Rise Of The Cosmic Emperor

by Stayrr

There are three realms in the multi verse; The Cosmic, the Mortal and the Nether realm. Hal grew up in the mortal realm with no idea whatsoever of who his parents were. His love for relics, adventure and the occasional danger would aid him in finding a genie's lamp. Rubbing a genie's lamp should grant three wishes, but Hal is struck by lightening instead and eventually arrives in

5. 41 - 50

Read Rise of the Cosmic_Emperor Chapter 41 - Her First Taste R-18 online for free - AllNovelFull

"How could I possibly be too tired for you?" Hal pressed her on the bed and seized her lips while he caressed her.

The moment she stepped inside the room, she had been embraced by the pheromones and there was no real need for foreplay, but Hal massaged her body briefly before he went into her body and she tightened around him. He had to consciously control himself so as not to release so soon.

"Ahhn, yes" Melinda moaned and tightened her grip around his neck and pulled him down to kiss him

Erogenous touch was on full blast and soon caused her to moan out loud...

"Ohhhh" and she came spraying Hal's midsection with her juices but this was far from over.

She was soon on all fours as Hal went at it hard and fast and smacking sounds filled the room as his pelvis made contact with her shapely behind

Smack*Smack*Smack*

"Ohh ohhh ohhh more more" Melinda moaned as she grabbed the bed covers tightly and wiggled all in the hope of improving the pleasure.

Hal's hands were on her butt and With Erogenous Touch her ass was aflame with pleasure.

So she was easily aware of another set of hands rubbing at her butt. Rita had decided to join the fun.

When she opened her eyes and saw the two going at it like animals, Rita very well couldn't let Melinda have all the fun so she planned to cut her off by making Hal release as fast as she could. She massaged his balls and occasionally teased Melinda's clit causing her to tighten around the weapon buried in her snatch.

Hal knew very well what she was doing and chuckled silently at her naïveté, if she still thought he was a one shot wonder she was in for a surprise

"Ahhhn. Ritaaaa" Melinda moaned when the stimulation became too much and she came for the second time and milked Hal of his cum as he unloaded a big load into her before she slumped on the bed panting

Hal's organ would not stay exposed for long as Rita grabbed it in her right hand and began to stroke the cock that had been lubricated with Melinda's juices, while her left hand continued to massage his balls.

Hal pulled her hands off and pushed her gently on the bed and thrusted inside her tight snatch.

"AHHHN!" She moaned so loudly that the servants that still tended to the mansion heard her voice causing many to blush and even more to become uncomfortable.

The pleasure Wracked her insides and her eyes soon moistened out of joy.

Her breasts were suddenly getting massaged but it was not Hal for his hands held her tight so there was only one possible suspect left. Melinda was of course not going to let things slide.

She pinched Rita's nipples slightly, just enough to increase her stimulation and soon got into it so much that she captured a nipple between her lips and sucked

"Ohh, yeses" Rita slurred as she tightened around Hal who watched it all happen with a smile.

His pounding never seized and he continued to slam into her

Pah*pah*pah*

His balls smacked her ass as the intensity continued to increase. The pleasure never lessened.

Hal looked up to find the two locked in a tongue battle, at least they were before Rita ripped her mouth away and practically screamed with pleasure as she came once again, this added to the number of times she had released that day, not counting the little ones that had led to this huge orgasm.

And then she was gone to be replaced by Melinda who was eager to resume in the same position from before simply because it was the position that excited her the most. It allowed Hal to reach places so deep inside her.

Rita stirred. She had managed to remain conscious, she grabbed Melinda's hair and pulled her mouth towards her pussy that was leaking Hal's pearly white seed. Melinda did not need convincing as she had been curious of the taste of Hal's perverse seed, the one that contained the essence that had so far helped in her cultivation.

The first taste she had of the seed sent a wave of satisfaction throughout her body and caused her pussy to spasm as she came. This mini-orgasm did not make her even the slightest bit weaker, For the seed she tasted had strengthened her and bolstered her stamina. It cleared her slightly blurry from pleasure eyes and filled it with clarity.

Smack*Smack*Smack*

Melinda was very well aware of Hal's pleasant thrust into her as she gripped Rita's thighs and delved into her pussy in search of that perverse yet divine seed that so stoked the flames of pleasure in her.

"Wow, Melinda you're good" Rita moaned as her partner in crime scoured her pussy with her tongue.

All the while, the ladies had no idea that the pheromones they breathed was slowly washing away their inhibitions.

As Hal watched Melinda go down on Rita. He felt satisfaction. However he was not ready to end his session with the two and so he turned Melinda over unto her back, his cock remained inside of her throughout. Once on her back he needed but a single thought to have Rita kneel with one leg on each side of Melinda's head and lower her pussy onto her mouth.

Melinda was ecstatic, knowing gravity would do the work her tongue could not and make the seed slide down.

Hal used one hand to grab and knead Rita's breast with Erogenous Touch causing her eyes to roll backwards as her pleasure intensified. Yet Hal never missed a beat slamming into Melinda with one hand still on her hips. He felt all his senses awaken towards totally ruining this ladies and making them a perfect fit for him.

"Oh Melinda, yes" Rita moaned as she came flooding Melinda's mouth with her juices mixed with Hal's and it was a lot.

"Mmmhg" Melinda's groan of pleasure was muffled as she came as well and Hal came inside her once again, however, she had ingested his seed and the burst of energy was not yet used up so she was ready to go on. Not to mention that once Rita had rested she was going to come back for more.

This was far from over.

Hal woke up with the two buxom beauties clinging to him as they both took one side of his body. It was very late in the night before their sexual session had ended. Rita got tired and fell asleep first despite having ingested his semen as well.

'I guess the stamina boost is finite' he thought as he extricated himself from their bodies and stood up feeling their essence in his body but knew he could not use it for now as his bloodline had reached a limit that capped it's progression until he advanced to the Cosmic pearl realm.

Speaking of advancement, Hal covered himself with a royal blue robe and made his way to a certain part of the mansion. The west wing.

He met with a large locked door which he was able to unlock and after pushing it open found himself in a tall room with a domed ceiling. The room seemed so free and was only occupied by certain records. Records of Dane textiles. Melinda's family business which she had taken to burning slowly.

She could have done it all at once but simply wanted to 'savor' the process.

Hal withdrew the array and got to work setting it up in the room. Thanks to Grimiore he need not feed it cosmic energy. Grimiore would take care of the energy consumption and Hal would by proxy gain full control of the array.

After setting it up, he added a function that wouldn't allow anyone access except him. This was where he would cultivate to form his cosmic pearl and finally have the strength to take care of some assholes.

/

Author's Note:

Thus ends the tale of Hal whatshisface...

Just kidding. The story is far from over. However this marks the end of phase one in the first step towards Hal's goals.

The next phase will finally reveal the name of his bloodline and certain aspect of who he truly is? But you are free to take a guess.

I once mentioned his name as Hal Klint because Klint was the last name (surname) he had chosen for himself on earth and will most likely not be mentioned as his name again

Anyhoo, I really appreciate the lack of complains and or borderline insult concerning few errors in my words (yes I have noticed them) and I blame it on a lack of an editor (even though I don't really want one). I hardly proofread my chapters and as an author I am sorry.

I will make sure I do better.

Phase two begins in the next chapter and will see Hal finally becoming part of and taking on the big leagues. So sit tight and please be open-minded. This is after all my first work and I hardly have any experience.

But I promise it will be fun.

By the way, if you are wondering. Salmon city does not even amount to one percent of the Haron continent in regards to size (Any other thing I say now will most probably be a spoiler) soooo...

Like always Stay Happy

Edgar Castle

Hector Edgar was having a conversation with his sons Darryl and Marlon as they discussed many affairs ranging from better protecting their family to what was best for the city.

It had been a week since the events at the Payne Estate and so far, Gregory and no one in his family had made a move and all had been relatively quiet.

The discussion was progressive but would soon be interrupted by a man in combat attire who seemed to be there to deliver news.

"My Lord" The man bowed as soon as the door was closed. While his clothes looked tidy enough, there was an haggard look in his eyes that teased the ordeal he had only recently been through

"Karon, I expect you have news to share" Hector said in his calm aged voice prompting Karon to speak

"Yes my lord. I arrived at the Salmon lair and it had been reduced to rubble" Karon reported

"Really? Are you certain?" Darryl asked

"Quite certain"

As the day for the salmon hunt grew closer, Hector began to feel the need to check up on the Salmon lair. When he was a young man he had gone on the hunt as well and like many more before him, he had not a single hope of defeating the 'Ghost Salmon'. Even at his current realm and strength he lacked total confidence.

His sons would also be involved in the hunt centuries later. The break between the hunt usually stretched across at least a century because as mentioned before there was hardly anyone who started a family before the peak stage of the cosmic pearl realm at which point they were usually at least 150 years.

Even though it should have been clear from how many times the past generations failed that the 'Ghost Salmon' was immortal and virtually could not be defeated, the young generation would still go after the salmon

"Was the journey too dangerous?" Hector inquired

"Nothing I couldn't handle"

Hector mused for a while. Even if Salmon had only decided to migrate, it did not change the fact that something must have caused the demolition of it's lair which begs the question; What or Who was it?

