★53
ASTERI'S POV
The squad materialised in the second hall, space folding back into place with a faint ripple.
I exhaled slowly, eyes sweeping the chamber, and once again the same thought surfaced, what are they always discussing when I'm not around?
Every single time I stepped onto the second floor, they were already gathered. A meeting that conveniently ended the moment I appeared.
"…Damn you, Atlas."
I muttered under my breath.
As expected, only the core members were prese. At our sudden arrival, every conversation died instantly.
"Everyone, I'd like you to meet Scarlet King. My newly evolved Deamon Lord."
I welcomed.
"Majo's class?"
Elaine asked.
"A demon who is second to the Originals. A demon who effortlessly defeated a demon of a higher class while being of a lower one. A demon who managed to make me ignite my aura to fight, that's who Scarlet King is."
I glazed at my new subordinate. It was supposed to be the other way around but, I don't know, it just came out.
"I'm not worthy of such praise, Great Monarch."
"A single glance describes his strength."
Atlas, who's capable of analysing with just a glance, replied.
"How's Tokito?"
"He is not awake yet, but he is okay."
"Come to think of it, we don't have medical personnel. I guess we don't need it since the star is protecting us."
"You mean the star up there?"
Annie asked.
"It does more than you can think of. Elaine will brief you on what she knows it's capable of."
She nods. I doubt she'll be able to spot all its abilities.
"The seedlings. You got them, yes?"
"Thanks to the unlimited funds and Elaine's capabilities, we've bought more than enough."
"I don't think that's the appropriate word for that. I had to use the limitless purse to save them."
"Heh? Don't let the others starve. Think about others next time. I'll have Elaine return half of it. Those people need it more than we do."
Annie looked a bit disappointed by what I said but we can't be that greedy.
"You did a great job, Annie. That's enough to make you smile."
Her eyes widened and she flushed.
"Amri you..."
I glanced left and right, searching for Amri. Majo simply pointed, and my gaze fell upon a scene that froze me in place.
The Scarlet King, the same being who had nearly torn Majo and Amri apart, was gently patting her head, an inconceivable calm radiating from him. The sight was both shocking and surreal.
"W.. what's this?"
"You've grown incredibly strong. The fact that you can inflict damage on me proves it."
I wasn't the only one who couldn't comprehend what was happening.
"Apologies, using human words, they are like siblings. The first of their kind."
Majo broke the ice of confusion.
"Si...siblings? I guess what he said then made sense. So from my guess, you two fought before right, Majo?"
"Yes. He harbours hatred towards me naturally due, to the imbalance. We were the strongest Archdemons at that time so we often fought. He is also upset with me for going to the Cardinal World with Amrita without getting his consent."
"Oh, I see..so a demon like Scarlet cares for someone."
That alone is something to ponder on.
"Don't mistake emotions for care, Great Monarch."
"Won't you stop saying that?"
"You need emotions to take such actions."
Shinn intervenes.
"Anyway, I wanted to assign Majo with Hinata's protection but based on the past events, I won't. So, Amri, it's up to you."
Her surprise reached the max. Unexpected by my words
"T..thank, you, Great Monarch."
She joined the trend.
"Not you too."
"Past? What happened between them?"
Elafria and Annie, who didn't know, were curious to learn what happened.
"I'm turning a blind eye because it's you, Amri."
Scarlet's voice echoing in the background.
"You two can take that outside."
Not wanting to listen to their glazing, I teleported them outside the palace.
Majo got on her knees.
"Great One, please, don't judge my future by my past."
"I'm not. It actually happened anyway."
I said despite noticing Hinata's discomfort.
"Hmph. Excuse us."
Quickly, I teleported Hinata to my living room.
"I shouldn't have said that right?"
Wrong approach but the answer might be difficult.
"Oh, no problem. I forgave her already."
"But I took it to heart and decided to punish her on behalf of the dead."
"Did you find peace in that?"
