Jioral Kingdom represented not justice, but ultimate evil.
This truth utterly shattered Kureha's will.
Yet now!
Someone offered her a chance to fight for justice once more.
Like a lifeline, her eyes regained light.
Trepid yet hopeful. "Someone like me… truly can?"
To atone—walk right path again.
Even through fire and blades—unwavering.
"Of course."
Desired answer—Kureha's eyes colored anew.
Unhesitating single-knee kneel; head bowed. "Please—let me atone."
Kaiser nodded. "Fine—become my peerage."
Kureha silent moment; softly. "May ask—peerage meaning?"
"Peerage—my family."
Kaiser explained. "Precisely—reincarnate devil; lifelong service to me."
"Lord Kaiser… you… not human?"
"When said human?"
Kaiser countered. "Not kingdom-propaganda monsters either."
"Devils from another world—race equaling gods."
So?
Kureha doubtful.
Devils unheard.
But…
No alternatives.
Trust Lord Kaiser only.
Drowning—grasping last straw.
Moreover.
Race change—heart unchanged.
"Good—willing peerage."
Kureha's gaze firmed.
"Excellent eyes."
Kaiser extended finger; golden blood seeped.
Kureha blinked. "Lord Kaiser—this?"
"Reincarnation ritual."
Kaiser. "Mark with my blood."
"Oh."
Kureha enlightened.
But…
Ritual unprecedented.
Believed Kaiser more.
Inhaled deeply; serious. "Lord Kaiser—next?"
"Simple."
"Mm-hmm."
Kureha expectant.
Curious ritual.
"First—remove outer clothes."
Kureha paused—misheard?
"No mistake—garb blocks mark."
Hearing, Kureha silent; began undressing.
Tough armor undone; fullness surged wave-like.
Timidly. "Next?"
"No more."
Kaiser dripped blood on jade-smooth skin without hesitation.
Hum!
Circle glowed ground.
Brilliant light traced delicate heart on fair skin.
Then!
Mysterious runes swirled glow.
"Mmm…"
Kureha gritted lightly; inexplicable power flooded.
Blood boiled.
Cells revolutionized.
Besides…
Flap!
Muscles writhed.
Long black wings unfurled back.
Heart-tipped tail emerged from pleated skirt.
"…"
Seeing wings and tail; Kureha dazed.
No longer human.
Meanwhile.
Kaiser drawn to attributes.
[Kureha Grayrat]
[Race: Devil]
[Master: Kaiser Lucifuge]
[Level: LV40]
[Skill: Sword Saint]
[Sword Saint: Natural sword master—easily grasp any swordsmanship; no bottlenecks on sword path.]
…
Good.
Kaiser satisfied nod.
Passive strengthening talent.
His swordplay—flourish now.
Moreover.
[Slash] + [Sword Saint]—solid combo.
Transcribed; handed Kureha.
"This?"
"Your attributes."
Kaiser brief explanation; Kureha nodded understanding.
Murmured; reviewed skills.
"Sword Saint…"
Description—instinctively touched empty right arm; eyes complicated.
Such self—Sword Saint skill?
"Right—nearly forgot."
Sensing mood, Kaiser produced Phoenix Tears; dripped on her.
"???"
Kureha puzzled at Kaiser.
"Phoenix Tears—heal severed arm."
Kaiser educated.
"Really?"
Kureha's eyes shone; watched instinctively.
Under gaze.
Stump glowed faintly; flesh writhed—arm regrew perfectly.
"My… arm truly healed?"
Seeing, Kureha teared excitedly.
"Master—second life granted. Henceforth—your sharpest sword; repay grace."
Kureha single-knee kneel; title shifted smoothly.
Smooth.
Kaiser deep eyes; ruffled hair. "Good—anticipate performance."
"Mmm…"
Head warmth; Kureha's ears pinkened, but gaze firm on Kaiser.
Now Master's peerage.
Arm regrowth grace.
Body and mind—destined his.
For gratitude or pact.
Meanwhile.
Quietly watching Star Spirit unconsciously clenched pink fists; muttered.
"This Sword Saint miss—soon devoured by Master."
"Star Spirit—odd."
Norn half-smile. "Jealous?"
"Comrades—no."
"Huh—what saying—how could I…"
Mid-sentence; Star Spirit froze.
Right—off.
Subconsciously complicated glance at Kaiser's handsome face.
Unsure jealousy.
But!
New peerage—sour.
Damn—ridiculous.
Watching breed feelings?
Mind flashed recent days; pinkened skin.
"Fine—think yourself."
Norn patted shoulder; smiled. "My business."
Star Spirit: "???"
Business?
Capital theirs—else?
If you want to read more than 20 chapters early feel free to visit patreon.com /Archus