Story: I'm a Daemon, so what?
Disclaimer: I do not own the original setting.
Chapter 95: Attack on Ruberious Part 2
There are up to 15 chapters ahead at p@treon.com/theogbasilisk
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- Hinata Sakaguchi -
She could only sigh in disappointment at the rubble around her. The Grand Cathedral was a place that had been around for centuries, the architecture alone was incredible and ancient.
It was reinforced to the high heavens as well making it incredibly difficult to dent the walls let alone collapse the entire building as Granbell did.
The Grand Cathedral wasn't just sacred to the Kingdom of Ruberious, it was its heart, a symbol of hope and a sanctuary for its people. It was a place of worship for the goddess Luminous. The place was meant to be seen as "closest" to Luminous. Many flocked here year after year to pray to Luminous since they believed their prayers would be better heard from here.
To see it reduced to rubble by one who had once sworn to protect it was an odd feeling.
She knew the flaws of Ruberious well, she knew it wasn't the truly ideal method to accomplish her dreams for peace and harmony, yet it was one of the most realistic ways possible.
Unless one wished to completely dominate Humanity under their boot, it would be nigh-impossible to accomplish her dream in other ways. Humans by nature were greedy, prideful, envious, wrathful, slothful, lustful, and gluttonous. They just wanted more and more. She shook her head out of her thoughts.
Her presence was completely suppressed, so Granbell could not feel her, though she could tell he was on edge. It seems even if he couldn't truly sense her, his instincts were warning him that something was off. It was expected for a Hero of Granbell's caliber.
As he was about to leave she interrupted him. "I would appreciate it if you stayed right there, Granbell." She said, her voice calm but commanding.
He froze before he burst out laughing, having turned around to face her. "Bwahahaha. Well well, it seems someone isn't as incapacitated as everyone has been made to believe." Granbell said as his eyes gazed over her. She could tell he was analyzing her gear, trying to place an appropriate threat level on her. It was something that he taught her to do, always analyze the threat level of an opponent, even if you know they are weaker than you.
Being cautious was a good trait to have in this world.
She herself was analyzing him even if she was confident in her newfound strength. Even when she trained under him Granbell or Gran as he was known as back then only made use of Sunlight Magic, basically bending the rays of light from the sun.
Even with only that she never managed to truly beat him.
Yet she knew that was not all Granbell was capable of, she had learned some swordsmanship from him, and back then she couldn't see his limits on that front.
Then there was the fact that she was certain he had a Unique Skill she was unaware of. Unique Skills could be hits or misses, some would be obscenely overpowered while another may tell you information about a target. It was still useful but there was a clear separation of ability even among Unique Skills.
She glanced briefly at the ruins of the once-glorious cathedral. The towering pillars that had once seemed so eternal now lay like broken bones upon the earth. "Was this necessary?" She asked, already knowing the answer she would receive.
Granbell's smirk was cold. "It was." He replied with a raised brow.
"You didn't answer my earlier question." He continued. "I had been led to believe that you were… indisposed." His voice was laced with subtle hints of mockery, probably at her defeat to Laplace.
Hinata smirked. "The reports of my injury have been… greatly exaggerated." She returned the mockery.
Granbell's grin widened. "I assume the civilians have been safely evacuated then?" He asked, almost nonchalantly. "I noticed them being transported away moments ago." He added.
She nodded. "Indeed. We anticipated your little game. A companion of mine teleported them to safety the moment your attack began." Her lips curved slightly in a quiet smile.
She knew it was Felix. She had felt the distinct warping of Space moments ago, recognizing the familiar energy of his Spatial Manipulation. The civilians had been saved before the battle had even begun.
Granbell raised a brow. "Ghahaha, are you in love now Hinata? That look is one I had seen on the faces of many lovestruck young women." His laugh echoed through the ruins, mocking yet casual.
Hinata's eyes narrowed as heat crept up her cheeks, her earlier composure shaken for just a moment. She quickly got herself under control as she clenched the handle of her beloved rapier. The rapier that Felix had gifted her.
"That's none of your business." She retorted sharply, lifting her rapier into a combat stance. "Now come, Luminous allowed me to be the one to deal with you." She was grateful that Luminous gave her this opportunity, Hinata knew that Luminous also wanted revenge on Granbell for his betrayal. Yet Hinata felt like she would lose something if she wasn't the one to defeat Granbell.
Perhaps she wanted to show her growth to an old mentor, maybe she wanted to understand the reasoning of a man she once looked up to, there could be many reasons why she was feeling what she was.
