Tamamo was sitting in her room, scribbling information on a sheet when she heard someone delicately knock on the door. The large silhouette she saw outside left no doubt about the identity of her guest.

"Come in Alma Elma."

The Succubus Queen slid the door open, and Tamamo couldn't quite decipher the expression on her face. "Do you have a moment?"

"I'm preparing the meeting, but if you need help with anything…"

Alma Elma silently closed the door behind her and sat in front of Tamamo while putting the book about succubi between them. "I want some information on three things. I want to know more about my great Ancestor Minagi and the Lilith Sisters besides the fact that they're power-hungry nymphomaniacs, I want to know more about who wrote that book, and I want to know more about my mother." Her tone was unusually serious. "And please don't lie. I really want to know the truth."

Tamamo and Alma Elma looked straight at each other as the kitsune thought over her fellow Heavenly Knight's questions. She decided there was no harm in answering them and that she needed every bit of good will that her current position could afford her.

"I don't have much to say about your mother. She was independent, considered sex a mean, an end, and basically everything in between. Everything else was secondaryat best. As to why she was like that…"

"Did Luka tell you about our discussion with Micaela?"

Tamamo's ears perked up. "No, I completely forgot to ask him, why?"

"Well, you see…"

Alma Elma explained the kitsune what Micaela told her about succubi, and once she was done, Tamamo took the opportunity to ask her what was the seraph going to do.

"I see… I really hope she won't be too reckless and will ask for our help if things become too tense. Maybe I should actually go check on her myself. Back onto the matter of succubi…" Tamamo shook her head. "It makes sense. I don't have much more to say myself. The fact that you decided to train in martial arts in spite of your upbringing make you an exception. I would say that it's a sign that you're the one who will bring the race back to its former glory, but with the Lilith Sisters and their mother around…"

"I might actually consider that." Alma Elma laid her hand on the book in front of her. "What can you tell me about this?"

Tamamo quickly checked its content. "It's a complete copy of the original one, which was written by… To keep it simple, Ilias came with the idea to write down records of angelic history, spells, skills and other relevant information. She gave the task to a mere man, and Minagi decided to spite her by stealing her idea, the scholar in question, and every piece of information that she could put her hands on." She chuckled. "It helped us quite a lot, and I was surprised to see a man kept alive for more than a month by Minagi. He had a happy ending, although Ilias didn't see it that way. Now, onto Minagi herself..." Tamamo fetched her book on the Ancestors and opened it to the page showing the succubus.

"She's the monster that Ilias hated the most. I think her creation alone was a reason for that angel to declare war to the Dark Goddess. She always took her perverted, debauched games to the next level, and considered bringing physical pleasure to everyone that crossed her path her duty, no matter the aftermath. Several cities worth of people died with a blissful smile on their face after she was through with them."

"However, just because she liked to get it on as often as possible doesn't mean that she couldn't fight otherwise. All those martial art skills and spells present in the book come from her. She started developing them when she realized that her lower strength and toughness could be liabilities in combat, and I like to think that she started grooming her own magic skills when I told her but I digress. This might sound weird, but you remind me a lot of her, although fortunately on a MUCH lesser scale."

"And she's fallen heels over head for Luka-boy…"

"He resisted her. And that makes him all the more desirable to her eyes. It's the same for the Lilith Sisters and the other Ancestors."

Alma nodded in acknowledgement. She remained immobile under Tamamo's scrutiny for several minutes.

"…It looks like you've got a lot on your mind. Maybe you should take one or two days to ponder what to do next or ask other people around. Just don't hesitate if you need help again."

"I will. Thank you Tamamo. Sincerely, thank you."

Alma Elma bowed and left Tamamo's room, leaving the kitsune alone to continue working on the preparations for the council of the next day.

She took a break from her work to ask herself if she couldn't do anything more to help the succubus, but decided that she wasn't the one most fit for the job. She brought a hand to her ear as she contacted one of her fellow Heavenly Knights.

"Granberia? Can you pass by? I need to ask you a small favor…"

This is just like that day three months ago, when everybody was invited to prepare a plan to stop Ilias once and for all in a race against time… It's funny how history repeats itself.

Luka looked around him to see the familiar figures of the leader of the human kingdoms with Tamamo and Erubetie. Each of the four leaders of the different countries of Sentora had personally come to the castle, with the representative of Ilias Continent still being the owner of the Sutherland Inn, as she also was the leader of the merchant guild. They were initially supposed to meet in a few weeks for a quarterly council to communicate and exchange on the different issues the world met since the defeat of Ilias. However, the latest unexpected development had pushed Alice to move the meeting earlier.

