Novel East
Chapter 676.
Suddenly, Davey’s conversation with Iro was interrupted. So he turned his head toward the voice that came from behind them. Without saying anything, both Davey and Perserque moved. Perserque covered Red Ribbon's eyes with her hands, while Davey covered Blue Ribbon's eyes.
"What? What’s happening?" Blue Ribbon whispered in confusion.
"I can't see..."
With her tiny hands, Blue Ribbon attempted to pry Davey’s fingers away from her face. But he wouldn’t budge and let her move his hands away. Because what appeared before them was a succubus, which was a kind of demon that fed on life essence, and Davey had not expected to come across such a creature there.
"Cover her with a robe, Iro," Davey instructed.
Iro tilted her head in puzzlement and asked, "Why would you say that?"
"She’s revealing too much of herself in front of the children. You don’t think that’s inappropriate?” Davey retorted with annoyance.
“Hmm… But I expose even my bones everywhere. As for a succubus, of course…”
‘Do you really think that’s the same thing? You bonehead.’
Davey knew that she was not normal, but how such a person could become a Saintess eluded him.
Out of frustration, Davey proceeded to kick a nearby table and used a magic spell to grab the tablecloth that flew up because of the impact. He then swiftly wrapped it around the uninvited guest, concealing her provocatively scant clothing. Only then did he allow Blue Ribbon to uncover her eyes.
“Wow... Beautiful lady!” Blue Ribbon exclaimed.
The remark then earned a whimsical reply from Red Ribbon, who said, “No way! Mom is prettier!”
As the kids rambled on, Davey turned to face the succubus, realizing he had encountered her before.
She was with the Queen of Succubus, whom he had defeated before. Although most succubi used veils to hide their faces, which made it challenging to identify them, Davey was still able to recognize her as Yushir, a succubus of Master level or higher and one of the demons whom Davey suspected to be the human Aina was looking for. And as Yushir, who possessed even greater power than the Queen of Succubus, stood before him, looking so beautiful, but it didn’t really matter to Davey..
“So you’re saying that the Demon World is currently in chaos?” Davey asked.
“That’s because of you. It started when you claimed the title of Demon King.”
“Stop saying such nonsense. If you didn’t invade Tionis, there wouldn’t be any problems.”
Yushir nearly lost her poker face. She then replied, “Yeah, okay. I guess blaming you doesn’t make sense.”
After a sigh escaped her lips, she slowly approached. Then, she sat on the chair that Iro provided and said to Davey, “I have come to this underground mountain range, the border between the Demon World and the human world, on behalf of the demons who are taking a neutral stance. Did you have business in the Sanctuary of the Demon God?”
"Isn't the Demon King supposed to have access rights?"
"You're not a complete Demon King."
Davey merely regarded her remark with a nonchalant look. The powers of the Demon King were scattered throughout the Demon World, with the exception of the Void Energy. And Davey had never intended to retrieve them all in the first place, which was why he had left them be.
So was she really going to start nitpicking about it?
Davey’s response was obvious. He said, "Stop beating around the bush and get to the point already."
"You must be aware that the powers of the Demon King have been scattered in the Demon World after you seized the power of the former Demon King." She paused, seemingly frustrated as she fidgeted. She then went on to say, "Can I... remove this tablecloth? It's a bit suffocating..."
"It's common for succubi to feel suffocated if their skin is not exposed," said Perserque.
"You won't see me letting it happen before I am dead and buried."
Hearing his declaration, she abruptly turned her head away.
"Don’t even try to find a place to bury me."
Following Davey's words, she twitched and turned her body, then took a short but deep breath. Right after, she finally answered, "You cannot enter the Sanctuary of the Demon God now. While it’s true that the Astaroth family, who served the Demon King, possesses the key, the path to the sanctuary is entirely under the control of the radical demons."
This meant that if one wanted to reach the sanctuary, one had to get past these demons first.
"A word from me would be enough to make them step aside."
"Not quite, Davey."
The word of the Demon King was absolute. That was why demons could not defy the Demon King under normal circumstances. But that was not the case at the moment.
