★126
ASTERI'S POV
The brief skirmish came to an end, and they returned home. I repaired the island where Atlas had left a pit—though I didn't have time to tend to every detail, so I flagged the area as a restricted zone.
The following day, the citizens were allowed back onto the island. They knew something happened but now, everything is alright.
Though they had doubts and feel nervous to what's going to happen, Asteri, the monarch is in full control. They didn't need to know his plans. All they had to do was have faith in him.
Majo and the Scarlet King who were stationed in Raja departed for the island to welcome their master.
"Supreme Monarch."
"My Lord."
"Yo, it's been a while Scarlet, Majo."
I waved.
"It's been a while, I've been lost without you."
"It's good to see you doing well, my lord."
"Sorry, I had to kill the demons. But don't worry, I made sure not to turn them off completely."
"I know. I've got word they've resurrected in the Underworld. You don't have to apologise."
"That's good. I've prepaid a gift for you two."
I spread my palm, and two light orbs appeared.
'This is just the beginning. If I'm going to make a move it has to be now. They've been feeding on my energy for over a year now. I'm confident their bodies can withstand a Mega Art.'
"W—what could it be?"
"My Arts. I've discovered something new, and I don't think I can use it. This is the Mega Art Equinox Requiem. It's an art that has a combination of life and death."
I explained, and the specific orb flew towards Majo.
'Life and death control. If she can master this somehow, the order of life and death will be a dangerous art for someone like Majo who has armies.'
I turn over to Scarlet.
"This over here is Mega Art Chaos Shift, a probability manipulation-based art."
The second one flew towards Scarlet King.
'As a solo demon, I turst weaving outcomes will be best suited for Scarlet.'
"Here's an extra."
Four more orbs materialised, two blue, and two red appeared. Red and blue flew to each of them.
"These are Mega Art Temporal Twist, a time manipulation art, and Mega Art Astro Forge a space manipulation."
He gave them each.
'I know it's too much for them to hand now. But it's all a matter of time. And time is something we can't afford. I need to prepare an anti Dark Star squad in case we attack again.'
"Isn't this too much?"
Elaine, standing nearby, asked, curious.
I'm not technically giving them the real Art, just mere duplicates of what I possess. However, full mystery over the duplicate equals partial master over the real art.
"No. They have fragments of my energy. I'm sure they can wield it properly. Feel free to ask me if you need anything,"
He added, walking past them. The two bowed deeply, expressing their gratitude.
"Now, where's Elfaria? I haven't seen her in a while."
Elaine, falling into step beside Asteri, replied.
"She's in her room, faking illness."
"Oh. So she's not really sick, huh."
He paused, a faint smile playing on his lips.
"Thank you for the location, Elaine. That helps a lot."
Without another word, he teleported, leaving Elaine alone.
She sighed, frustrated that her 'friends' had grown closer to humans than her.
"You sexist."
She muttered, stomping off downstairs.
Asteri appeared in front of Elfaria's room. She was here, and he could enter if he wished—but he chose to follow human norms and knocked gently.
Surprisingly, my patience went unacknowledged; she didn't reply.
'I wonder if she's asleep.'
Suddenly, an elf came rushing toward him, bowing nervously.
"I… I'm sorry, my lord. Lady Elfaria is feeling a bit under the weather."
"They never listen,"
He murmured under his breath.
She rose immediately, unable to meet his gaze, her cheeks burning with embarrassment.
"Thanks for the information. I'll wait, I have all the time I need."
"B...I..I'll go inform her."
"What's your name?"
He asked. She flinched, not expecting this.
"M.. it's Miya."
"Ok. Please don't bother yourself with Elafria, Miya. If you have something to do, don't waste your time on me."
He said, a warm smile on his face. It was done on purpose and Miya's face flushed brighter.
"E—excuse me, Asteri."
She stammered, quickly closing her mouth. Finally, she managed to address him by name. Unable to say another word, her face flushed, and she bolted away.
Asteri watched her go, his smile unwavering, calm and unbroken as ever.
"That's a new face for sure. What a leader I am. Perhaps I'll hold another celebration to resolve the 'King to subject' tension."
I knocked gently on the door once more.
I knew she was inside—and I didn't need the door to enter—but it was just a game I liked to play.
"What a rough day."
I sighed, leaning back against the door. My back pressed against it, only to realise it wasn't locked. The door swung open, and I toppled to the floor.
"Ouch."
I scratched my head, faking the pain, glancing around the living room—only to realise it was empty.
'She's in her bedroom. Doing what? Something just came up, and I can't waste any more time.'
He walked over to the door.
"I'm coming in."
I announced, before gently pushing it open.
To be continued...