Granbell smiled. "Yes! This is the attitude of a proper Hero! Come, defend your Kingdom from me! But I hope you know, I can be rather… Unyielding." Granbell said as if he was repeating a joke only he knew about.
She blinked as she felt the appearance of Raiden and Saeko. Granbell also seemingly sensed them as his head snapped towards the two of them.
Saeko waved enthusiastically. "Hinata! Felix-sama has asked us to take care of those no good interlopers that are surrounding you!"
Hinata smiled fondly at Saeko. "That would be appreciated." Of course she had sensed the Blood Shadows surrounding the building. They were not good enough at concealing their presence to hide from her.
Raiden lightly slapped Saeko on the back. "Come, let us fulfill our Master's orders." Raiden said calmly.
Saeko pouted at her friend. "I know!"
Granbell's eyes narrowed. "Hmm, so it seems Demon Lord Felix's forces have arrived, that could be troublesome." He muttered.
Hinata smirked in his direction. "I did say we expected this attack of yours."
Granbell sighed. "This is truly troublesome." He said as Raiden and Saeko both vanished, moments later the Blood Shadow were rounded up in a pile of bodies.
They were alive which was nice, each of them was given a bad hand in this life, she'd like to give them another chance if she could. She wouldn't hesitate to cut down the bad apples however.
He looked towards one of the shadows caused by the rubble. "Razul, if you would."
Her eyes narrowed as an immensely powerful Majin began to rise out of the shadows. She hadn't been able to sense the Majin even though he was incredibly close to her….
He was strong. Stronger than she was even after her return to the present, though her energy reserves had skyrocketed after becoming a Divine Human.
Razul she learned he was called, fully emerged from the shadows, his presence suddenly palpable as he stepped into view. The Majin's body was rather large, he seemed to be covered in an armor of some kind. His entire form was jagged and angular, with spikes protruding from his shoulders and head, giving him a rather unique appearance.
She hadn't seen anything like this Majin before. His helmet had two pointed horns and concealed his face, the only feature visible was his glowing red eyed.
The closest thing she could compare the Majin to was ironically a bug, and she didn't mean that as an insult.
"Take care of those two please, Razul." Granbell causally ordered while gesturing towards Raiden and Saeko.
Hinata looked at the two of them with concern. She had wanted to take her time with Granbell, to truly test herself with her skill, to see if she could outdo her teacher with sheer ability rather than the raw power she now possessed. But if Saeko and Raiden were in trouble then she would have to cut things short.
Saeko merely smirked. "Don't worry Hinata! Felix-sama believed in us, so we must be capable of this!" Saeko said with confidence.
Raiden stoically nodded beside her as she summoned her blade from her… cleavage? The sky darkened as Lightning began to crackle around Raiden as the temperature around them soared. Bolts of lightning erupted from her body in wild, chaotic arcs, scorching the earth beneath them.
She could only guess Felix had made her summon her weapon from her cleavage like the lewd beast he was.
Granbell looked at the two of them with interest. "Hoh, at least your courage is admirable." He said as Razul immediately blitzed towards Raiden and Saeko, the earth cracked beneath him as he moved at blinding speeds.
She felt the shockwaves from their momentum pass through her. Moments later Raiden, Saeko, and Razul had vanished, taking their fight elsewhere.
Hinata shook her head. She couldn't worry about those two now, she was sure Felix was keeping an eye on them from somewhere as well, he cared for them too much not to. They would be fine.
Her gaze turned back to Granbell who assumed his own combat stance. "Come, show me how much you have improved, Hinata!"
She smiled in amusement. The confidence in his voice was almost endearing. He had no idea how outclassed he was now; even with a Hero's Egg, she had ascended far beyond him. As a Divine Human wielding an Ultimate Skill, she was operating on a different plane of existence. She could defeat him in an instant if she unleashed her full power, but she wouldn't. No, this was about more than victory, it was about testing herself against a former mentor, one she had once admired.
She would defeat Granbell not with raw power, but with skill and finesse. Perhaps she would find that missing piece of the puzzle, yet if things went too far she wouldn't hesitate to take out Granbell. She wouldn't sacrifice this city merely to satisfy herself.
She twirled her rapier, drawing a thin circle in the air before raising a barrier around the destroyed Grand Cathedral. A shimmering dome of energy enveloped the area, humming with suppressed power. It would prevent their battle from causing further damage to Lune and keep it isolated.