The Grangold King was already discussing security details with Tamamo. Luka still remembered the day he met the blue-haired, green eyed king. At that time, the man had become a careless, lazy noble as he let the controlled ant girls do everything. After a series of incidents, he decided to take charge and became more affirmed, which was better for everyone. Recently, he had decided to fully embrace his legacy as a descendant of the line of Grangold's magi kings, and when he was not busy reigning, he was studying magic to reinforce his skills in that domain.

Erubetie and the Grand Noah Queen were busy discussing environmental management. When the blond queen had seen the full scope of the suffering of slimes and how they were threatened by the pollution of water, she personally decided to start a program to protect nature to get sure the slime race could still be able to call the region home at least until she passed away.

The religious figure that was the San Ilia King was also in a deep discussion with his counterpart from Sabasa. The old pope was periodically coughing, and Luka wondered if the still recent war against Ilias hadn't worsened the man's health. He had his faith shattered repeatedly, had nearly been killed in an attack when he was at his lowest point... And yet, he still came out as a strong figure whose wisdom was recognized by everyone, humans and monsters alike.

Luka couldn't quite make out what he was discussing with the king of Sabasa, but the latter was regularly frowning. Whatever could concern that beast of a man could also be a worry for them.

Luka also recognized a more surprising figure. A small, blond angel with large blue eyes and long blond hair was sitting on the side of the San Ilia King. She was also involved in the conversation with the King of Sabasa, an expression of concern of her face. The archangel, Mariel, had ended up being chosen by her fellow to represent her kin at the assembly as she was the current highest ranking angel available. It was also because she was considered reasonable enough in spite of her young age to be able to deal with earthly matters that now affected them, something that most of the dogmatic angels were apparently unable to do. Luka had been surprised to see one of them integrated so fast in the assembly, and the owner of the Sutherland Inn still occasionally glanced suspiciously at her. However, she was too engrossed in her discussion to notice. If anything, her presence was the sign that even angels managed to find their place in this world.

The owner of the Sutherland Inn herself, a woman of undetermined age, was apparently trying to relax amidst the chaos, although Luka could tell that she was still having difficulties adjusting to her new role as an unofficial leader of Ilias Continent, as she was still more used to deal with economics and finances. He occasionally heard that she was looking for political advisors to help her, as that role was becoming more prominent. He even heard that she might consider letting someone else manage the famous, expensive inn.

Luka was interrupted by a knocking sound as Tamamo hit the table repeatedly with her fan to bring everyone's attention to her.

"Greetings, I thank you for coming today for this early meeting that has been organized following a recent small string of incidents that affected us and could- no, will have a large impact on the world in a short period of time. Before we get started onto this particular matter itself, I wish to hear the latest news from each of you to have more information on our current context, starting with Iliasburg."

The inn owner shrugged awkwardly, not knowing what to say as the starting person. "I don't have much to say myself. The situation over here is very calm, there are no bandit attacks or supply disruption in the region at all. Iliasport is slowly thriving once again, men are travelling to Happiness Village and sometimes come back married to a harpy, everyone is expanding their activity… All is good for now."

The San Ilia King grimaced. "Our current predicament is slightly more… Delicate. We already have several fanatics who aren't happy with the recent shift in the religion of Ilias and have started protesting. So far, those protests haven't degenerated into a fight, but we had a few monsters and humans that had been attacked at night, and we think it could be related to this group." The pope looked at Mariel. "And the stance taken by most angels makes the situation more complicated."

Taking the hint, Mariel continued the king's statement. "Most of us are still reeling from the death of the Goddess Ilias and are completely lost. A few sided with that new movement that calls itself The True Faith, while a few of us oppose it, wanting to appreciate this peace with monsters and humans to live on this world. Ultimately, most angels are too undecided and concerned with different issues."

Since everybody was intensively looking at her in expectation, she continued. "The first problem is that we're made of holy energy that naturally scatters in the environment. It's only dangerous for people that are exposed on an extremely frequent basis, such as people that come see us regularly, priests… And lovers. Simultaneously, we are losing our power and most angels have difficulty coming to term with mortality, considering it a countdown to oblivion."

"I should have expected that." Tamamo fanned herself. "It basically amount to a magic leakage, if one angel accept to come here as a test subject, I'll try to see if I can do something to help you." Her ears flattened themselves on top of her head. "Although both Micaela and Lucifina lived there for years, I never took the opportunity to ask them how it works. I'm not sure I will succeed."

"You have our sincerest thanks for trying. The second issue…" Mariel grimaced. "Most angels feel that we are depending on humans and want to live in their own city located at the Navel of the World, where Heaven was."

