Chapter 11 - The Leviathan Princess
Carl ventured deeper into the library, leading to an interesting reaction from the Lesser Devils who were following his trails, acting like annoying brats who wanted to receive something from their father. It all began once he entered a secluded section of the Library, where one could perceive a study room just around the corner.
Once they entered this region, the Devils began to stir with increasing agitation. Their whispers grew frantic, a chorus of panicked voices urging him to turn back.
[Stay away from there, my Lord! It's not safe!]
[My Prince, this is madness! You cannot enter there! It's forbidden!] one Devil pleaded, its voice trembling with fear.
'What's up with those guys? They seem to be afraid about the entity sealed in this location. It does make me a bit uneasy, but I've experienced worse moments.'
The air grew colder, and the dim light seemed to flicker ominously as he approached deeper in the vast territory of the library that exuded an aura of dread. Even the High-Class Devil in Laranje couldn't hide the discomfort she was sensing as the demonic energy morphed like a heavy cloak over this region of the Library.
Laranje's voice, usually smooth and alluring, took on a tone of genuine concern. [Young Lord, I ask of you one thing, and only this. Do not proceed any further, for your safety... My ticket out from this madness. That area is… a forbidden region of the 'Sanguinarius Castle'. Even I dare not disturb what lies within.]
'Interesting. For even an Ancient High-Class Devil, for her to be afraid by whatever thing is beyond that door.'
"Who has been sealed in that location?"
[I dare not speak that name. I don't want to be the next one to be devoured. Please, my dear Blood Prince, let's leave this place. Let me teach you Devil Magic, this will make up for the wasted time.] Laranje's usually seductive tone was now tinged with genuine concern, her pleas echoing in his mind.
"You guys are not helpful at all. Why even bother currying favor with me when you are such cowards? Do you think I want to have such cowardly servants alongside me?"
[... My Prince… She's an Ultimate-Class Devil. Unlike us… she has some privileges inside the Castle.]
When Laranje began explaining who the being inside the Study Room Carl was approaching, a surge of demonic energy erupted from within the room. It washed over them like a wave, its intensity causing Carl's hairs on the back of his neck to stand on end while the Lesser Devils scattered in all directions, returning to their respective shelves.
The air grew thick with the scent of sulfur and brimstone, and Carl could feel the raw power emanating from the room. It was as if the very essence of darkness itself had been unleashed, swirling and coiling around him like a maelstrom of shadows.
'Is this the power of an Ultimate Devil, even in a Sealed shape? Then… if I can withstand this much, while those Low/Medium-Class Devils dispersed like a bunch of rats, does this mean, I'm up there with those High-Class beings?'
'From what I could perceive in Krassius's memories, he was stronger than most Vampires, even among the Pureblooded mutts, he was beyond them… Well, he is the son of Vampire Queen along with a Human Wizard, so I might as well be a monstrosity as those bastards cussed me out in Karnstein Castle.'
'Urgh, thinking about that complicated family drama, will only mess up with my mental state. I'm not Krassius to be attached to those memories, and to begin with, he didn't have much attachment to his mother or the sibling he tried to kill in bloodlust.'
'Let's think of the bright future I have. I'm the weakling with the potential of a Final Villain for the Protagonists of this World.'
Carl remained unfazed by that warning, instead, he observed and felt the Demonic Energy, but that was all, just some goosebumps that flared on his arms and the back of his neck, before calming down.
[Young Lord, you're fine against the Demonic Power of that esteemed being? Right… No wonder. You have become the successor of that monster Nosferatu, and even the new wielder of the Longinus 'Bloodbound Dominion'. Please remember my proposition. I'm willing to serve you, young Lord.] Her usually sultry voice was now laced with genuine concern as she urged him to turn back.
'Heh, women regardless of their race, are truly mysterious creatures. Maybe this time, I'll consider her offer for real, instead of gaslighting her.'
Keeping his cold facade on, Carl's response matched his state of mind, cold and indifferent, his tone devoid of emotion as he brushed off her warnings with a dismissive wave of his hand.
"I appreciate your concern, lady Laranje, but I cannot turn back now," he declared, his voice flat and devoid of warmth. "Whatever lies beyond that door, I intend to confront it myself. You should leave this place like the rest of those lowly Devils."
With a final nod of acknowledgement from him, he turned and faced the door once more, forging ahead. Each step closer, the air crackled with malevolent energy, while the dim light flickered ominously, casting eerie shadows that danced along the walls.
Suddenly, as he reached out to grasp the door handle, a stronger surge of demonic energy erupted from within the room. It washed over him like a torrent flood, but akin to an anchor, he remained grounded and took in all of this malevolence, baskin in like a fish into a body of water.
'Not bad, this time I managed to suppress the goosebumps.'