"Death was the punishment but it's also an easy way out. I decided to prolong her suffering. I didn't find peace but it was fulfilling."
"...it's still daylight, take me to the Dragons."
She gave the order, and I transported us to the star.
As we arrived, something caught my attention despite the slight delay in activating the barrier, she moved effortlessly through the raw energy, unaware of it.
<
"The energy..."
"An automatic barrier will protect you. Additionally, I will grant you access to this location."
Suddenly, a deafening roar tore through the air. In the distance, a massive dragon descended toward us. Yet, as it approached, instead of growing larger, it began to shrink. By the time it reached us, the white dragon gracefully landed on Hinata's shoulder, playfully twirling a lock of her hair with its snout.
"Looks like Yang has taken a liking to you already."
I remarked, stepping closer to reach for it. In an instant, the dragon flickered like a wisp of light and reappeared on Hinata's other shoulder, its golden eyes glinting mischievously.
"Hey…"
I muttered, narrowing my eyes.
Unwilling to accept it, I invoked Astro Forge, sealing the surrounding space. My hand shot out again but before I could touch it, Yang's playful glimmer vanished, slipping through the sealed space as if mocking the very laws I'd just forged.
<
"Are you rejecting me? I'm basically your papa, you know."
A high-pitched squeal pierced the air, and before I could react, it darted behind me its tiny jaws clamping gently onto my ear.
"Ouch."
Finding it utterly adorable, Hinata let out a soft giggle. I froze, my gaze fixed on her, and an unfamiliar warmth began to surge through me, tugging at my chest.
<
I questioned silently, feeling the moment linger longer than it should, the world around us fading into a blur of white scales, soft laughter, and the gentle sway of Yang on her shoulder.
"Let's play, Yang."
At Hinata's call, it soared ahead, and she followed eagerly.
Left behind, I remained still, watching them. A strange warmth settled in my chest her joy mirrored in me. Noticing my frozen stance, she gently took me by the arm.
"Come, join us."
"Oh, wait."
Wanting to rouse it, I appeared before the sleeping Yin and gently woke it. Dizzy and disoriented, it staggered like a drunken creature, unable to move properly.
With a single thought, I shifted the atmosphere, recreating a strange realm where night and day held no meaning, much like the Star Realm.
Yin's violet eyes snapped open, alert and sharp. The instant it sensed my grip, it lashed out with a quick nip, sharp enough to sting, forcing me to release it immediately.
With a frustrated huff, it scurried over to Hinata and Yang, settling comfortably between them.
I trailed behind, careful not to startle them, and soon we were all engrossed in playful antics, Yin darting back and forth, Yang twirling in the air, and Hinata laughing as she tried to keep up.
The hours slipped by unnoticed, the world reduced to the soft rustle of wings, the warmth of scales, and her joyful giggles, until finally, her movements slowed, and exhaustion claimed her.
We settled on the grassy field, watching the two dragons frolic. I walked over and joined her, the serene moment stretching between us.
"It was fun."
"Umm."
I nodded.
<
"Why did you decide to do this all of a sudden?"
I asked. These much be a reason for this. What did she saw that I couldn't?
"I...I wanted to do something that'll make you happy."
<
"This is indeed new. Aside from the thrill of battle, this is something worth doing."
<
"You're my source of happiness."
I murmured, our fingers intertwining.
Suddenly, the Balance Dragons lunged, nibbling at my fingers as if to warn me away.
"Two on one, really? I thought you were on my side, Yin."
I muttered, hoping for an alliance, only to feel the sting of Yin's violet flames singe my face.
Hinata chuckled at the sight, and the sound lifted my spirits. Seeing her laugh, I couldn't help but laugh too, my joy swelling at the simple, chaotic moment.
"It's rare to see you laugh."
"It's rare for you to change your expression."
She hit back.
"I've changed. That's a fact. Looks like my real body is enjoying the moments too."
"Heh?"
"Yes. Normally, I'd be rewritten if I step out of line."