"A praiseworthy intention."

"Except none of us have city-building skills, and we have too many people that refuse to rely on monsters to help us, even if I'm sure you would gladly support us. Furthermore, too many of us refuse to involve ourselves in menial labor or even to learn how to do it."

Alice blinked repeatedly. "Hang on, did you really just told us that angels want their own city but can't build it, are just too lazy to learn, and don't want monster's help?"

Mariel nodded, her eyes close, clearly conscious of the inanity of her fellow's desires.

"As I said… Most angels are still reeling from the death of Ilias and are just hoping for Her Divine Providence to make that city appear in a blink of light the day She returns. But if it means restarting yet another war… Most of us also prefer this world to remain as is."

"A wise decision. Last, we also have an issue with monsters, but I'm not the only one to suffer from them, and I will let my fellow from Sabasa speak."

The large king nodded in acknowledgment. "Even after the surrender of the Elf and Vampire Queen, several disgruntled monsters continued attacking the region of Sabasa in the following months. We pushed them back every time without trouble, and the attacks died down. However, they started happening again a few weeks back, more properly organized. Those monsters are apparently located in the southwestern mountains of Sabasa, and are led by a certain Kagetsumugi."

Tamamo and Alice yelped in surprise, accidentally interrupting the man who looked at them surprised.

"Our apologies, please continue."

"They're well entrenched and we considered calling upon you to deal with them. Do you know anything about her?"

Alice sighed. "Kagetsumugi is a dangerous monster, known as the heretic puppeteer. She lives isolated and loses herself in her doll crafting, so since she didn't actively attack humans or monsters, she was mostly left alone in fear: People were afraid they would be themselves turned into her puppets if they crossed her. In hindsight, I'm surprised that she didn't try to do anything during the war, but it's possible that she was afraid to be destroyed by Ilias herself."

"I would say she was more afraid for her collection, but I digress. We really didn't need her to show up now. Alma Elma will scout her place out tomorrow and we'll develop our plan based on the information she gets then."

Hoping she feels better…

"At least, the situation is slightly better in Grand Noah. We are currently developing an environmental preservation program centered on waste water treatment and trash management using alchemical process. If people sort their wastes first, we are even able to reuse old materials like wood and iron into new crafts… Which is going to be essential soon. While most of the chimeras left behind by Promestein are doing their fair share of efforts to integrate themselves, they still depend on the equipment left behind. Said equipment consumes a lot of energy as chimeras need to make their maintenance on a regular basis, and crafting…" She took a look at a sheet. "…Batteries to fuel the apparatus is polluting."

Erubetie nodded. "I do acknowledge that we can't condemn the chimeras to death simply for my kin. I planned to discuss the issue with that alchemist, Lucia."

"We also have one last issue." The queen sighed. "We found five dried bodies in a house yesterday evening."

The owner of the Sutherland Inn gasped. "I apologize, I nearly forgot that important information. Two persons were reportedly killed by a succubus in Midas Village yesterday morning."

"Midas Village?"

"It's a small settlement northeast of Ilias Continent. Once again, I apologize for my forgetfulness, but I was slightly anxious about this meeting. Do you think it's that succubus?"

Tamamo nodded. "At full speed, Alma Elma can make a back and forth from Hellgondo to Iliasville in less than half a day. Lilith would definitively be able to do the same." She nervously fanned herself. "She's staying on the low… If she wanted to show off, she would have already attacked angels in San Ilia… What is that girl planning?"

Mariel nodded. "Fortunately, we had no such report. What are your plans to deal with her?"

Alice answered. "As soon as we notice her, Alma Elma will try to keep her pinned in one area and we capture her afterward."

Mariel nodded again, apparently satisfied with the answer provided by the Monster Lord herself.

Tamamo focused back the meeting. "Were there any anomaly in Grangold recently?"

"We didn't suffer any trouble except the recent breakout attempt from Spider Princess. We did reinforce the area around her with fitting wards against mind control." The king repositioned himself. "However, we may have an issue if a stronger monster like that succubus decides to step in directly to free her… Can you tell us more about her?"

"It's slightly more complicated than that. She also has two sisters that are already in our custody, and their mother, who is actually the one responsible, is going to be free from her own prison soon. I will try to keep it short."

The kitsune repeated the history of the Ancestors once again, insisting on the danger they could represent for peace because of their uncaring attitude. Once she was done, she could tell that all the lords accepted her story without question.

"I see…" The Grand Noah queen leaned back on her chair. "And you said each of them could destroy a city in the blink of an eye… If they're hostile and decide to attack together, it will be a slaughter. And they'll apparently be back three days before the birthday of Ilias..."