"Father, this is good news" Marlon was glad which was understandable as he knew salmon was a menace that only still lived because no one knew how to defeat it.

"It is good news, if it it is really gone and not just doing some renovations or moving to a new residence" Hector said in an inquisitory tone towards Karon

"I searched the whole forest up to the borders of the city and there was no sign of the Salmon anywhere" Karon reported with confidence

Hector sighed. He did not believe the Salmon to be the type to just up and leave, But At least it was now gone. Maybe it was now time to put one of his ideas into action but first he needed to catch an eavesdropper...

Hector waved his hand and the door opened wide by virtue of cosmic energy to reveal Alexander Edgar who stumbled in as he had had his ears pressed tightly against the now open door.

"Alexander, what are you doing? This is a meeting for adults" Darryl was irate, he had warned Alexander against such actions

"I wasn't eavesdropping" Alexander said without missing a beat

"What were you doing then?" Marlon asked in a falsely curious tone that showed an obvious disbelief

"I was passing by. Grandfather called me in here by opening the door just now" Alexander lied through his teeth and hector chuckled before waving for silence

"It's good you're here anyway. You should be among the first to know that in one week there will be a competition between the young generation of salmon city. Anyone would be allowed to compete as long as they are confident in their strength. From the Great families to the Plebeian families and even commoners, all are allowed but, No one above the age of 50 will be allowed to compete. Other details would be kept quiet for later" Hector announced

Alexander smiled. This could be it. What higher glory could there be than proving through competition that he was the best of the young generation?. He would not underestimate anyone. Not after discovering that the one he believed to be a nobody was now the Payne family heir and was ready to kill his own brother in cold blood.

Melinda's Mansion. West wing

Hal sat cross legged in the room and absorbed cosmic energy to further bolster his strength at the Cosmic pearl realm Early stage and try to push for a breakthrough which even he knew was greedy.

A figure stirred on the Large bed behind him and Rita sat up on the bed to watch him

"Damn it" Hal cursed as he opened his eyes.

In a flash Rita was behind him and hugging his midsection and pressing her naked mounds to his back

"Trying to be greedy again? She whispered while nipping at his earlobes playfully

"of course I was" Hal said and brought her to his lap and kissed her.

After installing the array Hal decided to spruce up the room and the most important was adding a bed in which, He, Melinda and Rita could take breaks while cultivating.

Outside it had been a weak but inside the array it had been Two and a half months (10 weeks), during which he had successfully formed his cosmic pearl which at the early stage was 5cm(1'8) in diameter, and it's purity surpassing that limit and guaranteed he could most probably defeat someone at the mid stage. As for late stage he should be able to escape. His speed and strength had increased along with improvement in his cultivation base. Meanwhile his flesh had surpassed the limit of the mid stage and stood very close to the peak.

Melinda and Rita had not been idle either as Rita had formed her Cosmic Armament ensuring that Hal's essence was enough for a steady increase till she was ready for the next realm but of course. for a much faster speed she cultivated along with the other two. Hal has replaced the technique she had received from his mother (Green grade) for an ungraded one from the Grimiore.

Melinda was at the peak of the Cosmic pearl realm and getting ready to form her armament However all work and no play was not the 'Hal way'.

"So when are we doing it?" Rita asked

"Whenever you're ready. It's your ass not mine" Hal did in a seemingly innocent tone of voice and Rita slapped him lightly across the arm

"Pervert. What are you thinking about? I was talking about the raid"

"Soon" Hal smiled

The door opened and Melinda walked in with an envelope in hand.

"This just arrived for you" she said before handing it to him and she sat by his side.

Hal opened up the envelope and it contained the competition the Mayor was bidding all eligible youths to participate in. A competition Hal had no real intention of joining. At least not for now.

He handed it to the two so they could read it as,well but their views were not very different from his.

He walked out of the room, faintly sensing the increase in the flow of time. Castor bowed to him

"Master. Eugene Swanson is here" He told Hal

"Finally, lead him to the lounge"

"As you wish Master" Castor said and left, leaving Hal to ponder his decision of signing a contract with Castor to ascertain his loyalty.

It seemed alright.

Hal returned into the room almost instantly returned with Melinda and Rita and together they went to the lounge to finally have their meeting.

...

Eugene Swanson sat in the lounge and couldn't help but be amazed by the orderliness of the maids and servants in the house not to mention the quiet reverence in the air. Even the man that had brought him here had wasted no time with chitchat and left after informing him that his Master was on his way.

He need not wait long for said 'master' as Hal would soon arrive in the lounge clad in casual robes. The two ladies were also dressed in the same manner albeit a little more proper.

"Eugene" Hal greeted once he took his seat,

"Hal. Ladies" Eugene replied in greeting, the two ladies gestured in greeting but otherwise were silent, not because they had no respect for him, but because they had nothing to say.

"So I will get straight to the point. I want to end the slave house" Hal said in a neutral tone

Eugene's eyebrows went up briefly "okay, what is the plan?" He asked

"Relatively simple. I had Castor investigate thoroughly so I have a pretty good understanding of their battle power and everything should be fine"

"I never liked the Holgers anyway however there are a lot of families who would be ready to stand up in it's defense" Swanson said gravely

Those families would definitely see this as a means to gain favor and maybe a discount in the next slave auction.

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"That's one of the reasons I need your help. Together we will isolate the building with Astral Energy" Hal said

Eugene went silent briefly. There were so many things that could go wrong but what were friends for?

'I believe your 'offer' of friendship is now paying off' Grimiore said and Hal ignored it.

The slave house happened to be a very lucrative business and as such they had a force that while less than the great family's was still substantial enough to cause issues for a small group like theirs.

The establishment belonged to the Holger family, a Plebeian family who had monopolized slave trade in Salmon city and made it into a lucrative business. It was rumored that they had a secret that helped keep their slaves in line, ensuring that even those with relatively strong cultivation bases did not rebel.

Hal would not claim this as easy however he really did have a plan and was fully prepared to implement it.

Holger Estate

A large expense of land built upon wealth gained for slavery. A large building stood on the right side seemingly separate, a building with a plaque on it which read Saive Auction House. The front for the Holger family slave business.

What was most ironic was the fact that they had no real need to have a front as after centuries it was pretty clear what they did to make money.

The main force of the Holger family were the raiders. They were the ones who went to random settlements filled with weak denizens, settlements like villages, and brought them back to Saive Auction House where they would be briefly groomed before an Auction was held to sell the ones ready for trade.

The Holger family had made a lot of wealth from the business and it was all for an opportunity to become a great family or maybe even replace one.

Another successful raid had been completed the day before and there were new slaves for grooming, all in all, the slaves were about a hundred in total. The ones ready for the next auction were about 20, but that was okay.

Usually they preferred those with weak cultivation bases not because they offered less resistance but because not many train their slaves. Instead they maltreat them until they die of exhaustion or old age and then they return to the auction house during the next slave auction. So of course the Holgers would not attempt to cripple their business by training their slaves.

In a case where they acquire those with strong cultivation bases they sold them at a high price, not because of the quality alone but because such a sale would most probably affect the next auction.

The main members of the family at present were Corban Holger, the family patriarch, his only son Brysen born of the tryst he had with a now dead servant and his sister Adler Holger the one he dotes on the most, a bitch and an absolute nightmare.

The Holgers prided themselves as good business men and women. So it was with business-like scrutiny that they studied their new acquisitions.

"So many new toys to play with" Adler giggled while subtly licking her red lips. In looks Adler was quite a beauty it was her personality that made her hated.

"Now, now Adler this is business and I will not allow you to ruin the merchandize" Corban cautioned lightly while Adler pouted

"You're no fun" she whispered

Corban turned towards his son "well what do you think?" He gestured at the slaves before him

"They should fetch quite a sum" Brysen said with such enthusiasm that his father raised his eyebrows

"Are you sure you are ready?" He asked

"Yes I am sure"

"Very well you will join the next raid. You will start from the bottom so as to really understand the true essence of this business. It's how I started" Corban said and then gestured at one of the raiders.

"Arlo, you know what to do"

Arlo bowed and along with a few other raiders he led the slaves to the basement of the auction house.

BOOOM!!!

A sound of demolition went off as a dome of royal blue/ cyan colored Astral energy covered the entirety of the estate.

"What the hell is going on?" Adler asked as she ran outside with Corban and Brysen on her heels.

Outside, four individuals stood waiting for them and they were of course Hal, Melinda, Rita and Eugene. Their entire surrounding reduced to rubble and guards unconscious or dead

"Lady Melinda? Master Swanson? What is the meaning of this?" Corban asked in an angry voice

"Retribution, thats what it means" Hal said in a calm voice

"I remember you. You're that Payne kid she bought over a week ago, you're Hot" Adler said licking her lips

"Thank you. It's always nice to be appreciated, I hope you still think so by the time the day is over" Hal replied with a smile

"And you want retribution with this little force of yours" Corban chuckled as the raiders flooded the courtyard, the scene of the destruction and let lose the pressure of their cultivation bases with most at the peak of the Energy sensing realm and a few at the Cosmic pearl realm.