As he pushed it open, a wave of cold air washed over him, but he remained collected and resolute in his exploration. Inside, he found himself in a small study room, illuminated by a soft, ethereal glow. At the center of the room sat a figure, a gorgeous tanned woman with long, flowing hair, engrossed in a book.
Her eyes were a striking shade of purple, and her form-fitting white dress left little to the imagination. Carl sized his opponent, and he couldn't help but find her appearance familiar.
'She reminds me of that crazy gal from Volume 4 who attacked the meeting of the three faction leaders in Kuoh Town and got trashed by Azazel like some low-tier Villain character not worth a spit.'
'What was her name again? Leviathan? Right, she was part of the Old Satan Faction that lost the Devil Civil War. Daughter of the first Leviathan Satan.'
'My gut feeling tells me she's connected to that crazy gal. I did play the story in my head a couple of times since awakening inside this body, just so I might have an advantage over other characters. Not much luck since I got imprisoned in Austria of all places.'
'So, in hindsight, she most likely lost against Nosferatu in the Great War, she got killed and had her soul sealed away in the Bloodbound Domain. However, I assume because she is an Ultimate-Devil, her Soul still contains a lot of power that would cause him a headache managing this Dimension.'
'Conclusion? She got the "VIP" treatment, and has some freedoms inside the Castle that other Devils or Demons can't enjoy?'
Carl didn't greet the woman, nor the woman bothered to stop whatever she was doing, still giving the impression she was reading the Book which made Carl's crimson eyes flash a bit, since his body reacted instinctively to the smell of blood.
'Grimoire bound by human skin and flesh. Not surprised by this stage… Wait? Could it be that she is reading into the lives of those Devils that got trapped in those Grimoires as a pass time?'
When that thought surfaced into his mind, the beauty looked up from her Book, gazing with her purple eyes at him, showing great interest in him, while his time was ticking with only 10 minutes left in his stay.
"Do you want to read the story of this individual?" she asked, her voice smooth and melodious, before continuing explaining what the story entailed.
"It's about someone who served Mehmed Osman. It's impressive to read how those Ottomans played both Fallen Angels and us Devils to support them in their conquest over the Human Kingdoms."
Carl hesitated for a moment, weighing his options before shaking his head. "No thanks. I'm not into reading."
The woman arched a delicate eyebrow in response, her lips curling into a knowing smile. "Is that so? A shame."
Carl's interest was piqued by her lack of insistence, his curiosity growing as he watched her return her attention to her book.
"Interesting," he murmured, his gaze lingering on her.
The woman glanced up at him once more, her purple eyes gleaming with intrigue. "What do you think is interesting? The story I was offering for you?"
"You," Carl replied bluntly.
The woman's smile widened, a hint of amusement dancing in her eyes. "How so?"
"You're not pleading for me to release you," Carl explained. "This has piqued my interest."
The woman chuckled softly, her laughter echoing in the quiet room. "Even if I asked you to release me from this Prison, you don't have the Key."
"Only that bastard, Nosferatu, who now mentors you, can unlock me from this Prison. Obviously, he's not interested in doing such acts of kindness, especially against those he defeated in combat."
"You never know. Haven't you heard the saying 'You shouldn't judge a book by its cover?' You are a Royalty Devil, if you propose me a deal better than the trash in the Open Library, I will put more consideration into your words," Carl remarked, his tone neutral.
Carl's expression remained impassive as he reached into his coat and produced the Ars Goetia, the ancient grimoire bound in human flesh and skin. The beauty's gaze flickered to the book, a flicker of surprise crossing her features before she masked it with an air of indifference.
Carl settled into a chair he had moved to face Devil-woman, his posture relaxed yet poised, readying himself for the brief confrontation ahead of him with this Ultimate Devil. His crimson eyes flashed with a hint of intrigue as he regarded her, waiting for her reaction like a hunting dog smelling his prey.
As Carl calmly revealed the presence of Ars Goetia, it triggered a reaction that was brief, yet he who was watching her facial muscles twitch, could sense the surprise crossing her features only to be suppressed. Her purple eyes widening imperceptibly before she quickly masked her reaction with an air of indifference.
There was a clear inner turmoil inside her, yet another humiliation for her was approaching. For this, she put on a facade of composed indifference, refusing to show any outward signs of weakness. With a subtle shift in her posture and a forced nonchalance in her tone, she addressed Carl with measured restraint.
"You might be right," she acknowledged, her voice betraying a hint of tension beneath its calm surface. "I shouldn't judge a book by its cover." only for her hatred to spill out when being reminded by the monster who slew her in the past "That bastard actually gave you the Lesser Key."
Carl nodded in acknowledgment, his expression unreadable. "So, it seems you, my lady, are also interested in getting your freedom?"