Granbell didn't waste a second. The moment the barrier sealed, he dashed forward, a blur of motion accompanied by a sonic boom that shattered the rubble around him. Hinata mirrored his movement, careful to negate the shockwaves with magic, so as not to further damage the Grand Cathedral.
They met in the center of the battlefield, their blades locking with a sharp clang as their Fighting Spirits surged against each other. Sparks danced between their crossed weapons, the sheer force of their clash sending a wave of pressure outward, though contained by Hinata's barrier.
Granbell jumped back, retreating with a wild grin. "Hahaha, you truly have improved, Hinata!" He yelled, exhilaration lacing his voice.
She was rather astonished by his sheer strength and speed. His movements were more refined than she remembered, each step calculated, each strike precise. He wasn't even a Complete Saint, yet the strength behind his blows, and the potency of his Fighting Spirit, surpassed hers when she had been a Complete Saint.
It seems even when training her he had been holding back drastically.
Just what kind of monster was she facing?
"You're not so bad yourself." She said with a smirk, hiding the shock she felt within at Granbell's ability. It seems she had underestimated her old mentor, it was no wonder he was able to go toe to toe with Luminous in the ancient past.
Granbell smiled at her words, his eyes gleaming with renewed intensity. He dashed at her again, and she met him in the middle. This time, their blades moved faster, a whirlwind of slashes and parries that echoed through the empty cathedral.
They exchanged flurries of attacks, neither gaining a true advantage. Every time Hinata pushed forward with a rapid series of precise thrusts, Granbell countered with strength and a near-flawless defense. Likewise, when Granbell launched a heavy, wide-sweeping strike meant to overwhelm her, Hinata evaded with graceful footwork and well-timed ripostes.
For now, she was content not to draw upon the power of her Unique Skills. She was testing just how far Granbell's strength went before she came up with a plan of action. As it was now, their swordsmanship ability was about equal which was rather impressive.
She had the experience of being Chronoa for more than a few centuries, yet Granbell was matching her in that respect.
Granbell's next strike came low, attempting to break her balance, but Hinata deftly hopped back, her eyes never leaving his. Her heart raced, not from fear, but from the excitement of facing another opponent that was just as capable as she was, at least in one aspect.
She was glad she was restraining her raw power to enjoy this moment. Perhaps Felix had rubbed off on her, she had begun to enjoy the fruits her power had granted her and began to luxuriate in the thrill of fighting a fun opponent.
The her of before would have taken Granbell out as quickly as possible before assisting the civilians, she didn't have to worry about that thanks to Felix and her allies though.
"You're better than I thought, Granbell." She remarked, her tone still casual, but there was a hint of respect now.
Granbell laughed. "I would hope so! Otherwise, what kind of mentor would I be?" His eyes gleamed, and this time he attacked with a different rhythm, trying to catch her off guard.
She parried, the sound of their blades meeting ringing out, but she felt the shift in his style. He was testing her defenses, searching for a weakness just as she was doing to him.
She knew she would eventually have to take Granbell out, she refused to allow him to live after everything, but she would enjoy the moment.
- Arnaud -
He sent an arc of fire towards the massive Monster he was currently dealing with. They weren't completely caught off guard with this onslaught, even if he was surprised at the sheer scale of the attack.
All of Lune's precious infrastructure was strategically attacked, yet it seems that the goddess Luminous had already expected everything, and so proper measures were in place to protect mostly everything.
"Men! You know what to do!" He shouted as he bisected a Giant Bat, one that had more power than any he had ever encountered before.
His men listened to his orders as they scattered around the battlefield, surrounding a portion of it completely.
Moments later a prism of light formed around the surrounding area. A Holy Field was being placed, one that would instantly kill any weaker Monsters due to the intensity of the Holy Energy involved. They were in the capital of Ruberious after all. This entire city was practically a holy ground.
He could see many Holy Fields being placed all throughout Lune as his fellow Great Saints assisted in their formation.
Ever since Hinata had begun training them the Nine Great Saints had seen a dramatic improvement. Their raw power hadn't grown much as that was something that took time, but their technique had improved as Hinata suggested new and creative ways to make use of their abilities. Their teamwork had improved which allowed them to take on foes above their weight class to a certain extent.
He wasn't certain how Hinata herself had managed to improve so much in such a short period of time, it was like she was in an entirely new dimension when compared to her previous self. She was able to give valid and helpful advice on all sorts of things, even things he knew she shouldn't have known.
There was a reason the goddess Luminous placed her in charge he supposed.
He smiled as many of the attacking Monsters fell where they stood, while the stronger ones were weakened.
