"Keep an eye on their movements. The moment they act, notify me immediately."
Mammon pondered briefly before instructing Mr. Dai.
The strength of an A-rank demonic insect was something even he couldn't accurately gauge.
But one thing was certain—
If he faced it alone, it would be very difficult.
At present, even Mammon himself couldn't clearly determine what rank he belonged to.
As for Mr. Dai—he was now a B-rank.
His potential was high, but he had only become a demon a few days ago. Even though he had been constantly devouring flesh to grow stronger—
He still needed time to fully adapt to his Blood Demon Art.
Chen Jun, originally a C-rank esper, had also gained a Blood Demon Art after becoming a demon. By his own estimation, he had already touched the threshold of B-rank.
"Understood, my lord."
Mr. Dai bowed respectfully.
This aligned perfectly with his own thoughts.
The safest strategy—
Was to wait like a mantis stalking the cicada, while the oriole lurked behind.
There were many espers in Yangcheng—
But only a few top-tier forces:
The City Lord, the Li Family, and the Dongfang Family.
An A-rank disaster was too tempting.
But there was only one "cake."
It was impossible to divide it evenly.
So Mr. Dai was certain—
The City Lord wouldn't spread this information widely.
Which meant—
Their chance to act as hunters was high.
"Anything else?"
"My lord… currently, we lack capable subordinates. I humbly request your permission… to grant some of my men your blood."
Mr. Dai bent deeply, his tone sincere—yet there was clear tension beneath it.
He had no choice.
Before this, he was just an ordinary man.
The only capable subordinate he had was Chen Jun, who had been recruited through heavy incentives.
Now, as he expanded his forces—
He ran into a problem:
There simply weren't enough capable people.
"And can you control them?"
Mammon glanced at him indifferently.
It wasn't only his blood that could create demons.
If strong enough—and with his approval—
His subordinates could also turn humans into demons.
Just like in the past—
Upper Rank One, Kokushibo, after gaining Muzan's permission, gave his blood to Kaigaku, turning him into Upper Rank Six.
Lower Rank Five, Rui, had also formed his "family" by granting his blood to others.
Granting Mr. Dai this authority—
Was no big deal to Mammon.
But the problem was—
The chaos caused by demons' craving for flesh could easily attract the attention of Yangcheng's authorities.
"My lord, please rest assured. I will strictly control them."
Mr. Dai lowered his head even further.
He didn't dare hope that Mammon would personally create demons for him.
This was already the best he could ask for.
Even if the demons he created would have lower potential—
They would still far surpass ordinary humans.
"Very well. Do as you see fit."
"But remember—if you cause trouble, you'll deal with it yourself."
"And if you perform well… you will be rewarded."
Mammon finished his blood wine and spoke calmly.
He had no intention of cleaning up Mr. Dai's mess.
If he attracted the attention of Yangcheng's major powers—
That would be his own problem.
"But useless tools… have no value except being discarded. Do you understand?"
Mammon stood up and walked toward his room, his calm voice carrying a chilling undertone.
Mr. Dai had ambition and cunning—
That was why Mammon valued him.
But ultimately—
Everything Mr. Dai had now existed to serve Mammon.
And the prerequisite was simple:
He had to be useful.
If he failed to produce results and instead brought trouble—
Mammon had no interest in keeping him.
He didn't want to rule through fear like Muzan.
But sometimes—
A reminder was necessary.
Otherwise, if these people destroyed themselves recklessly—
It would only become troublesome for him.
"Yes… I understand."
Cold sweat formed on Mr. Dai's forehead as he responded quickly.
He knew very well—
Mammon judged his subordinates purely by value.
That was why—
He would do everything to prove himself.
As long as he showed his worth—
Mammon would grant him more blood.
And that was enough.
He was no useless man.
Night.
Nakime lay in Mammon's arms, breathing softly, her slender arm wrapped around his waist.
"Are you curious… who I really am?"
Mammon's voice suddenly broke the silence.
"Nakime is only your servant. As long as I serve you well… that is enough."
She replied gently.
Today, she had witnessed too many strange and incomprehensible things.
But she always knew her place.
What shouldn't be asked—
She wouldn't ask.
What shouldn't be thought—
She wouldn't think.
It was a principle she had followed her entire life.
Curiosity—
Could kill.
And Nakime understood that very clearly.
The world of powerful figures was not something she would pry into.
Mammon turned his head, lifting her chin with his hand.
His crimson eyes met her brown ones.
This girl—
In a way—
Was so well-behaved that even he found her satisfactory.
"Ordinary humans cannot stay by my side forever."
"I'm very pleased with your attitude."
Mammon tilted his head slightly and raised his index finger.
His nail rapidly turned red—sharp like a blade.
"My blood…"
"Can completely change your life."
"Your status could even surpass Mr. Dai's."
"But…"
"You might also die."
He looked straight into her eyes.
"Do you want to try?"