A group of ten led by Castor also came in from the outside, they were the strongest of Melinda's servants and were all bound to Hal by one of his contracts.

They were however mostly at the energy sensing realm and did not prevent their side from being outnumbered.

The three main members ran deeper into the manor and the battle began with Melinda pointing her finger at the crowd

"Third grade skill: Shooting stars"

Boom!!

A large number of men were blasted backwards by the skill and most of those at the Energy sensing realm fell unconscious with a couple of them dying instantly. those at the cosmic pearl realm were injured but fine and were getting back to their feet.

Melinda's preemptive strike had allowed their side to take advantage. Hal stretched his hand and astral runes (bind) appeared in front of it again and again to slam into their opponents and hold them in place for an easy strike.

He went after both those at the Energy sensing realm as well as those at the cosmic pearl realm, however continued usage threatened his mental health so he had to stop and rely on cosmic attacks to use against opponents.

"Eugene, Melinda, Rita, remember the plan. Leave this ones to us" Hal said and the three left. The Two ladies a little reluctant.

So far, everything had gone according yo plan. With the Primordial Cosmic Grimiore and his Essence King bloodline ability. it was only a matter of time before he surpassed his enemies and even allies, but he could not wait that long and as such he needed help.

So he was only going to hold off those of this level while the others would go after Corban and Adler, the ones with the strongest cultivation base in the Holger estate.

The moment they left, The attack became even harder to bare with. Suddenly Hal's eyes became pitch black as he used {Fear!} And instantly all attacks suddenly stopped as the raiders shivered with fear

"Arrrrggghh" Some of them screamed while the others were too paralyzed to speak and ever the opportunists castor and the others attacked slaying as many as they could before their master's trick stopped being effective.

Soon the raiders numbers began to dwindle and when they realized Hal was the key to their defeat they went after him with more direct assault. And then as though the Cosmic lord was smiling down at them, reinforcement arrived in the form of Arlo along with the raiders that were with him.

Arlo had been busy securing the slaves and also...he wanted a grand entrance not to mention that most of the members of that squad were antagonists towards his leadership of the raiders and he was glad to be rid of them.

Arlo's cultivation was at the mid stage and when he came in to attack...

"Second grade skill: Cataclysm" Hal used one of the skills he had and had been looking for an opportunity to use.

The ground shook as boulders made of cosmic energy emerged from a two circled ring and rolled towards Arlo who was trapped by the energy as the boulders collided with him with a force enough to turn him flat. He was alive but barely...An arrow made of astral energy stabbing through his neck sealed the deal.

The raiders he commanded were shell shocked. None of those present were really Hal's match and the only reason they were still alive was because they were in a group and the battle was not one on one. Also Hal had mostly been holding them down for his Men to take advantage as they were mostly battle fresh.

When he saw Arlo, he just did not like him and decided to give him some special attention. The raiders were suddenly retreating slowly before a voice sounded.

"Stay where you are, I will take care of Master Payne here" the one who owned the voice was someone Hal recognized and would have never expected to come here.

He was the slaver/auctioneer who had handled Hal's sale and the pressure he was giving off was of the peak stage of the Cosmic pearl realm something Hal had never expected even in his wildest dreams.

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Melinda, Rita and Eugene ran into the estate right after the Holgers. Melinda and Rita were determined and while they had hesitated, they trusted their man enough to stay focused.

They soon entered into a large hall with Hard wood floors glinting with quality. Corban ran straight towards the end of the hall, pushed the door open and ran outside. Adler and Brysen stayed behind to face the pursuers. They were brimming with confidence despite being obviously outnumbered.

"Go after him" Melinda told the other two and they did, knowing it was for the best considering Corban was way stronger than this two.

The look of confidence in Adler's eyes remained constant as Rita and Eugene went after her brother.

"Stay far away from this fight. I'll kill her quickly and we'll go help your father. Not that he needs it..." Adler said to Brysen before she turned towards Melinda and chuckled

"Very well auntie" Brysen smiled and walked to the side

Melinda could not care less about Brysen, while he was well older than the others of the young generation being well past his 70's, he was no threat to her. Adler on the other hand was another story and Melinda was willing to bet that she had some tricks up her sleeves...

"So, have you had him yet?" Adler asked as she licked her lips

"Well of course...Do you want details?" Knowing fully well what Adler was referring to, she decided to play along... A little banter never hurt anyone right?

Adler shivered from a sudden arousal "Ohh, I wish I could have him. I want him even more than I want Edvard. *sigh* unfortunately, I don't think he will survive. What a shame, so handsome and yet so foolish.."

Adler let out the full might of her cultivation base and Melinda did the same as the two sent a cosmic attack to each other and both attacks canceled each other out.

...

Corban entered into a smaller hall and was not surprised to find the two chasing after him

"Don't brother running Corban. This whole estate is completely isolated with Astral Energy" Eugene said the moment he entered into the hall.

"Hahaha, I have no intention of 'escaping', this was simply a divide and conquer tactic" Corban laughed and then began to pace back and forth while Rita and Eugene prepared themselves.

"I still find it a little hard to believe that you all had the galls to actually come to my home and lay a seige" Corban's expression warped into one of anger "Since you seem to be the strongest, let's see what you've got"

Corban stretched forth his hand and in a whirlwind of cosmic energy he summoned his Cosmic Armament: A dusty yellow colored spear that had a semi transparent look. A pressure was suddenly released from him which marked his cultivation base as being at the peak stage of the cosmic armament realm.

Rita and Eugene were shocked. This was strength worthy of a great family patriarch.

"Surprised? Heh heh. You should be running scared" Corban said as he flexed the cosmic spear in his hand and smiled down at the two.

"Do you want to know how it happened? Before I kill you of course"

"We don't care" Rita said and stretched her hand to summon her Cosmic armament; a sky blue longsword and Eugene released his; a cyan battle Axe

Mortal weapons lose their effectiveness on a cultivator's body from the late stages of the Energy sensing realm and as such ordinary weapons were useless in a fight among cultivators. The only weapons that could be useful from that moment on were Artifacts. In Salmon City, the families that have them treasure them immensely and would only make use of them in dire situations.

Now, Advancing to the cosmic Armament realm involves forming a cosmic armament which was basically a weapon, preferably, one the cultivator is quite adept in using. As such, members of a family usually have the same cosmic armament as it becomes the weapon their family mostly trains in and is known for.

The Payne family's happens to be broadswords while the Holgers used the spear. Rita however had learned the basics of swordfighting from Hal's mother.

"Very well then. straight to business" Corban smirked and launch himself forward for his first strike.

...

Boom!*

The collision of the Cosmic attacks caused a repulse that pushed both ladies back but neither of them would back down...

"Third grade skill: shooting stars" Melinda said and pointed her hand to enact the skill

Trapped by the skill's energy, Adler withdrew defensive runes and activated them all at once, but while they protected her from the full effects of the skill they still knocked her backwards into the wall

Bang!*

Adler was irate "Grr, you think, you're the only one who has a third grade skill?

Third grade skill: Lady's whip"

Out of a three colored ring with one ring fainter than the others emerged a blurry silhouette and it swung the whip in it's hands. Escape, Melinda could not, so she surrounded herself with cosmic energy and activated defensive runes just in case.

However as though seeking it's weak spot, the whip passed cleanly through a blind spot and smacked her in the midsection

"Arrrgh" Melinda screamed as it lashed her skin and caused her to bleed

"Haha hahaha" Adler laughed before running forward to finally put an end to her foe who had crumpled to the ground cradling her wound, But when she was close enough for them to see eye to eye, Melinda's head snapped up and she buried her fist right into Adler's ribs

Crack!*

-puchi-

Adler spat out blood as she was sent flying backwards unto the ground, her ribs broken. And yet she could only curse herself for letting her guard down.

Brysen watched his aunt squirming on the floor and thought 'To hell with this'

He ripped up his shirt and his physique bulged as he growled and launched himself on all fours towards Melinda whose eyes were widened in shock.

...

Corban swung his spear and it intercepted with Eugene's battle Axe and knocked the latter backwards. Even at the Late stage of the Cosmic Armament realm, the gap of a stage remained insurmountable. So it was obvious that Rita had no chance but she pressed on anyway, swinging her sword and trying to outmaneuver the reach of Corban's spear.

A swipe for her head would cause Rita to bend her knees and duck to avoid the hit, she then slashed at his legs with her longsword but he escaped easily, her speed was nothing in his eyes.

The move however gave Eugene the opportunity he seemed to need to make another try, but...

Bang!!*

"Ahh" A cosmic attack from an unconcerned Corban would knock him back

"Retribution? Don't make me laugh. You can't possibly believe it's..." An astral rune (Silence) struck him dumb and another (Bind) held him down and Rita's sword jabbed at his neck..

It all seemed over, until he freed himself from the rune with brute strength and tilted his head just so that the sword cut his lower cheek instead, dousing his jaw with blood.