Before he could give his order to continue their attack, he felt the appearance of two extremely powerful individuals behind him. He instantly turned around and swung his blade in an arc, fire that scorched the landscape was released from his blade, yet in a burst of force his attack was rendered useless.
He narrowed his eyes as he faced the two Majin, one had nine tails and fox ears, the other had four muscular arms, and tattoos on his arms. Despite his imposing appearance, he wore well-tailored clothes that contrasted his savage aura.
His eyes were drawn to the female fox Majin, whose seductive grin tugged at his attention. Her brown hair danced in the air as though caught in an invisible breeze.
Before he could continue with his attack, the male raised a hand. "Fear not, we are here to aid you on behalf of Demon Lord Felix." The male Majin said diplomatically as the fox looked on in amusement.
Though behind that diplomatic look, Arnaud could see a deep, unfeeling detachment in his eyes. It was as if he didn't care for the attack that had caused many to lose their homes, their livelihoods. He embodied the archetypal Majin, emotionless and monstrous.
"My name is Sukuna, I am one of the Nine Demonic Generals, one of the foremost Lieutenants of Demon Lord Felix." Sukuna said with a confident smirk on his face.
Arnaud released a sigh of relief. He wasn't quite sure how stable the alliance with Demon Lord Felix and Demon Lord Rimuru was, but that wasn't something he was concerned with at this point.
He smiled. "Great! Can the two of you help mow all these Monsters down? There are plenty scattered all throughout Lune. We know they are being controlled somehow, yet according to our findings even killing the tamer will not help as the Monsters will go into a frenzy which has the potential to be even more chaotic." He shared.
Sukuna nodded. "That is what I have been ordered to do, fear not, for this city is under the protection of my Lord, all shall be fine." Sukuna said with reverence in his tone.
Arnaud did all he could to prevent his lips from twitching. Some Majin could be rather extreme in their loyalty, though Humans could as well.
He nodded. "Right, I'll be counting on you two then." He said as he gripped his weapon. He would do all he could to cut down the Monsters, but there were a lot of them and it would take time.
Perhaps if they could count on Hinata things would have been easier, she had grown rather strong, to the point even if all of his fellow Great Saints banded together they couldn't beat her.
Arnaud guessed that she was currently busy, or else she would be here with him fighting these attackers off. He knew very well how much she cared for this city and its people, it was a relief that all of the citizens were teleported away.
He could only guess it was the goddess' power that accomplished such a feat. He knew very well that she was in actuality a Demon Lord, yet that did not change that she was helping Humanity, he would not scorn her for her deception, at least not until she proved to be an enemy of Humanity.
As he made to dash forwards he paused as he sensed a massive Aura emerge out of nowhere.
ROOOOAAAAARR
A massive roar deafened the surroundings, the earth itself shook from the sound waves traveling through the earth. He looked worryingly in the direction of the monstrous presence.
"It seems the two of us will have something else to handle it seems." Sukuna said.
The fox spoke for the first time. "Indeed, I am sure Master is aware of what is going on, he must believe in our abilities to have deployed us here. If we are in danger I am sure he will save us." She spoke with complete certainty.
He wondered just what Demon Lord Felix did to get his subordinates to have such faith in him.
Sukuna nodded as he held his hand out, and an odd weapon appeared in his hand as small sparks of Lightning began to flicker in and out of existence. "Indeed, let us go make Lord Felix proud, Kurumi."
As both of them vanished Arnaud's mind was stuck on one thing.
Kurumi, so that was her name.
He shook his head and focused on the battle head. He would rely on Sukuna and Kurumi to take on whatever monstrous beast that was. He could tell that Sukuna and Kurumi were both extremely powerful themselves, they had more than double the energy he had.
Sukuna seemed to be someone who was used to being in a position of power. He hid it well but Arnaud could see it in his eyes, he was completely apathetic to the world around him.
He saw almost everyone as beneath him and his values were twisted. Sukuna wasn't the first individual recorded to be like that, and he wouldn't be the last. Many Demon Lords had similar traits, Arnaud's only question was how powerful Demon Lord Felix was to have such a powerful subordinate. His instincts were telling him that in a duel Sukuna would mop the floor with him.
He scoffed. So much for being the equals of the Demon Lords. The Nine Great Saints had much work to do if they wanted to live up to that reputation. But that was why he joined the Western Holy Church. To be like Hinata Sakaguchi, to be a beacon for the people and a protector. He knew it wasn't going to be easy.
