[480] Natsuki
Demon Evil Piece: Bishop!
Looking at the jet-black bishop piece in August's hand, Natsuki Minamiya let out a soft sigh.
A reincarnation magic circle materialized in midair, distinct from the magic systems of this world.
As the reincarnation process unfolded, the bishop piece merged into Natsuki's body.
Buzz!
Dark magical energy surged within her. Natsuki felt the contract she'd made with a demon shatter, yet the power she'd gained from it remained intact.
In other words, she'd essentially gained the demon's power for free—reaping the benefits without paying the price.
But the transformation was just beginning. The bloodline of the House of Demon started to fuse with her. A demonic sigil appeared on her forehead, and her strength surged dramatically.
"So that's it. This is what reincarnation means. I'm no longer human," Natsuki said slowly.
She was now a member of the House of Demon—or rather, a hybrid of human and demon.
Aya Tokoyogi watched with envy. She could sense that while both had received power from August, their experiences were vastly different.
The Commandment of Pride she'd been given was a curse—a fragment of August's power.
Natsuki, however, had become his vassal and was reborn as a member of the same House of Demon as August. The distinction was clear.
"Hm?"
Suddenly, Aya sensed several familiar magical fluctuations.
"Master, I have some business to attend to."
"Go ahead. I'll take Natsuki-chan back first. Come find me once you're done."
"Yes, Master."
August took Natsuki and left. Having just been reborn as a House of Demon member, she needed time to process and adapt to her new identity and power.
Aya smiled faintly and descended from the sky.
Standing by the sea, gazing at the rolling waves in the distance, she waited quietly.
Within two minutes, the surrounding space rippled, and two men appeared beside her.
"Madam, congratulations on your return from the prison barrier."
They knelt before Aya the moment they appeared.
"Library?" Aya's eyes glinted with killing intent as she looked at them.
She'd stayed behind to deal with these loose ends. The Library wasn't a charitable organization. When she took the Dark Oath Grimoire, she'd landed on their kill list.
Though Yuma had grown up under their care and helped free her, Aya knew their true goal wasn't her rescue—it was the grimoire she'd taken.
"We're librarians from the Third Sociology Team."
"Here to escort me, are you?"
"Yes. The Meyer sisters have been confirmed dead. We'll now ensure your 'safe' return to the Library."
"Oh? 'Safe' return to the Library, huh?"
"Yes, Madam. Please, come with us."
They dropped the pretense, openly preparing to take her by force.
In their hands, grimoires appeared. For Library members, grimoires were their lifeline—akin to a vampire's familiar or a mage's staff.
"This is the power my master granted me. You're the first to witness it—feel honored."
Dark energy rose around Aya, and her jet-black guardian materialized.
Under the shroud of darkness, her guardian transformed. Its armor shifted, sprouting sharp spikes and radiating chaotic, dark magic.
Slash!
In an instant, the black guardian wielded twin swords of darkness, decapitating the two men.
With a series of rolling thuds, the Library agents were dispatched.
"Sorry, librarians. I'm not the Notaria from ten years ago anymore."
With a faint smile, Aya turned and walked away, paying no mind to the bodies.
She was now deeply curious about the "world" August had mentioned—a world without magic or demons, devoid of mystery and supernatural powers. What was it like?
After Aya left, a hand emerged from the waves.
"That was close—nearly a total wipeout. What a terrifying monster, destroying the prison barrier and all its prisoners in an instant. If I hadn't reacted quickly, I'd be gone too."
Meiga Itogami crawled out of the sea, his body covered in wounds.
Meiga Itogami, grandson of Seirei Itogami, was once an attack mage of the Lion King Organization. Modified by his grandfather, he'd gained a unique physique immune to spiritual and magical influence—a zombie-like state.
A living dead, artificially crafted into a low-grade vampire.
This special constitution, combined with some effort and his already near-dead state, had allowed him to escape August's slaughter.
Step, step.
"Meiga Itogami, right?"
A figure in a white lab coat appeared nearby.
"Who are you?"
Having just escaped death, Meiga hadn't expected to run into trouble so soon after reaching shore. His luck was abysmal.
"Relax, I mean you no harm."
"No harm? Then why are you here? What's your goal?"
"We at MAR want to make a deal with you."
"A deal?"
"Yes. We can help you achieve your goal. In return, we'll get what we want in the process."
"I see."
Meiga grinned, though whether at them or himself, it was unclear.
"So, what's your answer?"
"Of course. I've got nothing left now. To complete my plan, I'll need help."
"Excellent. We've already prepared some things for you."
"That's great. But first, I need to go somewhere and retrieve something."
"The Zero-Type Anti-Demon Assault Twin Spears?"
"Seems you know me well."
"We're partners, after all. We've got to have the right intel."
Meiga smiled faintly, saying nothing more.
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