His words hung in the air, while the Devil woman's initial reaction was one of skepticism. The subtle undertones of sarcasm in his tone did not go unnoticed by the astute devil, and it grated against her already fraying patience.
"Stop with the sarcasm, little vampire," she snapped, her voice laced with a trace of irritation.
The facade of indifference she had carefully constructed began to crack, revealing the underlying frustration simmering beneath the surface. Her sharp retort carried a hint of defiance, a refusal to indulge in Carl's apparent jests. Beneath her composed exterior, her patience wore thin, her temper flaring in response to the perceived mockery.
"You want a deal to entice you in releasing my soul bound to this accursed world?" she continued, her tone tinged with a mix of resignation and exasperation. The weight of her imprisonment bore down upon her, fueling her frustration and amplifying her desire for freedom.
Carl inclined his head slightly, acknowledging the gravity of her situation. "Indeed," he affirmed. "But not just any deal. A mutually beneficial arrangement that would benefit us both."
She regarded him with a mixture of curiosity and wariness. Despite her reservations, there was a glimmer of expectation stirring within her, but watching this Vampire, she couldn't help but be suspicious.
'How could Nosferatu allow this brat to come into my confinements and act as if he is in charge of this accursed World? It's too suspicious.'
'I'm inclined to believe he's tempting me, torturing me with the idea of having my Soul released from this prison.'
"What I will offer you is straightforward," Carl began, his voice calm and measured. "I'm willing to unbound your soul to the Domain using the Lesser Key. However, there will be certain conditions. Of course, not tyrannically from the perspective of an Ultimate Devil, but, I'm still curious what you can offer me, miss?"
The tanned woman's eyes narrowed as she considered his words. She knew better than anyone what 'Contracts' of the Supernatural nature entailed, and taking on such an offer without careful consideration was a fool's doom. Such deals often came with hidden costs and unforeseen consequences.
"Since you have Nosferatu as your 'Mentor' you don't seem to lack much," she mentioned after some consideration, her tone laced with subtle skepticism. "He was a renowned Blood Mage and Swordsmaster in his prime. While, his knowledge in the end is bound to the lens of a human, his ways are what the humans managed to capture from us Devils."
"I heard that story," Carl replied evenly, his voice calm, but deep down his mind was playing out the story of Highschool DxD as if it was the Bible. "About how Humans reverse engineered the Devil's Magic System, leading to the creation of Magicians."
To his relief, Krassius' mind was far sharper than what he had in his first life, making such high-mental energy expander tasks a breeze. Maybe he had the intellect of a psychotic character, but enjoyed the benefits of being a 'normal' dude without being a broken person with one or two screws loose.
"Indeed," Tsufaame acknowledged, her gaze never wavering from his, yet she felt irked by this sudden reveal of information, reminding her that Carl was certainly put by Nosferatu to fuck her up mentally by extending the olive branch.
"But, you see, Human Magic is considered Lower Class. Sure, you get certain unique individuals who sign contracts with those High-Class Devils to advance their magic capabilities, but it is rare, since the Vatican has a strict law forbidding 'Witchcraft' and 'Satanism'."
"My lady, it's been half a millennium since the Great War," Carl continued, his voice unwavering. "I bet you that Humans developed their Magic System to be on par if not better than those of the Devils."
Tsufaame's response was immediate, her disbelief evident in her tone. "... You jest. How could those inferior creatures possess the intellect to surpass Perfection?"
But Carl remained steadfast in his assertion, his smirk betraying a hint of amusement at her arrogance. "It's not a joke," he countered calmly. "Especially after Humans had the opportunity of reincarnating as Devils. They could have access to the Devil Magic System and share it with the Humans."
"Greed is in Human Nature after all."
Tsufaame's initial shock gave way to panic as Carl's words began to piece together the puzzle in her mind. She struggled to comprehend the implications of what he was suggesting, her frustration mounting with each passing moment.
"Wait, there's no way vermin could be turned into one of us? Who was it? Was it that bastard Astaroth who managed to sway the Satans while I was on this vacation of mine?" she exclaimed, her voice trembling with disbelief.
Carl's smirk only widened at her reaction, his amusement evident in his gaze. "Hooh, you really don't know, miss?" he taunted. "Hasn't Nosferatu shared the news with you about the Great War?"
"What news? Wait, what am I missing? That smirk on your face… Don't tell me?" panic flashed on her face.
The realization dawned on Tsufaame that she was being played by Nosferatu once again. In a sudden surge of rage and frustration, she lunged forward, grabbing Carl by the collar in a desperate attempt to confront him.
'Heh? Really? Let's see if you can pull something against me while I'm in my own Mental World.'
'While, I don't have all the authority over this Mindscape per se, I'm 2nd in charge before Nosferatu.'
Carl followed her extended hand and was slightly taken aback since she was an Ultimate Devil yet he could follow her movements. But before she could lay a hand on him, the air crackled with energy as the crimson amulet around Carl's neck began to glow with an intense light.