He just hoped that Demon Lord Felix could keep such a chaotic force under control, Sukuna was powerful, he had more energy than Saare and as a Lieutenant of Demon Lord Felix he had no doubt Sukuna could make use of his power well.
He shook his head, he could think about potential threat levels after this mess was taken care of.
He winced as he heard a loud boom that shook the very city, shattering the windows of the still standing buildings and homes as some of the rubble closer to the source of the noise was atomized by the shockwave.
Someone was using very very powerful Lightning.
He narrowed his eyes as a Ground Dragon dragged itself around the battlefield. His blade lit up with flames as he charged. "Rahhh!"
- Luminous Valentine -
She wore an amused smile as she waited for her targets to arrive in her chambers. It was almost pitiful what Kagali was going through. She had lost almost all her family, her only purpose for existence was to avenge them.
Luminous could empathize, but that did not mean she would show mercy to an enemy that had clearly made themselves hostile.
She was still quite irritated that Kagali and Granbell had actually created a very well thought out plan. The only thing that doomed them was that she knew about the plan, other than that it was fairly thorough. She had trusted Granbell too much, he had managed to create various secret entrances into various secure places, some she managed to find but she couldn't be certain if she found all of them.
They had guaranteed multiple entrances into Night Garden and Lune, they had created distractions so her palace would be less guarded than usual, overall it was a good plan. Ordinarily she wouldn't be here, she would be fighting Granbell, leaving the Holy Arc defenseless other than the barriers and seals she had placed.
Sadly for them, Kagali and Granbell were doomed to lose from the start unless she was a fool of the highest order and was unable to take advantage of the advantage she had.
Felix was taking care of the fourth member that was sneaking in behind Kagali, she hadn't even known there was a fourth member which goes to show just how good at stealth that individual must have been. It would have been quite bothersome if she was caught off guard by that.
Everything had been going rather well, Hinata's minions had grown stronger and would continue to grow stronger, her relationship with Felix was prospering, she had her two best friends back, and she was living in interesting times. She wouldn't let a helpless muck like Kagali, or her former subordinate, Granbell take that away from her.
She had wanted to be the one to deal with that cretin once and for all, but giving that honor to Hinata wasn't bad.
Nikolaus was giving her reports about how the counterattack was going, and according to the reports it was going rather well. Felix's subordinates had been rather helpful in handling the larger threats.
Raiden and Saeko seemed to be dealing with a rather powerful Majin currently, Nikolaus said that he couldn't tell who was winning or losing as it was above his league, all he could see from the distance he observed was the occasional shadows and the shockwaves their attacks caused. But he was able to at least guess that Saeko and Raiden were at least on the defensive due to their positioning and the slight movements he could observe.
It must be a rather powerful Majin if the two of them were having trouble, even more reason for her to finish up here and then leave to assist those two. One was a new friend, and the other was her lover's maid and probable lover. He would be sad if either of them died. Though she doubted it would get to that, Felix wouldn't be confident in their abilities for no reason.
Louis was currently in a bunker of sorts a distance outside of Lune, he was managing the civilians Felix teleported away as he was the Pope of her religion.
"My Lady, did you wish for me to deal with these fools?" Gunther asked.
Her lips curved upwards. "Hmm, that would crush their spirit wouldn't it? Seeing you alone decimating them. Very well, but I will intervene should you be outmatched."
She doubted that would be needed, Gunther was strong, as was right of her predecessor, the Vampire King.
Gunther bowed. "As you wish, mistress."
It didn't take long for the intruders to arrive. Kagali's eyes widened as she saw her, sitting on her throne leisurely.
"Shit!" She cursed as she shot a glance at her clownish companion. Her voice trembled with urgency, though her expression remained cold and calculating. "Tear, this is the worst-case scenario, you know what to do!"
Tear as she was called nodded and quickly assumed a combat stance. Yet Luminous wasn't threatened at all, her gaze was drawn to the third member of the group. She looked just like Mariabell did, just older and more mature.
"It seems Granbell truly is a fool." She muttered. She could feel her Love Energy inside the being, it was an undead corpse, the undead corpse of Granbell's long dead wife, Maria Rosso. The corpse was being sustained by her Love Energy as well as some sort of undead ritual.
It did have quite a lot of energy, far more than what Maria held in life.
"There are some things that just should not be done." She said as she rose up off her throne. Maria had already passed on to the promised land, without a soul, resurrection was impossible. Yet it seems Granbell had not given up and created an undead of his beloved in the process.
