Inside the dim church, lights had somehow flickered on.
Yet the interior felt like another world entirely.
Layered white peaks were dotted with blooming crimson flowers.
Trickling streams flowed down the valleys, creating a mesmerizing scene.
But Kaiser's attention was elsewhere.
He felt as if plunged into an abyss, bound by resilient restraints enveloping his body.
Forcing him to muster greater strength.
Fortunately, countless battles had taught him the importance of unified effort.
And the truth of striking hard first, then waning.
With full exertion, he finally shattered the bindings.
By the time Kaiser emerged from the abyss, Raynare—his partner in this "battle"—lay gravely wounded and unconscious.
"Aaah…"
Kalawarna wailed in agony.
Without words, she knelt, begging forgiveness.
Kaiser pressed her shoulder, expression cold and indifferent. "As a fallen angel, do you now realize your mistake?"
Soul-deep pain brought tears streaming down Kalawarna's face.
"I… I know I was wrong. Please forgive me…"
Her plea was cut off as Kaiser silenced her.
"Those who correct mistakes are judged by actions, not words."
"You betrayed your god—you deserve punishment."
"Cleanse your filth. It's part of atonement."
"I… I know I was wrong too…"
Mittelt, barely 4'7", scrambled over like a puppy.
Soul-rending agony had stripped her pride and dignity.
With Mittelt and Kalawarna's efforts, the church grew clean and bright.
Yet the red petals on the floor stood out more starkly.
The onlookers watched, dumbfounded.
Events had veered far from expectations.
The once ruthless fallen angels now only barked.
Gulp!
Asia swallowed, gazing at the church's divine statue.
She clasped hands, closing eyes in prayer. "Almighty Lord, forgive… ow ow ow!"
"…"
This girl was something else.
How many times now? No memory at all.
Shiho and the others glanced at Asia, then Kaiser.
The contrast between these two was striking.
"Alright, this is settled. Time to head back."
Kaiser snapped his fingers.
Light flashed.
The group vanished.
…
The next day, morning sun glared unusually bright.
Kaiser opened his eyes to his surrounding peerage members.
As usual, Vermouth and Shiho were caught in the aftermath.
"Mmm…"
Sensing his gaze, Vermouth and Shiho murmured, eyes fluttering open.
Shiho looked faintly resentful. "Master, you just returned yesterday, and already added four more peerage members."
Kaiser stroked his chin, counting mentally. "Actually, six more."
Shiho's eyes widened in disbelief.
Her expression drained of color.
"Master, why not bring them here?" Vermouth asked, a touch jealous.
"Oh, they're in another world."
"Another world?" Vermouth and Shiho exclaimed.
Kaiser nodded, explaining.
The more they heard, the more stunned they grew, mouths agape.
"So that's how it is…"
They'd been devils a while, learning more about this world.
The seemingly calm surface hid mysteries and dangers.
The more they knew, the more they grasped certain impossibilities.
Like other worlds—proven to exist.
Countless factions coveted them.
For devils, they meant vast populations.
Even Devil Kings had sought them.
All failed.
Yet their master succeeded.
Moreover, their reincarnation rituals were unique.
Far surpassing the Devil King's chess pieces.
It was overwhelming.
Their master had achieved two feats beyond a Devil King.
For a moment, Vermouth and Shiho felt their jealousy petty.
Their gazes filled with deeper awe and adoration.
What's with those looks?
Kaiser blinked, puzzled.
Why did their affection seem to spike?
Then, Raynare's group stirred, waking one by one.
Groggy, they saw Kaiser and froze.
Yesterday's events flooded back.
Fear made them tremble.
"Since you're awake, greet me properly."
"H-Hello."
"You three still asleep? Call me Master."
The calm words thundered in their ears.
Thud!
All three knelt.
"Good morning, Master."
"Good girls."
Kaiser patted each head like petting cats.
Intense humiliation shifted their eyes.
But rebellion sparked—and they shuddered.
Yesterday's lesson lingered vividly.
No daring to cross lines.
Kaiser, satisfied, asked, "Which of you knows how to extract Sacred Gears from humans?"
"I do," Raynare said quickly. "Master, shall I prepare?"
"Mm, after breakfast."
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