[Endymion].
At the very heart of the Sorcerer Kingdom, located in the center of the city and enclosed within an isolation barrier, three colossal statues were taking shape.
With the aid of magic, statues towering hundreds of meters high had been created from nothing in less than half a day.
Demiurge, dressed in a dark crimson suit, stood beneath them.
What a wonderful feeling.
Looking at his masterpiece, a gentle smile appeared on Demiurge's face. He then took out the notebook he carried with him and began seriously considering the future doctrines of the Sorcerer Kingdom.
Although the Three Supreme Beings had never brought it up themselves, as a Guardian, Demiurge believed they could not seek the Supreme Beings' approval for every single matter.
Perhaps this was also a test from the Supreme Beings, a way to judge the abilities of their Guardians.
After careful deliberation, Demiurge quickly decided he should take action.
Although the dragon creation project had already reached its final stage, he still squeezed out some time and made a trip to the Sorcerer Kingdom.
"The power of faith…"
Demiurge shook his head and looked toward the direction of the Slane Theocracy. His gaze grew deep, as though some new thought had crossed his mind.
"Demiurge-sama."
A voice filled with deep respect echoed in his mind. Demiurge paused his thoughts and accepted the Message.
"Wrath, what is it?"
"Regarding the wish lists for the Three Supreme Beings, as per your instructions, all the demons on the Seventh Floor have finished filling them out."
"I see. Leave them for now. I will submit them together later."
"Understood."
The Message ended.
After a moment of thought, Demiurge raised a hand in a small gesture. Several figures immediately appeared behind him.
The grotesque demons dropped to one knee, silently awaiting their master's command.
"Go inform the Vampiric Dragon Lord. I would like to meet with him."
Considering what had happened not long ago, Demiurge felt it was necessary to meet with the Vampiric Dragon Lord and have a talk.
Not only would it resolve certain potential risks, but through careful words he could further guide the other party, deepening this True Dragon Lord's loyalty to Nazarick.
That was also part of a Guardian's duty.
...
Nazarick, Ninth Floor Bar.
Under the soft lighting, a young girl was drinking.
"The taste is quite good, but why is it that I can never get drunk~"
Shalltear placed her glass down. Her pale face carried a faint flush, as if she might collapse at any moment.
But that was impossible.
As a True Vampire with complete resistance, this current appearance was nothing more than self-hypnosis.
"Shalltear-sama, please do not treat alcohol like a regular drink."
The bartender Piki sighed helplessly.
However, Shalltear ignored him completely. She simply rested her head on the table and raised her glass toward him.
"Dragon Blood wine is excellent, but please try not to drink too much."
Piki took the glass and began mixing another drink while offering a well-intentioned reminder.
He knew it would likely make no difference, but gentle reminders were still part of a bartender's duties.
Click.
At that moment, the door opened.
Piki looked toward the entrance. When he saw who had arrived, he froze for a moment before bowing deeply with great respect.
"Welcome, Sephis-sama."
"Mm. One Dragon Blood wine, please."
Sephis sat down beside Shalltear. After glancing briefly at the menu Piki handed him, he placed his order.
"Well, if it isn't Sephis. What brings you here? How are those Dragon Lords doing?"
Shalltear, who had been drinking, looked a little surprised. Then she seemed to recall something and asked with interest.
"No major problems for now."
Sephis took the glass offered to him. The scent of dragon blood spread through the air, rich and fragrant.
Praise the Platinum Dragon Lord.
"The atmosphere earlier was quite terrifying. I really thought it was about to turn into a fight."
"If Momonga-sama had truly given the order at that time, what would you have chosen, Sephis?"
Shalltear gently swirled the wine in her glass as she asked the question casually.
"I will stop this fight."
Sephis answered without hesitation, his voice firm.
"Although it may sound disrespectful, the Dragon Lords pledged their loyalty to Father-sama. Even Momonga-sama cannot overrule Father-sama."
"Besides, they are now companions of Nazarick. As long as Father-sama hasn't given the order, no one has the right to take their lives."
Sephis held a very positive impression of the Brightness Dragon Lord and the other dragons, sincerely treating them as comrades.
Not only had they helped him, a Dragonoid, purify his dragon blood, they had also taught him knowledge related to Wild Magic.
Sephis could clearly feel that once the dragon blood within his body was completely purified, he would be able to wield the power of Wild Magic.
He remembered this kindness well.
If they ever betrayed Nazarick, he would be the first to strike without hesitation. But if they did not betray Nazarick, Sephis would do everything in his power to protect them.
Even if it meant defying a Supreme Being, he would not step back.
"How domineering, Sephis~"
Shalltear covered her mouth and laughed softly. She was not surprised in the slightest. She knew Sephis's personality well. He truly would do exactly that.
It was said that when Naohara-sama created Sephis, he had modeled him after the ideal child he imagined. Whether that rumor was true or not remained unknown.
Shalltear raised her glass.
Their glasses lightly touched in midair. A crisp sound rang out as both of them drained their drinks in one bold gulp.
"By the way, Shalltear, have you decided what to write on your wish list?"
Slowly savoring the wine while pushing aside the random thoughts in his mind, Sephis asked.
"As for that… it's a secret~"
...
At the same time, elsewhere.
Inside the World-Class Item [Depiction of Nature and Society].
Naohara and the other two stood beneath a false starry sky, quietly staring ahead.
A small door engraved with demonic figures floated silently in front of them. As time passed, it continued to expand and grow larger.
"Kill… kill…"
A crimson glow seeped from inside the door. If one listened carefully, it sounded as if countless beings were roaring within.
"Begin."
Naohara raised both hands. On them were a pair of black and white gauntlets, one of Nazarick's World-Class Items, [Avarice and Generosity].
With that command, the demon-carved door slowly opened.
In an instant, thick darkness poured out and began spreading, swallowing the entire starry sky.
The World-Class Item [Demon Gate] had been activated!