The Aura radiating from the undead Maria was tremendous. Maria contained centuries worth of Love Energy that was meant for Granbell to maintain his power and youth, which had warped and empowered the corpse.
Energy she had given to her Luminaries to preserve their youth now pulsed through Maria's lifeless body, making her a being of immense power. And yet, even in this Awakened state, Maria was no match for Luminous, especially not with the power of her Ultimate Skill. Perhaps she would have had some trouble without her Ultimate Skill, Granbell had truly made as many preparations as he could have. If it weren't for her Ultimate Skill she would be at an incredible disadvantage now.
She turned to Gunther. "Plans have changed, I will deal with these fools myself." She told Gunther.
She rolled her eyes as she spotted Kagali trying to sneak away under multiple concealment spells.
"I think not." She scoffed as she snapped her fingers, placing a barrier around the room, one the likes of Kagali and her cohorts had no chance to break.
Kagali's head snapped to her. "It seems we have no choice, Tear. A Demon Lord will be falling today." Kagali said solemnly.
"Fufufufu!" She could not help but laugh at that proclamation. "Ah, you truly are a pitiful child." She said as she shook her head.
She could tell that Kagali was angry at the complete unseriousness of her posture.
"Still, I am a benevolent Demon Lord. I shall permit you to announce your names." Luminous spoke. For some reason that only seemed to anger the group more.
Kagali scoffed. "Do not act so imperiously Luminous, you know well who we are. How else were you already here waiting for us?"
Luminous's smile widened as she watched Kagali's face twist in anger. It amused her to no end to see the leader of such a pathetic coup lose her composure.
Tear twitched nervously as she sauntered towards the group.
"Of course I do. But this is formal combat, is it not? The least you can do is introduce yourself before your inevitable defeat." Luminous said, her voice laced with playful malice.
Even when Kagali was Demon Lord Kazalim she hadn't taken her seriously. She saw the games Kazalim was playing, trying to gain support among the Demon Lord Council by recommending Majin that would owe her favors for getting them on the Council.
It started with Carrion and Frey, then before Kagali could expand she faced a defeat against Leon. Leon was a figure even she was wary of, solely due to the lack of information on his abilities she had.
Back then Kagali had hoped to gain control over the Demon Lord Council by having many members among it indebted to her, but one thing Kazalim didn't understand was that behind the politics and the games, among the Demon Lord's power was the key factor.
How could it matter if you had half the Demon Lord Council on your side when someone like Guy Crimson could still annihilate them with a look. Their world was an unfair one, some thrived while most suffered, but that was just how it was. Rimuru was the odd one trying to change things.
"Laplace." Kagali quietly muttered.
She raised a brow. "Hmm?"
"Laplace, what happened to him?" Kagali demanded.
"Do you believe you are in a position to be asking me questions?" Luminous asked with curiosity.
A burst of Fighting Spirit shot off Kagali. "Where is Laplace?!" Kagali demanded once more as she released the brunt of her Aura.
Luminous merely smiled as Kagali's vessel began to get damaged as it was not built to channel much power. At most Kagali could exert the power of a Greater Majin, the power level of an insignificant insect.
She rolled her eyes. "Like a child demanding attention." She sighed.
"Tear! Take her out!" Kagali demanded with a growl as she prepared her own magic circle.
With a quick glance she immediately discounted the magic circle, no Magic Kagali could currently wield would even scratch her. It was almost pitiful what had happened to someone who was once considered her peer.
She didn't even bother calling on her beloved weapon, she wouldn't stain it with the blood of these fools.
Kagali's Spells crashed harmlessly against her as her physique dealt with the brunt of the damage.
"Damn it!" Kagali yelled as she took out an artifact of some kind. Luminous paid her no mind as her attention was focused on Maria who dashed forwards, leaving a shockwave that crashed against the barrier.
Luminous casually raised an arm, blocking Maria's punch. She raised a brow as she felt some Love Energy attempt to invade and harm her body.
It seems after becoming so infused with Love Energy, Maria can now wield it to a certain extent.
She quickly analyzed Maria in her entirety, she knew that Maria was an undead of some kind, one that had been infused by her Love Energy, but that was all.
Granbell probably preserved Maria's body and then used her corpse to create this death golem, no, that's not right. This carcass has no free will. This must be a familiar summoned by the necromancy spell 'Raise Undead.' To have resorted to such forbidden sorcery, has that man really fallen that low…?
She could only sigh at the depths a once Hero had fallen to.