Corban smacked Rita into a wall with his spear before he touched the wound and observed the blood on his hand

"Impressive. But that's all you are going to get"

Eugene was now projecting three different runes that floated in mid air before they attacked Corban.

The first exploded on impact so fast that it hit him point blank and sent him sliding back... Still on his feet.

The second hit the ground and caused the ground to wrap itself around his feet preventing him from moving.

The third became a wind that spun around him and lacerated his body tearing his clothes to shreds while causing lacerated wounds to appear all over Corban's body.

The use of such high powered runes had sapped Eugene's mental strength but it had worked and now Corban was in terrible shape, unfortunately he was healing and healing fast and the two began to consider leaving because attacking Corban at that moment would prove useless. as he was very much still alert. Also, When he attacked next, they knew it would be for the kill.

...

Meanwhile, Hal stood in front of the auctioneer, who had surprised him by having such a high cultivation base. He was someone Hal had never expected to be so strong and especially not to the level of the second strongest in the Holger family, Adler.

His next words would explain it all...

"You've got some nerve, coming to attack my cousin in his own house" the auctioneer said

"And who are you really?" Hal asked

"Kael Holger. Who would have thought we would meet again under such circumstances"

"Not me".Hal said

"I never did find out how you survived being poisoned" Kael said but if he had expected a change in expression, he was soon dissapointed

"Must be good genetics. Besides if you're good looking enough, you could live forever. Did you know that?" Hal said with a smile while he amassed all the astral energy he had in his body

The past Hal getting poisoned was not really that surprising to him

"So you're a joker now? Very funny" Karl said in a relaxed fashion

"Who said I was joking?" Hal released all the Astral energy in his body and they formed a barrage of royal blue Astral arrows which attacked Kael all at once...

Bang!*

A blast of superior cosmic attack would destroy the arrows and leave Kael unharmed...

Just as he had expected.

"Is that it?" Karl smirked

"Nope.

Rise for the blood of my foes, Executioner"

A blood red mist would emerge from Hal's body and a killing intent so dense would fill the courtyard.

The instant the fog appeared, the faces of Kael and the raiders became flushed and together...

-Puchi-

...They all spurted blood.

For some reason their internal organs were in complete disarray. It was not life threatening, it seemed only aimed towards a blood spurt.

The fog all gathered at Hal's right hand and formed into a terrifying Blood red Broadsword, with deep black veins crisscrossing it's one foot wide blade. The guard was a clenched skeletal fist, and it's hilt was spiked.

The whole weapon shivered with fiendish might that sent bloodcurdling fear into the heart of all those present, including Kael who stared at the weapon and the one who held it with a gaze filled with dread.

Hal's eyes were now a fiendishly blood red color, the cruel smile on his lips spoke volumes: Every single one of them would meet their end today for he would show no mercy. He had never being an overly compassionate person who would let some idiots with a death wish go and he was not about to start now.

One of the developments during the last week was the discovery of a Executioner, a Bloodline Armament, A Blood fiend Bloodline Armament to be more precise. This was definitive proof of his bloodline being of the divine status, however it also brought about questions after he discovered that Executioner was only one of the Bloodline Armaments in his body and yet his bloodline remained whole and was not an amalgamate of different bloodlines put together. Anyway...

Hal flexed Executioner as he stared the men down while Castor and the others simply stood by to watch. They would only get in their master's way.

"So who's first" Hal said and cracked his neck with his left hand

Kael's face went from dread to outrage, as he gritted his teeth and clenched his fists

"No one? Fine, I'll choose" Hal said and dashed forward and in one fell swoop beheaded five raiders at the Energy sensing Realm but he was not done as he whirled through the ranks of raiders, hacking at anyone in sight but staying away from Kael.

His cultivation base remained the same but the pressure he released was stifling and terrifying.

"D-d-d-demon!!!" A raider yelled as Executioner whirled towards him

"Really, what gave it away? The Blood red eyes? Or the large demonic sword?" Hal smirked as he decapitated the raider and executioner drained it's Blood essence to further the strengthening and advancement of his bloodline

He paused to digest it and then turned to face the rest of the raiders who were a mere shadow of the mighty force they used to be.

As they stared at Hal they despaired and did the only thing that made sense... They ran.

"Who said you could leave?" Hal said and pointed at them with Executioner, a blood red fog brimming with demonic energy extended from the blade trapping them all in place, for Hal to run into their midst to begin the slaughter.

Meanwhile, in Hal's soul world...

...which remained as dark as ever, a red figure emerged from the darkness and laughed boisterously while spinning the tool in his hand that greatly resembled Executioner...

"I won, I won, Haha suck it you slut" The figure's voice identified it as male as he continues to laugh and swing his weapon which in such a quiet place where he was Alone made him seem mad however the arrival of another pink figure with an outline that identified her as female would prove his sanity... For now.

"Stop shouting you idiot, he'll 'hear' you" The pink figure cautioned with a sigh before she turned to fully face him

"And by the way, you cheated" she added in annoyance.

"Of course I cheated, what did you expect?" The red figure said with smugness

"If I had known cheating was in play, I would have used my means. And besides I won. He used Essence king much more than Executioner and if not for your 'Call my name' shenanigans he would have used my Armament first" The pink figure insisted

"Hahahaha, are you kidding me?, look at him go with Executioner, the boy is a natural" The red figure continued to laugh to the obvious annoyance of the pink figure

"Now, keep quiet and let me enjoy the show"

Back on the outside, Hal mused about the conversation he had just heard in his soul apace, finding it slightly humorous that the two had no idea he could hear them and he was also infinitely annoyed that the 'Call my name' debacle was apparently merely the result of a bet...

'Grr, I'll deal with it later' he thought before he faced Kael, only to discover that he had taken advantage of Hal's Lapse in concentration and was already running back towards the Auction House.

"A fitting place for him to die" Hal mumbled as he swaggered leisurely after Kael while dragging Executioner along.

The raiders sighed with relief as the Demon walked away, however their relief was short lived as Castor and the men with him swarmed them. Without the numbers or strength advantage, they fell easily.

...

Meanwhile...

Melinda stared at Brysen's bulging physique and beast like behaviors with shock and Not confusion for she knew what was going on, however she had just not expected anyone in salmon city to know how to master them.

She suspected foul play.

Brysen ran towards her with rage all because Melinda had hurt his beloved aunt. He had even neglected the orders given to him not to use his Berserk Bear physique.

Melinda knew the most important thing was to halt his momentum...

"Third grade skill: Beetle shell" A beetle shell shaped wall of Cosmic Energy blocked Brysen's path and he hit it head on, Any attempt to sidestep would result in the shield moving again to block the assailant. Once Brysen realized this he began to attack the sheild with the might of his physique

Melinda quickly said a quick word of thanks to Rita quietly while she prepared the next attack.

The fact that Brysen was able to acquire a beast physique and master it to the awakened level was a surprise however that was it. The physique was merely at the awakened level and she had total confidence of victory... At least she did before Adler began to show signs of life. She needed to take care of brysen quickly or else she would soon be at a disadvantage.

Bang!!*

Shatter!!!*

Brysen was free and he sent a quick wave of cosmic energy that Melinda was able to swat aside and she leapt towards him and their fist met in the middle

Booomm!!!*

Brysen was knocked back so far that he hit the wall while Melinda slid a couple paces back.

Brysen's eyes were filled with shock and outrage as he realized who had the upper hand in that short altercation.

Brysen could not believe it and readied himself for another strike one in which he would give everything he had and more. He was confident a little more effort would do it.

Poor Brysen did not know Melinda had held back the last time in hopes of guaging Brysen's strength and putting him under the allusion that she must much weaker than him so as to make him lose his cool and quickly go for the kill, however she overestimated and did not reduce it enough leading to the previous result.

If there was one thing she had learned from Hal was to never show all your cards, allow yourself to be underestimated only then can you have the opportunity to properly strike down an unsuspecting opponent. It had soon become their philosophy.

So when Brysen ran forward she shook her head lightly and vanished from his sights and next appeared behind him with her hand around his neck

'Too fast' Brysen yelled in his mind before...

Snap*

Melinda broke his neck and he fell to the floor lifeless, his look of shock ever constant.

"Nooooooo!!" Adler yelled as she was now in fighting shape only to find Brysen dead on the floor.

...

Meanwhile Hal strolled leisurely after Kael who had run into Saive auction house after resigning himself to the fact that he could not leave the Astral Energy isolated zone until the ones who put it up die or st least until they become completely exhausted mentally. This was a move Hal found stupid but a quick scan with Astral perception allowed him to observe Kael reach into a secret stash of astral runes which Hal could sense were all Rank 3.

