Under the night sky, moonlight bathed Alistair as he lounged on his chair, eyes half-closed.
Elysium once lacked night, but his modifications had crafted a complete world, with day and night cycling naturally.
Footsteps approached.
He opened his eyes, spotting Persephone. A smile curved his lips. "Finished already?"
She nodded, smiling, scanning the area. No one else was present beneath the Dark World Tree.
"Mother and Albedo went to rest?" she asked thoughtfully.
"Yeah," Alistair replied lazily. "They were exhausted, so they turned in."
"How's the council's plan?"
Persephone sat on the edge of his spacious lounge chair. "The first conquest targets Onmyoji and Kyokou Suiri simultaneously. The second tackles Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Comedy wa Machigatteiru alone. The third hits Saint Seiya: Saintia Sho and Highschool of the Dead together."
She kept it concise, knowing Alistair cared little for details, only the core strategy and sequence.
He wrapped an arm around her slender waist, nodding. "Good order. It covers everything."
"You had some thoughts too, didn't you?" she teased, poking his cheek.
He grinned, unashamed. "Sure, I had ideas. Not surprising."
"Lana and Kalji are capable," he continued, "but Sayuri, Hiromi, and Akane are better suited for maximizing gains. It's their modern perspective—entertainment-driven minds are more agile, catching odd details others miss. Normal people might call it daydreaming, but for multiversal conquest, it's perfect."
"Lana and Kalji, bound by their origins, haven't fully adapted their thinking. That'll take time."
Persephone nodded thoughtfully. "So, future council members should lean toward modern backgrounds?"
"Not necessarily," Alistair said. "The right people, willing to learn, can join regardless. But those who refuse to grow? They're useless."
His stance was clear: effort earned progress. Those unwilling could remain ornamental, like caged birds. As the God of Darkness, he could afford a few.
Persephone smiled. "Noted."
Her expression turned serious. "Dust, does Izanami have an Absolute God's rank?"
The titles—Goddess of Destruction, Mother of Worlds—suggested such a rank. Yet, in Persephone's view, Izanami's power likely capped at High God, perhaps half-step God-King, like Athena or Ares, not a full God-King.
Rank was one thing, but a world's limits were another. Even with an Absolute God's rank, a constrained world stifled growth. In the Dark World Tree, however, Izanami could soar—reaching God-King or Primordial God swiftly, perhaps even Absolute God within a century.
Alistair pondered, then shook his head. "Hard to say. But even if not Absolute God, she's at least a top-tier Primordial God. With a subordinate god contract, her rank and origin would elevate further."
Persephone understood. "This seemingly weak world holds immense potential."
"No surprise," Alistair said casually. "The first phase's four worlds gave us evolving Teigu, Hell's foundation, and the World Tree's seedling—treasures gods, God-Kings, even Primordial Gods would fight for. Yet they came from 'weak' worlds."
"A world's strength doesn't matter. What treasures it holds does."
Never underestimate a world; its hidden gems could be extraordinary.
Persephone smiled. "I'll remember that."
They sat together, basking in the moonlight's calm.
The tranquility didn't last. Soon, their dynamic shifted, unrestrained under the night sky.
Three days later, the teleportation gate's cooldown ended.
Persephone had crafted a small world from a Dark World Tree leaf, a hub for anchoring the gate. All future conquests would launch from here.
In a vast hall, nearly all Alistair's kin gathered, even those he considered ornamental. Only Albedo's maid corps stayed behind, though she and the Pleiades followed closely, ready to serve.
Alistair surveyed the crowd. His followers had grown significantly.
He waved, smiling. "No need for formalities. The second phase begins, targeting two worlds at once. I expect no mistakes. Specters, Demon Teigu users, Dark Saints—step forward."
The women of the three units emerged.
He considered, then said, "Najenda, take Akame and Murasame to Kyokou Suiri. Handle it. Akane, go with them."
"Yes, Your Majesty!" the four replied, nodding seriously.
Others could join if they wished—Alistair didn't mind.
He turned to the rest. "Everyone else, conquer Onmyoji. This world promises great rewards. Don't fail me."
His presence radiated authority, a rare display of the God of Darkness's might. Though usually mild, his dominance was undeniable.
The women's expressions hardened, their resolve firm.
"As my kin," he continued, "you're free to choose. Stay for a peaceful life if you wish—I won't force you. But if you go, don't falter."
His tone was stern, almost cold. Those content as ornaments could stay, but stragglers in conquest were unacceptable.
"Yes!" they responded in unison.
He nodded. "Prepare. The gate opens in an hour."
The women grouped, discussing plans. Najenda, Akame, and Murasame consulted Akane, who outlined their strategy. The sisters, content as muscle, left planning to others, exuding a charmingly naive air.
"Akane, we'll need your guidance," Najenda said.
Akane smiled, shaking her head. "You lead the action, Najenda. I'm just planning."
"No," Najenda countered. "I've led armies and assassins. Action is easy; planning is hard, accounting for everything."
Akane chuckled. "No flattery. Here's the plan. We move fast. His Majesty's focus is Onmyoji. We four handle Kyokou Suiri. We can't let him down."
Conquering two worlds simultaneously was pressure, but it was trust in their ability.
Najenda nodded, understanding her role.
Akane continued, "Let's go."
The four moved off, while others—Sayuri, Hiromi, Lana, Kalji—offered guidance, addressing myriad details.
Alistair sat, listening quietly.
Demeter, scanning the room, said lazily, "The children are fired up. Even the little ones want to join."
He glanced at his "ornaments." "They're my kin. I don't demand participation, but they must choose. Join now, or lose the chance forever."
Those who opted out would remain caged birds, with no future beyond that.
Persephone chuckled softly. "Saying the harshest things with a gentle heart, aren't you?"
Alistair shook his head, helpless. She smiled, letting the moment pass.
***
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