In an instant, a powerful force erupted from the amulet, repelling the devil woman with a forceful energy that sent her stumbling backward. The blast was like a shockwave, knocking her off balance and propelling her several feet away, where she collided with one of the towering bookshelves.
'I thought so too. I'm at ease in this location, even facing her. How could a prisoner dare to bite the hand of the New Warden? I guess, even the Sacred Gear thinks it is blasphemy.'
Carl watched Tsufaame's outburst with a cool detachment, his crimson eyes glinting with a hint of amusement at her display of frustration and anger. Despite the chaos unfolding around them, he remained eerily composed, his demeanor unaffected by the chaos that had erupted in the room.
"Urgh, the humiliation!" she spat, her voice tinged with anger and frustration. "That Cursed Longinus!"
"Such theatrics," he remarked dryly, his voice cutting through the tense atmosphere like a knife. "I expected more from an Ultimate Devil such as yourself."
His words were laced with a cold indifference, a stark contrast to the beauty's emotional turmoil. While she seethed with rage and humiliation, Carl remained icily calm, his expression betraying nothing of the satisfaction he felt at having dominated her.
"Perhaps you should reconsider your approach, my lady," he continued, his tone dripping with condescension. "Attacking me won't change your situation. If anything, it only serves to prove how desperate you've become."
Tsufaame recoiled at Carl's cold response, her pride wounded by his dismissive demeanor. Despite her attempts to regain her composure, she found herself struggling to maintain her usual air of superiority in the face of his unyielding calm.
Her chest heaved with frustration as she glared daggers at Carl, her purple eyes flashing with a mix of anger and disbelief. She had expected him to cower in fear when she used her Demonic Power even if it was suppressed by the Domain, but instead, he stood before her with a confidence that bordered on arrogance.
"You dare to mock me, little vampire?" she spat, her voice dripping with venom. "You know what. I'm no longer interested in entertaining you. Fuck off, and tell Nosferatu to shove Murad's dick deep in his ass."
"I'll never forget this humiliation. I, Tsufaame Leviathan, will have my revenge."
Her threat hung in the air like a dark cloud, a silent promise of retribution for the indignity she had suffered at Carl's hands. Despite her bravado, however, there was a hint of uncertainty in her voice, a nagging doubt that lingered at the back of her mind.
Carl remained unfazed by her words, his expression unchanged as he regarded her with cool detachment. He had no intention of backing down or showing any weakness in front of the Ultimate Devil who now stood before him.
"Save your threats for someone who cares," he replied dismissively, his voice devoid of emotion.
Carl's laughter echoed in the confines of the study room, a sharp sound that cut through the tension like a blade. He shook his head incredulously, amused by Tsufaame's overreaction.
"You Devils are really a group of edgy fucks who use their emotions to guide their lives," he taunted, his tone mocking. "No wonder you rebelled against poor old God from the Bible. You react as if I was the one who killed your family, when I just tell you some news from the outside world."
Tsufaame's anger flared at his words, her pride stung by his mockery. But deep down, Carl's words made sense to her, but how couldn't she overreact when hearing such unscrupulous words on the current turn of events. She had allowed her emotions to cloud her judgment, falling prey to Carl's calculated manipulation.
"Fuck off, lowly Vampire," she retorted, her voice tinged with frustration. "I already learned what I wanted to know from you."
Carl's smirk widened at her outburst, relishing in the power he held over her. He knew he had struck a nerve, and he was determined to push her further.
"Slut, does it hurt you if you act with the dignity of a 'Royalty' that you claim to be, as a Leviathan Princess?" he taunted, his words dripping with scorn. "Besides, you learned what? I didn't share much with you to begin with."
"We Devils lost against those Angel assholes," she spat, her voice laced with bitterness. "Azazel probably teamed up with Michael for the Good Old Times, to backstab Lord Lucifer."
Carl has a good laugh, almost turning a bit hysterical, seeing the tanned gal overreact and overthink so much, was quite satisfying, especially sensing that helplessness from her when she couldn't place her hand on him.
"If you sign a contract with me, I might tell you the fate of the Devils in this current Era."
"I'm not signing anything with you, brat. I'm an Ultimate Devil, a Royalty, I have my dignity and honor to preserve. The prestige of my Family that I have to uphold."
Carl felt his time was ticking away, and he didn't feel like going empty handed from this excursion of his, and since she started to ignore him again, he began smiling maliciously as the seconds passed by.
"There's no point in upholding the honor of your Family. In the end, the name of Leviathan has turned into a Title for the current Devils. Everything you've cherished, has turned to dust."