"The good news is that they shouldn't outright destroy cities." Alice grimaced. "They will only indulge in their inhabitants, and move on once they're done sucking everybody dry, even if it means murdering everyone and then starving as they run out of people to prey upon."

"Are you kidding?" The Grand Noah queen shook her head in denial. "I mean, I apologize for the offense, but do you really think millennia old entities would bring on their own extinction because they're unable to hold back their cravings?"

Tamamo closed her eyes as uncomfortable memories resurfaced. "This nearly happened actually. Twice."

"For the love of… This is ridiculous. What's our best chance?"

Everyone reflexively turned toward Luka. The hero remembered the last meeting where he was also put on the spot to offer a small speech on how they had to stand up against Ilias. At that time, he had a lot of difficulties coming up with a small discourse about showing the goddess the error of her way. This time, he held fast as he stood up.

"I already did beat Ilias and her lieutenants in the past thanks to everyone's support. I can't guarantee I will be able to save every single person, but I will make sure I'm ready to stand up to the Six Ancestors and show them the error of their way, by force should it will come down to this."

The Grand Noah queen nodded. "I can safely say I'm speaking for all when I say we thank you for your unconditional help, and we're sorry to be forced to ask to come to our aid once more. We're ready to do anything to help you, in the limit of what is possible."

"Actually, you can help us a lot. We have the opportunity to prepare in advance for once, and we already made a few plans since we have a pretty good idea of what several of the Six Ancestors will try to do."

"It would be for the best if angels weren't attacked. I cannot insist enough on how an alarming number of us are still psychologically vulnerable, and getting attacked by that succubus would be a disaster."

Tamamo grimaced. "Sorry, but amongst all our projections, Minagi attacking San Ilia sooner or later is the one constant. On the bright side, it will be easier to tailor local defense specifically against her compared to other cities."

Mariel nodded in resignation. Luka decided to try to reassure her.

"I will make sure to take care of her personally. I have a bone to pick with her."

The hero could tell her words had the expected effect on the archangel, but he could also see Tamamo's judgmental gaze silently telling him he didn't have an idea of what he was really getting involved in.

Voluntarily ignoring that silent scuffle, Alice continued in Tamamo's stead. "We will see each of you in the upcoming week to see what preparations can be done to limit the damages those fiends will do. We will make sure that you have access to a copy of the available information on each of the Six Ancestors. I also suggest informing the population at large, but I will ask you to be careful as well and make clear that most monsters are still standing on our side against them." She closed her eyes. "Keeping the peace between both races will be more difficult should someone use them as an example for fear-mongering."

"This is all for today. If there's no question, this meeting is adjourned."

A few minutes later, only the residents of the castle remained. Luka wallowed on his chair with a heavy sigh.

"That wasn't something I wished to do again."

Alice nodded. "We needed to warn them, but I understand what you mean. We could have done without another world-destroying crisis."

Luka groaned. "I'll go check on Granberia and Alma Elma to see if they're up for some sparring. I really feel that I need to clear my mind…"

In the cells of the Monster Lord's Castle, Astaroth was in a meditative posture as she was focusing on what had happened. Her painful defeat at the hands of Tamamo had felt bitter, but not as much as her imprisonment. While most of her hatred was still focused on the kitsune, a part of her was starting to acknowledge that she did have a responsibility, only if because she had underestimated her contemporaries.

Besides, one of the reason she currently hated the fox is the sheer realization of how right she was. The Lilith Sisters' plan had been executed in a hurry and failed because of their sheer arrogance. Tamamo could have killed them once and for all. The fact that they were still alive was a consolation, even if it was only a meager one in front of her cravings that fully wanted to express themselves.

And on the other side of her door, Morrigan was singing vulgarities as loud as she could in her own cell. She tried to ignore her, but her patience for the antics of her cute little sister was starting to wear thin.

"Morrigan? Please shut up."

"Whaaat? You don't like when I sing? Sheesh, sorry, I was looking for a way to pass the time."

"I know. But I'm trying to focus."

"On an escape plan? Good luck. That little ball of fur has been quite thorough."

Astaroth conceded. The walls inside and outside of the cells were covered with talismans against mind control, pleasure spells, and wind. All guards were also protected against the same spells and were on high alert. Lilith certainly wouldn't be able to break them out alone. The red-haired succubus hoped that her older sister was gathering help to free them, but she doubted that she could find fitting support for this endeavor. They could only wait until their mother was free from the seal.

