranked mastery Dagger and hand-to-hand.
"Stop. Number: R0165-E419 come to me."
Ordered Master Executioner as he shouted number that belonged to Rias as everyone stopped in their tracks.
"You have grown a good amount during this time, so I will now assign you a mission."
Said Master Executioner as Rias nodded indifferently, though deep inside she was s a bit nervous about her upcoming mission.
"There is the movement of human magical, affiliated with Church that is creating foothold on Earth in USNA. Currently, USNA is a human country that worships devils and is under the direct control of the Chthonian Empire, these human magicians and exorcists could be of a great threat if left unchecked. As by orders of Grandmaster, you are going to deal with this alone. Leave none alive."
Said Master Executioner as he passed her tablet filled with files of her targets.
Altogether, there were hundreds of humans, ranging from old people to babies. Executioners of the Execution Temple usually dealt with shady things and very dirty things, like this. Massacring several hundreds of humans, among them, many infants were nothing new.
"Any problem with the mission Number: R0165-E419?"
Asked Master Executioner as he looked at Rias as she hooked her head in denial. Even though she never trained or attempted anything, she was very well aware that things like this were common around the world.
USNA or rather the United States of North America was a human nation under influence of the Chthonian Empire that largely worshipped devils as to gods, mainly Zeoticus Lucifer as Father of the All Devils. They were foothold on Earth, as practically every faction had their human vassals.
Many humans from the USNA that proved themselves were recruited and either reincarnated as Devils or turned to Vampires and absorbed into the Chthonian Empire.
"Excellent, the time frame for the competition of this mission is one week. You will depart tomorrow."
Ordered Master Executioner as she nodded in agreement and departed to prepare herself for the mission.