Tsufaame Leviathan had a dumbfounded look on her face, vividly morphing her expression based on the emotions she was feeling. "Impossible. Empty lies to humiliate me, and what I stand for. Curse you, spawn of Nosferatu. You're as hateful as that bastard."
"Well, I'll take it as a compliment for a lady Leviathan. I'll leave for now, but I will return soon enough. By that time, consider this proposal. Sign a contract with me, I'll let you taste freedom, and also allow you to reclaim your lost 'Honor'."
"Unlike my predecessor, I'm more prone to giving second chances. See you soon, Lady Leviathan." said Carl as if he was preparing to leave the Mindscape of the Bloodbound Domain, and trigger a reaction from Tsufaame who might see the chance of freedom disappearing.
"Wait." "Don't you want to recruit me as your Devil? Tell me again what are my benefits for forming a contract with you, since you're aware of my worth."
"Heh, sure. Just so you know, for the way you've behaved, I'm done."
"Done? What do you mean? … I thought… you wanted me."
"Well, this is a sad world, honey. I'm leaving, but don't worry, I shall be back here soon enough. Maybe a couple of years' time, and my terms would be way too different. Consider these earlier proposals for being my exclusive devil gal."
"The ultimate question is whether you value your pride and stubbornness over your freedom. If you choose to remain here, then I cannot help you. But if you decide to accept my offer, we can work together."
"... Freedom."
"Sweet freedom, out of this accursed world. You're smart. You'd figure out that working with me would be beneficial. We could achieve great things together."
Carl paused dramatically, allowing his words to sink in. Tsufaame eyed him cautiously, clearly intrigued by his proposition.
"Let me give you a preview of what our partnership could bring to the table," Carl added confidently. "Firstly, your skills and expertise would undoubtedly enhance my abilities and make a formidable team. Secondly, we shall pool our resources to find a way to restore your physical form, thus reuniting your soul with your body.
This is a task that requires the collaboration of both parties involved. Moreover, your knowledge would provide valuable insights into understanding Hell if I would ever descend down deep. Together, we can create new opportunities which may lead to unprecedented advancements in our abilities.
Finally, I promise to grant you complete autonomy over your decision-making process. You won't be confined to my whims or desires. Instead, we will enter into a partnership of equals, sharing mutual respect and admiration for each other's strengths.
I will strive to understand and appreciate your values, while you will learn to recognize and embrace my potential." (as your Master) beneath his breath, brimming with narcissism.
"This union will create a strong bond that will serve as the foundation for our future endeavors."
'Press them where they are at their weakest, both mentally and physically. I can't let her think too much, just give her the impression that if she denies, I'll come back with a different approach. I doubt I can enslave her per se, since even Nosferatu couldn't make her his own, but forming a contract with a Devil is an option.'
Carl's persuasive speech finally seemed to resonate with Tsufaame, as she visibly softened her stance. "I have a few questions," she conceded, her voice regaining some of its former confidence. "Do you really mean what you say when mentioning returning my body back? I want to believe you, but that's a far-stretched promise. My body got destroyed by that monstrous bastard." Tsufaame asked, her voice laced with curiosity despite her reluctance.
"I've heard rumors about a Sacred Gear called 'Holy Grail' capable of resurrecting the dead, but I consider it already an impossible mission for you since it would be in the hands of the Vatican."
"Vatican doesn't possess the Holy Grail." Carl corrected her. "Far from it, it belongs to a person closer to me, you might even call it my Kin. This is why I'm confident that we can find a solution."
"How can you be so sure?" Tsufaame challenged him, her purple eyes sparkling with interest, she questioned, her skepticism evident in her tone.
"Are you certain about that?" she prodded further, her purple eyes narrowing. "It seems implausible that the Vatican wouldn't possess a tool as powerful as the Holy Grail."
Carl's eyes met hers, and he spoke calmly, explaining to her the current situation of this era wielder of the Holy Grail. "You might be aware of the Sacred Gear System set up by poor old God. Any human can be a subject to this wretched gacha game, even those half-breeds of the supernatural creatures."
"Such as me." he assured her, his voice steady, but when he pointed in his direction Tsufaame could see the hatred in his eyes. "For your curiosity, the current owner of the Holy Grail is a Dhampir."
Tsufaame's resolve wavered as Carl's persuasive words began to chip away at her defenses. Despite her initial reluctance, she found herself drawn in by his promises of autonomy and mutual respect.
As he mentioned the possibility of resurrecting her body, her curiosity was piqued, and she couldn't help but entertain the notion. Though skeptical at first, Carl's confident demeanor and assurance about the Holy Grail's whereabouts gradually won her over.
With a hint of uncertainty lingering in her eyes, Tsufaame finally relented.
With a heavy sigh, Tsufaame finally relented, her resolve crumbling in the face of Carl's unwavering conviction and the tantalizing promise of freedom. "Very well," she conceded, her voice tinged with cautious optimism. "I will agree to form a Devil Contract with you, Carl, under one condition: that you uphold your end of the bargain and do everything in your power to secure the Holy Grail for me."