"Because many demons, who have acquired the scattered powers, are leading small groups of demons, even the Demon King’s order can't make them just obey you. After all, to the demons who possess the scattered powers of the Demon King, they too would be considered a Demon King,” Perserque explained.
So would have Davey to deal with all those demons who were hostile to him.
"So, what's the bottom line? You want me to ally with Astaroth to clear the way to the sanctuary?"
"If you could retrieve the scattered powers, I couldn’t ask for more."
Without any hesitation, Davey answered, "I won't retrieve powers unless necessary."
Hearing this response, her expression turned sour. She then asked, "Why? Weren’t you after the former Demon King’s power to become the Demon King yourself?"
"You guys would look for opportunities to invade other worlds once all the powers of the Demon King are gathered. It’ll be more peaceful to have you keep each other in check by leaving the powers of the Demon King scattered. Besides, weren’t you on the side of the Queen of Succubus? Have you moved on to Astaroth now?"
For a moment, she remained quiet after his remark. But then eventually, she said, “The Queen of Succubus had promised me the power to peer into the continent of Tionis, where I must find someone. But that is impossible now.”
"I don’t think that is more to your plan, though."
"Can you take me to Tionis?"
"And release a succubus into Tionis? I’m not looking to get someone’s life essence sucked to death."
"I’ll just find one person, and then I'll return."
"Okay, that’s that. You do you. So, ultimately, there are some radical demons blocking the way."
"..."
"Bring together all these self-proclaimed Demon Kings that are scattered around.” 𝒏𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡𝙚𝒂𝙨𝙩.𝙘𝙤𝙢
While it may have been the right choice not to collect the powers to protect peace, Davey was prepared to make sacrifices if it meant Perserque could safely undergo Metamorphosis.
***
Perserque's soul was created based on the power of the Abyss, but her body was that of a demon. After the mix of the two properties, it was safe to also consider her soul as a hybrid of the Abyss and of a demon. So if she were to undergo Metamorphosis? Her body was just a shell. That meant that the target of the Metamorphosis was actually her soul. But because of her abilities being inadequate for Metamorphosis, she would be needing immense power to make it happen.
In the dream-like world, Davey had elevated the level of his spirit and even managed to make her undergo Metamorphosis, despite its low probability of success. However, Davey was not happy with the fact that there was still a slight chance that her Metamorphosis might fail.
Bang!!!
Blackbull, the giant Minotaur possessing the power of destruction, slammed the conference table., "Who the hell do you think you are, ordering us around?!"
Originally, the powers of the Demon King had designated names. But these powers had transformed; some of them had even split into two.
The minotaur glared around at the self-proclaimed Demon Kings and snorted. He then said, "It's utterly displeasing that these fake Demon Kings have gathered here."
Those who coveted the powers all felt the same. They all wished to become the Demon King themselves, while harboring resentment not only for Davey O’Rowane, who was a mere human, but also for everyone else who possessed the powers of the Demon King.
"It shouldn’t be difficult to spare a little time. But I suppose that time calculation would be too much for your stupid brain,” a pale and seemingly ten-year-old girl muttered as she manicured her nails.
"What did you just mumble, you bitch?! Have you lost your mind after all the time you spent underground!?!"
"If you're mad, we can fight," the girl retorted as she stood up abruptly. Her anger was palpable as she threw her nail grooming tools aside and glared at Blackbull.
But this was not merely a matter between the two of them. Over ten Demon Kings had gathered together in the meeting hall, and these beings, who each possessed powers that were either split or merged, shared one thing in common—they all claimed to be the rightful and legitimate Demon King.
However, Yushir’s presence was preventing them from recklessly battling one another.
"So," one of them drawled. "Did Astaroth gather us here for negotiations?"
Another demon immediately contested, asking, "What right does a powerless regent have?!"
