The next day.
Just before dawn.
The first rays of morning light filtered through the gaps in the curtains.
Kaiser stretched lazily, gently removing the arms draped over him.
It had started as a way to ease Seryu's suffering.
But soon enough, Esdeath and Kurome couldn't hold back and joined in to "help."
"Master... I'm so full."
"Master, Kurome got stronger again."
Hearing the sleepy murmurs from Esdeath and Kurome, Kaiser smiled faintly.
He settled into a nearby chair, pulling out the Dimensional Formation for closer study.
From what he knew, using a Teigu required matching its wavelength.
"Wonder if it's really that strict."
Kaiser muttered, attempting to connect with it.
To his surprise...
It was remarkably smooth.
In moments...
He could control the Dimensional Formation effortlessly.
"So the 'wavelength' ties to mental strength."
After some experimentation, realization dawned.
He could likely wield any Teigu.
Even multiple at once—with ease.
His mental power far exceeded human limits.
Lost in thought...
A soft whimper drew his attention.
His newest servant—freshly initiated—had awakened.
Kaiser's brow arched subtly.
Timing made sense—she'd finished first, after all.
"I'll... kill..."
Seryu stirred, her face twisting in rage once more.
But midway through her threat...
Her body convulsed.
"Aaahhh..."
Soul-deep agony surged anew.
Still defiant, huh?
Kaiser shook his head at the sight.
She'd just endured punishment—yet hostile thoughts resurfaced.
Still...
She was his servant now. He could afford patience.
He set her to cleaning—as penance.
"You're still missing spots."
"Put more effort in—I don't want to see any remnants."
Under his supervision, Seryu worked until sweat drenched her.
Finally finished...
She gasped heavily, collapsing to the floor.
Gulp.
Swallowing saliva eased the pain at last.
Seryu looked up at Kaiser, eyes filled with fear.
She could already envision her future.
At this rate...
Revenge was impossible.
Even suicide...
Beyond her reach.
"You've calmed down a bit."
Kaiser smiled faintly. "Best not to entertain any more dark ideas."
"You know the consequences."
Seryu trembled.
Hesitantly, she knelt and bowed deeply.
"Master... I'll try harder."
"Good girl."
Kaiser patted her head, checking her updated stats.
[Seryu Ubiquitous]
[Race: Devil]
[Master: Kaiser Lucifuge]
[Level: LV22]
[Skill: Biological Familiar]
[Biological Familiar: Construct a familiar from your demonic energy. Deeper beast knowledge yields greater perfection.]
...
"Leveled up once."
Kaiser murmured, recording the changes on paper before handing it to her.
"Master, this is...?"
"A perk of being my servant."
He explained briefly, then headed out.
As his figure vanished...
Seryu exhaled in profound relief.
"I'm... a devil now."
"And he... is my master..."
Tears welled—but dehydration left her unable to cry.
Her expression twisted viciously as she considered cursing him inwardly.
But...
She stopped instantly.
Her body shook—not from contract punishment...
But raw, soul-deep fear.
The agony transcended any worldly torment.
Then...
Memories resurfaced: that towering figure amid her suffering, wave after wave of overwhelming impact.
Seryu realized mournfully...
She was truly submitting.
Her gaze drifted to the sheet.
"Biological familiar..."
She whispered, eyes gradually brightening.
Could this skill... revive little Koro?
And...
Clenching her fists, she felt power several times greater than before.
"All because of Master?"
Seryu's emotions grew increasingly tangled.
A beating followed by sweetness.
The scales in her heart tipped once more.
"If I can't hate Master... what about the others?"
Unconsciously...
Her eyes fixed on Esdeath.
After all...
Esdeath was the one who killed her mentor.
No reaction?
Sensing inwardly, joy sparked.
Some instinct told her...
As long as she avoided lethal intent, attacking others was fair game.
"Hm?"
Esdeath, detecting the malice, snapped awake.
She glanced at Seryu, paused... then smiled coldly.
"Someone's making another poor choice."
"Shut up—I'll avenge my master!"
In the next instant...
The two collided.
Fists and feet met in muffled thuds.
But soon...
It devolved into Seryu's screams.
"So noisy..."
Kurome grumbled, yawning as she opened her eyes.
The scene made her eyelid twitch.
Esdeath was stringing Seryu up and thrashing her.
"You're awake, Kurome."
Excitement glinted in Esdeath's eyes. "Care to join?"
"N-no thanks."
Kurome waved it off hurriedly, dressing quickly before slipping out—and closing the door firmly behind her.
"Oh my—weren't you so bold earlier?"
"Now I'll teach you properly... on Master's behalf."
Hearing Esdeath's escalating tone, Kurome quickened her pace.
As expected!
Only with Master...
Was Esdeath not that sadistic queen.
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