When they came face to face, Kael said

"Please Let me go, I don't have any grudges against you, this are just my private stash for protection, if I leave now I will never come back so I have to bring everything along with me"

'well isn't that smart?' Hal chuckled mentally

"I thought you were going to take 'Care' of me"

"I don't want to anymore" Kael said while shaking his head vigorously

"*sigh* well I really find you convincing and I have decided to let you go. Out of the goodness of my heart"

"Oh thank you, thank you, thank you, Hal.. I mean great demon lord thank you" Karl said as he grovelled, if he could. he would have kissed Hal's feet. The fear he felt when looking into those terrible blood red eyes shook him to his core

"Seeing your devotion and dedication, I feel so ashamed to speak my next words" Hal said

"Oh speak my Lord" Karl continued his bootlicking

Hal pinched his nose in false Dilemma "Well, you see I am the one sustaining the Astral Energy that isolates this whole estate and as such, to leave you have to kill me. You see the issue? Ah. Oh what a pickle"

"But my lord can't you just let me go?" Karl suggested quietly

"I promised my companions that I will not let anyone out, are you claiming your Lord is a liar?" Hal yelled in apparent anger

Karl went white "No I wouldn't dare"

"Very well, prepare yourself" Hal said and gave Kael no time to prepare himself for barely a second later he swung the broadsword...

Thud*

... Kael's head fell to the ground with a dull thud

"What an idiot. I did respect his bootlicking skills, it needed a little work of course" Hal sighed.

As Hal absorbed the blood essence of a peak Cosmic pearl realm cultivator and brought his own bloodline and flesh to new heights, a crackle sounded in the sky...

Crackle!*

Rumble!!*

"Oh I know that sound" Hal said and stretched out his Astral perception to view the outside

"*Sigh* Not this shit again"

Boom!!!*

The lightning struck down bypassing the dome of Astral Energy but blowing apart the roof of Saive Auction House to strike down at the sinner!

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A lot can happen in a second

That was even more true for Hal who could have an entire conversation with Grimoire within that second.

'The signature from that lightning is different from the one that struck you down before' Grimoire informed him

'How is it different?' Hal asked sensing the lightning get ever closer.

'That was an attack, this is a tribulation that is here to punish and by consequence kill'

'And what good does an explanation do me? Whether to punish or to reward, in failure, only pain and death lie in my future. What is weird however is how much I crave its energy'

'Maybe getting killed by lightning is causing a slight change in 'orientation' Grimoire joked and having to be his aim, Hal's next words...

'You take that back'

... Merely caused it to snicker.

Hal gripped Executioner tightly.

'I'm no longer the human that was caught slightly off-guard against lightning and if this tribulation stands in the way of me getting more beauties... I mean, having women worship me... No no no, my main goal is to find out the truth about myself and kill the bastards who tried to kill me. Getting a few (a lot) of ladies along the way is just one of the few perks

Now tribulation, show me what you got, and let me smite you'

Crackle*

Booom!*

Hal swung Executioner and blasted the lightning that struck down...

Bang!*

... His hands became numb as the resultant force knocked him backward and incinerated Kael's body.

When Hal finally stood up with dust coating his body he gritted his teeth to complain before the realization that there was a large Maas of Cosmic energy inside his body

'Well that explains the craving'

'I still prefer the 'you have a thing for lightning' angle'

'Of course, you do, you sicko'

The tribulation was not over and after gathering itself it showed signs of another strike

"Second-grade skill: Updraft"

Hal pointed his left hand down and a two circled ring appeared below his feet and launched him skyward where he launched a preemptive strike against the tribulation by swinging Executioner.

Every strike caused a decimation of clumps of lightning but not without wearing Hal's skin.

-Hal's Soul World-

"Should we help him?" The pink figure asked

"We can't and we mustn't. You know what this is don't you?" The red figure asked in... Pain?

The pink figure made an angry noise but made no move...

...But of course, she did not have to.

With Hal's strong flesh and Executioner at Hand, he seemed to have things under control as he whirled dodged, and slashed. His instinct heightening his battle sense.

Suddenly the lightning drew back and an oppressive force bore down on Hal as the lightning gathered inside the Astral energy domed ceiling and spelled the word 'SINNER' before they struck as one.

Knowing this was the last wave, a wave he had to survive, Hal doubled his grip on Executioner and let out its bloodcurdling energy knowing it would not affect an inanimate being but using it as a way to finally lay all the cards on the table.

...

Minutes Earlier

"Nooooooooo" Adler yelled when she saw Brysen's lifeless body

Melinda narrowed her eyes and sighed, this was a Level of anguish she did not expect from an aunt, she could however expect it from...

"You're his mother aren't you?" Melinda stated and did not require an answer for the rage in Adler's eyes coupled with her silence was evidence enough

"Third-grade skill: Lady's whip"

Adler looked up with bloodshot eyes and stretched forth her hand to summon a three circled ring brimming with energy much greater than before, all three rings were now bright and announced to her opponent the true tier of the third-grade skill...

"A high tier Third grade skill. You must have limited its energy before. sigh. This is just going to make your death more painful" Melinda said and stretched forth her hand to use the skill she had neglected using in an attempt to once again appear helpless, she had no interest in that anymore...

"Third-grade skill: Beetle Shell"

A shield-shaped like a beetle shell appeared surrounded by a three circled ring.

This skill had been one of Rita's gifts from her mistress and was at the low tier when it's energy is limited but at the mid-tier when used completely. Using a mid-tier skill at her level was still dangerous but unlike Adler, she did not have a death wish...

"You know I always envied you, you had Edvard Krast and quite a few others flock around you but I was always shunned for being crazy. Haha hahaha. I want to know how crazy they think I am after I kill you" Adler cackled in a deranged manner and then closed her mouth to hold back a blood spurt

"What a drama queen" Melinda sighed

Lady's whip struck and as before, the energy held her down but she never had any intentions of moving, when the whip hit the shield, the shield held for a while before shattering. The energy of the whip was now reduced but it went unimpeded and struck Melinda... However, it simply passed through her body identifying it as an afterimage.

The moment the energy was reduced, the pinning effect also lessened and Melinda had taken advantage when she arrived on the side and Adler saw her...

-Puchi-

... Adler spurted blood, but Melinda would show no signs of slowing down

"Third-grade skill: Shooting stars" while being a perpetual low tier, did the job, blasting Adler away and by consequence ending her life.

However, she did not have the opportunity to celebrate because sounds would soon rock the estate...

Crackle!*

Rumble!!*

Boom!!!*

"That can't be good"

...

Meanwhile.

...For the three presently locked in two against one battle, the tribulation offered no breathing space as Eugene and Rita did their best to somehow have the upper hand, and if it proved impossible, an escape was welcome.

Right before the tribulation strike sounded, Corban felt something that informed him of Adler's death. His relationship with Adler went far beyond the norm and they had taken steps to know when they each needed help, however being locked in combat with these two had not allowed it and when he felt the break of connection, he withdrew something from his spatial pouch.

Defeating these two was only a matter of time but he no longer wanted to just defeat them, he wanted to humiliate them.

He withdrew a spherical orb that was an artifact, an Armament rank artifact to be more precise, the secret of the Holger family slave-trading success.

The artifact was called, Soul locking Orb, having only one ability, which was to take control of the soul of its target.

The instant the artifact appeared, Rita and Eugene became cautious expecting an attack but Corban simply stood there as the orb glowed lightly.

Why did Corban pause?

Well, he tried to use the orb against Rita but her soul seemed untouchable, it was protected by energy or maybe an entity, whose control even the orb could not override.

He wrinkled his brow in frustration then tried it against Eugene after which a dilated pupil would signal success and Eugene would turn towards Rita and in a matter of seconds, he projected runes that Rita would only be able to escape thanks to her quick wit.

...

"Damn it. This tribulation is starting to get on my nerves" Hal gritted his teeth as he continued to fe yo the tribulation while his body continued to absorb the residual cosmic energy.

Its energy seemed infinite as it continued to strike down at him. However, Hal finally had a chance as he had once again amassed a lot of astral energy which he unleashed in a barrage of astral swords to strike at the tribulation before ending it with a strike from Executioner.

The cosmic energy would attempt to disperse but Hal would absorb it all and not allow any to go to waste, however being volatile energy from a tribulation, keeping it in his body could cause an overload, something that Grimoire was quick to warn him about.

But Hal had sensed something through his connection with Rita that caused him to frown.

...

Boom!*

Rita has knocked away as Eugene closed upon her. She was at a major disadvantage. Eugene was at the late stage of the Cosmic Armament realm while Corban was at the peak stage. She on the other hand had only just advanced to the Cosmic Armament realm.

Not to mention the difference in weapons; Eugene was making use of a battle Axe with considerably more weight and strength than her longsword and while with a sword she had more techniques, at the moment, making use of those techniques did not shine a light in the dark tunnel that was this unequal battle.

'Grr, if only I was stronger' she thought before the beetle shield before her shattered and Eugene's battle Axe bore down on her while she attempted to keep it at bay with her Cosmic longsword.

Bang!*

The sound had not come from the fighting pair but from the door that had just been blasted open with a figure standing in the doorway with blood-red eyes, holding a large demonic sword and his whole body glowing with unstable destructive energy.

First, he sent a cosmic attack that sent Eugene flying away from Rita and then directed the rest of it towards Corban and it struck the Holger family patriarch...

"Master!!!" Corban yelled

...Before he was fried on the spot.