She could understand wanting to bring back a loved one from death, she didn't personally understand it, but she could intellectually understand it. Yet to go so far as to desecrate a loved one's corpse? All for a mere shadow of what once was? Granbell had to have gone crazy in his grief.
Granbell and Maria were a very close couple. Maria was known as a saintess, she supported Granbell throughout his life in the Western Nations. It was with Maria's help that Granbell managed to equal her to a certain extent, though she was far weaker back then.
Luminous blinked as all of a sudden a burst of force shot out of Maria.
She casually blocked Tear's punch as she felt the force behind the punch pass through her body. Her hand gripped the fist, a moment later Tear boomed to the other side of the room as she focused back on Maria.
"She's not even taking us seriously!" She heard Kagali scream, but Luminous ignored her.
Maria went on to use multiple other abilities that could be classified as Unique Skills. Each rather complex and unrelated to the others.
Granbell had to have done something to grant Maria this much power, even her Love Energy wouldn't be capable of this, at least not in the quantity that she gave Granbell, and not without significant development.
All of a sudden a realization came to mind. Granbell was known for having many otherworlders under his employ, if you could consider what he did to them as that.
"He fused otherworlders in Maria." She muttered to herself as she punched Maria in the stomach, sending her crashing into a wall. It was possible and something she could do with Asmodeus, Lord of Lust.
She learned what she wished to, now she would begin to take her opponents seriously and deal with them.
She turned to face Kagali and Tear, Tear was standing in front of Kagali protectively as Kagali's sides lit up with magic circles.
"Any last words?" She asked casually.
Kagali grit her teeth. "Screw you!"
Luminous boomed forwards at speeds neither Tear or Kagali could follow, her fist lit up with Fighting Spirit that was shaped like a blade and more potent than many God Grade weapons. In the blink of an eye her fist pierced through Tear's chest.
Tear coughed out her lifeblood as she looked down at her chest in complete shock. She had used Asmodeus's power to instantly suck all of Tear's life essence, of which she had quite a lot. She would die within moments. She quickly feasted on the energy from Tear, empowering herself with it slightly.
Luminous casually withdrew her fist from Tear as she looked at Kagali who wore a similar look of shock.
"Tear!" Kagali cried out in pain, yet before Kagali could make a move Luminous was already in front of her. Her hand gripped Kagali's neck as she was lifted up off the floor.
Luminous tilted her head as she stared into Kagali's hate filled eyes. "This is all a rather unfortunate situation." She began. "If you kept to yourself, and accepted your loss you could have lived a good life, not the greatest, but one that is good enough."
"I'd rather die on my feet than live on my knees." Kagali spat out.
She raised a brow. "If that is what you wish." Luminous said as she casually crushed Kagali's neck. She made sure to destroy her Spiritual Body, preventing Kagali from sticking around, while also absorbing her energy, empowering herself slightly as she did with Tear.
Kagali's soul would return to the cycle and she would reincarnate as all beings did.
Luminous let go of Kagali, dropping her to the ground as she turned around to face Maria who had recovered from the thrashing she had received.
"Now to deal with you." She muttered to herself.
Maria attempted to dash forwards, but Luminous appeared behind Maria and held her still by her shoulder. She used Asmodeus power to erase the essences of the otherworlders inside of Maria as well as to extract the Love Energy from Maria. As while Maria had embraced and adapted to the Love Energy, in the end it was still and always would be hers.
Maria immediately ceased moving and would have fallen forwards if Luminous hadn't held onto her.
"I'll give you a proper resting place." She muttered. "One with Gran." She was once friends of sorts with Granbell and Maria, despite everything she would at least allow them to rest in peace.
"Take care of her, Gunther." She ordered.
Gunther appeared beside her. "As you wish." He said as he took Maria from her.
She turned to look at Tear who was leaking blood over the floor, just as Kagali was.
"Clean this up, and give them a proper burial." She added.
She flicked her blood-soaked arm outward, a rush of wind followed in its wake, as the blood on her arm from Tear was flung off.
Gunther bowed.
In the blink of an eye she vanished, floating above Lune. She locked in on Saeko and Raiden's presence, they were fighting a fairly powerful Majin, one more powerful than Gunther energy wise, and Gunther was her most powerful subordinate as she didn't see Hinata as a subordinate anymore.
She could sense Hinata and Granbell clashing, as well as various other forces fighting each other.
All in all while it would take some time to repair everything, Lune would grow stronger from this.
She wished to check on Hinata, but she trusted her friend to deal with Granbell. Her current priority was Raiden and Saeko.
