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FICTION
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Chapter 16-B: Ophis sees, Ophis learns
When Cao Cao decided to gamble his life by ascending into a risky existence of planning a war against the status quo, he didn't expect to do so by joining such a messy group.
No, he wasn't talking about the Hero Faction of the Khaos Brigade, but the Brigade itself due to how incoherent it was to its own goals. From his own perspective, while the 'Old Satan' faction was more than happy to plot the destruction of the current underworld's administration, that didn't mean they completely accepted the destructive nature of their main mission. Rather they were quick to highlight how they wished to install an old regime to replace the 'newer' one. And to 'restore the former rights of their families'.
To Cao Cao, that was nothing worthy of attention and, for some time, that same thought matched with Ophis' own take on the situation. But while the wielder of Longinus could easily shrug off this issue for the time being due to his own duties, the Infinity Dragon had more to worry about as it wouldn't take a great genius to know that the Old Satan faction were the most treacherous within the organization. They were incredibly ambitious, and saw the rest of the faction worthy of scorn and contempt.
Hence why Cao Cao had an easier time talking with a madman like Rizevim rather than any of his former peers. Qlippoth may be ominous by its nature alone, but they weren't hiding behind curtains of faux politeness. He was a prick, there was no denying that, but the son of Lucifer was still a truthful man when handling negotiations. And then that situation came to an amusing circumstance when, as the weekly meeting between factions' leaders and Ophis started, something of incredible entertainment happened. One that even now Cao Cao was still skeptical to outright see as reality and more of a well-crafted illusion.
"Ophis... snapped?"
Arthur Pendragon's voice was filled with unease, and Cao Cao couldn't blame him for sounding so... nervous. After all, this meant that some excesses from their factions will have to be curbed and moderated to avoid any retaliation from their 'kind boss'. A bespectacled young man with blond hair with a strand of hair across his face, who is usually dressed in a business suit, Arthur was quite the gentleman and yet so easy to turn into a shocked and wondering 'young boy' as his sister would call him.
Speaking of Le Fay, she was the perfect thought of someone thinking of a foreign girl with a slim body, shoulder-length blonde hair and blue eyes. Her attire was made of a sorceress-like dress with a huge blue hat with a black bow and yellow stars and matching cape with pink flowers and a white interior. This 'emergency meeting' with the Pendragon siblings came to happen due to the circumstances tied to this new development and how he needed level-headed and trustworthy people to handle the hassle of keeping things under control in the Hero Faction. And it had to happen fast enough to avoid repercussions.
"I would say so, yes. However, her reaction was quite tame and focused. And I would say effective in its delivery," The human leader expanded on the matter, humming to himself while enjoying the tea prepared by Arthur's maid and future wife. "Ophis is seemingly taking her role as a leader more seriously."
"How?" Le Fay inquired, the blonde was eyeing the lance-wielding hero with curiosity regarding this matter, and Cao Cao couldn't hold a grin from forming on his face as he knew the mere thought was enough to grant him amusement on the spot.
"Ophis was being subjected to the usual mocking from Shalba. The fool thought his tongue could run for long without getting punished," Cao Cao started to narrate. "No one tried to add more to it or even stop the man... that was until Ophis decided to take things in her hands and personally punish the upstart."
"And this punishment was-"
"Spanking via paddle."
...
"She- she what?" Arthur asked with a sudden tone of fright forming in his voice. "She used- used a paddle?"
Le Fay giggled at that reaction, providing more insight on the matter with her response. "Oh? Are you still worried that mama may use it on you like she did when we were little if she finds out you left home with your mistress and 'kidnapped' your cute little sister."
The many emotions flashing out of Arthur's face could all be seen as an entertaining lightshow for Cao Cao. But not one that stopped him from going further with his story. After all... there was more to it as Shalba wasn't the sole individual getting punished.
"Still, Katarea and Creuserey tried to 'avenge the honor' of their 'fallen comrade'. Obviously, more spanking ensued," Cao Cao added, drawing more giggles from Le Fay and more uneasy groans from Arthur.
"W-What about Rizevim?" The blonde asked as she recovered from her mirthful display.
"Oh, he was actually fairly quiet. He still smiled through that scene, however even a fool could have seen how worried he was at this. I think he fears he may be next if he attempts to do something against Ophis."
"Doesn't he love her as a child to treat with gifts, to the point of buying her candy on a daily basis?" Arthur pointed out and Cao Cao nodded.
"Yes, however it has come to my attention that this sort of relationship may have taken some turns of the odd kind in recent years. I believe Rizevim knows that someone is plotting to get her attention- nay, someone already took her attention and her... affection."
At first it sounded like an unknown adviser. Someone that was affiliated to Khaos Brigade but refused to take direct action within the group. A shadow that Ophis listened to as her cool and mostly indirect approach at leading got way more direct than one would expect. She asked for results, for data, for information- and some people were caught slacking during these times. She was not vicious, but the way she treated them, albeit rightfully so, was still an unplanned wake up call which forced the organization to suddenly be 'inwardly active'. And those that suffered the most were those of the Old Satan Faction. The Hero Faction got their slackers drilled into being more attentive of their roles while recovering information and retrieving new 'brothers and sisters', while Qlippoth was the group that shined the most due to their intense research.
Rizevim looked way giddier than a man his age should have been when Ophis regaled him with a 'head pat' session. How did that even constitute a reward? Cao Cao wanted to say it was foolish, but he didn't refuse a private one when Ophis offered. He cursed the years of abuse at the hands of his guardians for being so open for affectionate actions used against him. How was he supposed to just ignore those?
"Aww, Ophis has a crush?"
"S-Sister!"
"She will not mind unless it's too much of a tease," Cao Cao assured, yet his gaze turned chiding towards Le Fay. "So please, don't warrant yourself a round with that sort of punishment."
The witch bowed her head, a sheepish look on her face.
"Yet, I wish to see if we can get more information on this... 'influencer'. Ophis definitely visits them when she is not here to check on the brigade, and I think that she will trust someone like you, Le Fay."
Her blue eyes widened in delight, while her brother looked on the verge of punching Cao Cao for even considering such an option. Then again, there was no blame to push onto him- Ophis was a dangerous entity to 'play with', but while the risk was high, the rewards would be higher if the option was really available to them.
"Sister-"
"I am old enough to take on a serious mission, brother," Le Fay remarked, smiling brightly. "Plus, who knows, maybe this individual could be a possible ally to us. So please, believe in your amazing little sister!"
Arthur had a lot to say about that, clearly unimpressed by this but... knowing he couldn't do much if Cao Cao and Le Fay were both accepting this sort of plot. He just couldn't help but feel worried that what his sister was going to find on 'the other side' was going to be something he was going to regret having her subjected to.
If only he knew how right his gut feelings were...
AN
Cao Cao being a pragmatic guy with a lot of curiosity about Ophis' recent behavioral changes.
Also, next time we will see someone that has long been expected to come along but has been 'missing' due to a reason or another. Next time, a stealthy girl stumbles upon a very 'bleach-on-the-eyes-worthy' scene. And it may trigger some unwarranted introductions due to that.
REVIEW Q&A!
Neon Revenge: Chastity Belts? Mittelt is already shivering.
Chronosign: We lost the Library of Alexandria, but the knowledge of corporal punishments shall never be lost to time itself.
Middenacht: I want to believe Grayfia already has one… for Sirzechs, while Millicas is just a good boi. Venelana may not need it since Zeoticus is mostly chill… however, the cheeky Gremory ancestor? That's gonna be a fun nightmare to entertain.