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Rita gasped as Corban was struck before he could even attempt to defend himself, while Eugene seemed to be coming back to his senses.

Judging from the embarrassed look in his eyes, he definitely remembered everything he had done but when he turned towards Hal, he found him simply staring at the spot where Corban's burnt body lay.

The glowing aura had receded from Hal's body but his frown remained ever present as he stared at Corban's body.

Corban's scream at the the point of his death revealed the possibility of someone else behind the scenes and the fact that Rita and Eugene had been unsuccessful in defeating him (Soul Locking Orb or not) was a testament to his strength which by default, he should not have had.

Hal understood that for him to have the upper hand against the duo, he must have been at the peak stage of the Cosmic Armament realm. He was at such a realm at the same time as the Great family heads and yet he did not seek for a change in status.

Was it because he was a low key person who sought to be away from the spotlight? Hal didn't think so. And as he reviewed Rita's memory of the fight, a statement Corban had made caught his attention.

Corban had asked if Rita wanted to know how he became that powerful. It seemed like useless banter but what if it wasn't.

'I don't like this' Hal sighed

'You don't know for sure' Grimiore told him

'Well then I guess his treasury should prove something' Hal said

'And what if you happen to be correct? What then?'

'For now, nothing. Me and whoever this is have no grudges or conflict of interest. Yet'

Hal was only saying this as a present analysis, he had no idea how this backer would react to the anahilation of the whole Holger family.

The soul locking orb was definitely the Holger family's prized artifact but it was only mainly useful in a passive way. Which begs the question;

What steps has this investor taken to make the Holger family stronger, and was their endgame?

But all that was for later as Hal got into a comfortable position and retreated into his soul world to appear before the two figures before they could vanish into the darkness

"Well hello" he smiled and the two jolted and looked up at him

Hal couldn't see their faces for they were covered in red and pink respectively but he could sense their surprise

"I think it's high time we had a little chat"

...

Edgar castle

"Father, it's been almost an hour since the dome appeared around the Holger estate and noone knows what is going on inside" Marlon reported but Hector simply continued his meal without any form of concern

"So?" He asked in a flat tone of voice

"Shouldn't we do something" Marlon couldn't understand his father's apathy

"what can be done? If someone wants the Holger family to themselves. then who am I to interfere. Son, there are more pressing matters than the decrease in slave supply"

"But what if we are accused in the absense of a culprit or implicated in the presence of one?" Marlon asked

Hector frowned. "Why would we be?, I have allowed their 'business' to thrive thus far, have I not? I see no reason for suspicions"

Marlon wished to speak but a look from his father silenced him and his heart ached as he thought of what could be Adler's fate at that moment, but he would be damned if he let his father know of his secret desires.

He sighed and decided to keep quiet while hoping in his heart of hearts that she was okay.

"Have the preparations begun?"

Hector's question brought him back to his senses.

"Yes they are, but father are you sure about that... location? Marlon asked in an urgent voice and it caused Hector to pause his meal and look his son in the eye for the first time in their meeting

"What's wrong?" Hector asked

"Well, my sources tell me that he is back" Marlon reported

"You mean..."

"Yes father. The Tretch King is out of seclusion and he has been having occasional fits of bloodlust. That location is close to his area of activity" Marlon explained

"Then move the location, but I also want extra protection for the contestants. Have more of our men hide as escorts"

"Yes father" Marlon turned to leave

"And Marlon? Be careful. Love... Is a fickle thing"

Marlon broke into cold sweats.

Payne Estate

"It's HIM!!!" Gregory yelled

"My lord, calm down" said Burt the butler

"I know it's Him!!" Gregory yelled once again in a deranged manner as he stared at Burt like he was the enemy

"My lord I believe you, but what does that change. You can't go inside the estate until the dome is down" Burt was not just speaking to calm him down.

He had gone ahead to check once the first bout of mood swings began and from it he had felt an energy that his Lord could break through but would sap his energy too much for him to be useful in combat.

-Toss-

Bang!*

Now he was destroying his possessions.

Burt secretly shook his head as he witnessed his Lord's rage. After the deathmatch, Mistress Lilian had secluded herself to mourn and his Lord Gregory was wallowing in pain and regret and most of all helplessness.

Helplessness that he could not attack Hal without incurring the wrath of the Mayor, but that helplessness was slowly making way for a deranged precise purpose

"He knew they were my allies. He is using this to go after me. I will kill him, maybe I can't kill 'her', but I will definitely kill him!"

'All in all' Burt thought as he continued to try to pacify his Lord 'The day he finally loses his shit, Hal Payne can say goodbye to living'.

Lillian sat in her room cross-legged and contrary to what Burt thought, she was not moping around but simply absorbing Cosmic energy in a rush as she tried to push for a breakthrough.

Rad's death had given Lillian much needed clarity and she knew what she must do.

Through constant absorption of cosmic Energy, her body had no need for mundane practices like eating or sleeping and she did not stop for any. she was focussed and for the first time in her life, she would do what she wants.

...

Meanwhile, in Hal's Soul world..

The two figures 'stared' at Hal while he continued to smile down at them.

"So, who are you and what are you doing in here?"

"Well it seems we can't hide anymore" The red figure said

"It's not like there was any point to hiding anymore, all thanks to this cheating bastard" The pink figure agreed while adding her snide comment with a point in the red figure's direction.

As one the red and pink hue on their bodies were sucked in and their true forms revealed.

The male was about 2 meters tall with a buff physique and blood red hairs and an armor of the same color. In his hands was his bloodline Armament, Executioner, it was a little different from the one Hal had used. It lacked the crisscrossing black veins.

The pink figure was revealed to be a busty lady of about 1.7 meters, with eye catching back curves, and pink lines on her body as she wore... Nothing.

Allowing Hal to feast his eyes on the art that was her body.

"Impressive. I like your sense of fashion"

"You do?" She turned and posed to further highlight her delectable curves

"Absolutely. Top notch" Hal said while nodding and stroking his chin

"Hey" called a gruff voice by the side "What about me?" The blood-red haired man asked while flexing his muscles

"You? Meh" Hal scoffed

"Tiberius, Are you jealous? The lady giggled

"He is being bias, I'm a beefcake" Tiberius said, disgruntled

"Sure you are" The lady rolled her eyes

"So, who are you? Hal asked again

"I'm Myra" she replied sauntering over to him and touching his body, well the apparition of his body in his soul world

"Hehe, so quick to ask for my name, are you smitten already?" Myra spoke in a whisper into his ear

"Enough joking around. What are you really?" Hal said in an attempt to be serious but there were flames already rising in his body that had everything to do with the seductress

"Isn't it obvious? I'm a succubus. He is a blood fiend" She said and pointed at Tiberius

"Yes that was fairly obvious. But it does not explain why you are in my soul"

"For that answer we must duel" Tiberius announced

"What?"

"Did I stutter? I said we must duel before I can reveal anything to you" Tiberius repeated while smacking the flat of Executioner's blade on his palm

Hal turned towards Myra

"Is he serious?" He asked her but Myra shrugged and declined to comment

"My Executioner against yours" Tiberius said pointing Executioner at Hal

"This is my soul. You can't possibly expect to defeat me in it" Hal said but Tiberius laughed

"And what control do you have over your soul" With a wave of his hand Tiberius cut off Hal's connection to the outside, trapping him in his own soul

"We duel or you don't leave"

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"This is because of the scoff, isn't it?" Hal sighed

"It is part of it" Tiberius replied with a grin as he spun Executioner

"Part of it?" Hal was skeptical

"Yes, part of it. I am really interested in finding out if the one who now wields the Devil's Executioner is not a sissy" Tiberius said still spinning the broadsword and slowly pacing around Hal.

"Wait, what?" Hal spun to face him but Executioner was already slashing towards his face and he quickly leapt back but not before the sword cut a gash on his face.

The wound did not bleed, it did not even scar but the pain was even more intense than if it had.

Hal doubled backwards clenching the side of his face

"Hurts, doesn't it. Every sensation here is increased five folds. For now. The longer you dilly dally, the more I will increase the pain"

"Rise for the blood of my foes, Executioner" Hal summoned the broadsword to intercept another strike from Tiberius

The strike pushed him back and finally revealed how much stronger the fiend was

"You are way out of your league kid. I am a god"

"Really?" Hal raised his brow and turned towards the smiling succubus who nodded in agreement

"Well, you don't look like a god"

"How do you expect a god to look like?" Tiberius asked

"Well, for one thing, you should look more godly, also a god won't be trapped in my soul right? And finally..."

Hal's head snapped up as he dashed towards the fiend who hurried to prepare himself but it was too late to completely avoid the strike, the most he could do was try to reduce the damage but Hal still struck him in the ribs causing him to double up in pain as he tried to hold his ground

"... a god would know when a 'kid' is trying to distract him"

Clap*Clap*Clap*

Myra was bouncing and giggling as Hal took a bow.

"That is it right? I won"

"Not quite. We're just getting started" Tiberius spread his beefy arms and let out a strong pressure that threatened to suffocate Hal as he went in for the attack...

