My private chamber, once the old Azazel's quarters, now held a quiet majesty. The ambient mana here seemed denser, more easily absorbed. I sat on the large stone bed, closing my eyes and focusing on my recovery. The Dark Fortification skill I had recently acquired was already proving its worth, strengthening my body bit by bit. The sensation of my bones solidifying, my flesh growing tougher, made me feel more resilient and powerful than ever.
As I meditated, fragmented memories of the old Azazel resurfaced. Not just of battles or betrayal, but also of his reign, his revelries, the nights of debauchery with countless slaves and subordinates. Explicit, lustful images flashed through my mind, stimulating the awakening demonic instinct. Ethan, the timid otaku, would probably have blushed and panicked, but Azazel now felt only an intense curiosity mixed with a dark, slowly kindling desire.
TING!
A system notification brought me back to reality.
[Side Quest: Fortify the Fortress (0/10%) - Reward: 50 EXP, 20 Demon Essence.]
Good. It would take time, but this was a necessary step.
I opened my eyes and stood up. It was time to check on Elara and Lilith's progress. I stepped out of the room, walking down the corridor. The soft clinking of stone and faint incantations echoed from the great hall.
When I returned, the sight made me smile. Elara, though weak and seemingly uncomfortable in her thin silk attire, was focused on chanting, her hands emitting a faint golden light. Cracks in the walls were slowly mending, shattered stones automatically piecing themselves back into place. Her light magic, anathema to demons, was now being used to restore my dark fortress. The irony of it amused me.
Lilith stood beside Elara, her amber eyes observing intently. She offered no direct help, only giving cold instructions. Occasionally, she would reach out to stroke Elara's hair, a gesture that seemed gentle but carried a clear undertone of dominance.
"Well done, Elara," I said, my voice startling both of them.
Elara immediately turned, her blue eyes wide with fear and obedience. She bowed her head. "I... I'm doing my best, My Master."
"I see." I approached Elara, observing her work. "How much mana have you expended?"
Elara hesitated. "I... I'm not sure, My Master. Perhaps... 20%?"
I nodded. She would quickly exhaust herself if she continued.
"Lilith," I commanded. "Tonight, ensure Elara gets proper rest. And tomorrow morning, she will resume her work. But before that..."
I looked directly into Elara's eyes, my crimson gaze locking onto hers. "It's time for our 'exchange,' Elara. I require your mana."
Elara's face immediately paled. She understood my meaning. Lilith, standing nearby, wore a sly smile.
"Bring her to my private chambers," I ordered Lilith, my voice utterly commanding.
Lilith bowed. "Yes, My Master." She took Elara's arm, pulling her to her feet. Elara trembled, her eyes pleading with Lilith, but the Succubus merely smirked, then gently nudged her towards me.
I turned and walked to my private chamber, feeling Elara follow with slow, reluctant steps. When I entered the room, she still hesitated at the threshold, not daring to step inside.
"Come in, Elara," I commanded, turning to look at her. "You are mine. There is nothing to fear."
Elara stepped inside, her eyes still filled with dread. The large room suddenly felt more suffocating with her presence. I approached her, my cold hand stroking her golden hair, then sliding behind her neck, pulling her closer.
"You will provide me with mana, Elara," I whispered, my lips lightly brushing her earlobe. "And I will let you feel the power of a true Demon Lord."
Elara gasped, her entire body trembling violently. I could feel her heart pounding erratically beneath her ribs. I was in no hurry. I wanted her to feel this absolute control.
I gently lifted Elara and placed her on the cold stone bed. The thin silk chemise rode up, revealing her long, pale legs and hidden curves. I leaned down, my gaze fixed on her.
"Your mana will be mine," I growled softly, my crimson eyes reflecting her fragile image. "And you will crave to offer it."
I began to absorb mana from Elara, not just by touch, but through a more intimate contact. The sensation of pure light energy flowing into my body, merging with Azazel's darkness, created a strange pleasure, both agonizing and exhilarating. Elara whimpered, her body arching beneath me, not from physical pain, but from the brutal confiscation of her mana, coupled with the complete subjugation of her will.
That night, in the Demon Lord's private chamber, Elara fully yielded both her body and her mana. She was no longer a light mage, but a slave, a tool, and a living source of energy for her cruel Master. I felt my power increase, bit by bit, along with an indescribable sense of satisfaction.
The next morning, as the faint sunlight filtered through the cracks in the ruined fortress, I awoke. Elara lay beside me, weak, but partially recovered. Her eyes were emptier, but her submission was absolute.
[Mana has been restored. Power enhanced.]
I knew this was just the beginning. The Kingdom of Elara awaited. And I, Azazel, would not only conquer it, but also make everything within it my own. Even the most beautiful women.