"I thought..."
"Don't get the wrong idea, we're still the same. It's just that my real body has much authority because that's what I did before stepping into this world. I made sure I'll correct myself if I'm wrong or falling astray. You know, backup."
"I see.."
After a short silence.
"I think we should head back."
She spoke.
"Um. See you later Yin, Yang."
They watched her go, eyes brimming with tears, unprepared for her sudden departure.
"Don't worry. I'll come here every day."
She called back. At once, their sorrow vanished, replaced with excitement, and they took to the skies, soaring and diving with newfound energy.
"Can't they still inhabit the Cardinal World?"
"Give them little time and they'll adapt. That's one thing they're good at."
She nodded and I sent us back to the first floor.
"Um... about earlier."
"What's wrong?"
"I'm fine with Majo being my personal bodyguard if you don't mind."
"Well, you heard that, didn't you, Majo?"
"It's a great pleasure to protect her majesty."
She appeared in front of us, kneeling.
"It sure is... she's more valuable to me than the Demon Lord title. You should know what that means."
"I do, Great One."
She bowed, and I exited the hall. To my surprise, Scarlet King stood there, waiting. I froze mid-step, eyes locking on him.
<
"Where's Amri?"
"She's exploring the island."
"You should too. Get to know things much better."
"I've done that already."
"Alright, walk with me."
We took off the hallway and began conversing.
"Mind if I ask a question?"
"Go ahead."
"Are you a Seraph by any chance?"
"Did those rods convince you?"
"Yes."
"The answer is no. But, my Creator is from the same source as them though. I'm a Star, that's my race."
"Stats huh? Never heard of them."
His voice barely a whisper before his tone change.
"Supreme Monarch then."
I shook my head, frustrated.
"The rods are indeed used against dark entities like demons. I never planned on using it."
"It gives me joy to know my master effortlessly defeated me while holding back."
".Vasal, Spike."
The two of them materialised, and the moment they did, I teleported us to Raja.
Queen Towa was walking when a voice called out to her.
"They're here, my Queen."
"Asteri san? O..ok to my hall please."
She turned and went back only to find the four already there.
"Good afternoon, Lord Asteri"
"Eto, you bastard."
As if to provoke me, he remained silent, not responding to my call.
"Disobeying, are we?"
I uttered coldly. In an instant he materialised, his own arms wrapped around his neck, choking him under my command.
"W..wait, Asteri san. I.. was the one who instructed him to stay invisible. I had unexpected guests from a royal family and I didn't want them to see him."
My Diva suddenly intervened and I let him lose. Eto coughed and I immediately sent him back.
"Apologise."
I cleared my throat and spoke
"My Diva, these are the demons. They'll be staying here alone with twenty five others."
Vasal and Spike knelt and spoke.
"I'll protect the queen with my life.'
"Not even death will stop me from serving you."
"This is Scarlet King, the demon I recruited today,"
I added.
"Your highness."
He lowered himself.
"You recruited another one? What about the balance you talked about?"
"He decided to follow me. I couldn't reject such a powerful demon."
<
"..already Vasal and Spike are welcome to the Kingdom of Raja."
"Serving the King is all I want."
"Hehe, so they'll be under me automatically right master? "
Eto spoke, not revealing himself.
"The queen will decide that. But in his absence, you guys should dedicate your lives to protecting her. I can't have a fellow one dying."
"Fellow?"
<
Never before had Antares felt the weight of guilt or the need to justify his actions. His plans were executed with cold precision, merciless, cruel, and unflinching, leaving no room for sympathy toward those affected.
Yet now, through Asteri, a subtle shift emerges.
For the first time, he is willing to take the risk, to venture into uncertainty, to test the consequences of his deeds, not for vengeance or dominance, but to see what outcome might arise when emotion and strategy intertwine.
The calculated detachment of the past begins to yield to a measured curiosity, a dangerous but deliberate experiment with the very heart of consequence itself.
To be continued...