Actually… They could only hope that she would come to free them. They hadn't told her anything. They just rushed in and…

Astaroth sighed. They had indeed completely and utterly screwed the pooch on that one. She got up and moved around a little to stretch her limbs, making striking motions in the air to keep herself sharp. That succubus queen wouldn't let herself be surprised again, and Astaroth had no doubt that she was already training in preparation for the return of her Ancestor.

A small noise in the corner of her room pulled her out of her thoughts. Before she could do anything, Morrigan's voice echoed across the room.

"Oooh, what did the fox get us today?"

She looked down to see a small package on the floor. Her daily ration had arrived. She checked its content to see a vial with a glowing pink liquid inside, making her smirk.

"I don't suppose anybody knows how you get those, do they you sly little fox?"

Astaroth didn't know if Tamamo was listening and she didn't really actually care. She just needed to vent. She gulped down the salvo in the blink of an eye and felt her cravings abate, although she could still definitively enjoy some company. She checked the remainder of the package to find an orb wrapped in a paper. She unfolded the paper and read the few words written down on it.

"Please at least take a look at the world."

Astaroth had no doubt it came from Tamamo. The orb itself was a good tool for observation. Maybe the kitsune hoped she would change her mind if she saw what was outside? Maybe she had placed a spell of her own to peek at whatever Astaroth herself was watching, hoping that they would contact their sister and accidentally sell her out by contacting her. Of course, she couldn't watch what was happening in the remainder of the castle or communicate outside. The place had been properly warded, and it was only an eye.

"Not falling for that one. Let's see if I can find animals fucking for our little beast queen. She should like it."

As time passed by, Astaroth got sidetracked in her quest to annoy Tamamo by what she was seeing.

"I prepared a training regime to make sure you would all be ready, although I wished that Alma Elma and Granberia were there too…" Tamamo was sitting in what looked like a tribune watching over a large arena, accompanied by Luka and Alice. The Monster Lord was training herself as well, although her tutor begged her to not push herself too much as she was now pregnant with the future leaders of monsterkind. Alice had made a joke about the fact that they could go at it again should it come to the worst case scenario, but the dark joke didn't flew neither with Tamamo who simply glared at her nor with Luka who still had the three days long tortuous romp in mind. She then remained silent for quite a long moment.

"By the way where are they? I understand that Alma was away as she can't remain still for a moment, but I at least expected Granberia to be here at least for security."

"I asked the latter to check on the former. Aaand here they are."

Luka turned to see that Alma Elma and Granberia were indeed arriving. The succubus was showing her usual carefree smile, but Luka couldn't quite decipher Granberia's expression.

"Hiii!"

"And what were you doing when we were busy discussing the fate of the world?" Alice took her usual haughty pause with her arms crossed under her chest. While her tone was filled with more curiosity than outright reproach, it was clear that she wouldn't let go until she got a satisfying answer.

As an answer, Alma Elma lifted a finger to her mouth in a coy pause. "Weeeeell. We had a looooong talk Granberry and me about fighting skills. She kept telling me that a warrior should always study all possible paths to improve herself, but deep down, I thought that she just kept repeating those words because she wanted to face my martial art skills. As we kept discussing, I thought that maybe I shouldn't disregard aaaaall those ancestral skills because some people wanted to forget them, and that my mother was just keeping up with a useless, stupid tradition. So I decided that I had no reason not to use them against those upcoming uppity annoyances since they will use it against Luka too."

"I see…"

After a few more seconds of awkward silence, the Succubus Queen talked once again.

"Sooo, let's start training, shall we?" Alma Elma punctuated her sentence with a giggle.

Luka nodded, and both descended to face each other in the arena.

As he prepared to face her, Luka summoned the power of the Four Spirits to support him as he raised his guard. The Succubus Queen rushed at Luka in an attempt to grab him with her tail, but the hero managed to dodge the monstrous appendage and reflexively slashed in his back, pushing back one of Alma Elma's own hands. The succubus chuckled, and Luka made sure he still had Gnome's power to support him against the unavoidable bind Alma Elma would certainly use to ensnare him.

As expected, the Succubus Queen used the power of the wind to instantly grab him. However, instead of the full body grab the hero expected, she merely clutched his arm and sent him flying across the room. Just as he managed to use the power of Sylph to stabilize himself mid-flight, she rushed at him with a diving kick to project him into a wall, creating a small crater.

"Sorry Luka-Boy. But as I said, you will face the full arsenal of ancient succubi. So I can as well use it myself to train you."

Luka pulled himself from the wall and groaned. If anything, that lesson would stick to his mind for a long time.

Those weeks were going to suck.