Hal raised Executioner to fend him off and succeeded but a dense red fog in the form of a dagger shot towards his side and he tried to sidestep it but the moment of distraction was enough for the fiend to kick his chest...

Bam*

...and knock him backwards right to Myra's side.

Pain wracked his whole chest as he struggled to stand up. This fight was so unfair. While Tiberius did not look godly, his strength far outstripped Hal's. To make matters worse Hal had no connection to his body and as such he had no connection to Grimiore and his Astral sense.

All he could make use of was the abilities that existed in his soul and by extension, his body and that was his bloodline.

However, he and Tiberius were making use of the same bloodline armament, not to mention that Tiberius was not only more experienced but had more control of it.

The way Hal saw it, He had only one thing he could use and even that seemed impossible...

The fight grew more intense with Tiberius occasionally taking control of the fog that Hal released in hope for a counter attack. There seemed to be no hope for him and his body (apparition of his body) was completely aching.

Bang!*

A blast of fog would knock Hal back, and Tiberius advanced

"Tsk, tsk, tsk. I'm disappointed" he said with a mocking expression which soon made way for confusion when he realized Hal was not frustrated but was smiling

'Why was he Confident' Tiberius thought as the soul world began to tremble and a lullaby began to play. Suddenly the whole soul world came alive as Tiberius perked to the lullaby and soon became lost in it, when it stopped he was surprised to find himself unable to move.

Somehow Hal had wrestled control away from him. While he tried to regain control and by extension move his trapped body, Hal advanced and pierced through his chest with Executioner, marking the end of the duel.

"Oh shit" Tiberius groaned and laid down as soon as he was able to move again.

Hal dispersed of Executioner and went closer to him

"You really don't seem godly"

"How do you know? How many gods have you met?" Tiberius scoffed

"One"

"Really?" Myra asked as she moved closer to the duo

"Yeah, he tried to grab me. And I'm pretty sure he tried to kill me as well" Ham shrugged

"When?" She asked

"Whoa, whoa, whoa. My questions first" Hal said while he folded his arms before his chest

"We already know what you want to ask" Myra said

"No I've changed my mind" Hal said

"Go ahead and ask then?"

"Fine. Who is the one who sings that lullaby?" Hal asked, he had after all noticed Tiberius' attitude towards it

The two paused and then sighed

"What did you want to ask before?" Tiberius sat up

"I wanted to know who my parents were and by extension, find out more about my bloodline. But that and this lullaby singer seem related. So spill it" Hal sat and crossed his legs prompting the two to speak.

Myra took a deep breath and for once, her sultry smile was mussing

"The 'lullaby singer' as you call her is one of the primevals, the progenitor of demons and devils and once upon a time, the most powerful of them all. She was called many names;

"Mistress of Evil, Embodiment of destruction and supreme overlord. But the name she relished the most. the name she picked for herself stemmed from her bloodline;

The Primeval Devil Queen"

"So basically, my mom is the devil" Hal said scratching his philtrum

"Yes" Myra said

"Cool" He shrugged and as Myra had expected a more volatile reaction, she was completely thrown off by this composure

In truth, Hal couldn't care less what label his mother decided to give herself. What truly mattered to him was how he could use it to his advantage.

Tiberius looked at him closely, the face, while attractive looked nothing like the queen's, his eyes however had the very same look. 'I do what I want and I don't give a damn'. He respected that look.

"So, who is my father?" Hal asked

"Don't know. Her majesty never said"

Hal raised his eyebrows in skepticism.

"You can't take a guess?"

"The queen was definitely not virtuous, she had a lot of sexual partners, she had whoever she wanted, whether they were a part of her harem or not" Tiberius said in a candid tone

'A whore. Now this seems promising. Seems the apple never fell far from the tree'

"Were you one of her partners"

"I had little to no interest in sex. Her majesty used me for other matters" Tiberius replied

"I was" Myra groaned in reminiscence

Hal smiled "Good for you"

"Oh it was good. You think you've awakened your bloodline?. Pfft, you don't know the half of it" Myra giggled

Hal raised his eyebrows but said nothing

"Hem Hem, as I was saying, the queen never wanted children, and while she was quite active sexually, she never conceived" Tiberius explained

"She never wanted to pass her bloodline to anyone. Making use of her contracts to create demons and lesser devils to bolster her forces.

" Then she had you after which she sealed Tiberius and I, her two strongest generals into your soul where we could survive because of the Primeval Devil bloodline you got from her" Myra said

"And where is she now" Hal asked

"Don't know. We can't sense her, and that does not bode well" Tiberius said

"She did leave her inheritance inside you"

"You mean the lullaby"

"That is one of it, it could help us understand her reasons"

'She's missing and for some reason, her bloodline is redacted from the Primordial Cosmic Grimiore. This is fishy'

"Before I leave, Tiberius what name did did you want me to call"

Tiberius blinked

"He was trying to use his voice to prompt you to use his armament first" Myra giggled

"And why?"

"The queen never told us who she liked best. We wanted to use you as a basis of a final decision. The first armament you use would settle things. But he decided to do a little cheating"

"Why don't you finally settle things?" Tiberius said to Hal who looked back and forth between the two and tried to hold his laughter.

The two were acting like idiots, but staying here with only each other as company was guaranteed to create issues

"Myra wins" Hal declared, Myra cheered and Tiberius frowned

"This is because of the duel isn't it?"

"Absolutely"

...

Hal opened his eyes to the to see Melinda, Rita, Castor and Eugene watching him carefully.

Eugene seemed less guilty looking so Rita must have calmed him.

"Master, what would you like to do with the servants of the Holger Estate" Castor asked

"Take me to them" Hal said, he needed to test something and they would be perfect.

On the way, Eugene excused himself and left the group which considering what Hal was about to do next was a good idea as he was still out of the loop.

When they arrived before the servants, Hal looked at them all kneeling.

They all began to beg for their lives but Hal saw killing them as a waste as their death wouldn't help him. Most of them couldn't even cultivate.

His eyes turned pitch black as a thin black fog began to slither among them, branding them one by one with the Devil's mark. All except one...

"What's your name?" Hal asked the one he had omitted

"Marla" she replied

"Come with me"

The fact that Hal had singled out one of the most unremarkable of the bunch raised the eyebrows of the ladies but they declined to comment.

Of course if they had a talking Grimiore in their head, things might make sense.

While they walked here, Hal shared the events of his soul world with Grimiore and Grimiore in turn decided to highlight a 'very important duty' it had taken upon itself

'You have got to be shitting me' Hal said, his mind voice rising an octave

'What?' Grimiore was confused

'What do you mean what? While I was struggling with the tribulation, you were more focused on keeping it out of sight. Are you insane?'

'It was very important' Grimiore insisted

'If you could do that, why not keep the tribulation away all together?'

'You have to face your tribulations. They make you stronger'

'Bullshit! I almost died'

'But you didn't, and now you're close to a breakthrough'

Hal had to admit, that that was on point, thanks to the mass of Cosmic energy from the tribulation, he was close to the mid stage of the cosmic pearl realm.

If he succeeded in breaking through, even without Executioner. he would have nothing to fear in the Cosmic pearl realm.

'What exactly do you hope to achieve by keeping the tribulation away from public eye'

'Public eye? No. god eye? Yes. I don't Care about those in this city, I do care about those that are after you. I cancel all traces of you, making you invisible to those who seem keen to find you'

'You know this whole tribulation thingy might turn out to be a blessing. Every time I use my Armament I have an opportunity for a breakthrough'

The tribulation that Hal had faced was a Curse Tribulation placed on his bloodline, most probably the result of the Devil Queen's past actions. So basically Hal was being attacked for existing.

However in it, Hal saw a silver lining...

'Actually, the next time you face the tribulation, it will be stronger by five folds'

...for about five seconds.

'Really?' He asked to be absolutely sure

'Yes really. Also, it's completely random and you can't truly prepare for it'

'That's a shame'

They had arrived at the gathered kneeling servants and at Hal's request, Grimiore scanned them all for promising talents but they were all average at best, all except one...

'That girl has a dormant physique, it's so faint that I cannot tell exactly what it is but it is definitely of the Divine grade'

Physiques were generally divided into 5 grades; Aurora, Pagoda, Semi saint, Saint and Divine.

While Divine grade physiques are the strongest they are also the most difficult to master with Mastery levels as follows; Awakened, Vetted, Advanced, Fairly mastered and Fully mastered.

'How can it be awakened?' Hal asked

'Well, it seems to have an affinity with darkness, you can use your Bloodline's energy to awaken it. Mastering it will be entirely up to her though'

Hal mentally nodded and then he used Devil energy to mark the servants. Effectively binding them to him, same as with a contract however Devil marks did not allow administration of boons.

If they pleased him they would be 'promoted'.

If not they should stay satisfied with their status.

Marla stood up a little shakily as her appraiser's black eyes returned to normal and walked forward while Hal's eyes trailed her from top to bottom causing her to feel naked in front of those piercing blues.

When she arrived at his side and retreated towards the back a few steps. Hal spread his arms and as one all the servants rose and bowed

"From now on, you serve me and your first mission is to spread a rumor..."