In the blink of an eye she appeared above Raiden and Saeko who were clashing with some kind of insectoid Majin.
She watched for a moment, admiring their capabilities. Raiden was summoning bolts of Lightning that even Gunther would be careful of, and Gunther was her strongest subordinate, one with thousands of years of experience, a progenitor in his own right.
Felix truly had all the luck with his subordinates.
She decided to watch for a moment to understand Saeko and Raiden's capabilities, they weren't in any extreme danger at the moment, she would step in if they were. Perhaps she could give them advice in the future, it would be a way to bond with them perhaps.
She watched with interest as Raiden moved in a blur of motion, even Luminous had trouble tracking Raiden as she was moving at the speed of Lightning by transforming herself into Lightning incarnate, practically becoming an Elemental of sorts by converting her physical form into that of Lightning. In fact it could be considered a form of spiritualization, though she imagined it was incredibly draining.
She ignored the rising temperature from the Lightning as she continued to observe.
A large storm was gathering overhead as bolts of Lightning randomly struck down at the insectoid Majin, yet despite all odds the Majin seemed to be brushing all the attacks off.
Luminous' eyes narrowed as she attempted to decipher the phenomena occurring in front of her.
"He has a high level of Magic Resistance." Luminous almost flinched at the seductive voice she heard.
She quickly turned around only to be greeted by the woman that Felix had created? That had come out of him? Luminous wasn't quite sure what Felix had done.
Her eyes roamed over the woman's supple form. She was curvy in all the right places, she wasn't extremely gifted, but everything fit the woman's rather slim form.
All in all she was one of the most beautiful Luminous had ever seen, and that was saying something.
The woman raised a brow before huffing in amusement. "It seems my Master's understanding of you is fairly accurate. You are a lewd vampire as he calls it."
Luminous smirked as she cocked her hips. "I am what I am, Felix knows and accepts that."
She wouldn't let her desires control her, and she was far too prideful to sleep with others that were below her standards. Not to mention until recently she believed that men did not hold her interest.
Not to mention she knew Felix. He was a prideful and jealous sort, he wouldn't like it if she partook in another's company, at least not without him there.
It was a simple fact, in the same vein as the fact that she was Luminous Valentine, Felix White could not share, the soul corridor between them told her that much.
But she was already well aware that Felix was a hypocrite and a brat of the highest order. She was fine with seeing how things would go for now, but she wouldn't let go of him if she could help it.
If it didn't work, then it didn't work.
It was difficult enough to toughen up and corner Felix. She was not particularly interested in any more romantic companionship other than that of potentially Hinata's. Perhaps if she got to know Felix's other lovers that would change, but she was satisfied with what she had.
Back when Chloe and Hinata first spoke about Felix she wouldn't have imagined things turning out as they did, but that was the wonder of life, unexpected things tended to happen from time to time.
"Now who could you be?" Luminous asked.
The woman merely smiled. "I am Othinus, my Master's partner."
She raised a brow. "His partner hmm? It is rather odd that I have not heard about you."
She hadn't heard Felix mention any sort of Othinus before, Hinata and Chloe hadn't mentioned the existence of this woman either, and Chloe knew quite a bit.
Othinus turned away from her, focusing back on the fight occurring beneath them. "I suppose my Master merely has not had an opportunity to share my existence with others, there has been no reason to after all."
She was beginning to suspect what this woman was. If Othinus was a part of Felix that would explain why her body came out of Felix's own body.
"You're a Manas, aren't you?" Luminous said.
Othinus merely nodded. "Indeed. I am the Manas Othinus. It is a pleasure to meet you in person, Luminous."
Luminous' lips twitched at the conformation.
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I am highly motivated by your guys' reviews and likes, so do that! I'll probably keep writing or something.
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Author's Note: Hello everyone, back with another chapter of Daemon. A continuation of the attack of course, the povs are spread out so you all can understand what's happening during the attack. Hinata is having her fun with Granbell, Arnaud was meant to represent the povs of the Paladins as they fought off the Monsters attacking, and then Luminous was to finally give an end to Kagali. Honestly she is a pitiful person as Luminous said. She lost everything because of too much ambition and not enough ability, she was just fueled off hopes and dreams at this point, other than that she was just waiting to be put out of her misery.
R.I.P. Kagali and co.
Anyways, thanks for reading, peace.
Thanks to @Salante and @Flowerman for beta'ing this chapter.
Also, you guys should check out @BonVoyage Tensura fic, it's pretty damn good.