The ruined great hall, now my temporary stronghold, remained cold and permeated with the scent of decay. Elara was awake, sitting on the makeshift bed, her blue eyes wide with fear and resignation. Her thin silk chemise made her appear even more fragile, yet strangely alluring. Lilith stood nearby, her amber eyes sharp, but I knew she was waiting for my command.
"Elara," I began, my voice no longer carrying the morbid edge it had with Grog, but instead, calm and authoritative. "You know your fate. From now on, you are my slave."
She shivered slightly, giving a weak nod. "Yes... My Master."
"Good." I approached and sat on the edge of the bed. Elara instinctively recoiled a bit. I ignored it, simply reaching out to gently stroke her golden hair. "You are a light mage, aren't you?"
Elara looked up, a flicker of surprise in her eyes. "Yes... My Master."
"Your mana is abundant." I continued, my finger trailing down her neck, the very spot where I had drained her energy earlier. The soft, warm sensation beneath my fingertips was still vivid. "I need you to use your magic to restore this fortress. Can you do that?"
Elara looked around the dilapidated hall, then back at me. "I... I can try, My Master. But my mana has been drained too much..."
I smirked. "That's precisely why you are my slave." I leaned closer, whispering into her ear, my voice laced with dark insinuation. "You will provide me with mana. And I will 'reward' you so you can continue. A fair exchange, wouldn't you say?"
Her scent, this closeness, stirred Azazel's instincts powerfully within me. Ethan still harbored a slight hesitation, but Azazel was asserting control. I desired to feel her submission, not just physically, but spiritually.
Elara gasped, her eyes wide. She understood my meaning. "But... but I am a light mage... How can I... provide mana to a Demon Lord..."
"You will," I cut her off. "Because I command it. And because you have no other choice." I smirked again. "Do you wish to die, Elara? Or live, and serve me completely?"
Elara lowered her gaze, her hands clutching the thin silk of her chemise. "I... I wish to live, My Master."
"Very well." I gently stroked her cheek, my thumb brushing against her lips. "Then, prove your loyalty."
I stood up, turning to Lilith. "Lilith, you will instruct Elara on how to use her magic to repair the fortress. All requests for materials or guidance must go through you. And... you will ensure that Elara is always ready to 'provide' me with mana when needed."
Lilith bowed, her face unreadable. "Yes, My Master. I will ensure she serves you diligently." Her eyes flickered towards Elara, harboring a mischievous glint. Clearly, Lilith was enjoying this new role, especially with the opportunity to 'control' a light mage.
I looked at Elara, who sat trembling, utterly helpless. A pure light mage, now completely manipulated by a Demon Lord. This feeling... it was exhilarating. This was true power.
"I need a more private area to focus on restoring my strength," I said. "Lilith, find me a private chamber, and ensure no one disturbs me. I will need time to prepare for the conquest of the Kingdom of Elara."
Lilith led me to a larger chamber, deep within the fortress, which appeared to have once been the old Azazel's personal quarters. The room was spacious, featuring a large stone bed and dark, ominous decorations.
"My Master, this is your private chamber," Lilith said, standing discreetly by the doorway.
I stepped inside, feeling the faint magical aura emanating from the surrounding decorations. This room was far better than the dungeon.
"Good." I turned back to Lilith. "You may go. And remember what I instructed about Elara."
Lilith bowed, then slowly departed, closing the door behind her.
I was alone in the large chamber. The "Conquer the Kingdom of Elara" quest remained, and I needed to become even stronger. I opened the system interface again, focusing on the "Skills" section. With 100 Demon Essence remaining, I could purchase one more skill.
"Blood Curse (Level 1)," I read. "A skill that causes bleeding and increases damage based on the enemy's missing health. Cost: 70 Demon Essence."
"Purchase Blood Curse (Level 1)." This skill would combine well with my Bloodlust.
[Skill purchased: Blood Curse (Level 1)! Demon Essence remaining: 30.]
A new surge of power coursed through my body, an even more intense craving for blood. I felt myself becoming more and more like Azazel.
I surveyed the room. Despite being a Demon Lord, I still needed a place to rest and concentrate. But more than that, I needed loyal subordinates, and a slave to "exploit."
I closed my eyes, feeling the mana flowing within me. I wouldn't just be a surviving Demon Lord. I would be the Demon Lord who dominated all. And the Kingdom of Elara would be my first target.