Tsufaame spoke carefully, measuring every word. The air between them crackled with tension, thick with unsaid promises and uncertainties. Her decision to trust Carl was a gamble, but the prospect of freedom and the hope of restoring her body outweighed her doubts.
Carl's eyes gleamed with triumph, his lips curling into a sly grin. "Of course, that would be easy, Lady Leviathan. Do we have a deal?"
"I accept your terms, Carl." Tsufaame declared, her voice firm and resolute. She eyed Carl warily, hoping that her decision to trust him would not lead to another betrayal.
The vampire maintained a stoic façade, though she could see the excitement burning behind his crimson eyes. Carl's offer of a Devil Contract presented the perfect opportunity for escape, an irresistible bait for a woman like Tsufaame, who had been incarcerated for centuries in the bloody shadows of the Bloodbound Domain.
"Now," Carl announced, his voice booming with authority. "I'll perform the ritual for our Contract. Let me get the incantation from Ars Goetia."
Its weathered pages crackled slightly as he flipped through them. The dim light of the study room cast eerie shadows across the room. When he found the spell, he swiftly memorized with his photographic memory and proceeded with the Incantation.
Closing his eyes, Carl began channeling his Blood Mana, focusing on the intricate network of swirling within his crimson amulet. As he did so, the amulet began to pulse with a vibrant energy, casting a faint red hue across the dimly lit chamber.
Tsufaame was quiet, and instead focused deeply on sensing Carl's Blood Mana, and when she had a taste of it, she couldn't help but be surprised. The amount of Mana in his body was greater than most young Pureblooded Devils and there was a certain ominous aura in his mana.
Nonetheless, this explained to her why Carl was so calm and nonchalant the entire time he was in her presence. Staring at him, reminded her of the promising generation of Devils that had monstrous potential, such as the Heir of the Gremory House.
'This is all for my benefit. Once I get my body, I'll force my way out of the Contract. I'll make you my little bat pet once I've fully recovered my powers.'
She was scheming, creating all sorts of scenarios in her mind, but there was a sense of anticipation as she watched Carl release his mana. Her heart was pounding in her chest. She shifted uncomfortably, feeling the weight of her decisions bearing down upon her.
The Devilish aura surrounding her radiated a palpable intensity, like a living entity, pulsating with her inner conflict. She was a proud Ultimate Devil, unwilling to submit to the whims of any man, yet here she was, poised on the precipice of a life-altering choice.
"Okay, Carl," Tsufaame muttered under her breath, trying to gather her thoughts. "I'm ready. Let's do this."
Carl opened his eyes, meeting Tsufaame's gaze with a fiery intensity.
With a flick of his wrist, he sliced open his palm, the wound bleeding profusely. He offered his hand to Tsufaame, the crimson liquid pooling in his palm a testament to his willingness to commit to the binding agreement.
'This will transfer the control of her Soul to me.'
"Take my blood," Carl whispered, his voice husky with anticipation. "Let's proceed with our Covenant."
Tsufaame hesitated for a moment, her eyes locked on Carl's exposed flesh. Slowly, she reached out, her fingers trembling slightly as they came into contact with his cool skin. As she brought his palm to her lips, she could feel the warmth of his blood pulsing beneath her touch, its rich, metallic scent filling her senses.
Closing her eyes, Tsufaame parted her lips and took a tentative sip of Carl's blood, the taste both familiar and foreign. It was unlike anything she had ever experienced, a potent mixture of power and temptation that sent a shiver down her spine.
With each swallow, she could sense a profound connection forming between herself and Carl, their essences intertwining. It was a sensation unlike anything she had ever experienced.
'Huhuhu, good girl. You willingly took my blood.'
As the last drops of blood trickled down her throat, Tsufaame felt a subtle shift in the atmosphere around her. The oppressive aura of the Bloodbound Domain, which had weighed heavily upon her for centuries, seemed to diminish ever so slightly, as if bowing to the power of their burgeoning bond.
"I can feel it," she murmured, her voice filled with wonder. "The suppression of the Bloodbound Domain, its lifting."
Carl's lips curved into a satisfied smile, a glimmer of triumph shining in his eyes, that vanished when she followed his gaze.
"Ready for the crescendo?" Carl murmured softly, his voice barely audible against the backdrop of their synchronized breathing.
"Yes," Tsufaame responded, her voice quivering with trepidation. "I'm ready."
Carl nodded, his grip tightening around Tsufaame's hand. With a deep breath, he chanted an ancient incantation, a guttural language that resembled neither Greek nor Latin. The room filled with echoes of his voice, reverberating with the resonance of the sacred pact they were about to forge.
