Situated at the border between the Baharuth Empire and the Re-Estize Kingdom, deep within the forest, a blue figure raced swiftly through the undergrowth.
The terrain was rough, choked with shrubs and uneven ground, yet the figure's speed never slowed. Dark-gold eyes swept across the surroundings as he leapt continuously over the harsh landscape.
That figure was Sephis.
"This is the place."
He came to a stop and extended his senses. After a brief pause, he reached out and lightly tapped the empty air before him. Ripples spread outward.
From what had appeared to be nothing, a faint, illusory structure gradually emerged.
Inside, a massive Demon was patrolling. Its face was twisted and fearsome, a scaled tail swaying behind it while flames burned along the edges of its fleshy wings.
Even the most terrifying Demons recorded in history would seem lesser in its presence.
It was one of Demiurge's strongest subordinates: the Evil Lord Wrath.
"Hm?"
A subtle magical fluctuation brushed against its senses, and the Evil Lord Wrath stopped mid-step.
Because Adventurer groups often came to hunt monsters or gather herbs, numerous Magic Barriers had been set up around the area.
These barriers concealed and shielded the base, preventing unnecessary trouble. Anyone below level 90 would be unable to detect them.
"This aura…"
After focusing for a moment, the Evil Lord Wrath beat its wings and swiftly moved outside.
"Sephis-sama."
Recognizing the familiar figure, the demon bowed.
"Wrath, take me to Demiurge."
Sephis gave the Demon a brief look and spoke calmly.
The Evil Lord Wrath nodded and led Sephis back inside the barrier.
"By the way, where are Aura and Mare?"
Not sensing their presence, Sephis asked in confusion.
This base had originally been built by Aura and Mare to gather herbs from the forest.
It had later been requisitioned by Demiurge for research into Wild Magic.
"The two lords have gone out to capture nearby Demihumans for experiments," the Evil Lord Wrath replied.
Many Demihuman races lived in the surrounding area—Lizardmen, Frogmen, Werewolves, and others.
For Demiurge's plans, they were necessary experimental materials.
"I see."
A trace of regret flickered through Sephis. He had hoped to speak with Aura and Mare, but it seemed he had missed his chance.
After passing through several buildings, they arrived at the central structure. Following the Evil Lord Wrath's respectful bow, Sephis pushed open the door.
Inside, Demiurge sat on a wooden chair, a bone in his left hand and a carving knife in his right, carefully working on a sculpture.
Sephis glanced at him, then let his gaze wander around the room before settling on a table.
On it sat a cup of milky-white, viscous liquid. Faint steam rose from the surface. It had clearly been collected not long ago and was still fresh.
The image of the Platinum Dragon Lord from the Sixth Floor surfaced in Sephis' mind, and a hint of sympathy crossed his expression. To be drained to this extent…
Shaking his head, Sephis pulled over a chair and sat down beside Demiurge.
Without disturbing the Demon's intense concentration, Sephis picked up a bone and a carving knife of his own.
The blade moved deftly across the dragon bone. Once he was satisfied with the shape, he fitted it into place, ensuring the pieces interlocked tightly in a seamless joint.
And so, one Dragonoid and one Demon sat side by side, silently carving their respective works.
After an unknown stretch of time, a crisp snap echoed through the room.
Demiurge set down his carving knife and revealed a satisfied smile.
"Finally finished."
Demiurge smiled as he gently ran a hand over the bone artifact before him. It was worthy of being called a work of art.
He enjoyed this kind of craftsman's work. Whether it was handicrafts or furniture, his skill far surpassed that of artisan Players. It could truly be described as masterful.
After admiring it for a moment, Demiurge lifted his head and looked toward Sephis at his side. His piece was finished as well.
Sephis set down his carving knife and let out a quiet sigh. Before him stood a small, finely crafted bone statue. The figure of Naohara was unmistakable.
"It seems I've won by a slight margin."
After comparing the two works, Demiurge spoke with a faint smile.
Sephis looked at both carvings. He had indeed lost.
Demiurge's sculpture of Momonga-sama was more refined than his own depiction of Father-sama.
A trace of regret flickered through him, but he quickly changed the subject.
The brief moment of relaxation was over. Now it was time for business.
"Demiurge, why did you call me here?"
Sephis had originally planned to visit the Dragon Kingdom, but Demiurge's Message had made him change course halfway.
"Sephis, regarding the Dragon Creation Project, I hope to have your assistance."
Demiurge adjusted his glasses. The smile faded from his face, replaced by a serious expression.
Acquiring Wild Magic through inheritance from offspring—Demiurge was deeply invested in this plan.
"I want you to capture two dragons for experimentation."
"We'll compare the data between a True Dragon Lord and an ordinary Dragon Lord."
To live up to the Supreme One's expectations, the plan had to be flawless. Failure was not an option.
His original intention had been to capture a True Dragon Lord. However, considering their uncertain whereabouts and the risk of alerting them and disrupting the Supreme One's careful designs, he had decided to settle for ordinary Dragon Lords instead.
"Dragon Lords? Understood."
Sephis nodded. The Supreme One's desire for Wild Magic was no secret. As Guardians, their duty was to obtain whatever the Supreme One desired.
He held considerable confidence in Demiurge's plan.
As a Dragonoid, a hybrid of dragon and human, he understood its feasibility well. Although this was the New World and there might be slight differences, the fundamentals should not vary much.
"Then I'll set out."
With a plan already forming in his mind, Sephis prepared to leave. Noticing the hesitation on Demiurge's face, he paused.
"Is there anything else?"
Demiurge sighed softly.
"I would like some of your blood for experimentation."
Toward the creatures of the New World, Demiurge was cruel and unfeeling.
But when it came to those of Nazarick, even for the sake of the Supreme One, he could not help but hesitate.
Sephis said nothing. He simply picked up a glass bottle from nearby. Dragon claws emerged as he drew them across his arm. Scalding Dragon Blood flowed out, dripping steadily into the bottle.
Only when it was full did he lower his arm. A flash of light passed over the wound, and it healed instantly.
"If it's not enough, send me a Message. Everything is for the Supreme One. No need to hold back with me."
Leaving those words behind, Sephis transformed into a bolt of lightning and vanished.
Demiurge remained where he was, deep in thought. Sephis's words had inspired a bold idea.
His gaze shifted to the glass bottle at the side, filled with milky-white liquid.
"Next time… perhaps I should have Sephis contribute a bit of that as well."
"…No, he would die."
After a brief internal struggle, Demiurge reluctantly abandoned the dangerously reckless idea.