Chapter 22 - Become my servant!
Cain blinked, then a look of understanding crossed his face.
He'd arrived much earlier than the main story's timeline.
Perfect.
He smiled at Esdeath. "So, do you still want to keep fighting?"
"No." Esdeath shook her head, unusually solemn. "I'm no match for you."
She paused, then added with burning curiosity, "But I'd love to know… how strong are you when you're serious?"
Cain's smile widened. "Since you asked so nicely, I'll show you."
He raised one hand casually.
Buzz.
A dark crimson magic circle flared into existence high above.
"Lightning Strike."
Brilliant azure light erupted.
A colossal bolt of lightning, hundreds of feet long and thick as a tree trunk, tore from the sky like divine judgment.
RUMBLE!
It struck a distant mountain peak.
The explosion shook the earth.
Shockwaves rolled outward, rattling the entire encampment.
When the thunder faded and smoke cleared, the mountain was simply… gone.
In its place yawned a bottomless crater, edges glowing with residual heat.
The watching soldiers stood frozen, faces pale with horror.
"Am… am I dreaming? Is that power even possible?"
"No Teigu could do that. Nothing could."
"Who is he…?"
Murmurs of fear and awe spread like wildfire.
Esdeath turned slowly, staring at Cain with unrestrained fanaticism.
"So powerful…"
Her voice trembled, not with fear, but exhilaration.
...
Esdeath poured Cain a glass of red wine, hands steady despite the earlier beating.
Her eyes held pure reverence, as if gazing at a god made flesh.
Cain took a sip, then set the glass down. "I've granted your wish. Now it's time to discuss payment."
Esdeath stood before him. "Name it, Master."
Cain arched a brow. "Just like that?"
Esdeath's expression didn't flicker.
A deal was a deal.
The strong took from the weak, it was natural law.
Here, she was the weak one.
Besides, everything about him aligned perfectly with her ideals.
Strength beyond imagination.
Striking features.
He was the ideal mate she'd always sought.
Cain studied her for a long moment, then chuckled. "I have to say, I like you more and more."
"You're exactly what I'm looking for."
Esdeath's lips curved into a rare, genuine smile.
"In that case…"
She stepped closer.
"From this moment on, I belong to you, body and soul."
Faced with Cain's acceptance, Esdeath didn't hesitate for even a heartbeat.
No reluctance.
No bargaining.
Even without the contract, it was simple: the strong ruled the weak.
And his appearance, his overwhelming power, they matched her deepest beliefs perfectly.
She offered herself without a shred of discomfort.
"From now on, your body and soul are mine completely."
Cain's smile deepened.
All that effort.
Finally, he'd claimed this top tier servant.
Esdeath nodded, curiosity sparkling in her eyes. "So what do we do next?"
"Another contract?"
Cain shook his head. "I'll perform a reincarnation ritual. You'll be reborn as a devil."
"Become a devil?"
Esdeath paused.
Stronger?
She could become even stronger?
Her gaze burned. "I understand. What's the next step?"
She was practically vibrating with anticipation.
A ritual to become a devil, how thrilling!!
"First, remove your outer coat."
Esdeath blinked.
Remove… clothes?
She was certain she'd heard correctly.
Silence stretched for several seconds.
Then, without a word, she began unbuttoning her jacket.
Moments later, she clutched the coat to her chest. "Like this?"
Cain nodded. "Good. Leave the rest to me."
He reached out slowly.
Esdeath's cheeks flushed faintly.
Really?
This was the reincarnation ritual?
She hadn't prepared herself mentally.
They'd only just met.
Would he think her too forward?
Maybe she should show a little more restraint…
Cain extended his index finger. Blood welled at the tip. "Esdeath, what's wrong?"
He'd seen that look before.
"Nothing."
Esdeath's face burned hotter.
Total misread.
How embarrassing.
Cain shook his head in amusement and let the blood fall onto her exposed skin.
Light blossomed.
Mysterious runes traced a heart across her chest before sinking in.
THUMP!
THUMP THUM!
Something surged inside her.
Soon.
===
[Esdeath]
[Race: Devil]
[Master: Cain Lucifuge]
[Level: Level 39]
[Skill: Absolute Zero]
[Absolute Zero: Unparalleled mastery over ice and cold.]
===
"Level 39…"
Cain nodded inwardly.
As expected of Esdeath.
Freshly reincarnated, and already at the peak of High class.
Then he examined the skill.
Absolute Zero…
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