...

Hal left the servants to their devices while he sought out the Treasury. It was in a large section of the estate and was locked with a seal linked to Corban's soul, which upon his death was already broken leaving his whole content free for perusal.

For one thing, there was quite a large amount of Gold coins and a fair amount of Silver coins, but those were not what caught Hal's attention...

"Pills. Rank 3 pills" Rita gasped as she observed the content of the Treasury which included jars of exotic Rank 3 pills that were well known for their scarcity in a small city such as this.

She was not alone in her surprise. The most pressing concern was how the Holger family got their hands on such expensive stuff.

"They most probably got it from the same source as the beast physique Brysen had" Melinda said and Hal nodded as he had concluded the same after she had told him of her experiences.

"Doesn't matter who it is, they lost their insurance and that's all there is to it" Hal said before covering the entirety of the Holger wealth with cosmic energy and stored it inside his inventory.

The sight caused Marla's mouth to gap while everyone else acted as though they saw nothing noteworthy.

While Hal had never really confided the existence of Grimiore to them, they were already used to weird things like this and blamed it mostly on his strange bloodline and inheritance that must have come with it, which contrary to what he had once told Melinda was definitely not a unique bloodline but something more.

Melinda however could not help but suddenly feel left out, Rita had signed a contract with Hal, so had all her workers and guards, heck even this new girl would most likely sign a contract with him soon. Yet so far, he never thought to try signing one with her.

It was so unfair, she thought and was very determined to hash it out when they returned to the mansion.

After the treasury, Hal went to his last location of the estate. The basements of the now dilapidated auction House where the rest of Hal's men were working on setting the slaves free.

The one hundred slaves stood in the spacious basement and Hal addressed them

"Go on, you're free now. Go to your families" He said and without waiting to hear twice as their soul was no longer bound by the soul locking orb since Corban's death, a large amount of them left leaving only about forty.

Hal surveyed those that remained while he used Devil energy to distort the reality of those that left for a specific reason.

"Why are you still here?" Hal asked noting that majority of those that remained were females with eyes dark with pain, and the men looked weary

"My family is dead"

"My village was destroyed"

"I have nothing on the outside"

This were some of the chorus replies he got.

Hal nodded "I can take you in. I can help you and I can definitely make you powerful but..."

Hal smiled down at them like a wolf

"... What can you offer me?"

The question stumped the gathered. They had nothing to offer him and that should have been glaringly obvious so why was he still asking

"We have nothing that can interest you" one of them finally voiced out

"Oh, I beg to differ" Hal said as he paced back and forth a few times

"You have something to offer me. You see, there will be no half assing of anything. I do not do favors, I cut deals. So if you want my help, you will have to give me all you have in return..."

In a mini-Explosion of Devil energy, Hal drafted a long contract in his blood and held it out for all of them.

"... And by that I do mean your soul"

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There was no hesitation and as one all of those present signed the contract in their blood and relinquished their soul to the Devil, who took control of the contract and turned all forty into semi-fiends. Semi because they had no access to a Bloodline Armament.

Hal mulled over the contract and the strength he could draw from their souls. Things were starting to look promising.

'Having the Devil as a mother is bound to have some perks right' Grimiore said but Hal simply mind shrugged

'Nothing comes without a price' He said

'What do you mean?'

'Well, think about it. She is the Devil. Which one of her monikers make her seem like a compassionate mother?.

'She never wanted a child, and judging from how I am instinctively able to make my semen unfit to father a child I am sure she could do the same, so I was definitely not a mistake. Then she has me and seals her generals inside me all before going missing. And let's not forget that there must have been a reason for her bloodline being redacted from the Primordial Cosmic Grimiore which must be related to why a curse tribulation now hangs above me like a dark cloud'

'So you're saying they are all connected and having you might have been a failsafe'

'Exactly'

...

Once again there was groundbreaking news in Salmon city. The Holger family had been completely eradicated. Who had done this?

Was it someone with a grudge?

No one knew. All that they knew was that the whole estate had been shrouded with a dome of Astral energy (proof that a rune-master had been involved) for more than an hour and after it was down the estate had been swarmed by the Mayor's men only to find it empty, save for the dead bodies.

Every main member of the Holger family was accounted for among the dead along with the notable members of their raiders all except Kael Holger whose body was the only one to mysteriously disappear. However there was no sight of the assailants.

The slaves that had seemingly escaped the estate were found and asked questions before being let go and they all said the same thing.

"The Devil did it"

When asked if there were others who had survived the massacre they said

"They all joined him. They all joined the devil"

And finally when asked to describe what they had seen, they launched into a tale of how the Devil came and went on a killing spree. Explaining how he wielded a mighty weapon and smote everyone in sight, everyone except those who surrendered to him. As for them, he saw them as not worth his time and let them go.

Now, obviously all of this was bullshit as a result of Hal twisting their reality with Devil energy making them spin wild tales.

But, while Hector Edgar did not believe a single word, the fact remained that there was someone or maybe a group of someones strong enough to not only decimate the Holger family but also capable of twisting the truth so flawlessly in the sight of this slaves.

Of course changing a person's mindset and turning their truth into lies was very difficult for Hal however the slaves had seen nothing and as such, Hal only needed to implant false memories, hence twisting their reality.

Hector had his men confiscate the Estate and keep people out until he held a conference on how to best approach the situation.

...

Meanwhile in Melinda's mansion

Hal took Marla into the chamber with the time warping array. Marla was about 18 and was completely normal in the sense that she had never absorbed Cosmic energy and as such lacked the refinement cultivation brings.

"Don't be scared" Hal told her in a soothing voice and even without pheromones, Marla visibly calmed down and looked upon the face of the man that had branded her fellow servants with a mark and left her apart.

She was quite taken by the face. The scent that came off his skin alone pulled her in and as she watched his lips move, it was all she could do to stop herself from taking them. Not because she did not want to seem over eager but because she did not want to be rejected. Rejection from this perfection-incarnate was something she did not think her maiden heart could take.

Hal could read her emotions like a book and to be honest he did not blame her. His body had been refined so many times thanks to the advancement of his primeval devil bloodline, that even without his pheromones, his body scent alone was enough to ensnare a girl with no cultivation such as her.

"You have a dormant physique and I would like to help you awaken it" Hal told her

"What's a -physique-?" Marla asked in barely a whisper.

According to Grimiore, Marla's physique was most probably an inheritance, an inheritance she knew nothing about. An inheritance that has most probably being with her from infancy. And if that held true, it was understandable that she did not know what it was.

Hal smiled and tapped her forehead, transferring core knowledge he had concerning physiques. Core only, because too much could damage her mind but that was more than enough...

Marla's eyes became enlightened and for the first time in her life a fiery desire to cultivate and master the unknown physique took over her mind and Hal secretly nodded as his eyes bore witness to this.

"Can you awaken it for me?"

"Of course I can. Take off your clothes" Hal said with a straight face

"Is that...necessary?"

"No it is not. I just want to look at your body" Hal said shamelessly and while blushing furiously Marla stood up and took off her clothes baring herself to the perverted Devil before her.

Hal appraised her and his mind was filled with the image of how mouth gapingly beautiful he knew she would become once she began to cultivate.

He stood up and at 1.85 meters he towered over her 1.7 after which he allowed Devil energy to dive into her body and forcefully awaken the physique that lay within...

As soon as he was able to 'JumpStart' the physique so to speak. An illusionary dark lady appeared around Marla, the illusionary lady's eyes were closed and instinctively Marla knew the name of the physique...

"Dark Maelstrom Physique" she mumbled

'A little on the nose' Hal thought

"You are quite far from the awakened level and mastering it without a cultivation base is but a pipe dream, but I can help with that" Hal's smile turned suggestive and before he could blink Marla pounced

Taking his suggestive smile as a go-ahead, she seized his lips and Hal in turn swept her off her feet to lay her on the bed, as he teased her using {Erogenous tough} and causing her to moan as her pussy began to leak juices.

Marla did not know why she was so eager for this but the reason hardly mattered in the face of the pleasure she felt.

Paying extra attention towards areas he could tell excited her, he had her moaning within the minute and orgasming in the next.

Hal then turned her on her stomach and went to rubbing her ass. He handled it like a jewel appraiser handles precious jewels, with delicate but firm hands, and oh how much she loved it as she squirmed her buttocks and was occasionally thrusting it at him.

Hal found her tight area in the back and with the use of his {Erogenous touch} charged tongue he made her moan into the bed and ask for something she would never have expected herself to ask.

"Stick it in" She groaned

smack*

Hal's hand made contact with her ass before he propped it and his large organ slid into her with ease.

Full!

That was how she felt and...

Tight!

That was what Hal felt as he slid back and forth into her, he felt her tighten around him and he felt incredible.

Marla for her part seemed focussed on moaning and milking the cock that now lay imbedded inside her ass.

Smack*Smack*Smack*

Hal balls and pelvis smacked into her pussy and ass respectively before he groaned and unloaded inside her.

After which, Hal turned her over and took the second virginity of the night with Marla clamping unto him with both her arms and pussy as the pounding began.

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