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"So... it was that easy?"
Clara blinked in surprise, watching the chess piece sink into her skin.
Becoming a demon was... surprisingly convenient.
That was her honest thought.
Suddenly—
A rush of power—something she'd never felt before—erupted from deep within her.
Thump! Thump-thump! Thump-thump-thump!
Her heart started pounding like crazy. Blood flowed faster through her veins. Every single cell in her body felt like it was going through some intense transformation.
It was a sensation she hadn't experienced in ages.
Because of her immortality, even when she got injured, her cells would just revert to their original state.
But now... she was changing.
"Mmm..."
And that wasn't all.
Rip!
The next second, two demonic wings burst out of her back.
And a thin, long tail with a little heart-shaped tip popped out too, swaying right in front of Minato.
Without hesitation, Minato reached out and grabbed it.
"Huh?"
Clara's eyes flew open. Her body shuddered slightly, and her cheeks instantly turned bright red.
What the heck?!
That was such a weird feeling. Totally unfamiliar.
But... not bad.
Actually, kind of nice.
Her breathing grew heavier as she murmured in a daze, "Mr. Demon... can you let go now?"
Minato chuckled and let go. "So, after turning into a demon, did you lose your original abilities?"
"Phew!"
Clara exhaled in relief, paused for a moment, then said, "Nope, still got them. Actually... they feel even stronger."
Minato nodded. "That's good. Immortality is a hell of a power—even among demons, it's rare and super strong."
"Sounds like I'm still pretty special as a demon, huh?"
"Not that special," Minato said casually. "My subordinates include a magician, a holy sword user, a nun, a heroic spirit, a banshee, an angel..."
"..."
Clara was stunned.
What kind of crazy group is that?
Why the hell are a nun and an angel hanging out with demons?
Aren't they supposed to be mortal enemies?
Even angels can fall?
After a moment of silence, Clara let out a soft sigh. "Mr. Demon, your tastes are... all over the place."
"I'll take that as a compliment."
Clara twitched at the corners of her mouth but got serious again. "Alright then, Mr. Demon, time to fulfill your promise."
"What promise?"
"You know, true love and all that. Aren't we supposed to have a proper date?"
"Sure. But... are you planning to go out dressed like that?"
Clara froze. She looked down at the bathrobe she was wearing, let out a tiny squeak, and hurried back into the bedroom.
When she came out, she had changed into a casual white outfit.
"You know... you didn't have to hide from me."
"Mr. Demon, love should take things slow, you know?"
Clara clung to Minato's arm, looking excited. "So, how do we start this date?"
"First things first—let's get out of here."
As he spoke, Minato grabbed the door and pushed it open.
Clara blinked, confused. "Wait, Mr. Demon, aren't we using the magic circle to leave?"
Bzzz! Bzzz!
At that moment, red lights started flashing through the base's hallways. Harsh sirens blared through the corridors.
"You're already a demon, right? Might as well start getting used to your powers."
Minato gave her a casual head pat and said warmly, "Besides, opening the path for your master is part of a familiar's duty."
"...Huh?"
Clara's eyes went wide as she stared at him.
This Mr. Demon… is he serious?
She just became a demon, and now he wants to send her into battle?!
She really wanted to curse him out right now.
At the same time, several mech units were showing up in the distant hallway.
Clara froze on the spot.
Sure, she had mastered all kinds of combat techniques over her thousand years of life...
But she was still flesh and blood! How the hell was she supposed to fight robots with her bare hands?
Even if she couldn't die, it still hurts, damn it!
"Relax. I'll give you a little blessing. You'll crush them with no problem."
Before she could respond, Minato's red, crystal-like eyes locked onto hers and got closer.
Mmph...
Something seemed to surge into her.
She had never felt anything like it before.
Moments later—
Clara's face was burning red as she pushed him away. "Mr. Demon! Seriously?! Now's not the time to take advantage of me!"
"I was giving you a blessing," Minato said innocently. "Now use that power."
Just then—
"Your Holiness, please step aside and let us handle the one who's holding you captive!"
A voice echoed from the mech unit in front of them.
They were getting close. Way too close.
"...Guess I've got no choice. Time to give it a shot."
Clara took a deep breath, her eyes turning sharp and focused.
No sound. No movement.
It was like golden flames suddenly flared across her body.
Then—she struck.
BOOM!
A thunderous blast rocked the corridor.
The lead mech went flying, crashing into the others behind it like a bowling ball, tearing them all to pieces. Debris rained down everywhere.
"Wh-what the..."
Clara stared at her hand in shock, murmuring, "This... this is demon power?"
"More accurately, it's divine protection," Minato said, stepping up behind her. "That's a power I stole from a god I killed."
"..."
Clara was silent.
So her Mr. Demon... can actually kill gods?
That's kind of terrifying.
"Looks like I picked a pretty insane master, huh, Mr. Demon?"
"Glad you realize that."
Minato smirked. "So, are you gonna stop calling me 'Mr. Demon' now?"
"I don't really like calling people 'master'. So, hey—what's your name?"
"Minato."
"Alright then. From now on, I'll call you Lord Minato."
"Whatever floats your boat. Keep clearing the way."
Clara sighed. "My dear Lord Minato... you really have no pity for girls, huh? Sending a lady into battle while you chill in the back?"
She grumbled, but still confidently stepped forward with her long legs.
That punch just now—
It filled her with confidence.
These mechs? No big deal anymore.
Next second—
She darted forward, facing off against the incoming machines.
A streak of white light flashed through the air.
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
In just a few blinks, countless mechs were blown to pieces.
Some of them did try to fight back—
But bullets and missiles didn't even leave a scratch on Clara.
That kind of tech was way too weak compared to the power of divine protection...
Way too weak.
"....."