"Hear my oath," Carl intoned, his voice ringing with purpose. "By my blood and my spirit, bound by darkness. I bind thee… Your full name?"
Tsufaame couldn't help but feel a twinge of annoyance at the interruption, her eyebrows knitting together in confusion. The sudden break in the ritual's flow caught her off guard, momentarily disrupting the solemnity of the moment.
"Really?" she replied incredulously, her tone tinged with sarcasm as she arched an eyebrow at Carl's unusual request.
With a resigned sigh, Tsufaame relented, realizing that Carl wasn't a foolish 'brat' that wouldn't know how Devil Pacts worked, as long he didn't have the Devil's whole name, the Spell wouldn't work. This would lead to her being stuck endlessly into the Bloodbound Domain.
Swallowing her frustration, sick of reading those boring books for centuries, she straightened her posture and spoke her full name, her voice carrying the weight of centuries of pride and lineage.
"Tsufaame Tereaku Leviathan," she declared, her words echoing in the stillness of the chamber.
As the last syllable left her lips, Carl nodded in acknowledgment, a faint smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "Weird name."
"I bind thee, Tsufaame Tereaku Leviathan, to this Devil's covenant, a pact forged in darkness and sealed in blood."
"By the power vested in me as a descendant of the night, I offer thee freedom from the shackles that bind thee, in exchange for thy loyalty and servitude. May the heavens and hells bear witness to my vow."
A bright light enveloped Carl and Tsufaame, illuminating the shadows that engulfed them. Their bodies glowed with an ethereal luminescence, their essence intertwined as one. The air vibrated with an invisible force connecting them, a tangible link forged by the power of their pact.
Carl released Tsufaame's hand, his touch lingering for a heartbeat before parting ways. He stared deeply into her eyes, a strange feeling stirring within him, a combination of intrigue and unease.
'Isn't this point where a System Window pops out, congratulating me for capturing a Rare Spawn? No? Well, whatever. I can feel the link being established with her, and I don't even have to use a lot of MP to keep it open.'
"So, it's official," Tsufaame mused, the melodic cadence of her voice echoing through the silence. "We're partner now."
Carl shrugged nonchalantly, masking his true feelings behind a veneer of indifference. "You made your choice," he replied, his voice devoid of emotion.
While Carl was pulling the heights of the century by tricking this Ultimate Devil to form a servant Devil Contract with her, deep inside the Blood Castle, in the Throne Chambers, Nosferatu stroked his beard, smiling a little bit as if feeling the changes to the Bloodbound Domain.
Nosferatu found Carl's stunt amusing, and felt a little bit impressed that he could subdue that arrogant and unruly bitch so quickly. He wondered what sort of manipulation scheme he pulled, how grand was his scheme to make the Princess of the Leviathan House crumble and accept becoming his servant Devil.
"Truly. Boldness suits you, child. Now, I finally got rid of that noisy bitch. Always complaining about how I only give her access to lowly facilities. It was her foolishness that chose the Library as her Prison, not me."
"Still, I'm wondering what his true intentions are for picking that annoying woman. He seems to know more than he is willing to share with me regarding the whole World, but I'll not get into his way. Isn't it my role to guide the current owner of the Sacred Gear? I don't have to control him, since he resembles me in my youth."
"Regardless. I'll rather have this strange guy than that pathetic brat seeking the attention of everyone in his surroundings. Maybe, the one who was meant to awaken the Sacred Gear was the doppelganger, not the true owner of the body."
"Anyway. This change of events is in my favor. And is a great narrative shift for your story, Krassius Bloodriver. Don't you think so?"
As Carl's consciousness returned from the depths of the Bloodbound Domain's Mindscape, he felt a profound sense of exhaustion wash over him, as if every ounce of energy had been drained from his being.
His Mana reserves were depleted, and the pulsating hunger of his vampiric nature gnawed at his insides with an insatiable thirst for blood.
Despite the familiar sensation of bloodlust coursing through his veins, Carl found himself more in control than before. His willpower stood as a bulwark against the primal urges threatening to consume him, allowing him to maintain a semblance of composure even as his vampiric features began to manifest.
Carl gritted his teeth to suppress his primal instincts of quenching his thirst. He now understood the reasons why his emotions grew intenser, it was a side-effect of the hunger that made him akin to a wild beast.
'Since I was mentally prepared, I can manage this mood swing. I just need to do my meditation. After I calm down, I'll have to set-up a meeting with Jeanne, so I can drink some of her blood.'
His fangs elongated, gleaming menacingly in the dim light, while his crimson eyes flashed with predatory anticipation. His nails, now resembling razor-sharp claws, extended slightly as he fought to rein in the feral instincts clawing at the edges of his consciousness.
Not thinking too much about the events that happened inside the Mindscape, he proceeded with his Meditation, only to suddenly stop when he felt a new presence besides him.