"Astaroth is nothing but an old has-been. So, come and join me, Yushir. I can offer you a position and treatment that suit your abilities…"
Despite the fact that the demons constantly fought and kept each other in check, they ceaselessly attempted to recruit Yushir, who was a formidable succubus of the Demon World. Even humans fought amongst each other, so why would demons be any different? After all, demons were just living beings too, and despite the difference in the powers they possessed, humans and demons actually shared a lot in common.
Then, out of nowhere, a young boy in their midst, who had been silent the entire time, fiercely yelled, “Quiet!!!”
At most, the blond-haired boy appeared to be in his early teens. But everyone in the room knew better than to be deceived by his appearance. He was Sauron—the King of Balrog and the God of War—and his aura had silenced the room.
"This is the sacred Demon Palace, used by the previous Demon Kings. If you intend to create chaos here like a mob, I will personally crush your heads so that your brains will turn into nothing but pulps.” he threatened.
"What did you say?!"
Bang!
If this had happened in the past, Sauron could have easily silenced them. But the meeting hall was filled with beings who each claimed to be a Demon King. And so, the battle of egos among them was unimaginably intense.
"So, when will Astaroth come here, Yushir? I've heard you swore your allegiance to him. Remember that the sole purpose for which we’ve gathered here is to gain entry into the Sanctuary of the Demon God where one can officially become the Demon King.”
Yushir didn’t say anything in response to the boy’s words.
"Remember, we’re refraining from taking any actions because Astaroth possesses the only key to the Sanctuary of the Demon God. Bear that in mind."
Sauron, the young-looking King of Balrog, revealed his vertical-slit eyes and let out a terrifying intent to kill. Still, Yushir chose to remain silent and slowly turned her gaze toward the door of the meeting hall.
Creak...
Everyone’s attention was drawn to the door of the meeting hall, and right at that moment, it opened, revealing a figure who then walked in.
And at the arrival of the figure, the surprise, rage, confusion, and hatred became so evident in everyone’s eyes that they were hard to miss.
"A human?"
"Could it be..."
"The Demon King..."
As murmurs spread, the black-skinned minotaur, Blackbull, surged forward. His movement was swift as he wielded a hammer that was larger than his own head. And as the so-called Demon King charged with destructive power toward the human, the other demons aspiring to be the Demon King only watched with wide eyes. None of them could even dare to look away.
“How dare you come here?! Well, this is great! Killing you shall grant me the title of the Demon King!! Die, human!!"
Among the contenders fighting for the position to become the Demon King, Blackbull was considered one of the strongest. So when his massive and heavy hammer swung down, it seemed guaranteed that it would crush the skull of its target. However...
Crack!!!
Suddenly, Blackbull's arm stopped.
Crunch...
Blackbull's head twisted unnaturally with an audible sound of a bone being cracked. This led to his immediate death.
The other demons in the meeting hall were astounded by the quick elimination of a self-proclaimed Demon King. It caused their expressions to turn pale.
"A human!!"
"How could a human be here?!"
"Yushir, have you betrayed your kind?"
"Astaroth is a traitor!!"
They seemed to believe Astaroth and Yushir had betrayed the demon race, but the reality was different.
Davey’s companion, Perserque, who was perched on his shoulder, looked down at them disdainfully.
Meanwhile, Davey casually strode further into the room and toward his seat as he said, "Now that everyone's gathered, let me get straight to the point. I have no interest in your power struggles, your traditional hierarchical battles, or your fights for influence." 𝓷ℴ𝓿𝓮𝓵𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓽.𝒸ℴ𝓂
His words reduced the demons to silence as he walked past them to get to the throne.
Leisurely, he sat on the throne and crossed his legs with a relaxed smile. With an ominous tone, he further said, " That's your freedom, and I won't stop you. But leave your soldiers outside of the Sanctuary of the Demon God. You have three days to do so."
"What?!"
"This is my second order as the Demon King to all demons. If anyone dislikes it, feel free to object to me now. Revolt if you wish. But remember, you bear the consequences.”
Sitting on the throne with his legs crossed, Davey looked at them with bored indifference. Yet no one dared to challenge him.
And it was all because Davey was exuding an overwhelming demonic force, which had such an intimidating aura that it was pressing down on all of the demons.
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