Beside him, the ethereal figure of Tsufaame materialized, her presence commanding attention despite her intangible form. Her long brown hair cascaded down her back in soft waves, framing a face that exuded an air of regal elegance. Her purple eyes, vibrant and piercing, bore into Carl with curiosity and apprehension, betraying the depths of her inner turmoil.
Clad in a white dress befitting her noble lineage, Tsufaame's attire accentuated her voluptuous curves, the fabric clinging to her body in all the right places. The dress boasted high slits that revealed tantalizing glimpses of her shapely legs, while long sleeves added a touch of modesty to the otherwise revealing ensemble.
Beneath the flowing gown, she wore a black mini skirt that hugged her hips, adding a hint of allure to her already captivating presence.
"That's unexpected. I thought you wouldn't want to come out from the Domain." remarked Carl showing a faked apprehension of the woman's arrival. "How long can you keep that state on?"
Tsufaame emitted a melodious chortle, her laughter reverberating through the air like a celestial symphony. "This is a mysterious place, indeed," she remarked, her voice dripping with sultry allure. "Ohh, and you look so pathetic right now. Just drink some blood, while I investigate my surroundings… What is that object?"
Despite her spectral form, Tsufaame emanated an aura of undeniable sensuality, her figure brimming with a mature allure that would ensnare the desires of any who beheld her.
Carl shifted his glance at the 'object' she was pointing from the couch, and obviously to him, that was a TV. "Television…"
As Carl attempted to explain the concept of television to Tsufaame, her attention swiftly shifted to the buzzing device not far from his hand. With a curious tilt of her head, she regarded the smartphone with a mixture of fascination and bewilderment.
"What sorcery is this?" she mused, her voice tinged with wonder and skepticism. "A tiny box that emits strange sounds and lights? It seems the mortals have truly surpassed themselves in the realm of technology."
Carl couldn't help but chuckle at her bemusement, finding her reaction amusing, at least she wasn't like Nosferatu who had this indifferent stoicism about him. "It's called a smartphone," he explained patiently, gesturing towards the device. "It's a modern communication tool that allows me to stay connected with others, access information, and perform various tasks with just a few taps."
Tsufaame's eyes widened with intrigue as she examined the device more closely, her fingers hovering over the touchscreen, but when she pressed her slender hand on the screen, it just passed by, since she was just a Devil Spirit. "Tsk, annoying that I can't do much in this shape."
"Still, this trinket is fascinating," she murmured, her mind racing with possibilities. "And you say this device is capable of performing countless functions?"
Carl nodded in affirmation, a faint smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Indeed," he replied. "It's a marvel of human ingenuity. You shouldn't look down too much on the humans of this current Modern World. Times are different from the Era you were active in."
And since Carl noticed that his phone received a notification, he grabbed the phone and checked on it. It was a message from Jeanne who was checking on him and what his plans were for tonight.
And since Carl noticed that his phone received a notification, he grabbed the phone and checked on it. It was a message from Jeanne who was checking on him, also thanking him for spending time with her when she was at her lowest.
'This girl loves to use a lot of adjectives. Not like I mind, at least she feels nice to talk with, and isn't a flat piece of cardboard that is only good for sex and being a Blood ATM.'
The Devil woman who just got introduced with the Modern World, saw Carl smirk a little as he was engrossed with that thinket she still couldn't wrap her head around, and while she explored his room, the master was left alone in peace to text with his gal.
'She must be a creative type.'
Slowly, their exchanges became increasingly bold, punctuated by sultry whispers. Their words grew bolder, the conversation veering into flirtatious territory with each passing moment.
"Thinking about you has become my favorite pastime," he typed, his words dripping with seduction. "I can't wait to feel your touch again, to taste your lips against mine."
Jeanne's response was equally provocative, but the later was still the one with the upper-hand, leading this 'relation' if one could call it. Yet, to Carl this type of relation wasn't a foreign territory, since Jeanne apart from being a good source of blood, she was his FWB.
'Heh, she's thirsty for sure. We haven't had sex since 3 days ago.'
"The way you make me feel, Carl," she typed, her message filled with longing. "I can't wait to be in your arms tonight, to lose myself in your chest."
Their conversation continued in this vein, each message growing more explicit than the last. Carl found himself eagerly anticipating their upcoming rendezvous, his blood drained body humming with anticipation at the thought of being with Jeanne once more.
Before long, their exchange reached its climax, the air practically crackling with tension as they both expressed their desire for one another. "I want you, Carl," Jeanne confessed, her words sending a shiver down his spine. "I want you to make me yours in every way possible."
A smirk tugged at the corners of Carl's lips as he read her message. "Consider it done, my dear," he replied. "Tonight, you'll be mine in every sense of the word."